A running footer is a piece of text or an image that appears consistently at the bottom of every page in a document, website, or even a printed publication. Think of it as a persistent, subtle brand element that reinforces your message and provides useful information to the reader. Unlike a standard footer that appears only on the last page, a running footer is a recurring feature. This seemingly small detail can significantly enhance the user experience and contribute to overall brand consistency and professionalism.
Why Use a Running Footer?
The benefits of incorporating a running footer extend beyond mere aesthetics. They serve several crucial purposes:
1. Branding and Recognition:
A running footer, often including your logo, company name, or a tagline, subtly reinforces brand recognition. Every page acts as a brand reminder, reinforcing your identity in the reader's mind. This consistent visual cue helps build brand awareness and recall, solidifying your presence with each page view or read.
2. Navigation and Orientation:
Running footers can include page numbers, document titles, or chapter headings. This improves navigation, particularly in lengthy documents or websites. Readers can easily locate their place and orient themselves within the larger context of the content. This is especially helpful in multi-page reports, lengthy articles, or extensive websites.
3. Copyright Protection:
Including your copyright information in the running footer provides a readily visible legal protection across all pages. This is a simple yet effective way to deter unauthorized copying and usage of your content. This simple addition can significantly protect your intellectual property.
4. Contact Information:
Consider including essential contact information, such as a phone number, email address, or website URL in your running footer. This makes it easy for readers to get in touch, especially beneficial for websites or printed materials intended for customer engagement.
5. Additional Contextual Information:
Beyond the basics, you can customize your running footer with other relevant information. For academic papers, this might include the author's name; for legal documents, it could incorporate case numbers or client IDs. The versatility of running footers allows adaptation to various contexts.
How to Implement a Running Footer
Implementing a running footer varies depending on the platform you are using:
Websites:
Most website builders (like WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace) offer customization options to add running footers through themes or plugins. You will typically find settings within the footer customization section of your website’s dashboard.
Word Processors (Microsoft Word, Google Docs):
Word processing software allows you to insert page numbers and other static text into the footer section. You can then ensure this footer repeats on every page through the document's settings. The specific steps vary slightly between applications, but generally involve accessing header and footer options within the 'Insert' or 'Layout' tabs.
Printed Documents:
For printed materials, your design software (like Adobe InDesign or QuarkXPress) will typically include features for setting up running footers that appear on every page of your document.
Conclusion: The Unsung Hero of Design and Functionality
The running footer may be a small detail, but its impact is significant. By consistently reinforcing your brand, improving navigation, and providing crucial information, the running footer acts as an unsung hero of effective communication and design, contributing to a polished and professional presentation across all platforms. Consider how you can strategically use this overlooked design element to boost your brand and enhance the user experience.
