What Makes a Visitor Leave a Website

22 May What Makes a Visitor Leave a Website

Posted at 23:39h in web by

Bad Navigation

Nothing frustrates a web visitor more than not being able to find the content that they want to view. Complex or inconsistent navigation can cause confusion and push viewers away. You only have about a 5 second window to grab your audiences’ attention.

DO

  • Make sure your layout is logical and easy to understand
  • Group navigation elements together and have a site map for larger sites

DON’T

  • Scatter links around the page
  • Bury links in body text
  • Provide confusing visual elements

 

Too Many Ads

Having too many pop-ups or ads is a sure-fire way to turn visitors away from your website

DO

  • Be tasteful and discreet if ads are required

DON’T

  • Have ads as the first thing your visitors see
  • Be obtrusive with pop-ups that block content
  • Have large ads that take over the screen

 

Bad Structure

An estimated 50% of sales will be lost if a customer can’t find what they are looking for.

DO

  • Be clear and concise with content
  • Group similar content together
  • Use bold headings and highlight key words

DON’T

  • Have similar content spread cross multiple pages if it can work on one page

 

Too Much Audio or Video

Auto-loading audio or videos can also turn-off potential customers. Most people want to choose what content they view.

DO

  • Give viewers the option to play
  • Give clear exits on any auto playing content

DON’T

  • Have loud, distracting music in the background
  • Have pop-up auto-play videos

 

Compulsory Registration

Making visitors sign up before viewing content will mostly cause them to look elsewhere. It is important to keep content available and easy to access on your site for continued viewing. 

DO

  • Avoid barriers between your content and customers
  • Offer preview or demo if sign up is required

DON’T

  • Have excessive sign up pop-ups

 

Boring Content

No purpose or interactivity will cause a negative viewing experience. Around 40% won’t return after having a negative experience on a website.

DO

  • While minimal websites can be beautiful, having good navigation and interesting content will keep viewers involved in the site

DON’T

  • Purposefully make your site bland. Show visitors why they should stay with you

 

Poor Legibility

Bad typography, excessive colours and typos will all affect user experience

DO

  • Hire a designer within budget. They will make sure colour, type and tone will have the right impact on how your sight is perceived

DON’T

  • Use type that is poor in legibility, too elaborate or has poor contrast
  • Use abrasive or clashing colours

 

Old Content

Keeping your site up to date with fresh content will keep your site looking its best and visitors will stay longer

DO

  • Keep content new and relevant which in turn helps keep you at the top with Internet search rankings

DON’T

  • Have a dated website with old information
  • Have an outdated