Have you ever wondered why visitors decide to leave a website? And what can be done to prevent prospects from clicking the close button? It only takes around 5 seconds for a visitor to know if the website they just entered is worth their time or not. No more, no less!
So let’s have a look at the top 9 reasons visitors leave websites without giving it a second thought, making bounce rates go up.
1. Slow loading
Whatever CMS, web hosting services or coding options you use, do not – under any circumstances – make your visitors wait for the website to load! Nowadays, Internet users have a strong degree of impatience, which, coupled with dexterity, will most probably lead to the closing of a slow-loading site.
2. Auto-anything
“What’s that sound? What tab is it coming from? It’s so annoying!”
“I have to sign up to see this? No thanks!”
Add auto-playing sound/ music background to your website, or force your visitors to sign up or login to see the content, and see just how fast your site is closed. Go ahead, give it a try! Chances are your bounce rate will go through the roof.
3. Poor design
Web design, choice of colors, font options – they all matter. A website that displays crowded panels, bright colors, flashing banners, a very small, unreadable font or just plain poor web design is bound to chase visitors away in the first 3 seconds. Keep it simple, choose appropriate colors and legible fonts and maybe – just maybe – prospects will have a look through the pages.
4. Bad navigation
A website that is well-structured and can be browsed through easily is always the best way to go. Make sure the information you want to display is easily accessible, and the menu provides clear navigation options to any user. Paths should be a tool to keep visitors engaged, in a convenient and quick manner.
5. Excessive advertising
If your focus is on monetization, and pop-ups or pop-unders are your first choice over content, I have bad news for you. Excessive use of advertisements (whatever their type) not only reduce the load time for your website, but are also annoying for visitors. So annoying, in fact, that they just might decide to leave your site and look elsewhere. Mind the advertising on your website, don’t distract those who visit it with too many ads, sponsored posts or irrelevant display banners.
6. Woeful content
Content is key! Provide relevant, interesting information on your website and make sure you update it whenever necessary. Nothing is less appealing than lack of essential information on the landing page, only occasional updates, or too much information on one page. Try to avoid one-page websites, for instance, and make sure you use the appropriate language for your target-audience. And always double-check for typos and proofread for grammar confusions of any sort. Quality content builds trust.
7. Inappropriate landing page
The first page a visitor sees speaks for the entire website. Avoid flash or video-only pages, as these have proved quite unprofessional so far. Whatever the traffic source, it is essential for landing pages (not just the Home page) to be user friendly and provide relevant information at the same time. Make sure this is true for all the pages on your website and you won’t regret it.
8. Uncertain identity
Who are you? What is your field of activity? Where is yoru business located? How is it useful for visitors? You know the answers to all these questions, but a first-time visitor might not. Provide a clear, relevant description of your company/ blog/ business to Internet users. It not only contributes to brand awareness, but is also a sign of respect. Tell your story in the “About” section of your website, showcase your credentials/ qualifications in the industry, display a professional personality, provide correct contact details, and you start building a connection with those who might be interested in what you do.
9. Inefficient linking
Broken links, unavailable products, inexistent pages – get rid of all of them! Test the functionalities of your website before you make it public. There are various tools you can use to make sure webpages are displayed properly and without inherent problems on any browser. Have your links checked and in balance with the rest of the content to have your viewers browse thorugh more pages.