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Which Type Of Window Do You Open And Why?

by KenJ
13 replies
Today I was doing some affiliate linking from my website to a
vendor. When I got to select which type of window I selected "New
Window" as I always do. Now having done this for a few years I
have realised that I do this out of habit, not because it might
be the best thing to do.

For example:- If a visitor to my website clicks through to a
sales page I don't need them to find my website again. Or Do I?

Other types of links could have different choices as well. So I
come to the question in the title.

Which Type Of Window Do You Open And Why?

Do you select

  • Same window
  • New Window
  • None

I'd love to know the reasoning behind your choice of window.

Kenj
#open #type #window
  • Profile picture of the author King Shiloh
    Banned
    I prefer New Window. I need them to find my website again in case to want to check out more products or information.
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  • Profile picture of the author Mr Steve
    Originally Posted by kenj View Post

    Today I was doing some affiliate linking from my website to a
    vendor. When I got to select which type of window I selected "New
    Window" as I always do. Now having done this for a few years I
    have realised that I do this out of habit, not because it might
    be the best thing to do.

    For example:- If a visitor to my website clicks through to a
    sales page I don't need them to find my website again. Or Do I?

    Other types of links could have different choices as well. So I
    come to the question in the title.

    Which Type Of Window Do You Open And Why?

    Do you select

    • Same window
    • New Window
    • None
    I'd love to know the reasoning behind your choice of window.

    Kenj
    I always use new tab.
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  • Profile picture of the author babypar
    New window is good if you have reference links on your site, that way they can check out the reference and still have your article open. If they are meant to click on your links, don't annoy them by opening them in a new window
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  • Profile picture of the author Istvan Horvath
    to the OP,

    Not entirely clear whether you are talking about what window do you force your visitors to go to... or what window do you open when you browse the net.

    Don't forget, regardless what you set in your html code - I, as a visitor to your site, can override it with my browser (which I do!) and it will open any link as I want, not as you want.
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    • Profile picture of the author Damien Roche
      Originally Posted by Istvan Horvath View Post

      to the OP,

      Not entirely clear whether you are talking about what window do you force your visitors to go to... or what window do you open when you browse the net.

      Don't forget, regardless what you set in your html code - I, as a visitor to your site, can override it with my browser (which I do!) and it will open any link as I want, not as you want.
      Very true. I would leave it to the users preference in most cases unless I have not that many outbound links and I really do want to keep the user on this page/website.

      I wouldn't take into account people who have browsers *and* the required extension/plugin to override this behavior. I've been using browsers for over 6 years and never once encountered this functionality.

      I think more people are starting to use new windows/tabs anyway, which I'm assuming is down to the new 'tabbed' way we browse. I find myself constantly using my middle mouse button (which opens a new window).

      Oh, if anybody has firefox - check out TGM: Group Bar. Extremely helpful tab manager.

      (sorry to hijack a little.)
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      • Profile picture of the author SteveJohnson
        Originally Posted by Damien Roche View Post

        I wouldn't take into account people who have browsers *and* the required extension/plugin to override this behavior. I've been using browsers for over 6 years and never once encountered this functionality.
        Oh, please. It's called "right click > open in new tab" or "right click > open in new window". It's been around as long as Mosaic.
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        • Profile picture of the author JRCarson
          Originally Posted by SteveJohnson View Post

          Oh, please. It's called "right click > open in new tab" or "right click > open in new window". It's been around as long as Mosaic.
          Thanks for teaching me that! I'm dead serious.
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          • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
            Originally Posted by kenj View Post

            That's a good point - I didn't make it clear.

            What I am referring to are the options you are given when making links in Wordpress, Blogger Aweber and so on.

            Does it really matter which option you choose? I think it does.

            If I am sending people to Amazon or a Clickbank product surely I want them to stay on the target site rather than have the option of returning to my site.

            I know you can set browsers to behave as you want. I work in niches where many people do not know what a browser is even when they are using one. Changing the settings is not on their agenda.
            I think it depends on why you are linking out.

            As others have mentioned, if I'm linking to a definition, resource, etc. I always use 'new window', because I expect anyone clicking the link to use the resource and return to the page they were reading.

            If they are going to a sales page, order page, etc., I choose 'same window' or no option at all. I want them following the flow to the checkout page so I get paid. In this case, the option of returning to my page is a leak that I can take steps to plug.

            One thing I never do is something silly like trying to disable the right-click menu. I expect knowledgeable visitors with a preference to use their preference, and trying to block that will only alienate them. If they are not knowledgeable, or they don't have a preference, I set things up in the way that I believe gives me the best chance of getting my Most Wanted Response...
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            • Profile picture of the author KenJ
              Originally Posted by JohnMcCabe View Post

              I think it depends on why you are linking out.

              As others have mentioned, if I'm linking to a definition, resource, etc. I always use 'new window', because I expect anyone clicking the link to use the resource and return to the page they were reading.

              If they are going to a sales page, order page, etc., I choose 'same window' or no option at all. I want them following the flow to the checkout page so I get paid. In this case, the option of returning to my page is a leak that I can take steps to plug.

              One thing I never do is something silly like trying to disable the right-click menu. I expect knowledgeable visitors with a preference to use their preference, and trying to block that will only alienate them. If they are not knowledgeable, or they don't have a preference, I set things up in the way that I believe gives me the best chance of getting my Most Wanted Response...
              Thanks for that John

              That is my thinking, its nice to see you confirm it. I like to do things with a purpose rather than just do things because its always been done that way

              Kenj
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    • Profile picture of the author KenJ
      Originally Posted by Istvan Horvath View Post

      to the OP,

      Not entirely clear whether you are talking about what window do you force your visitors to go to... or what window do you open when you browse the net.

      Don't forget, regardless what you set in your html code - I, as a visitor to your site, can override it with my browser (which I do!) and it will open any link as I want, not as you want.

      That's a good point - I didn't make it clear.

      What I am referring to are the options you are given when making links in Wordpress, Blogger Aweber and so on.

      Does it really matter which option you choose? I think it does.

      If I am sending people to Amazon or a Clickbank product surely I want them to stay on the target site rather than have the option of returning to my site.

      I know you can set browsers to behave as you want. I work in niches where many people do not know what a browser is even when they are using one. Changing the settings is not on their agenda.
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  • Profile picture of the author PoweWhey
    New tab is what I prefer. I get annoyed when windows pop up in front of my current window and I presume it annoys others. With a tab I can read later.
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  • Profile picture of the author SteveJohnson
    If I want to open a link in a new window or tab, I will. If I need to find your site again, I will. If you force a new window open on me, I will, out of spite, probably leave your site never to return again.
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    The 2nd Amendment, 1789 - The Original Homeland Security.

    Gun control means never having to say, "I missed you."

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  • Profile picture of the author Barry Unruh
    Now that you mention it, I always use open in new window, too.

    Which brings us back to the advice I'm sure we should be following, test, test, test.

    Time to set up some identical pages with just that simple change and start split testing it.
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