What is a sticky bar?
A sticky bar is a website element that stays fixed in place as a user scrolls, keeping important information or calls to action constantly visible.
Key points
- Stays visible as users scroll, improving access to key information.
- Used for important announcements, navigation, or calls to action.
- Can boost conversion rates by keeping prompts constantly in view.
- Requires careful design to be effective and not obstruct content.
A sticky bar, also known as a fixed bar or floating bar, is a section of a website that remains visible on the screen even when a user scrolls up or down the page. Imagine a small banner or strip at the top or bottom of your screen that never moves as you read through a long article or browse products. That's a sticky bar.
Its main purpose is to ensure that key information, navigation links, or calls to action (CTAs) are always accessible to the user without them having to scroll back to the top or bottom of the page. This constant visibility can be very powerful for guiding users and improving their experience on your site.
Why it matters
Sticky bars are important because they play a big role in user experience and conversion rates. By keeping essential elements visible, you make it easier for visitors to take the desired actions or find what they are looking for.
- Increased visibility for calls to action: If you want visitors to sign up for a newsletter, download an e-book, or check out a sale, a sticky bar ensures that this prompt is always in their line of sight. This constant reminder can significantly increase the likelihood of them completing the action.
- Improved navigation: For websites with a lot of content, a sticky navigation bar means users can jump to different sections without repeatedly scrolling. This makes the site feel more user-friendly and less frustrating.
- Timely announcements: Sticky bars are excellent for displaying urgent or important messages, such as limited-time offers, system alerts, or cookie consent notices. Everyone sees them immediately.
- Better user experience: When users can easily find what they need or perform actions, their overall experience on your site improves. A smooth experience often leads to longer visits and repeat engagement.
Best practices for sticky bars
To make sure your sticky bar helps rather than hinders, follow these best practices:
Keep it simple and clear
Avoid cluttering your sticky bar with too much text or too many elements. It should be concise and focused on one main message or action. Use clear, direct language that is easy to understand at a glance.
Mind the size
A sticky bar should not take up too much screen space, especially on smaller devices like smartphones. It should be noticeable but not so large that it obstructs the main content of your webpage. A good rule of thumb is to keep it under 10% of the screen height.
Offer a clear call to action
If your sticky bar is for a CTA, make sure the button or link stands out and clearly tells the user what will happen when they click it. Use action-oriented words like
Real-world examples
E-commerce free shipping banner
An online clothing store uses a sticky bar at the top of its website to announce "Free Shipping on all orders over $50." This message remains visible as customers browse different products, reminding them of the offer and encouraging them to add more items to their cart.
Blog newsletter signup
A marketing blog uses a sticky bar at the bottom of its page. As readers scroll through articles, the bar stays visible, prompting them to "Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly tips" with a small email input field and a "Subscribe" button. This keeps the lead generation opportunity present without interrupting reading.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Making the sticky bar too large, covering important content and annoying users.
- Using too many elements or too much text, making the sticky bar cluttered and confusing.
- Not optimizing the sticky bar for mobile devices, leading to display issues or poor user experience on small screens.