Pages that open in a new window: target="_blank" vs. pop-ups

Will they scare away visitors?

[dan_popescu]

I have a ecom site, and I wanna make some changes on it. Namely, I'd like specific products' pages to open in a new window - I believe it would determine people to spend more time on my site. On the other hand , I know how much I hate pop up windows, and I'm afraid people will think it's a pop up and this practice might scare them away from my site before even seing what the new window is about.What do you think, what is your experience with this?

Thank you
Dan

[Longhaired Genius]

Personally I never code a site this way and I don't like it when it happens (even on Webmaster World)

Having your window open in a browser does not equal spending time on your site; so I would say let every new window replace the previous one. Everyone knows how to use the back button and many people know how to open a page in a new window if thats what they want.

[tedster]

I have used "opt-in" pop-up windows to great success on two very different sites. I use them for supplementary information.

Also I always make the window a good bit smaller than the originating window, and I code it so that the regular window just changes documents if javascript is turned off.

I doubt that target="_blank" would get the same number of pleased letters from users that this pop-up scheme does. Those get a bit chaotic for many people.

[Quinn]

I have used "opt-in" pop-up windows to great success on two very different sites. I use them for supplementary information.

I'd have to agree. I'll only use them for highly specific information, and make sure they appear in a small box.

[zooloo]

Sometimes I use new windows but I will always tell them.

I just put (Opens new window) after the link.

:)

[dan_popescu]

Thank you. Now I'm even more confused:))

Dan

[spock]

Personally I don't like pop-ups at all. The target="_blank" approach is slightly less irritating, but I much prefer sites that let me manage my browser windows. I'm probably not your typical visitor, though.

I do think it's a good idea to completely avoid opening new windows from a usability perspective. Pop-ups will annoy some of your experienced visitors and may confuse some of your inexperienced visitors. Also, if your site is inaccessible for people running "pop-up killers" they will very likely leave rather than mess with the settings.

[austtr]

< Now I'm even more confused >

What Tedster said.... pop-overs are a good way to provide additional information while allowing the viewer to stay at the same place within the site. The viewer can use them, or not, it's their decision.

The pop-over pages do not need to have their own menu item, which makes for simpler site navigation. Don't underestimate the importance of clean, simple navigation which many people consider to be critical to a site's success.

Sticky mail me if you want a link to some pop-over examples.

Hope this helps.

[msgraph]

Posted something similar here Dan. Not with product pages but with ads. Similar topic however since it is on the subject of scaring users with a target_blank link.

[webmasterworld.com...]

[Quagmire]

I agree with most replies. Pop-ups are usually annoying, even if I want to visit the site. But that's just me. If anyone wants to open a link to a new window there's the right-click, or on a Mac command-click. And there's always the back button.

I also agree that certain utilities, like a loan calculator, definition or context-sensitive help screen, or calendar, are useful as pop-ups.