Do You Know The One Small Mistake That Has Huge Disastrous Results?
I’ve known Melanie Milletics for a while now (list building secrets), and I’ve been hanging onto a notice of hers called, “What is a Magic Blog Post?” for a few days.
Today is the day I made the time to go read (and you should, too).
There are certain vital points she makes that really impact your posts (or your website for that matter) that I won’t rehash, she’s stated them quite nicely. However, I did notice a glaring what I’ll call “mistake” within her post. A mistake I see way too many web site and blog owners make – not coding their click-able links to open in new windows!
Such a small thing, with such huge implications!
When you are reading, and someone mentions a resource or reference to even more information (and assuming you are really interested), ten to one you’re going to click that link (like above) – which is also what I (and anyone else with common sense) is praying that you will do – it’s there to be clicked for a reason.
Yet after you click on it, do you think I want you to disappear for good? Of course not! I want you back to either finish up reading and/or to take the time to look around (use the search bar on this blog), watch the videos (there are even more “how to’s” in the right hand sidebar on a wide range of topics, that’s just one example), and (of course) COMMENT about what you’re reading.
So that simple bit of code – your “target” to open in a new window or blank window is critical.
You work hard to get your visitor, don’t let them just slip through your fingers. The coding is:
target=”_blank”
To see it in action, just right click anywhere on this page outside the framework of the blog itself (in other words pick a “white area” even if it’s colored, but doesn’t have words) and View Source (in IE) or View Page Source (in Firefox).
o Go up under EDIT on your browser (very top)
o Choose FIND and type in Milletics (it’s unique and only mentioned once on this page – okay twice but this one doesn’t count there’s no link involved)
o Now look closely at the coding just prior to her name.
See how the code is put together? See the “target” part?
You can hand code this yourself in HTML or if you are a Wordpress blog user, from the what-you-see-is-what-you-get view, just highlight the words, click on the little chain to make the link, and then select TARGET (new window).
Website owners you really need to do this, too.
It’s actually very sad to me when I see someone just willingly giving up their visitor. Don’t make me hunt to get back to you!
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Please COMMENT, we love feedback!
Tags: blank window, common sense, few days, fingers, firefox, melanie, mistake, page source, search bar, sidebar, today is the day, view source
May 15th, 2009 at 9:19 am
Wow! I am heading over to my blogs to fix all my links or at least the last few days posts.
May 15th, 2009 at 9:42 am
I general code my sidebar items to open in a new window, but give direct links in posts. This is probably because it is my own preference. If I want to go back, there is always the back button
May 15th, 2009 at 2:10 pm
I always use the target=”_blank”. Great idea!
Sadies last blog post..Helen is the Biggest Loser
May 15th, 2009 at 4:01 pm
I do this, and I can honestly say, I know it works! Thanks again for the great advice!
Barbaras last blog post..Look Where Barbara’s Ladybug Has Landed!
May 15th, 2009 at 5:50 pm
@Karen – sometimes (rarely) you do get code you cannot alter (I hate that), but yes wherever possible new windows are best
@vein – most people click the link in a post more often than the sidebar, you could be losing traffic.
@Sadie – agreed
@Barbara – yep, works every time. At least it gives your visitor a second shot (or more) to find even more interesting stuff. If you spend a lot of time on your blog or web site, why have them rush off to someone else? If anything, it lowers your bounce rate.
May 16th, 2009 at 4:05 am
I always right click, open in new tab. That way I don’t even have to worry about it.
corrins last blog post..The Island from Lands’ End
May 16th, 2009 at 4:31 am
wow…. i learn something new all the time on your blog. thank you girl!
May 16th, 2009 at 6:48 am
I agree about not making us hunt the site down again! I nearly always right click and open in new tag or window because I hate loosing the page Im currently on.
Good point!
LadyGraces last blog post..So much to look forward to!
May 16th, 2009 at 9:59 am
Great point- even though the back button works….I think people are moving too fast on the internet. Having a new window open ensures the visitor doesn’t lose sight of your blog-
Maureens last blog post..123 Power System: Is 123 Power System For Real?
May 21st, 2009 at 7:21 pm
I use my right click to open new tabs, but after reading this, I guess a lot of people don’t. I’m changing my way of linking from now on. Excellent resource!
ConnieFoggless last blog post..Dreaming of Branson