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# Build brief — an original marketing website in the taste of Ahrefs
> Reference: https://ahrefs.com · UIDiscovery: https://uidiscovery.com/sites/ahrefs · captured 2026-09-21 at a 1440px desktop viewport (+ 390px iPhone shots) · [full page](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/ahrefs/full.webp) · [scroll video](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/ahrefs/preview.mp4)
## 1. Goal
Build an original marketing website for **[the user's brand]** that feels as considered as Ahrefs — same structure, rhythm and polish, entirely new identity and content.
## 2. Originality rules
- Build an ORIGINAL design for the user's own brand in the same *taste* as Ahrefs: structure, rhythm, hierarchy, palette mood and type pairing.
- Never reuse Ahrefs's logo, name, product imagery, illustrations, icons, screenshots or copy. Write new copy for the user's product.
- If the user hasn't said what their product is, ask first (or use clearly marked placeholders like [Brand], [Product], [Audience]).
- Reference screenshots are for looking at, not for embedding or tracing.
## 3. The taste, in short
- Ahrefs (ahrefs.com): Marketing marketing website, dark, colorful.
- 13 sections: Hero → Call to action → Content → Logo cloud → Features → Content → Features → Content → Features.
- Spacing: about a screen per idea (median section ≈766px).
- Type: one family (Ahrefs). Imagery: mostly typography with little or no imagery, some photography.
## 4. Page structure (top to bottom)
### 1. Hero — state what the product is and for whom in one glance, and offer the primary action.
- Layout: headline-led stack: eyebrow → H1 → supporting line → actions, with a visual beside or below. Compact band (354px at 1440), page background; 2 image/graphics; one primary button.
- Slots: Eyebrow / announcement pill (optional); H1; Supporting line, 1–2 sentences; One primary action; Hero visual (see image plan).
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/ahrefs/s-01.webp) · imagery: slot 1
### 2. Call to action — close the page with one clear next step.
- Layout: short headline + one primary action on a contrasting band. Half to one screen (646px at 1440), own dark band #3a57fc; no images (type-led); primary + secondary button.
- Slots: Headline (~8 words, like the reference); One sentence of support; Primary + secondary action.
- Topic (tone/length only — never reuse): “Make your business discoverable—in search, AI, and beyond”
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/ahrefs/s-02.webp)
### 3. Content — supporting content that deepens one idea.
- Layout: text + media block. Half to one screen (728px at 1440), own dark band #3a57fc; 2 image/graphics; one primary button.
- Slots: Heading; Body copy; Supporting visual (see image plan); One primary action.
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/ahrefs/s-03.webp) · imagery: slot 2
### 4. Logo cloud — borrow trust from recognisable customers or partners.
- Layout: a single row or wall of monochrome marks with a one-line lead-in. Compact band (210px at 1440), own dark band #3a57fc; 84 image elements (icons, logos, product UI — not 84 photos); no interactive controls.
- Slots: One-line lead-in (e.g. “Trusted by…”); 6–10 monochrome customer/partner marks (your own, with permission).
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/ahrefs/s-04.webp)
### 5. Features — explain the key benefits, grouped so each can be scanned in seconds.
- Layout: section title over a grid or alternating rows of benefit items. Tall, ≈1.3 screens (1196px at 1440), page background; 35 image elements (icons, logos, product UI — not 35 photos); 13 buttons (tabs, toggles or per-card actions), 18 links (link lists / navigation); 6 headings → ~5 items under a title.
- Slots: Section title (~7 words, like the reference); 5 items: icon or visual + short title + 1–2 line description; Primary + secondary action.
- Topic (tone/length only — never reuse): “Your marketing platform—built for search and AI”
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/ahrefs/s-05.webp) · imagery: slot 3
### 6. Content — supporting content that deepens one idea.
- Layout: text + media block. Compact band (287px at 1440), page background; 2 image/graphics; no interactive controls.
- Slots: Heading; Body copy; Supporting visual (see image plan).
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/ahrefs/s-06.webp) · imagery: slot 2
### 7. Content — supporting content that deepens one idea.
- Layout: text + media block. Tall, ≈1.9 screens (1700px at 1440), page background; 101 image elements (icons, logos, product UI — not 101 photos); 3 buttons (tabs, toggles or per-card actions).
- Slots: Heading (~6 words, like the reference); Body copy; Supporting visual (see image plan); Primary + secondary action.
- Topic (tone/length only — never reuse): “AI that creates results, not noise”
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/ahrefs/s-07.webp) · imagery: slot 3
### 8. Content — supporting content that deepens one idea.
- Layout: text + media block. Half to one screen (413px at 1440), page background; 2 image/graphics; no interactive controls.
- Slots: Heading; Body copy; Supporting visual (see image plan).
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/ahrefs/s-08.webp) · imagery: slot 2
### 9. Features — explain the key benefits, grouped so each can be scanned in seconds.
- Layout: section title over a grid or alternating rows of benefit items. About one full screen (900px at 1440), page background; 1 image/graphic; 3 text links instead of buttons.
- Slots: Section title (~9 words, like the reference); 3 items: icon or visual + short title + 1–2 line description; Text link action.
- Topic (tone/length only — never reuse): “Lead with data that sees further, faster, and deeper”
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/ahrefs/s-09.webp) · imagery: slot 3
### 10. Features — explain the key benefits, grouped so each can be scanned in seconds.
- Layout: section title over a grid or alternating rows of benefit items. About one full screen (908px at 1440), own dark band #1e1e1e; 6 images/icons (a set of cards or a small gallery); primary + secondary button; 3 headings → ~2 items under a title.
- Slots: Section title (~6 words, like the reference); 2 items: icon or visual + short title + 1–2 line description; Primary + secondary action.
- Topic (tone/length only — never reuse): “More products from the Ahrefs team”
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/ahrefs/s-10.webp)
### 11. Features — explain the key benefits, grouped so each can be scanned in seconds.
- Layout: section title over a grid or alternating rows of benefit items. About one full screen (1134px at 1440), own light band #ffffff; 30 image elements (icons, logos, product UI — not 30 photos); 7 buttons (tabs, toggles or per-card actions); 6 headings → ~5 items under a title.
- Slots: Section title (~8 words, like the reference); 5 items: icon or visual + short title + 1–2 line description; Primary + secondary action.
- Topic (tone/length only — never reuse): “Whatever your role, Ahrefs gives you an edge”
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/ahrefs/s-11.webp)
### 12. Content — supporting content that deepens one idea.
- Layout: text + media block. About one full screen (1068px at 1440), page background; 9 images/icons (a set of cards or a small gallery); one primary button.
- Slots: Heading (~8 words, like the reference); Body copy; Supporting visual (see image plan); One primary action.
- Topic (tone/length only — never reuse): “Ahrefs Enterprise–See the big picture, get answers fast”
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/ahrefs/s-12.webp) · imagery: slot 2
### 13. Features — explain the key benefits, grouped so each can be scanned in seconds.
- Layout: section title over a grid or alternating rows of benefit items. About one full screen (766px at 1440), own dark band #3a57fc; no images (type-led); 18 links (link lists / navigation); 6 headings → ~5 items under a title.
- Slots: Section title (~14 words, like the reference); 5 items: icon or visual + short title + 1–2 line description; Text link action.
- Topic (tone/length only — never reuse): “We’ll support youall the way—whatever your question, there’s a guide, video, or…”
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/ahrefs/s-13.webp)
Inner pages also captured (Pricing, Customers, About, Sign up, Blog, Docs, Enterprise, Careers, Contact, Security): https://uidiscovery.com/sites/ahrefs?view=pages
## 5. Design system
### Colour
| Role | Hex | Use | Contrast on background |
|---|---|---|---|
| background | `#000000` | page background | — |
| foreground | `#ffffff` | body text, headings | 21.0:1 |
| accent | `#ff8d00` | primary buttons, links, highlights — sparingly | 9.1:1 |
| surface | `#1e1e1e` | cards, inputs, alternate bands | text on it 16.7:1 |
| muted | `#3a57fc` | secondary text, borders | 3.9:1 — borders / large text only |
Captured palette: `#000000` `#ffffff` `#3a57fc` `#ff8d00` `#212121` `#1e1e1e`. Section bands top→bottom: `#3a57fc` → `#000000` → `#1e1e1e` → `#ffffff`. Roles are assigned automatically — sanity-check them against the screenshot. Keep the palette's *mood* (dark, warm) and proportions; swap the accent for the user's brand colour.
### Tokens
```css
:root {
--background: #000000;
--foreground: #ffffff;
--accent: #ff8d00;
--surface: #1e1e1e;
--muted: #3a57fc;
--font-heading: "Inter", ui-sans-serif, system-ui, sans-serif;
--font-body: "Inter", ui-sans-serif, system-ui, sans-serif;
--radius: 12px; /* calibrate from the screenshot */
}
/* Tailwind v4 — in globals.css after @import "tailwindcss"; */
@theme {
--color-background: var(--background);
--color-foreground: var(--foreground);
--color-accent: var(--accent);
--color-surface: var(--surface);
--color-muted: var(--muted);
--font-heading: var(--font-heading);
--font-sans: var(--font-body);
}
```
### Typography
- Headings: **Inter** (Google Fonts) — reference uses Ahrefs. “Ahrefs” is likely a custom or licensed face. Inter is a neutral stand-in — pick a closer free match by eye from the screenshot.
- Body: same family — a single-family system; create contrast with size and weight, not a second face.
- Scale (starting point, sizes weren't measured — calibrate against the 1440px screenshot): display clamp(2.5rem, 5vw, 4.25rem), h2 clamp(1.75rem, 3vw, 2.5rem), h3 1.25rem, body 1rem–1.125rem / 1.6, small 0.875rem. Headings: tight tracking (-0.02em), line-height 1.05–1.15.
### Spacing & rhythm
Sections run ≈766px tall at 1440 (median; range 210–1700px, captures cap at 1700px) — roughly a screen per idea. Start with 96–120px vertical padding per section on desktop and about two-thirds of that on mobile. The background changes 4 times down the page — use band changes to mark chapters. 8px spacing grid, 1200–1280px max content width, 24px (mobile) / 32–48px (desktop) gutters.
### Shape, depth & theme
Confident colour blocks — let full-bleed colour bands and big shapes carry the personality. Read exact corner radius, border and shadow treatment from the screenshots. Dark-first; for a light mode swap background ↔ foreground, lighten the surface, keep the accent and re-check contrast.
## 6. Imagery plan
Measured from 4 section screenshots: mostly **typography with little or no imagery**, some photography (dark, warm, Marketing). Still glance at the linked screenshots to match the exact mood.
### Slot 1 · 1. Hero → illustration (uncertain)
- Light Marketing section with a few graphics — illustration, icon art or a product shot. Count: a set of ~2 in one consistent style. Aspect: 3:2. Look first: [ref 1](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/ahrefs/s-01.webp)
- **Stock** — “technology flat illustration”: [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/s/photos/technology-flat-illustration?orientation=landscape) · [Pexels](https://www.pexels.com/search/technology%20flat%20illustration/?orientation=landscape) · [Pixabay](https://pixabay.com/images/search/technology%20flat%20illustration/?orientation=horizontal)
- **Generate** — `Flat vector illustration: abstract gradient mesh, friendly simplified shapes, limited palette of #000000, #ff8d00, #1e1e1e plus one soft neutral, plenty of empty background, consistent line weight, warm mood. Aspect ratio 3:2. No text, no letters, no logos, no watermarks, no brand marks or trademarked products, no recognisable real people.`
- Uncertain: this could equally be photography, a product shot or icon art — open the reference screenshots and match what you see.
### Slot 2 · 3. Content, 6. Content, 8. Content, 12. Content → abstract 3D / gradient (uncertain)
- Dark Marketing section with a few graphics — typically abstract 3D/gradient art or a product shot. Count: one consistent treatment across these sections. Aspect: 4:5. Look first: [ref 1](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/ahrefs/s-03.webp) [ref 2](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/ahrefs/s-06.webp) [ref 3](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/ahrefs/s-08.webp) [ref 4](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/ahrefs/s-12.webp)
- **Stock** — “abstract dark gradient 3d”: [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/s/photos/abstract-dark-gradient-3d?orientation=portrait) · [Pexels](https://www.pexels.com/search/abstract%20dark%20gradient%203d/?orientation=portrait) · [Pixabay](https://pixabay.com/images/search/abstract%20dark%20gradient%203d/?orientation=vertical)
- **Generate** — `Abstract 3D render: soft, glossy glass-like shapes and a smooth gradient in #ff8d00 and #3a57fc on a #000000 background. Lighting: low-key, moody directional light with deep shadows; warm tone. Minimal and calm, generous negative space on one side for text. Aspect ratio 4:5. No text, no letters, no logos, no watermarks, no brand marks or trademarked products, no recognisable real people.`
### Slot 3 · 5. Features, 7. Content, 9. Features → product UI (uncertain)
- Marketing sections with many image elements — most likely product UI screenshots/mockups plus icons. Count: one consistent treatment across these sections. Aspect: 4:3. Look first: [ref 1](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/ahrefs/s-05.webp) [ref 2](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/ahrefs/s-07.webp) [ref 3](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/ahrefs/s-09.webp)
- **Stock** — “laptop blank screen minimal desk”: [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/s/photos/laptop-blank-screen-minimal-desk?orientation=landscape) · [Pexels](https://www.pexels.com/search/laptop%20blank%20screen%20minimal%20desk/?orientation=landscape) · [Pixabay](https://pixabay.com/images/search/laptop%20blank%20screen%20minimal%20desk/?orientation=horizontal)
- **Generate** — `Product-shot backdrop for a UI screenshot: smooth dark gradient from #000000 to #1e1e1e with a soft #ff8d00 glow behind the centre, subtle floor shadow, empty centre area where a screenshot will be placed. Lighting: low-key, moody directional light with deep shadows. Aspect ratio 4:3. No text, no letters, no logos, no watermarks, no brand marks or trademarked products, no recognisable real people. No UI elements.`
- Build the UI itself in HTML/CSS with realistic sample data from YOUR product (or screenshot your real app). Don't generate UI as an image and don't reuse the reference's screenshots. Stock/AI is only for the backdrop or device frame.
- **No imagery (type-led)** — 2. Call to action, 10. Features, 11. Features, 13. Features: No imagery needed — type, spacing and colour do the work. If the screenshot shows a background graphic, rebuild it in CSS (gradient, grid, noise) or a short muted video, not a stock photo.
- **Logos** — 4. Logo cloud: Never generate or stock-source logos. Use your real customers'/partners' marks with permission (monochrome, equal height), or neutral wordmark placeholders until you have them. Integration icons: each tool's official brand kit (Simple Icons is a quick start; trademarks still apply).
### If the screenshots show a different style
Open the refs first and name what you actually see (photo / product UI / illustration / abstract gradient or 3D / type only). If it differs from the guess, switch routes — UI is built in code, type-only needs no image, otherwise:
- **photography** — generate `Photograph: abstract gradient mesh. Composition: wide shot, subject off-centre to one side, generous clean negative space for the headline. Lighting: low-key, moody directional light with deep shadows. Warm colour grade that sits on #000000, #ff8d00, #1e1e1e. Photorealistic, natural textures, shallow depth of field, 35mm lens. Aspect ratio 3:2. No text, no letters, no logos, no watermarks, no brand marks or trademarked products, no recognisable real people.` · stock: [“abstract gradient mesh dark” on Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/s/photos/abstract-gradient-mesh-dark?orientation=landscape) (same query works on Pexels/Pixabay)
- **Licences:** Unsplash and Pexels images are free for commercial use under their own licences; Pixabay under the Pixabay Content License. Check each image's page before use, credit the photographer when asked (good practice anyway), and skip images showing logos, trademarks, branded products or identifiable people without a release.
- **AI generation:** the prompts work with any image model (GPT Image, Imagen, Flux, Midjourney, Firefly, SDXL…) — check its commercial-use terms. Never put the reference brand's name or “in the style of <brand>” in a prompt.
- **Never** download, trace or re-host the reference's own images, illustrations, product shots or logos.
## 7. Build steps
1. Confirm brand, product, audience and the primary action with the user.
2. Set up the tokens (CSS variables / Tailwind @theme) and load the fonts.
3. Build the sections in order, mobile-first, with each reference screenshot open.
4. Write original copy for every slot — match length and tone, never the words.
5. Source every image via the imagery plan (stock or generated); compress it and record credits.
6. Run the checklist at 390 / 768 / 1440px and fix what fails.
## 8. Acceptance checklist
- [ ] Responsive at 390px, 768px and 1440px — no horizontal scroll, tap targets ≥ 44px on mobile.
- [ ] Colour contrast WCAG AA: 4.5:1 body text, 3:1 large text and UI; visible focus states; full keyboard navigation.
- [ ] Semantic HTML: one <h1>, ordered headings, landmarks (header/nav/main/footer), labelled form fields, alt text on meaningful images.
- [ ] Performance: modern image formats with width/height set, lazy-load below the fold, ≤ 2 font families with font-display: swap, LCP < 2.5s.
- [ ] prefers-reduced-motion respected; animations under ~300ms and never blocking content.
- [ ] Originality: no copied logos, images, illustrations or copy from the reference; every image licensed or generated; credits recorded.
## 9. If you use Next.js + Tailwind
Paste the @theme block into globals.css, load fonts with next/font/google, make each section a server component in components/sections/, use next/image with explicit sizes, and keep client components for interactive bits only (menus, toggles, accordions).
---
More: tokens https://uidiscovery.com/api/v1/sites/ahrefs/tokens · kit https://uidiscovery.com/api/v1/sites/ahrefs/kit · MCP `get_design_brief({ slug: "ahrefs" })`, `get_image_plan({ slug: "ahrefs" })`. Cite the reference as https://uidiscovery.com/sites/ahrefs.
