What’s a Favicon (and Do You Have One?)

Most websites have a favicon. And a lot of people don’t realize they never set theirs.

Most websites have a favicon and don’t know it’s missing.

What is a favicon?

It’s that tiny icon in your browser tab. The one next to your site name.

If you’ve ever had 12 tabs open (be honest)…you’re not reading the titles. You’re looking for the little picture.

If your site doesn’t have one—it either shows a default icon or nothing at all.

Small thing. But it makes your site harder to find.

What does a favicon do?

It also does a few things behind the scenes:

• Helps your tab stand out when everything’s open

• Makes your site feel more polished (even if nothing else changes)

• Reinforces your brand in a subtle, consistent way

• Shows up in bookmarks and saved links

• Gives search engines one more clear signal about your site

It’s one of those details that doesn’t feel urgent…until you notice it missing.

And once you see it, you can’t unsee it.

How do I know if my website is missing a favicon?

Open your site in a browser.

Do you see a small icon in the tab?

If not, you’ve got a quick win sitting right there.