The ‘first click’ effect - how do users make decisions on websites?

When a user visits a website, they have only a few seconds to decide: ‘Where to click?’ This is known as the first-click effect, a key moment that influences whether the user stays on the site and finds what he or she is looking for or leaves frustrated.

How does this effect work? How do we design pages so that users intuitively click in the right places? And how can Webflow help to optimize the user experience? All this is discussed in today's post.

What is the first-click effect?

The First Click Effect is the UX theory that generally states that the very first click of a user's first interaction with a page is crucial to the entire experience on the site. A 2006 study showed that if a user clicks on the right link or button at the very beginning, there is an 87% chance that they will reach their goal. However, if the first click is wrong, this chance drops to 46% (UserInterviews).

This means that if a website does not lead the user in the right direction from the very beginning, it may lose the user's attention and potential conversion.

Why is the first click so important?

1. Shortens the user path - if the user knows where to click straight away, they will find what they are looking for quicker.
2. Reduces frustration - confusing labels, hidden navigation, or CTA buttons in the wrong places cause frustration and increase rejection rates.
3. Increases conversions - a user who immediately finds the right place on the page is more likely to perform the desired action (e.g. sign up for a newsletter, make a contact or make a purchase).

What influences a user's first click?

• Visual hierarchy - users naturally follow the most prominent elements on a page. Colors, contrasts, font size - it all matters.
• Readability of content - users ‘scan’ the page rather than reading it word for word. Key information should be visible at a glance.
• Knowledge of UX patterns - people are used to certain page layouts. A logo in the top left corner, a navigation menu at the top, and a CTA in a prominent position - these all subconsciously help with decision-making.
• Context and micro-interactions - animations, hints, and hover effects help the user understand what will happen when they click.

How should you design pages with the first click in mind?

1. Clear and visible CTAs (Call to Action)

• The ‘Buy Now’ or ‘Contact Us’ button should be immediately visible. Its color should contrast with the background and the text should be unambiguous.
• ✅ Good practice:
  • Use action verbs: ‘Download e-book’, “Register”, “Request a consultation”.
  • Avoid vague text: ‘Click here’, “More”.

1. Intuitive navigation:

• The main menu should be simple and predictable. The user should not have to wonder where to click to find a contact, offer, or blog.
• ✅ Best practice:
  • Maximum of 5-7 items on the main menu.
  • Simple and understandable names: ‘Offer’, “About us”, “Contact us”.
  • Don't hide important options behind a hamburger menu (unless on mobile).

1. Testing the first-click effect

• A good way to check that users are clicking where they should be is to run UX tests.
• ✅ How to do this?
  • A/B testing - checking different versions of a page and analyzing where users are most likely to click.
  • Heatmaps - tools like Hotjar or Clarity show which places on the page attract users' attention (MeasuringU).
  • 5-second tests - showing the page to the user for 5 seconds and asking ‘Where do you click first?’. If the answers are different, the page may need improvement.

Summary

The effect of the first click is crucial in UX. If the user intuitively chooses the right path, their experience on the site will be smoother, increasing the chances of conversion.

With our web development services, we can fully control the visual hierarchy, page layout, and interactions to help users make the right decisions - and from the first click. Is your website leading the user in the right direction? If you're in doubt, it's worth contacting us to optimize your user path.