How Using Heat Mapping Can Improve Web Design

Heat maps are thermal representations of how individuals react with a website. The idea is based off of technology such as FLIR cameras, which depict hot areas based on higher temperatures. A “hot” color on a website depicts which areas are the most used by visitors. This can be incredibly useful when developing content, links, images and banners for a site as “cold” areas usually signify that very few users are interested in the material.

Converting Clicks

A heat map is capable of displaying what patrons of the website click on the most. If a particular link isn’t experiencing the activity you wish it would, it may be as simple as rewording the text. It could also be in an inconspicuous place or written in font that users are simply not seeing. In any regard, the heat map can show you this activity in order to help you develop material to which users will respond. Observing how users interact with the site can also show you what is more important to the average person. This information may help you develop stronger marketing and Web design tactics.

Scrolling Through the Content

When you develop content for your website, are you aware of how many visitors are actually scrolling to the bottom of the page? Heat mapping can display whether users are scrolling to the bottom or not. This is important as it depicts whether material, links or ads on the bottom of the page are actually being seen. If your visitors are abandoning the page halfway through the content, it is likely that any ads and links you place at the bottom will not be accessed by the majority of users.

Eye Tracking Through the Mouse Pointer

Many people utilize their mouse cursor as a visual aid when looking at content and imagery on a website. The movements of the cursor can be tracked by heat map applications, providing insight into what attracts the visitor’s eye on your pages. This could be everything from background images to specific lines of text being read. If a particular aspect of your site is not attractive, the heat map will show the area as a cold color, usually blue.

Build the Website, But Don’t Overload the Pages

The basic framework of your website allows visitors to feel welcome when first visiting. There may be an incredible amount of information you would like to share with your patrons. However, loading too much onto a few pages could make the content seem cluttered and disorganized. When you can construct a solid framework, organize the structure as a densely populated neighborhood. The site may still be extremely informative while providing a sense of order and luxury. If developed well, the diversity of the material could be reminiscent of the fluid diversity of local neighborhoods as each section has the capacity to function independently of the other.

Heat maps can be an invaluable investment when developing websites. The information that’s available may not be obtained by other means. Use the data from these apps and make modifications to your pages. It may improve how visitors connect with your brand.