Don't leave please (flee)

[AlanJ]

I have a landing page, and I would like to present visitor who is about to leave it with one last reason to think things over before they exit. I think this is called a "flee" script.

Thanks.

[forum_amnesiac]

I think this link is probably what you are looking for. You could insert other "are you sure" code before it exits.

http://www.privatelabelresources.com/webmasteru/1siteExitpop.html

[traq]

I have a script like this, I'll find it for you when I get home (it's actually pretty simple), but I would really reccommend against using them. If your visitor wants to leave, preventing them from doing so -even for "are you sure?"- will only convince them not to come back.

[Schmoopy]

I agree, I find it really annoying when websites ask me to stay or ask for a reason why I'm leaving the site. I shouldn't need a reason and it's entirely up to me if I want to leave or not. I compare it to a shop, if you leave, you don't get asked "Why are you leaving?" do you? I just find this sort of thing a bit inpolite and unnecessary, as traq says it makes me more likely not to come back because I know I'll have to do the same thing next time. I also hate sites that have that script where you try to go back and it keeps redirecting you to the same page :mad:

[traq]

^Browser hijacking. This script could be used for it, so please be nice.



<script type="text/javascript">
var domain='http://www.domain.com'; // Set your domain here.
window.onbeforeunload = function()
{
if(this.location.href.indexOf(domain)==-1)
{
return "You are now leaving our site, come back soon!";
}
}
</script>

[credit to Rangana]

[AlanJ]

I would like to thank you for your help. To be honest, I have not yet implemented the code as I value your opinions.

The thing is I have a page http://www.max-opp.net

It's a real opportunity, but I think that people don't believe it. (There are so many fake opportunities.)

I don't want to offend anyone, but I do want to give them an opportunity to reconsider and receive additional information.

Any other suggestions will be appreciated.

Alan

[Medyman]

Alan,

If you don't mind, I'd like to chime in here. I'm one of those people that are skeptical of the kinds of things you're marketing on your site. And let me tell you why...

In 2002, a group of researchers at Standford University (among others) did a study on how users judge a website's credibility. They found that most users rely highly on visual cues in making a determination on credibility. This varies on type of site but overall the layout, typography, color schemes and font sizes matter a lot more than content as far as establishing credibility. When using websites relating to money - online stores, financial institutions, money making schemes etc... - this phenomenon is amplified. You can read the study literature here (http://www.consumerwebwatch.org/news/report3_credibilityresearch/stanfordPTL.pdf).

The barrier to entry on the Internet is so low that anyone can really create a website. Dreamweaver comes with a 30-day trial. You can download it, open up one of the default templates, change out a picture or two and upload it to a cheap host. It costs maybe $50/year to do something like that - probably less.

So, users correctly associate effort on a site with it's credibility. The logic probably goes that if this company/institution is willing to devote resources and effort to making their website a welcoming, interactive, and stimulating experience, then they probably have legitimate services to offer (i.e. they're running a successful business and can afford the cost of a professional design firm).

When I look at your website (and most in the same category), I get the visual cues that scream lack of professionalism. Maybe these are more acute for me as I work in the web industry, but your site's design breaks almost every rule on information architecture, visual design and usability and thereby ruin your credibility with me.

I don't say that to offend. I'm just pointing out a simple fact that applies to all websites. Your website is something that someone knowledgeable about web design could throw together in a hour or so. So, to most it says that you didn't put in the effort to create a real website.

So, if your business model is legit and you want to express that, I suggest hiring someone to create a real visual design for you. Adding the 'flee' scripts won't help you in your cause. That further adds to the amateur feel as a professional web designer/developer would NEVER use such a script - at least not for mainstream websites. Moral of the story: aesthetics matter!

[Schmoopy]

There are so many sites like this, they're a waste of space. These sorts of sites encourage people to spam message boards with offers and in some cases create bots for spamming emails.

Just quit.

[AlanJ]

Meddyman,

Not only do I not mind, I appreciate your comments. I understand and appreciate the value of design. I've downloaded and printed the Stanford report, and will read it.

I've modeled the site based upon suggestions from "successful web marketers." I don't necessarily trust their opinions, which is one reason why I never implemented the flee script.

Let me look at the report. More later.

Alan

[AlanJ]

Schmoopy,

First impressions are important. I'm willing to completely reconfigure this site, but not to give up. I've got many years invested in several childrens books as well as books on and a course getting job interviews. Here's another site, http://www.LetsBeCreative.org

I'd appreciate your thoughts.

[traq]

^ that site looks much cleaner and more professional/ legitimate.