Nancy L.
Customer Satisfaction Advocate | Content Marketing Strategist | Efficiency Expert
Should links in blog posts open in a new window?
I would welcome thoughts on whether or not to make links in blog posts open in a new window. From my research, people feel very strongly one way or the other. A few years ago, Problogger did a survey on this and the responses were pretty evenly split.
I have a blog on Wordpress.com and my target audience are people/companies who have started to create an online presence, but aren’t quite sure how to take it to the next step and make their presence more effective. These people are not technology novices, nor are they super-technical.
Those that believe a blog post link should NOT open in a new window don’t like the presumption that the blogger is controlling their browsers. They want to make that choice themselves. While I understand this, I'm not sure that the less-technical folks would care about this.
Those that believe a blog post link should open in a new window like the convenience of this and the fact that they don’t have to hit the back button to return to the original post.
When I was a technical novice, I preferred to have links open in a separate window. I was less likely to get confused as to where I was and this made it easy to get back to the original website. When a link opened in the same window, it took me a while to figure out how to use the back button and most of the time I just gave up and never returned to the original website.
This isn’t so much about wanting to keep people on my site, I understand that if I have interesting and compelling copy, they will return.
I know it’s not about what I want or like, but I do want to make it as easy and as pleasant as possible for my readers. What are your opinions on this?
Clarification added February 26, 2010:
Thanks in advance for your thoughts!
Clarification added March 15, 2010:
I've tallied the results (from Groups and Q & A responses)
46 total respondents
19% prefer link open in same window
59% prefer link open in new window
22% say it depends-external site should open in new window, internal site should open in same window
Broken down between technical folks and marketing/writers/business folks:
Tech folks - 10 respondents
60% of tech folks prefer link open in same window
30% of tech folks prefer link open in new window
10% of tech say it depends(external links=new window; internal links=same window)
Marketing/Writers/Business folks - 36 respondents
8% marketing folks prefer links open in same window
67% marketing folks prefer links open in new window
25% marketing folks say it depends (external links=new window; internal links=same window)
Thank you everyone for your responses!
Answers (36)
Kathie K.
Director, B2C Direct Marketing
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As a marketer, I believe blog links should open in a new window. If they find your outbound link interesting (which they hopefully will) --- you don't really want them navigating away from your site.
Personally, my only gripe is when it opens a new instance of my browser rather than a new tab - though I understand why it's done. If there's a way to code it so it opens a tab instead, I would think there is no reason for anyone to be annoyed.
Stefan G.
Freelance Web Designer, Engineer & IT Consultant
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No. can't stand new windows/tabs opening unexpectedly. If I'm interested enough in your blog that I want to visit your link and keep reading I'll middle-click.
The only time new window links don't annoy the hell out of me is when they're clearly marked, something that can be easily done with CSS.
Please don't tell my browser what to do, that's my job, and I will decide how many tabs/windows I wish to have, thankyouverymuch.
Links:
As a programmer, I'm of the belief that links should *not* open in a new window.
First, the target attribute is no longer a supported standard and is being phased out. There are ways around this (see link below demonstrating wonky javascript to add the target attribute to keep a site standards compliant and still be able to open links in new window/tab).
Second, and the real reason I have my belief (and I believe the reason for the change in standards), if all links *always* open in the same window, it gives the person the ability to determine if the link should open in a new window. If some links *sometimes* open in a new window, the user won't know until after they click the link what will happen, at which point it is too late. Those that want the load to take place in the same window will be frustrated, and those that wanted it to load in a new window will likely have already taken action to ensure it does so, be it via a context menu or holding down the control key when clicking the link.
Between these two things, along with the fact that more and more people are viewing sites and more and more varied browsers (think mobile, video game consoles, etc), I'm a believer of leaving it up to the surfer. The exception to this would be where both links are offered - in window as the main link and in a new window offered via a little icon next to it.
Just my two cents. =)
Links:
Sahar A.
Diversity& Inclusion|Leadership training|Social Media Marketing|Social Media Training|Public Speaker|Culture Competence
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I always make my links open in new windows as to keep the people on my original page and surf whatever they want in a new window so they wont loose my page and it will show them as sticking to the page as well where theycan come back and look further for more infos on my page
My 3 cents
Jeff J.
Senior Research Project Manager, Assessment/Education Research Industry
Best Answers in: Writing and Editing (5), Public Relations (1), Communication and Public Speaking (1)
I think it depends on the reason for linking. If your reason for linking is to traffic the target site, then you should NOT open a new window, because you want the audience to go to the new site and stay there. If your reason for linking is to provide a helpful resource to the audience, I think it's appropriate to do so. Yeah, you'll find a few people who think that's annoying, but then again, you can't do anything online without annoying someone. I'm probably annoying a significant number of people right now just by suggesting this.
Eugene T.
Search Engine Optimization Experts at iWebThinkBig.com
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I agree with most answers that it should be the visitors’ choice, and right-click to a new tab is not a very hard trick to master. My advice: make a “lemonade” (take this issue and profit from it.) By asking the same question your blog’s audience (I see a pole featured on a front page) you will reach two goals: 1st – find out first hand what your target audience’s preference is; 2nd – educate them about right-click (if that is what you will choose to use); plus – will have more of a relevant content (some people would “kill” for it)
Razvan S.
Copywriter
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New windows/tabs that open "of their own accord" can be even more confusing and unpleasant for newbies. Try to abstain.
Roger J.
Web development & site optimization • E-mail marketing • Technical writing
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Although there will always be novices it is save to say that that number is getting smaller by the day, with 80% of the US using the internet. Most people visit popular sites like Google or Youtube. Those sites don't open new windows. In the early days site were opening new windows everywhere, but not so much today. And people are getting used to that.
Of course, you could also ask your readers in a poll..
Clarification added February 26, 2010:
safe, that is..
When I write blog posts, I include links to my other blog posts and areas of my site as well as links to other businesses, newspapers and blogs. What I do is have the links to my blog/site open on the same page and links to other websites open in a new window.
I guess the goal is to keep people on my site — I know you said that you weren't as concerned with this, but for me, linking to an "outside" site is kind of like having a new thought, so it makes sense to open it in a new window. It's also just kind of a way of keeping my linking habits organized.
I'm going to assume you mean external links here. If they're links to places on your own site, they should usually open in the same window.
As for external links, I like it when it opens in a new "window." But I agree (WHOLEHEARTEDLY) with Kathie - if I have my tabs preferences set to open in a new tab, please respect those. I'm a power-surfer, not a novice, but at any given time I have four to eight tabs going, so if you don't open in a new tab, it makes it hard for me to get back (because most of my tabs are usually open to similar sites when I'm searching). I actually always click to open in a new tab (Cmd-click on Mac, right-click and select or middle-click on PC) for that reason.
However, I do see Stefan's point, as well. I think the problem here is that it is the browser that should be developed to set those preferences - marketers shouldn't have to figure it out. Perhaps easier said than done.
I think Kieran might have it right with offering both options. Nobody's right and nobody's wrong (and there's another power-surfer out there who thinks I'm insane, I assure you). It's just a preference thing.
Instead of a new tab or window, my links open in a "lightbox" that appears in front of the original article. Technically it's a new window, but the effect is that it is an experience of being on the same page.
Links:
Jamie F.
Junior Content Creator (Junior Marketing Assistant) at Interactive Marketing and Consulting Services (IM@CS)
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I didn't realize this was a "hot" topic. I have always used the "open in a new window" function on my blog. I don't like having to go backwards to go back to where you were and I thought it was a consideration to the reader. I did not know there was this backlash for it.
Should we be asking our readers what they prefer? I thought it was a consideration thing when it was opening in a new window.
I always have my Wordpress blog posts open in a new window. I base this on my own tendency to 'wander'. I click on a link, one thing leads to another and suddenly I am 5 pages away from the original post. Forcing me to close the window returns me right back to the post. - Gary Stafford (www.creativepondering.com)
Clarification added February 26, 2010:
I meant to say blog post links, in the first sentence.
Add me to the chorus of external links opening in a new window, especially if your blog page loads slowly. I've found that for many news organization sites, they've included so many adverts and other stuff, it causes their pages to load very slowly, if a link opens in that window, no way am I going back. I usually use the right mouse click and open in a new window just to be sure but sometimes forget and boom, I am off the original site and gone.
Bryan K.
Assistant Professor at University of Florida, specializing in computational evolutionary genomics
My feeling is that people who are okay with new windows don't really care if the link opens in the same window, whereas people who dislike new windows really hate them.
To be on the safe side and not offend that segment of your readers, I'd stick with the "one window" policy.
yes,it is compalsary
Aprill A.
Independent Consultant, Putting the KM into ITSM; Freelance commercial writer.
I have always opened in new windows for any link on my blog. I get annoyed when I click a link in someone else's blog and it opens in the same window. I have hit back, then right click for new tab/window. Annoying!
I think this question needs a poll for a more visual representation and I wonder whether it would be 50/50.
Adnan A.
Innovator and a Dreamer | Helps companies to transform their existing sites into a social networking platform
Opening links in separate window(or TAB) is much feasible for the end user because in this way they don't have to click BACK button in case if the link is not according to their taste.
Links:
Vasco Phillip D.
Head of media production in Aberystwyth at ptara.com
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Nancy,
I really believe it depends what the blog is on, and how the link relates to the blog.
I saw one entertainment blog, which basically promoted new things from the entertainment brand. The blog itself was more useful (and successful) if it pointed viewers to other websites which were part of the same company and product.
Others that may benefit from keeping links in the same window are
* activists (who are writing the blog to encourage action rather than self-promotion)
* those selling to certain parts of the market (such as those selling to designers, academics and programmers who tend to be anti-popup)
* blogs with memorable names (user experience may make people want to go back)
If you have an obscure news style blog which depends on advertising, then a new tab strategy (or new window strategy) could work. It can also help viewers to know that the link is not part of your website.
I can always use the back button if I want to go back to a blog, and I can always right click if I want to open things in a new window. If you leave it up to the reader, and don't force a new window (and don't force the same one), many will thank you for it.
I personally don't use the new window strategy because I have confidence that people will come back to my blog anyway.
Vasco
I prefer to have them open in a new window. As a reader, I find I can easily navigate the new content, close it, and then I'm back to the original blog to finish reading or dig deeper into their content. Otherwise, I often get lost and forget about the originating blog and never return. Not a good thing.
I will give an answer based on my own blogging experience and the method I apply in my own blog.
That, of course, depends on the type of the link given in the post. If the link is something expanding, supporting and detailing the opinions argued in the post, then these links could be opened in the same window, so the reader would not be distracted from the content she has been reading.
If the link provides additional information on a concept used in the post, quotes a reference from where the information is taken, I believe there is nothing wrong in making the link open in a new tab (not window -it is somewhat controversial and could be further discussed-), since the topic of the link is entirely different from the main theme of the post, but somewhat related to the post from one perspective.
Regards,
Can
http://neselibeyin.com
Alison Brooke M.
Writer, Editor, Story Analyst, Mktg Consultant
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The objective is to keep a viewer on your page. If a link takes me to another site, rather than opening a new tab or window, I might not come back. If I am selling something on my site, I don't want my potential buyer to leave or experience any confusion about coming back, so definitely, make all links open in new windows or tabs. That's my opinion, but it comes from my background of old school marketing. I don't like to lose customers once I've gotten them to my site. Plus today, everyone is used to multitasking, and having several sites open at once so you can jump back and forth gathering more info as you go.
I prefer the linksshould open in new tab / window, so that reader can continue reading other things on that page and later can visit what he needs.
Links:
Alfred A.
CTO at EnvironmentalGraffiti.com
Best Answers in: Web Development (4), Blogging (1), Databases (1)
There's not really a right answer to this question. As you'll have seen already, users have quite determined but differing views.
Firstly, naive users sometimes won't realise that a new window has been opened, and be frustrated that the back button doesn't work.
Other users like to have new windows open, and prefer it when the site does so for them rather than them having to use a "right-click" (some find this process awkward physically).
Sophisticated users prefer to have the choice.
There's no way to derive a consensus from all this, unfortunately: ideally, web browsers would make it much easier for users to choose their own way of working. In the meantime, I would strongly recommend that if you have links open in a new window you use the convention adopted elsewhere of decorating them with a little "new window" icon.
(Several people ask that you open the window in a new tab rather than a new window. But this is nothing to do with you, it's a browser setting which says how new windows should open by default.)
Clarification added March 2, 2010:
@Alison says "today everyone is used to the idea of multitasking". She is obviously not working with older, novice users, who often really struggle with common browsing tasks that the rest of us find trivial.
Alan E.
Web Writer and Editor at E-Messenger Internet Consulting, Inc.
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Nancy:
Looks like you need to go with what makes most sense to you, since this group is nearly evenly divided. As such, whatever you decide will likely irk half of your readers, unless you already have a sense of how your readers feel about it. In this case, go with what you like. You're safe with half of your readers, too.
Here's my theory as an experienced Web writer and editor: If I take readers to another separate browser and they go off on a tangent, that's fine. Let them explore. When they drop that browser eventually, voila they'll end up back at my site and say, "Oh, yeah, I was reading that page!" and continue on. If I've taken them on a link on the same browser window, I will have lost them forever. It's a service to them as much as to me, since they were on my page once and may actually want to get back there. We can't assume that just because they took a link somewhere that they never want to get back.
Good luck with making a decision.
Links:
I think that you should have them open in a new window only if they are links to external sites. This keeps them on your site while allowing the user to look at the link you felt was obviously important enough to blog about.
Internal links do not have the potential to "lose" the viewer so I think they should not load in a new window.
Gregory Macke
http://www.260oneilproductions.com
http://www.twitter.com/RunningGreg
http://www.twitter.com/GMPopcornFan
I am always conflicted on this one, because while it will go against a lot of best practices from a programming perspective, for the way I want people to interact with my content I make links open in a new tab or window. I know to some people this is annoying, but here is my main argument. If someone comes to my homepage where there is tons of content and then they click a link and that loads over my homepage that then takes them away from the bulk of my content and I don't want that. That's the main thing and as a site you want to expose readers to as much content as possible and taking them away from one set of content for another is counterproductive. The way I see it even if they get a little annoyed at the new window, they still got what they were looking for and more than likely will go back to the already open window for more content which is what I want, so to me its worth doing that way.
Michael S.
Software Architect/Mobile Developer
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No. Most seasoned web surfers right click on links and open them in new tabs anyway - especially if they are clicking while reading your material. To open links in a new window will cause frustration in your readers that will outweigh any benefit of maintaining the "stickiness" of keeping your window exclusive.
