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How Website Layout Affects Traffic

By on December 9, 2012

Website layout isn’t just a nice afterthought—it’s an integral part of your whole site design. Bad layout will keep your site from growing organically as people leave quickly and refuse to link back to you or join you on social media.

But what exactly is a bad website layout, and how can you avoid it? Try following these five tips:

#1.  Keep Website Layout Simple

The more complicated your website layout, the greater the chance you’ll create an unappealing layout. Worse, most people generally don’t like a complicated website layout to start with, so you’ll have to put extra effort into making a complicated layout appealing.

A complicated layout has more than two columns of text, images, advertisements, and navigation menus. It tries to do more than one thing on each page, and in doing so it distracts the reader from the one thing you most want them to do. Sometimes these distraction can hamper website readability and that is not what we want.

A complicated website layout can also cause Google and other search engines to incorrectly index your page, costing you valuable organic search traffic. That’s because what’s obvious to you, the webmaster, may not be obvious to the search engine spider which indexes your page.

To see what the search engine spider sees, go into your Web browser settings and turn off the default CSS stylesheet. Suddenly your page will lose most or all of its styling elements. If you can’t figure out where your content ends and your navigation begins without styling elements, don’t expect the search engine to figure it out either.

Please see how SEO works under the hood of your website. SEO can help determine a good website layout.

#2.  The Opposite Of Complicated Website Layout

The opposite of a complicated website layout is obviously a clean website layout. But what exactly does that look like, and how can you add essential elements—such as advertisements—to a clean layout?

A clean layout doesn’t unnecessarily distract the reader. Take for example the Apple website or an Amazon.com product page. Both of these websites use a linear flow—navigation elements are at the top and then every element below has its own section, including advertisement elements. You can read each page from top to bottom without ever being distracted by sidebar items.

If your website relies on advertisements, look for clean examples among large advertisement-driven sites such as major newspapers and online magazines. Most of these sites display a block of text, a large “square” advertisement, another block of text, and then links to more articles at the bottom. It’s clean, undistracting, and it invites readers to click either the advertisement or the additional stories, so you increase either your advertisement revenue or your number of pageviews.

#3.  Internal Traffic Is King

Ask almost any website entrepreneur and they’ll tell you getting traffic to their site is the most difficult challenge. But all the work you do to get someone to your site is wasted if you can’t keep them there until they do whatever it is that makes your site profitable, such as buying a product or clicking on an advertisement.

Good website layout will help you better manage your internal traffic. If people aren’t distracted by your layout, they’ll stick around longer, giving you more opportunities to sell to them.

#4.  How Website Layout Affects Referrals

If people stick around on your website longer, not only will this reduce your bounce rate, they’ll also come to know you or your brand better. And the better they know you, the more likely they’ll recommend you to other people through their blog or social media connections.

So even though it seems indirect, good website layout can significantly boost your incoming links and incoming traffic without costing you anything extra.

#5.  How To Create A Good Website Layout

To create a website layout which will attract and retain traffic, follow these six steps:

1.   Remove Distractions

Do you need all those navigation links? Do you need all of those advertisements? Do you need all of those links to other information on your site? If not, get rid of them or blend them into your page layout better so they don’t distract your visitors from the number one thing you want them to do.

2.   Use Less Style

Don’t strip your page down to bare bones, but avoid any unnecessary color, images, and blocks. Not only do these make your site harder to read but they can also prevent search engine spiders from parsing your website correctly.

3.   Make it Linear

Make every element of your site follow another element so readers can simply scroll down your page. This is an extension of step one, above, but it helps you use a proven website layout method.

4.   Stand Back

Google calls this the ten-foot test—you stand ten feet back from your computer monitor and try to figure out what step each page on your website wants you to take next. If it’s not obvious what you want your readers to do when you look at your own page from ten feet away, it probably won’t be obvious to your readers even up close, so take a moment and stand back from your screen.

5.   Use Google Website Optimizer

Use Google Website Optimizer (now known as Google Analytics Content Experiments) to find the best layout for your site. It will be simple, uncluttered, linear, and clear for most sites, but you can’t be absolutely sure your site works until you’ve scientifically tested your website layout.

6.  Use the Right WordPress Theme

I have my premium themes toolbox and all of the WordPress themes very simple and minimalist themes. I let the content shine through and never have a complicated layout.

About Mitz

My name is Milica Pantic but everyone calls me Mitz. I am addicted to internet marketing and making money online. Who wouldn't want to live that life? I started out with one website as a hobby and now have over 20. Building websites and making money online is not that hard. You have to actually take action to make money...that is the biggest hurdle! :)

77 Comments

  1. Matt Kennedy

    March 5, 2013 at 1:45 pm

    Hey Mitz !
    Nice tips. Simple design is always appealing. I really liked the point of “Stand Back”. Its interesting one.
    Thanks.
    Matt Kennedy
    Matt Kennedy recently posted..Free Scarf When You Sign at Nutty Bingo

    Reply

  2. Smartkathy

    January 22, 2013 at 8:48 am

    Hi there. Really a great post. Last time in Oct 10, 2012 Googel has been updated Page Layout algo. According to that your page should be simple and take less loading time. Thanks for sharing it.
    Smartkathy recently posted..Christine Appleby

    Reply

  3. Gel Maine

    January 21, 2013 at 1:35 am

    Hey mitz,
    Lay outing is the most essential part in building a website. This will be serve as your bait for visitors to visit your website. I do agree that simple yet eye-catching website are more visited than other website that has complicated lay outing. The fact is this, people are more interested in simple one nowadays because they don’t like figuring out where and what to read in your website. People nowadays are time conscious, they want to rush things.

    Also, simple website are fascinating to browse and read specially when it has great and informative contents..

    Great post!
    Gel Maine recently posted..What Makes Filipino the Best SEO Virtual Assistants?

    Reply

  4. Shane

    January 7, 2013 at 5:39 pm

    i think layout is one of the most important things you can control on your blog. If your layout isn’t easy to follow and work with then people will not want to stay on your site and miss the information you are trying to portray.
    Shane recently posted..Why keyword negatives are important

    Reply

  5. Pete Jackson

    December 29, 2012 at 12:16 pm

    The main key to reach your website in top most rank is generating more traffic for your site. In this reason website layout is very important part. So try to make easy, simple and attractive layout which will help to make more traffic and viewers for your website.

    Reply

  6. Delmer JeffersonMason

    December 29, 2012 at 6:41 am

    Your advice on creating a good website layout is really nice and understandable. Thanks.Keeping the Website simple is something that is very often overlooked and underrated but my opinion is that clean Websites are usually better ones.
    Delmer JeffersonMason recently posted..Lexus RX 350

    Reply

  7. Branden Wilson

    December 28, 2012 at 1:30 pm

    Keeping the Website simple is something that is very often overlooked and underrated but my opinion is that clean Websites are usually better ones.

    Reply

  8. Maja

    December 27, 2012 at 4:14 am

    Hello Mitz
    It is very imporant for online business, the stay of reader on the site.It is only possible the pages must be attractive and meet the requirements of online business.Layout have much importance in this regard
    Maja recently posted..A Chance to Avail the Coupons

    Reply

  9. Nicol

    December 21, 2012 at 4:53 am

    I believe replying to your reader’s comment will help you out to make more money in long run. I loved your point of adding a page to publicize your referrals; I will definitely implement this for my blog. Thanks for great share!

    Reply

    • mitz

      December 22, 2012 at 11:56 pm

      Yes I agree that replying to peoples comments is good and will help make money. :)

      Reply

  10. sagar nandwani

    December 20, 2012 at 1:19 pm

    Although i am 1yr old blogger but still there were many things with which i was not familiar.
    nice bost very help full for people new to blogging world…. :)

    Reply

  11. sulman qamar

    December 19, 2012 at 9:26 am

    i want to learn about website layout any body tell me the source . if you any body take class online so inform me as sooon as possible …

    Reply

  12. Ajay Gupta

    December 18, 2012 at 2:40 pm

    Traffic on my blog just doubled after doing some major improvements in layout. Yes it does affect the traffic, i agree.

    Reply

  13. Alpha Young

    December 18, 2012 at 1:00 pm

    When i started blogging I had a complicated theme. It had a lot of stuff going around, and it didn’t generate any adsense clicks. It took me some time to realize that a simple design converts better.

    Reply

  14. Werry Adnan

    December 17, 2012 at 3:39 pm

    website layout will affect bounce rate, average page per visit, times per visit and many more. I have to say thank you for you mitz, this is the information that i’ve been searching for. I’ve got many insight from this post. I will implement your six steps above to create good website layout..thanks for sharing mitz
    Werry Adnan recently posted..Jual Jersey Grade Ori

    Reply

  15. Mervin Kerr

    December 17, 2012 at 1:16 pm

    I like simple layouts because it gives the reader enough room, and space to read my post. I know a lot of new bloggers focus more on the design, and they completely forget about the content. The design should ehlp showcase the content, not be the main focus of the page.

    Reply

  16. Prakash

    December 17, 2012 at 11:55 am

    Simple layout for website is good for getting good amount of traffic. If website is too complex then we loose our loyal visitors too.
    Nice post.

    Reply

  17. Alok

    December 17, 2012 at 10:07 am

    If you have a website than traffic is very important on it and if you want to to get more traffic on your website. So your websites layout and structure play important role for it. make your website layout simple and unique for attracting more engage more people on your websites.

    Reply

  18. GoodTrader

    December 16, 2012 at 7:46 am

    In everything I do attempt that the end result be simple and effective. The layout of my website included.

    Over the years I’ve noticed that the effectiveness is achieved with simple things, away from excessive complexity and elements that divert from the goal to be reached.

    From time to time I review my website to find and remove unnecessary items. Less is more.
    GoodTrader recently posted..Preview of the Members Section of Stop Market Risk

    Reply

  19. Amarinder

    December 16, 2012 at 6:28 am

    I too had a complicated theme and when i changed to more simpler theme, the number is users online sky rocketed. I think when a user lands on a website, the first five-ten seconds are extremely important. Having a attractive but user friendly theme is important.

    Reply

  20. Harry

    December 15, 2012 at 3:33 pm

    such great tips! we all need to focus on simple and efficient layout. It’s not only good for SEO but also help the viewers easy to use our sites. Thanks for great post!

    Reply

  21. vishvast

    December 15, 2012 at 9:35 am

    Some great tips made that I’ll surely be bearing in mind for the future.

    Thanks a lot!
    vishvast recently posted..All new samsung galaxy s4 :The Apple iPhone challenger

    Reply

  22. Helen Wright

    December 15, 2012 at 4:14 am

    Awesome!!!!! Simple website layouts attract people. Design should be clean,simple and easy to understand.It is really interesting.Nice post
    Helen Wright recently posted..Home

    Reply

  23. Aayna

    December 14, 2012 at 2:41 pm

    Hi Mitz,
    You have shared a great set of useful tips with this post. None of the reader admires a website which is too complex in layout. The layout of the website has an impact on the traffic witnessed by the website. Google Website Optimizer can surely aid in providing a perfect layout for the website. Thanks for sharing these valuable tips.
    Aayna recently posted..Architecture and nature co-existing happily together – is it possible?

    Reply

  24. christina

    December 14, 2012 at 2:31 pm

    Some great tips made that I’ll surely be bearing in mind for the future.

    Thanks a lot!
    christina recently posted..Bad Links – How to Tackle this Problem

    Reply

  25. Leena Dasot

    December 14, 2012 at 1:58 pm

    Hi, I am a new blogger and I feel layout play a important role in our sites. I visit so many sites but i personally think that you mentioned all the points so clearly. Every readers must read this and I also follow it on my site. Thanks
    Leena Dasot recently posted..List of Birthday Songs – New Songs List 2013

    Reply

  26. Fardeen

    December 14, 2012 at 2:20 am

    Very well said Mitz…keeping template simple offers a lot of advantages like easy navigation, fast loading etc. Thanks for sharing this post.
    Fardeen recently posted..Totally Bonkers Memory Sticks

    Reply

    • mitz

      December 23, 2012 at 12:05 am

      Yes there are too many advantages to mention here in one post!! I like to keep everything simple…and that is it! :)

      Reply

  27. Kristine

    December 14, 2012 at 12:02 am

    I definitely agree on this, I find that when a person reading your post finds the layout too colorful or too crowded it discourages them from reading the entire thing. This is something we have to avoid.

    Reply

  28. Imran Anwar

    December 13, 2012 at 9:27 pm

    yeah you are right but now google also counts website layout more simpler without graphics websites don’t rank well until having great visual impact on google and users also. but be simple and provide easy to read content that’s it.
    Imran Anwar recently posted..10 Requisites for Professional Bloggers

    Reply

  29. Sandra

    December 13, 2012 at 12:09 pm

    Simple and attractive websites layout works good. One should not go over the borad for trying things. Thanks for this great info, Mitz.

    Reply

  30. Doug Danial

    December 13, 2012 at 10:15 am

    I always love to check out websites that look professional and clean. I know then that it’s a dedicated business. Complicated websites never look professional.

    Reply

  31. Nisha

    December 13, 2012 at 9:36 am

    This is really a excellent overview on the subject, thanks for including the Google Labs Browser Size resource as well. It will be interesting how much this steers website layout…if people will pay attention!
    Nisha recently posted..The 11 Keys to a Successful Marriage

    Reply

  32. Calra

    December 13, 2012 at 9:29 am

    I totally agree with you on this. Even as a viewer I\’m really picky about the sites I visit, if they don\’t look at all appealing, I have this thing in my head saying that it isn\’t worthwhile reading.

    Reply

  33. Mardin Zutar

    December 13, 2012 at 8:02 am

    HI Mitz, great article as always, I completely agree with keeping the website as simple as possible. Not too many ads, and if so, keep them simple, not too flashy and distracting from the real product that you want to sell.

    Reply

  34. Sybil Nicole

    December 13, 2012 at 7:02 am

    According to me, its very important to have a good web site layout .It should be simple and interesting.Nice post .Thank you

    Reply

  35. Lucas

    December 12, 2012 at 11:01 pm

    In my humble opinion, its rly important to have a “good” website layout, which wont make people exit ur site after like few seconds. Layout has to be intrested, so people want to explore it more and more :)

    Reply

  36. Jeff

    December 12, 2012 at 1:11 pm

    I’ve seen some rather ‘interesting’ website designs over the years! One thing’s for sure, minimalist is the way to go. The design is usually relative to the content and the subject matter of your blog, but at the end, it should look classy.
    Jeff recently posted..A list of Kickass Writing Tips for Bloggers

    Reply

    • mitz

      December 13, 2012 at 10:40 am

      Yes same here Jeff! LOL I have seen some crazy websites over the years and none of them are still around… Even my first website was so ugly but I had to move with the times. I had to get WordPress for my content management system.
      mitz recently posted..18 Ways to Turn Your Ordinary Blog into A Million Dollar Business (dofollow)

      Reply

      • Jeff

        December 13, 2012 at 12:25 pm

        WordPress + Thesis/Genesis (or something similar) = Win!
        You just cannot go wrong with that formula, can you! :)
        Jeff recently posted..A list of Kickass Writing Tips for Bloggers

        Reply

        • mitz

          December 14, 2012 at 1:38 am

          No way I love that combo!!! I am just so happy with thesis and WordPress. It really automates my business. :)

          Reply

  37. Jasmine

    December 12, 2012 at 9:39 am

    I also like to use simple website layouts. They are easier to maintain as they have less complicated structures, and for our users, it will be easier for them to navigate.

    I think the easiest way around is to use a minimalist theme (if you are on WordPress). Those themes from people like Elegant Themes are professionally designed, so you know they won’t disappoint!
    Jasmine recently posted..Looking for Free Web Hosting (dofollow)

    Reply

  38. jocelynverna

    December 12, 2012 at 7:42 am

    Lay out design for websites depends also of the niche. Some looks good complicated when there website is all about structural designs but a blogger mom need a simple, pastel colored websites that also attracts her own tribe. One won’t be confused finding the website set up if a reader is too eager to know about discovering a website.

    Reply

  39. Elena

    December 12, 2012 at 4:52 am

    Website layout is one of the most important things. Simplicity is the key and easy navigation is a must. Everything genius is usually very simple and right to the point!
    Elena recently posted..Healthy Lifestyle: Inject More “Me” Time into Your Day

    Reply

  40. Ali Zia

    December 12, 2012 at 2:43 am

    Hi Mitz,
    Simple but unique website design attract visitors .Don’t keep so much advertisements on your blog this can leave very bad effect on your visitors.
    You have shared nice info’s about website layout and how it attract visitors.Keep it up, looking for the next post
    Ali Zia recently posted..How to get free images for your blog posts

    Reply

  41. Rusty

    December 12, 2012 at 2:25 am

    Same thing for me, though I love wonderful and colorful layout on a website but I even also hate site that is so complicated and has several pop up advertisement (i.e. bitly, adfly. and other affiliate link). It is so annoying that those pop up ads will have to be clicked before you read something on that site. Your visitor might be pushed away because of that stuff.
    Rusty recently posted..Cape Town Fish Market

    Reply

  42. lhyme

    December 12, 2012 at 1:06 am

    I never thought of that, i’m a newbie, just made one site so far and put all those navigation links and advertisement. It’s a great help, I would definitely keep this in mind when making new website.
    lhyme recently posted..Reactie op Hallo wereld! door De heer WordPress

    Reply

  43. Ali

    December 11, 2012 at 7:05 pm

    Very interesting and informative post. it is the first time i hear of google website optimizer so thanks a lot for sharing those great tools.
    Ali recently posted..Matt Huston’s Ex2 System Review

    Reply

  44. Adam

    December 11, 2012 at 6:04 pm

    I remember days when websites were really complicated with elaborate designs, bunch of shadows, gradiants, etc. Now the simpler the site is, the better. Great post, thanks for the info.
    Adam recently posted..To Succeed or To Fail?

    Reply

    • Jasmine

      December 12, 2012 at 5:39 pm

      Those were the days where websites were built on Geocities, right? Haha… these days minimalist is the way to go!
      Jasmine recently posted..Looking for Free Web Hosting (dofollow)

      Reply

  45. ignacio-guarderia

    December 11, 2012 at 3:19 pm

    completely agree with the simplicity issue!!! it´s amazing how some designers try to make complex layouts…

    very good post, it´s really interesting!!!

    Reply

  46. John Will

    December 11, 2012 at 12:52 pm

    Hi Mitz!

    It’s really a nice post.I think the website’s layout matters the most.It tends to keep the visitors on the site.
    John Will recently posted..Live Cricket Streaming

    Reply

  47. Julian

    December 11, 2012 at 9:57 am

    Designing an efficient layout is essential for any successful blog, in order to lower the bounce rate and to highlight the content. Blogs with proper layouts will always perform better in terms of conversion.
    Julian recently posted..Garage Shelves Plans

    Reply

  48. Rahul Kashyap

    December 11, 2012 at 5:57 am

    They are really nice this. but my according traffic layout is very important, SEO Friendly and Ads Friendly necessary for our blog and website.
    Rahul Kashyap recently posted..Comedy Movies are Great for Relaxation

    Reply

  49. Anna

    December 10, 2012 at 6:41 pm

    That’s a good post. I am currently working on getting more traffic to my site, but improving my layout and optimize it for the visitors is a task on my todo list, too. I think I have to look up Google Website Optimizer, that sounds like a good method to improve the layout.

    Reply

  50. Rajkumar Jonnala

    December 10, 2012 at 6:11 pm

    Yeah right i too agree with your point absolutely, the design must be as simple as possible and attracting too at the same time. Thnaks for the post.

    Reply

  51. Kim

    December 10, 2012 at 1:54 pm

    Mitz, I want to add one more point in your valuable points is when will you think to design or re-design your website layout, ask your web designer to make layout responsive too. Responsive design will make your website mobile friendly that will sure increase your traffic.

    Reply

  52. Aasma

    December 10, 2012 at 7:02 am

    Nice tips Mitz,

    Users like simple and clean website layout, that helps them to easily navigate your website. You should also use ads and affiliate links with delicacy so that it won’t hurt your visitors experience.
    Aasma recently posted..PG in Delhi for Girls (dofollow)

    Reply

    • Ron

      December 10, 2012 at 3:53 pm

      I agree with you 100% Simple is best! So many new web designers want to put in all the glitter and bling because it’s there and they can. Even those wanting others to build them a website want it to flash and look “cool” but sometimes cool doesn’t cut it and the visitors are put off or get lost. I have always gone on the simple side…and it has worked so far!
      Ron recently posted..Female Bodybuilding PLR Articles with Private Label Rights

      Reply

  53. sofiya

    December 10, 2012 at 6:35 am

    This is really a great overview on the subject, thanks for including the Google Labs Browser Size resource as well. It will be interesting how much this steers website layout…if people will pay attention!
    sofiya recently posted..Tips For Using Facebook in Your Job Search Hunt

    Reply

  54. Brenda Macalino

    December 10, 2012 at 6:23 am

    Great advice in here, it’s been a long time that I’m looking for a topic like this, because I dont know how to use a a effects for traffic like this…
    Brenda Macalino recently posted..לייטמן

    Reply

  55. Stephen

    December 10, 2012 at 1:34 am

    Hi Mitz,

    I fully agree that keeping a simple easy to understand web site is a great idea. There can be a strong temptation to make a website complicated in an effort to make “my site” special.

    I went to a high traffic web site this week that had all kinds of motion on it and it made it very hard to read. I was interested in her content but it was so distracting I left the site. I wonder how many others did the same. I hope not….. maybe I’m easily distracted!

    I also like the idea of the 10 foot rule what a great idea that is useful from setting up your web site to buying carpet. It really helps to get an “overview” by backing up and looking at your piece of art before it is published.

    ……I am going to check out “Google Website Optimizer” ….. not familiar with that one …..must be one of those dusty parts of Google Analytics that I have not explored. ;)

    My Best,
    ~Stephen
    Stephen recently posted..Promoting Your Blog …. Gravatar Avatar

    Reply

  56. Maja

    December 9, 2012 at 4:15 pm

    Thanks for such informative tutorial as sometimes bounce rate of my site increases. This may be due to the use of free wordpress theme.
    Maja recently posted..Reasons for Short Haircuts

    Reply

  57. Julia Spencer

    December 9, 2012 at 2:22 pm

    If to be honest, then this kind of information was completely new for me. I didn’t expect that website layout can influence so much on its traffic, and has so much meaning. But after reading this post, I understood that it’s really true and there is a golden mean in all these thoughts

    Julia Spencer’s recent post.. How to Act to Make Your Brand Facebook Page More Engaging

    Reply

  58. Sameer

    December 9, 2012 at 1:38 pm

    Nice tips. I too prefer simple layout design. Your content should be top class. There is no point in having some stylish themes and weak content. That won’t take you too far.
    Sameer recently posted..How To Take Care of Your Hair (dofollow)

    Reply

  59. Steven Jude

    December 9, 2012 at 1:21 pm

    I am also a huge fan of simple/minimalist web layouts that gets people take the action you want them to take on your website/blog.

    Great post
    Steven Jude recently posted..Is Home Business Right For You? + Why Take a Vitamin?

    Reply

  60. Rahul

    December 9, 2012 at 12:47 pm

    awesome post it is very nice tips to make your template simple and attract more traffic
    thanks for sharing
    Rahul recently posted..How to Make Online Money from Forum Posting

    Reply

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