What makes you close a website right away?

Tips & Discussions Community Discussions
1

I see a lot of different websites every day, and one thing that keeps bothering me is too many things asking for your attention at once.

You open a page and get a cookie banner, a popup, a chatbot, maybe a promo bar - all before you’ve even had a chance to look around.

The funny thing is, each of these can be genuinely useful on its own, but the problem starts when they all compete for attention at the same time.

What makes you want to close a website right away?

Let’s compare notes – we might all find a thing or two worth fixing on our own sites :writing_hand:t2:

2

For me, it’s always page speed. If it takes forever to load, don’t expect me to sit there patiently and wait.

3

AMEN! :zzz:

4

@Helga
Yes, too much happening at once is a definate turnoff. As is an amteurish or obvious cookie cutter appearance. Not much that can be done about the latter other than finding a more creative or experienced designer. But for sites with immediate visual overload, defering some of them until user interaction (e.g., scrolling down the page 50%) can be a big help. Some of the items you mentioned could also be converted to a text link or button. For example, instead of a scrolling promo bar announcing the latest sale, maybe a link for further information or a “Big Sale” CTA button.

5

Hey @Bob_Wilson!

Absolutely, your suggestions make a lot of sense. Though if you have a designer to help you figure out the right balance, it sounds like a great option - that’s their territory after all :slight_smile:

Actually, the cookie-cutter part is interesting too. Do you think a website can look so generic (or obviously AI-made) that it makes you trust it less? :thinking:

6

I don’t know that “trust” is the thought that comes to mind, but I do find such a site to be less interesting and I’m unlikely to spend much time there.

7

For me it’s a popup that comes as soon as open the website – before I’ve had a chance to look at the page, or search for the product or article I want.

8

Welcome, @user38337 and I agree!

9

Slow loading, too many ads being displayed and over running content being viewed - like on cooking sites.

10

The most important thing is speed; then there should be a clear hierarchy from top to bottom, rather than all over the place, so that, as a visitor, I immediately find the best reason to stay on the site. It’s a bit like a social media hook. Clarity always wins out over bombarding visitors with ‘gimmicks’.

11

The number one thing that will make me leave a website immediately, is the large cookie popups that block the entire screen and make it absolutely impossible to reject all cookies. Cookies are fine and almost inevitable in this day and age, but it needs to be easy to not give consent.

12

Welcome, @user38337! Fair point about annoying popups - it really feels like the site is asking for too much before you’ve even had a chance to look around :100:

13

Ahh, not being able to reject all cookies is such a pain! Absolutely share the frustration :100:

14

Right, like, “What do you want from me with all this stuff popping up at once”? :sweat_smile:
Keeping the page clean and focused is key :+1:t2:

15

Exactly! A modern website should load fast and make the main idea or product clear right away, without overwhelming visitors. Totally agree :100: