top-banner-generator v1.0.0A

Immutable. This exact content is served forever at /api/v1/blob/aef1f3f102e6c92e.

---
name: top-banner-generator
description: When the user wants to add, optimize, or audit a top announcement bar or sticky banner. Also use when the user mentions "announcement bar," "top banner," "sticky bar," "promo banner," "header banner," "announcement bar design," "sticky header," "promo bar," "urgency banner," or "lead capture bar."
metadata:
  version: 1.0.0
---

# Components: Top Banner (Announcement Bar)

Guides top announcement bar and sticky banner design for conversion. Top banners answer visitor questions in ~3 seconds (trust, discount, free shipping, urgency) and can increase coupon redemption by 30-50% when used well.

**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 offers, messaging, and Section 12 (Visual Identity).

Identify:
1. **Goal**: Lead capture, promo, urgency, trust, free shipping
2. **Placement**: Above header (sticky) or below; dismissible or persistent
3. **Audience**: All visitors vs segmented (geo, returning, cart abandoners)

## Best Practices

### Use Cases

| Use | Example |
|-----|---------|
| **Lead capture** | Newsletter, lead magnet, demo request |
| **Promo** | Discount code, flash sale, free shipping threshold |
| **Urgency** | Limited-time offer, countdown |
| **Trust** | Guarantee, security, shipping info |
| **Launch** | Product launch, event, cross-sell |

### Design

- **Clear hierarchy**: Message + CTA in ~400ms "blink test"
- **Minimal copy**: One line typical; link for "Learn more"
- **High contrast**: Stand out from page; CTA color distinct
- **Mobile-first**: 70%+ traffic on mobile; thumb-friendly close/CTA

### Technical

- **Desktop**: 1920x600px keeps content above fold; 16:9 common
- **Mobile**: 800x1200px (2:3 portrait); use separate assets, not scaled
- **Performance**: Optimize images; oversized banners hurt LCP and SEO

### Avoid

- Crowding the header; leave space for nav and logo
- Too many CTAs; one primary action
- Stale messaging; refresh every 2-4 weeks

## Output Format

- **Message** and CTA copy
- **Placement** (sticky top, below header)
- **Targeting** (all vs segment)
- **Design** notes (contrast, mobile)

## Related Skills

- **discount-marketing-strategy**: Promo/discount strategy; banner displays discount code; 30–50% redemption lift
- **cta-generator**: Banner CTA design
- **newsletter-signup-generator**: Lead capture in banner
- **brand-visual-generator**: Colors, typography for banner
- **navigation-menu-generator**: Banner sits above or integrates with nav