'Sites must work more on engaging with users'

19:44 6th January 2010

Websites must work harder to engage with users, an expert has said.

"It takes just one second for website visitors to make a decision about a site: 'do I stay or do I go?' As such, it's vital that in the first second of a site opening, users see everything they need to keep them engaged and exploring the site," said Leigh Whitney, managing director of digital consultancy Design UK.

He also said that a 0.1 per cent rise in conversion rates could potentially increase profits by millions of pounds. If businesses can raise their conversion rate from one to two, firms can double their profitability, Mr Whitney added.

His views emerged after data published by broadband.co.uk showed that UK average broadband speeds grew by 22 per cent last year.

But the research also found that as broadband speeds rose, users gradually ran out of patience.

Separately, Google launched last month its 'Site Performance' application, which shows site owners information about the speed of their site.

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