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Top Header Bar for Mobile

Mobile Header Must Haves

A mobile eCommerce header should be compact, easy to navigate, and focused on essential shopping actions—ensuring a seamless user experience without unnecessary clutter.

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Logo

Small but Recognizable, Placed for Fast Brand Recognition

  • The logo is the anchor of brand identity, but it shouldn't dominate the header.
  • Placement - Left aligned or centered – This is the industry standard and improves brand recognition & usability.
  • Do not right align.Ensure the size is compact but readable – Ideally 120-180px wide, 30-50px tall to fit well with menu and icons.
  • Clickable: Always links to the homepage – This helps users reset their journey if they get lost.

Hamburger Menu

Right or Left Aligned & Easy to Tap

  • Mobile users expect a hamburger menu for easy access to categories and store pages.
  • Use a standard ☰ icon – Users recognize it instantly, no need for text labels.
  • Ensure a large tap target – Min. 44x44px so it’s easy to press without frustration.
  • Open a full-screen overlay menu – A slide-out drawer with clear categories, search, and account access.
  • Never place directly in the center of the header

Cart Icon

Prevents Frustration by Showing What's in the Cart at a Glance

  • Users should never wonder if their items are saved—a visible cart summary reassures them.
  • Use a cart icon with a badge (🛒 2) – Displaying the number of items in the cart prevents checkout abandonment.
  • Ensure one-tap checkout access – The cart icon should always open to the cart or mini-cart summary.
  • Make it thumb-friendly – The cart icon should be large enough (min. 44x44px tap target).

Optional Elements for the Mobile Header

Include Only If Relevant

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Login/Account Icon

Thin Announcement Bar Above the Header

 

✅ When to Add:

  • If customers frequently reorder or track past purchases (e.g., supplements, meal kits, electronics).
  • For subscription or membership-based stores (beauty boxes, software, wholesale portals).
  • If customers need saved preferences (fashion wishlists, custom sizing, loyalty programs)

 

❌ When NOT to Add:

  • If guest checkout is the primary option and users don’t need accounts.
  • For small stores where users don’t need logins (e.g., boutique, single-product sites).
  • If it takes up space needed for more important icons like search or cart.

 

💡 Common Websites That Use It:

  • Subscription services (SaaS, membership sites, beauty & food subscription boxes)
  • High-reorder stores (vitamins, skincare, office supplies)
  • Wholesale & B2B sites (bulk orders, pricing access)

Promo Banner

Thin Announcement Bar Above the Header

 

✅ When to Add:

  • If you’re running a limited-time promotion
  • For key store-wide benefits (e.g., “🚚 Free Shipping Over $50” or “New Arrivals Now Live”).
  • To communicate important policie

 

❌ When NOT to Add:

  • If it stacks with multiple other banners (too many promos = visual clutter).
  • If the message isn’t time-sensitive or relevant (e.g., a generic “Welcome” message).
  • If it pushes critical header elements down (ensure it’s slim, ~30-40px max).

 

💡 Common Websites That Use It:

  • Retail & fashion stores ("20% Off Today Only!")
  • Subscription-based services ("Sign up & get your first month free!")
  • Stores with free shipping thresholds ("🚚 Free Shipping on Orders Over $50")

Search Icon or Seach bar

For Saving Products & High-Consideration Purchases

 

✅ When to Add:

  • If your store has more than ~20-30 products (faster than browsing categories).
  • If users commonly search for specific items (electronics, books, office supplies).
  • Usually just an icon, but full search bar can be visible (like on GoDaddy.com) in certain cases

 

❌ When NOT to Add:

  • If the store has very few products (~10 or fewer) (browsing is easier than searching).
  • If users don’t typically search for products (e.g., service-based businesses).
  • If it takes up valuable header space when navigation is more important.

 

💡 Common Websites That Use It:

  • Multi-category stores (Amazon, Best Buy, department stores)
  • High-SKU brands (makeup, clothing, tools, car parts)
  • Stores with many product variations (supplements, fragrances, shoes)

Phone Icon

Tap to call

 

✅ When to Add:

  • If direct customer support is essential (e.g., emergency services, medical clinics, custom order businesses).
  • For local businesses or appointment-based services (salons, repair shops, restaurants, real estate agents).
  • If phone inquiries drive a significant portion of sales (B2B suppliers, custom furniture makers, home services).

 

❌ When NOT to Add:

  • If most customer support is digital (e.g., live chat, email, or automated FAQs).
  • For standard eCommerce stores where customers don’t need direct contact before purchasing.
  • If space is limited and other elements (like cart/search) are more critical.

 

💡 Common Websites That Use It:

  • Service-based businesses (plumbers, salons, clinics, real estate)
  • Local businesses (restaurants, repair shops, in-store pickup services)
  • High-ticket sales requiring consultation (custom furniture, B2B, luxury products)

CTA Button

For "Book Now," "Order Now" or Key Actions

 

✅ When to Add:

  • For service-based businesses where bookings are the primary goal (e.g., appointment scheduling, consultations).
  • If running a high-impact promotion (e.g., "🔥 Get 20% Off Today!" in a promo bar).
  • For single-product or high-focus stores (e.g., "Pre-Order Now" on a new product launch site).

 

❌ When NOT to Add:

  • If it competes with the hero section CTA (CTAs should primarily be in the hero, not the header).
  • For large catalogs where navigation is more important (e.g., multi-category online retailers).
  • If it clutters the header and reduces readability.

 

💡 Common Websites That Use It:

  • Service-based businesses ("Book Now" for salons, therapists, fitness trainers)
  • Single-product stores ("Buy Now" for niche gadgets, health supplements, pre-order sites)
  • Promo-heavy stores (Limited-time sales, flash deals, seasonal discounts)

Non Clickable Text Message

Can be useful in certain cases, but it must be brief, valuable, and non-distracting

 

✅ When to Add:

  • For brand trust-building – Short, credibility-boosting messages like "Handmade in the USA | 30-Day Returns."
  • For core value propositions – Reinforce a unique selling point (e.g., "100% Organic | Ethically Sourced | Veteran-Owned.").
  • If promotions change often – Some brands swap messages regularly (e.g., "Carbon Neutral Shipping!", "Buy Now, Pay Later Available!").

 

❌ When NOT to Add:

  • If it’s too long or takes up too much space – Keep it one short sentence or phrase, max 6-10 words.
  • If it repeats information already in the promo banner – No need to say "Free Shipping Over $50" twice.
  • If it distracts from primary shopping actions – The header should prioritize search, cart, and menu.

 

💡 Common Websites That Use It:

  • Luxury brands & small businesses – "Handcrafted in Italy | Limited Stock."
  • Eco-conscious brands – " Sustainable & Plastic-Free Packaging."
  • Customer-trust-driven brands – "⭐ Trusted by 1M+ Customers."

Store Locator/Map Icon

Tap to see a map

 

✅ When to Add:

  • For businesses with multiple locations who have sections or pages dedicated to their locations (retail chains, gyms, service providers).
  • If in-store visits are a key part of sales (jewelers, furniture, custom design).
  • If you want a quick and easy way to link to google maps so user can get driving directions to your physical location.

 

❌ When NOT to Add:

  • If the business is online-only (no physical locations to visit).
  • If location info can be accessed through the footer or menu (saves header space).
  • If customers rarely visit stores (wholesale suppliers, digital-only businesses).

 

💡 Common Websites That Use It:

  • Retail chains (Nike, Sephora, Walmart)
  • Restaurants & coffee shops (Starbucks, local cafés)
  • Service-based businesses (gyms, medical offices, salons)

Support/Help Center

For FAQ, Live Chat, or Customer Support

 

✅ When to Add:

  • If customer questions frequently impact sales (tech products, subscriptions, travel bookings).
  • For complex products that require guidance (software, electronics, industrial tools).
  • If live chat is a primary support channel (e.g., AI chatbots, personalized shopping assistants).

 

❌ When NOT to Add:

  • If FAQs are better placed in the footer or menu (avoids header clutter).
  • If self-service shopping is the norm (clothing, accessories, home goods).
  • If support is mainly handled via email or phone.

 

💡 Common Websites That Use It:

  • Tech & electronics (smartphones, laptops, gaming)
  • Subscription services (SaaS, membership-based businesses)
  • Businesses with complex buying decisions (insurance, finance, travel)

Wishlist Icon

For Saving Products & High-Consideration Purchases

 

✅ When to Add:

  • For high-value items customers compare before purchasing (jewelry, furniture, electronics).
  • If users commonly save items for later or create collections (fashion, home decor).
  • If gifting is a big part of your business (holiday shopping, wedding registries).

 

❌ When NOT to Add:

  • For low-cost, impulse-buy items where users buy immediately (discount beauty, fast fashion, cheap accessories).
  • If data shows very few users engage with it (unused icons add clutter).
  • If space is tight and more critical elements (cart, search) are prioritized.

 

💡 Common Websites That Use It:

  • Fashion & apparel (outfits, accessories, styling lookbooks)
  • Luxury & high-consideration items (jewelry, watches, furniture)
  • Gifting-focused stores (baby gifts, wedding registries, holiday shopping)
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