07.11.07
Should Links from Your Blog Open in a New Window?
I just stumbled across an interesting article on ProBlogger. Darren of ProBlogger asked his readers whether or not they believe links from their site should open in a new window, and 54% of them responded yes. I just wanted to respond to this survey, and add my comments. It has always been my belief that if you are blogging for profit, the moment your reader leaves your website, you loose the opportunity to monetize their traffic. As such, it has been my policy that external, non-ad links open in a new window (or tab). This ensures that once your reader is finished with the link you suggested, it is easy for them to return quickly to your page and you don’t risk them forgetting and simply closing the browser.
What are your comments on this? Should links from your blog open in a new window?
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I read something similar a couple of days ago on Desi Baba. I think they should open in a new window for the same reason you mentioned. When I surf, sometimes I click on a link before I finish reading everything I wanted to see on a page, then I forget about it later on. So just think if there are others who do the same thing? This kinda prevents that from happening.
The default behaviour is for them not to open in a new window. If a user wants to finish reading then they can always use the back button, at least that’s what teh standards guys will tell you. In saying that though, in these days of tabbed browsers where you aren’t having to contend with 15 open browser windows I can’t see any harm in it.
I agree. New window for my visitors.
Defenitely, we do it all the time except for links within the same website. We sell a online products so you dont want to loose your client to an external link.
The results are not representative. ProBlogger’s readership is, just like we are, bloggers, developers, content providers, interested in monetizing their websites. Of course we will want to shackle users to our sites. Someone should ask the actual users, I am certain the results will be different. I don’t do it because I think it’s very intrusive.
You could always read what Jakob Neilson has to say about it, which is a definite (and comprehensible) NO:
http://www.useit.com/alertbox/990530.html
I always use target=”_blank” for links outside of my site..
nice to know 54% wanted it that way
But I thought people found that frustrating ..
I hear what Jerry is saying but I wonder how many people out there don’t have their own website/content and are pure users? We’re all just trying to look after our own interests at the end of the day. I expect links to open in a new window, makes it easier to go back to what I was reading before if the new site is rubbish.
I confuse with the choice; new window or same window?!…
Therefore, the links on my blog there’s which new window and there’s same window.
But, I thinks for the ad-link should open in a same window and non ad-link should open in a new window.
It just makes the whole navigation process easier.
I always use the same window, if people want to leave my page, they will anyway. Today tabs are very popular, so why launch a new window on someone else browser? I hate when that happens…very intrusive.
Hello, very nice site, keep up good job!
Admin good, very good.