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Blogging: Should external links open in a new tab?

by Sean DeSilva
10 replies
The default action of a link is to not open in a new tab. Is this bad for bloggers? Should external links to sources and article references generally open in a new tab?
#blogging #external #links #open #tab
  • Profile picture of the author agmccall
    I always do, but it is personal preference. I like it because it will always keep your website open in the users browser

    al
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  • Profile picture of the author nicheblogger75
    The way I do it is any links that lead off of my blog (external links) open in a new window and any links that lead to another article on my blog open in the same window. In other words, if it leads to another website it will open in a new window.
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  • Profile picture of the author Applite
    Banned
    [DELETED]
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    • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
      Here's how I do it:

      > Another piece of content on my site, same tab
      > Tiny content on another site (definitions, small graphics, podcast players, etc) either embed if code is available or open in a popup sized to the content.
      > Larger content on another site, new tab.
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  • Profile picture of the author Randall Magwood
    Do you do affiliate marketing and are wondering if you should keep the visitor on another tab so that if they DONT buy, they can still read your blog entry, and possibly find other things to click on?
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  • Profile picture of the author ChrisBa
    Originally Posted by Sean DeSilva View Post

    The default action of a link is to not open in a new tab. Is this bad for bloggers? Should external links to sources and article references generally open in a new tab?
    I typically always do this, I try to encourage people sticking around even if they do visit external links..
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  • Profile picture of the author BloodLust
    I think it's better, your bounce rate will be lower.
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  • Profile picture of the author vishwa
    I also open external links in new tab. This will helps me to retain my visitors to my site.
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  • Profile picture of the author sticknthemud
    Nothing makes me madder than being on a blog and clicking a link that opens a new window. I know how to open a new window myself if the blogger has enough good content to make me want to stay on his site. To me it's akin to a cell contract. You want me to stay. Then you better offer me something. Most times if I get a new tab I leave that blog. But most bloggers are doing this. Being on a blog where the content is good. My finger and most people will right click and open in new window. When I find a blog with good info and the visit is a good visit where they don't open a new tab. They get more visits from me and I also click links that make them money. Now I am old fashion and I believe in doing what is conveniant to the people I serve and that is lost in todays bloggers.
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  • Profile picture of the author Sven300
    Originally Posted by Sean DeSilva View Post

    Should external links to sources and article references generally open in a new tab?

    This is the norm, yes.

    The majority of blogs open a new window when the visitor clicks on a link to an external website.

    And the majority (almost all actually) open in the same window when it is a link that leads to another page of your blog.

    Personally that's what I do for my own blogs. And I think the results are excellent.

    Generally, in this area, it is best to follow the standards rather than trying to be original: visitors are used to a certain procedure.

    Keep your creative energy for content.
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  • Profile picture of the author James McAllister
    Most of the time I have links open in a new window.

    A few exceptions are if I'm using the link as a call to action (read another article, visit X sales page, etc.) or if it's more valuable for me to keep people on that new page than the one they were on.
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