Why Sliders Should Be Avoided on Websites
In the world of web development, a persistent debate continues regarding the use of sliders on websites.
While some website developers insist on incorporating sliders into their themes, both SEO experts and conversion specialists overwhelmingly agree that sliders are rarely a good choice. Despite this consensus, many customers still perceive sliderless themes as outdated, leading to the ongoing misconception that sliders are a must-have feature.
Lack of Real Research Into The Benefits of Sliders
It does not appear there has been studies offering conclusive findings, regarding sliders.
Not a single study has unequivocally supported the use of sliders. There are number of websites effectively presenting the statistics and highlight the inherent annoyances associated with sliders.
Here are some key findings that illustrate why sliders fall short:
- Only 1% of users typically click on a slider, and that click is almost always on the first slide.
- Sliders often confuse visitors by presenting multiple offers simultaneously.
- Banner blindness leads to users ignoring sliders altogether, considering them mere advertisements.
- Sliders can slow down your site, negatively affecting both SEO and conversion rates.
- Mobile compatibility can be problematic with sliders.
- Sliders push down content, an issue initially flagged by Google in 2012.
Using a single static image may be as effective as employing sliders.
Google’s Stance on Carousels
Google’s eCommerce Retail Playbook emphasizes that carousels, like sliders, rarely yield positive results. This is just one instance of many where research suggests avoiding sliders.
The Illusion of Necessity
Many website owners believe they must use sliders, particularly if they are photographers or creative professionals. However, there are alternative ways to showcase images or content that don’t rely on sliders. For photographers, showcasing static images can be just as compelling and user-friendly as sliders, if not more so. The idea that dynamic elements are necessary is a misconception that limits creativity.
Lack of Focus
Sliders convey a message of indecision, suggesting that you are unsure which product or image deserves the spotlight. Instead, website owners should focus on selecting the most appropriate static image or message to convey their business’s essence. A clear and focused message is far more effective than a slider that often goes unnoticed.
Impact on SEO and Conversion Rates
One significant drawback of sliders is that they push down essential content, making it invisible above the fold. This negatively affects your site’s SEO efforts. Additionally, sliders tend to hinder conversions, a fact universally acknowledged by Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO) experts. Simply put, having a slider on your website can lead to fewer sales.
Mobile Websites and Slider Challenges
While it may seem convenient to include sliders on mobile websites, they come with their share of challenges. Sliders may load desktop-sized images, compromising mobile speed and user experience. Moreover, sliders running on JavaScript can be redundant and negatively impact page load times. Even responsive sliders can cause issues if not implemented correctly.
The widespread use of sliders on websites is a practice fraught with issues and misconceptions. The evidence against sliders is substantial, spanning scientific research, Google’s recommendations, and expert opinions. Instead of relying on sliders, website owners should consider alternative ways to engage users effectively.
Static images, clear messaging, and streamlined content presentation are more likely to serve your website’s goals, enhance user experience, and improve SEO and conversion rates. The time has come to bid farewell to sliders and embrace more effective web design practices.