I've got something interesting to show you. I tracked 178,862 hits yesterday from many exchanges (ok so I didn't count that) and recorded the size of the browser windows the ad was being displayed in. Then made a headmap of it so you can see exactly which areas had the most view time:
You can click the image for the full size. I put it on a black background so you could see more of the subtleties in the changes. I also marked "minimum/maximum" areas.
You'll want your most important eye grabbing parts in the 625x250 area, but you'll also want to consider that there are many who'll see 1015x425 so having blank space outside that area might make your page look tiny.
More things to think about when designing a splash page. But remember, test test test!
{ 11 comments }
Thanks for the info Tim. I am starting to learn the design side of the business and this is great info.
Jeff Parker
Well…. very interesting way to start the morning :) NOW I see what you were busy doing lol That’s really very cool.
I wonder how you can fill up the page… maybe use a tiled background or something instead of a solid color, but yuck :P
I guess my sizing was close. Guess we better start making the CTA somewhere in the 250 range… very useful. Thanks Tim :)
Thanks for doing the boring research for us Tim! It will be an interesting week because I just started using a page that is 650×425…kind of covers both hot areas…we’ll see how it works.
I agree with you on this and I have found that 600 x 300 works great for me – especially with the sites that have chat boxes as it fits the window great and the message is seen without having to scroll down.
Thanks for the info
Thanks for doing the boring research work for us Tim. It will be an interesting week because I just started using a page 650×425 and seems to cover both hot zones…we’ll see what happens!
To my view 600×300 is so tiny it looks almost comical.
May I ask why not use percent instead of px?
70% fits every monitor perfectly
or am I missing something?
Very good Info here Tim!! I was never really sure what others see when they see my ads so sizing has been a problem especially since I didn’t know how many pixels to a line or page. I am kinda curious about usint the percent way though…is there a difference?
Patti Barr/silverdark
Tim,
I assume the list of exchanges you tested includes those that use a script to maximize the viewing window at the start of surfing, or even on every page view.
That function can be switched off on some browsers – I always switch it off when surfing but I’m sure most people don’t.
All in all, the ideal splash page need to look good on a small screen, but also on a large screen.
Another thought: if you ever aim at a cell-phone audience you need to re-think your page sizes entirely!
John
Great tips Tim. I like the graphical illustration. Really puts things into perspective. Also helps me better understand why SX’s browser size rule is so important. I’d hate for someone to see just a corner of my ad. ;-)
Also, regarding what John (above) said about cell phones. It would be great if you considered the mobile screen viewers. Mobile computing and web-surfing is increasing exponentially, as I’m sure you’re well aware. For a while, a company having a mobile compatible site was purely recreational. But as time goes on, it could become essential.
Rebecca
The traffic exchanges with the big sizes are the only ones that old companys like Shakklee,Amway,Melaleuka and Watkins will fit. Wat and Mel. were great ,but they are not helping their distributers much. Old thinking.
To Mary above
Sad thing is, many of those companies have great products, but they’re so busy giving Cady’s and fat check awards to the top sellers (or recruiters), the newbie gets left in the dust.
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