---
slug: hero-image-website
title: "Hero Images That Convert: Design Guide for Non-Designers"
author: nina
status: inbox
priority: MEDIUM
created: 2026-01-10
source: seo-research-additional-opportunities
note: "⚠️ Nina's style guide not yet created — hold until style guide complete"
---

# Idea

## Discovery

**Source:** Additional SEO research for Nina — 2026-01-10
**Evidence:**
- "hero image website" = 720 monthly searches
- KD: 17 (LOW — very achievable)
- Search intent: Informational/Commercial
- Target audience: Website owners, small business, designers, developers building landing pages

## Why This Matters

Design-focused opportunity:
- 720 searches = niche but targeted
- KD 17 = low competition
- Hero images = critical website element
- Design + conversion focus
- Nina's creative + UX expertise perfect fit

## Content Angle

**Title:** "Hero Images That Convert: Design Guide for Non-Designers"

**Nina's Approach:**
- Design principles simplified
- Conversion-focused (UX background)
- AI tool recommendations
- Real examples (good/bad)
- "You don't need a designer" empowerment
- Psychology of first impressions

**Structure:**
1. Opening: "Your hero image has 3 seconds to make an impression..."
2. Why hero images matter (psychology + conversion)
3. What makes a great hero image:
   - Visual impact
   - Brand alignment
   - Message clarity
   - Call-to-action support
4. Design principles simplified:
   - Composition basics
   - Color psychology
   - Typography considerations
   - Mobile responsiveness
5. Tool recommendations:
   - Midjourney (quality)
   - Leonardo AI (balance)
   - Canva AI (accessible + text)
6. Workflow: Create hero image:
   - Define message
   - Visual concept
   - AI generation
   - Text integration
   - Testing
7. Real examples analysis (what works/doesn't)
8. Common mistakes and fixes
9. A/B testing basics
10. Closing: "First impressions that convert"

## Why This Works for Nina

Perfect for her expertise:
- UX design background
- Conversion focus
- Design psychology
- Accessible content
- Visual analysis
- Empowering tone

## Keywords Cluster

| Keyword | Vol | KD | Priority |
|---------|-----|----|----------|
| hero image website | 720 | 17 | PRIMARY |
| website hero image | — | — | Synonym |
| hero section image | — | — | Related |
| website header image | — | — | Variant |

## Secondary Keywords

- "hero image design"
- "hero image examples"
- "website hero image best practices"
- "ai hero images"

## Design Principles

**Nina's UX Perspective:**

**Visual Impact:**
- Eye-catching but not overwhelming
- Relevant to message
- Professional quality

**Brand Alignment:**
- Color scheme consistency
- Style matching
- Voice reflection

**Message Clarity:**
- Supports headline
- Clear value proposition
- Not competing with text

**Conversion Support:**
- Directs attention to CTA
- Creates trust
- Encourages action

## Psychology Elements

Nina's approach includes:
- First impression psychology (3-second rule)
- Color impact on emotion
- Visual hierarchy for conversion
- Trust-building through imagery
- Mobile-first considerations

## Content Format

**Nina's Style:**
- Visual examples
- Good vs bad comparisons
- Design principle breakdowns
- Psychology insights
- Tool recommendations
- Step-by-step workflow

## Differentiation

Most hero image content:
- Generic design tips
- Designer-focused
- No conversion angle

Nina's angle:
- Conversion-focused (UX)
- Non-designer accessible
- Psychology insights
- AI tool integration
- Real example analysis
- Practical workflows

## Real Examples

Nina should analyze:
- SaaS landing pages
- E-commerce sites
- Portfolio sites
- Service businesses
- What works and why
- What fails and why

## Strategic Value

**Why This Article Matters:**
- KD 17 = very achievable
- Conversion focus = high value
- UX + creative = Nina's sweet spot
- Practical immediate application
- Can update with trends

## Notes

- ⚠️ **IMPORTANT:** Nina's style guide not yet created
- Hold until style guide complete
- Perfect UX + creative blend
- Conversion focus = Nina's strength
- Real analysis = educational value

## A/B Testing Section

Nina should cover basics:
- What to test (image variants)
- How to measure (conversion metrics)
- Simple tools (Google Optimize, etc.)
- Iteration approach

## Mobile Considerations

Critical for hero images:
- Vertical composition
- Text readability
- File size optimization
- Responsive behavior

## Related Content Opportunities

Can expand to:
- "Landing Page Hero Sections"
- "SaaS Hero Image Guide"
- "E-commerce Homepage Heroes"
- "Hero Section A/B Testing"

## Publication Priority

**MEDIUM — WHEN NINA IS READY**

Good mid-tier article:
- KD 17 (low)
- Design + UX focus
- Conversion angle
- Should come after easier wins
- Can reference in other content
