I can keep going on about website engagement because I have tried almost everything possible. The 37 elements I’m mentioning within this series are the top factors that I have tested and proven along the way. Today, I’d like to discuss your website footer and how it plays an important role in user engagement. There is a reason almost all websites have an interactive footer with buttons and images. Some are very basic, but you have to agree almost all of them have some sort of footer…right? Right now, I would like you to scroll to the bottom of JohnChow.com and view his footer and you’ll notice a whole lot of information. It’s a great place to have relevant information because it’s truly known as a location to increase user engagement.
Let’s go over some factors in why the “Footer†on your website is very important and how you can increase user engagement by creating an interactive footer.
Why is it Important?
Having a designated footer is very important because it’s a place where almost everyone visits and has visited. For example, when people read your content, they are most likely going to skim through all the way to the bottom. This means they’ll be able to view the footer and your relevant information on your blog. Your footer is also visible on every page within your website and many experienced bloggers have found ways to profit from it. For example, some blogs add opt-in forms while others will sell advertising space. For ecommerce websites, the footer often contains information regarding your privacy policy and terms & conditions.
Your footer makes the bottom of your website more complete and NOT empty. It adds colors and can be considered a huge part of your design.
What Can You Do?
First, I give the same advice I give when clients ask me for advice on content writing and how to compete in your niche. I tell them to learn from their competitors because they have tested and have a proven method. By simply visiting niche relevant blogs, you can skim through their footer and get creative ideas that will increase your user engagement. Another thing to keep in mind is your footer can help get content that is no longer visible in front of your audience. How?
- Rotating posts
- Rotating banners
- Email opt-in form
Next,
If you’re a business, you can use this location to add contact information and a map to help people find your location. Below, you’ll find an illustration of a law office in Toronto, Canada and you can see what they’ve done.
If you’re an online blog, you’ll obviously tweak it to add information relevant to your website, but from the illustration, you can see how physical businesses can use the “Footer†to provide “locality†information to potential visitors. I’m pretty sure many of you are familiar with Newegg.com, which is an online electronic store. I decided to visit their website to see what they have done with their footer and noticed the following:
You’ll notice the vast amount of information they provide to their customers or even potential customers. For example, think about how engaging their footer is because they provide the following:
- My account
- Order history
- Wish lists
- Return policy
- Locations
- Support
- And much more
I decided to leave because I have nothing to purchase, but you can see from my example how someone looking to purchase products would find the footer very engaging. They would go there to find support or information on payment, returns, and locations.
The footer plays an important role in increasing user engagement and must not be underestimated. It’s important you explore your competitors to find out what you can add to it to make it more engaging to increase conversions.