Components: Hero Section

Guides hero section design for conversion and first impressions. The hero is where users spend ~80% of initial viewing time; first impressions form in milliseconds.

When invoking: On first use, if helpful, open with 1-2 sentences on what this skill covers and why it matters, then provide the main output. On subsequent use or when the user asks to skip, go directly to the main output.

Initial Assessment

Check for product marketing context first: If .claude/product-marketing-context.md or .cursor/product-marketing-context.md exists, read it for value proposition, audience, and Section 12 (Visual Identity).

Identify:

1. Page type: Homepage, landing, product, pricing
2. Primary goal: Signup, trial, purchase, learn more
3. Platform: Web, mobile, both

Core Components

Required

• Headline: Clear value proposition; answer "What's in it for me?" within seconds
• Subheading: Concise supporting context
• Primary CTA: Single, obvious button or link guiding to next step
• Visual: Image, video, or animation that supports the message

Optional but Effective

• Trust cues: 1-3 elements (reviews, logos, statistics)
• Secondary CTA: For users not ready for primary action

Best Practices

Messaging

• No guessing required; message must be instantly clear
• Single primary CTA to avoid choice overload
• Action-oriented, benefit-focused copy

Visuals

• Fast-loading; avoid heavy assets that delay LCP
• Brand-aligned; use typography and colors from components-brand-visual
• Support the message; don't distract

Technical

• Mobile-first design
• Lightweight for quick loading
• Ensure LCP (Largest Contentful Paint) optimization

SEO Considerations

• Headline often contains <h1>; include primary keyword
• Hero content in initial HTML; avoid JS-only rendering
• Alt text for hero images

UX Guidelines

Hierarchy

• Headline > Subheading > CTA
• Visual should complement, not compete with, text

Accessibility

Requirement	Practice
Contrast	Text over images: sufficient contrast or overlay
Touch targets	CTA >=44x44px
Keyboard	CTA keyboard-accessible
Screen readers	Proper heading order; image alt text

Testing

• A/B test headline, CTA copy, and visuals
• Measure bounce rate, conversion rate, time to first interaction

Output Format

• Hero structure (headline, subheading, CTA, visual)
• Copy suggestions
• Technical checklist (LCP, accessibility)
• Testing recommendations

Related Skills

• components-cta: Hero typically contains primary CTA
• components-trust-badges: Trust cues in hero
• components-logo: Logo appears in hero context
• components-brand-visual: Typography, colors, spacing for hero design
• pages-home: Hero is central to homepage design