Are you committed to the “rule” that internal links on your web pages should open in the same tab, but external links should open in a new tab? So were we….until recently. Read on to understand why–it might just blow your mind.
Imagine you’re deeply engrossed in an article and click on an intriguing external link. Suddenly, your browser opens a new tab, but you might not notice that. You click the back arrow to return to the original article but nothing happens, leaving you to scramble to find your way back. This jarring experience isn’t just a minor inconvenience; it is also being debated in talks about accessibility. As the digital landscape evolves and accessibility continues to be pushed to the forefront, it’s crucial to refine every aspect of web design, including the seemingly small detail of how and where links open.
The W3C recommends only opening links in a new tab when absolutely necessary. In this blog post, we will discuss why external links should open in the same tab and what are the exceptions. By prioritizing user control, websites can offer a more cohesive and engaging journey for ALL their visitors. We are redefining user experience standards and challenging conventional web design norms. So, get ready to rethink your approach to hyperlinks and usability!
The Impact of External Links Opening in New Tabs
External links are an integral part of the online experience, however, the way these links open can have a significant impact on user engagement and flow. One of the biggest considerations are mobile phone users. When a link opens in a new tab on a mobile phone a few things can happen depending on your device, such as; opening in a new browser, opening behind the tab you are currently on, not to mention disabling use of the back arrow. For users who need to access the site with assistive technologies like a screen reader, if the site was not coded correctly, or they use an older screen reader, they may not even get notified that the link has opened in a new tab. This can cause confusion for many mobile users.
Putting the User in Control – Enhancing Accessibility
All users have the ability to open a link in a new tab if they so choose. We have all done this, we don’t want to lose our place, or we want to open several links at once and shift back and forth, so we open everything in a new tab. When you automatically open a link in a new tab, you are not only taking away the ability to use the back arrow within the browser, you are also forcing users to engage with your website the way you want not by their preference. When people are in control of their own journey they have a more enjoyable experience.
Opening external links in new tabs can also lead to cluttered browser windows. These multiple tabs not only makes it difficult for users to find their way back to the website, but also increases cognitive load as they try to manage multiple tabs at once. Keeping external links within the same tab, you reduce this clutter and create a more streamlined browsing experience.
Consistency in User Experience
Consistency is key when it comes to providing a positive user experience. When internal AND external links open in the same tab, users become familiar with this behavior and can navigate through your website with ease. If only some links open in a new tab, it creates confusion and inconsistency. By adopting a uniform approach to link behavior, you create a more intuitive browsing experience that also satisfies the predictability standards that are apart of website accessibility as laid out by WCAG compliance guidelines.
Building Trust with Visitors
When external links open in new tabs, it can create a sense of unease and mistrust among visitors. They may question why the link is taking them away from your website and whether it is safe to proceed. By keeping external links within the same tab, you build trust with your audience by providing a transparent and seamless browsing experience. You are also reducing the risk of reverse tabnabbing which can happen when you open links in a new tab.
SEO Benefits of Same Tab External Links
In addition to improving user experience, opening external links in the same tab can also have SEO benefits. When users stay on your website longer and engage with your content without being redirected to new tabs, search engines perceive this as a positive signal. It indicates that your website provides valuable information and keeps visitors engaged, which can ultimately improve your search engine rankings.
So, What are the Exceptions?
There are always going to be a few exceptions where opening a link in the same tab may actually cause some problems. The biggest one being when a user has to fill out a form. Opening a link in the same tab while someone is in the process of inputting information may cause the user to lose that information. Another example of an exception is visiting a secure website where you have to login to view your information. In this case a link opening in a new tab will take you out of your secure login session.
A page on a secure Web site includes a link to an external page that is outside of the secure session. The link opens in a new window or tab since opening the link in the same window will break or destroy the secure session. – W3C Techniques for WCAG 2.0
Conclusion: Elevate User Experience in the Same Tab
Changing the way we have been setting external links to open is a big adjustment and one many people may feel uncomfortable with. Opening external links in the same tab is a simple yet powerful way to enhance user experience, maintain engagement and simply, do the right thing. By prioritizing continuity, reducing clutter, and building trust with your visitors, you can create a seamless browsing experience that keeps users captivated and encourages them to explore further.
Click this link for more information on some of the nerdy stuff involved.
Want to talk to AndiSites about how external tabs open on your website? Contact us today!
You might also like to read how AndiSites strives to make all our websites accessible.