Reducing Layout Shifts for Users: Website Blog by a Web Design Strategist for Health Clubs
Ever tried browsing a website only for the page to shift unexpectedly? That’s cumulative layout shift (CLS) for you, a glitch that tarnishes user experience and leaves users frustrated. This can be particularly annoying when you’re close to clicking a button but lose your place. If you’re dealing with this, don’t worry, you’re not alone. Health club websites, just like many others, face this challenge. By understanding and addressing CLS, you can significantly improve your visitors’ experience.
To tackle CLS, you need to understand what it is and why it happens. When elements on your page load at different speeds, it causes parts of your site to jump around. Not ideal when you’re trying to book a class or check gym hours. But keep the spirit high; it’s fixable. As a Web Design Agency, we’ve worked with many health clubs like yours, ensuring their websites are both stunning and steady. Let’s dive into some practical steps you can take to curb CLS and create a smoother experience for your users.
Understanding the Causes of CLS
The starting point is identifying what causes CLS on your site. It mainly happens because image dimensions aren’t set beforehand, ads or embeds with unknown dimensions appear, or dynamic content isn’t handled well. When these elements enter your page, they move things around. By spotting these issues early, you can implement fixes to prevent them impacting your users.
Images: Set Dimensions Properly
Images are frequent culprits of CLS. To fix this, specify the width and height for images in your HTML or CSS. By doing so, the browser knows exactly how much space to allocate. You avoid unexpected shifts when the image finally loads. Knowing your typical visitor might have images disabled or have a slow connection, this step is crucial for maintaining layout integrity.
Adverts and Embeds: Plan Their Space
It’s no surprise that adverts can affect your site’s stability. If you use adverts, ensure their containers have fixed sizes. This prevents them from causing your content to jump. Similarly, embeds like videos can be tricky. Assign size attributes where possible to keep your design balanced and user-friendly. That way, you’re leaning towards a seamless experience, rather than a sporadic one.
Reserve Space for Dynamic Content
Dynamic content can also pose challenges. For instance, a site widget or a call-to-action appearing out of nowhere will push existing elements out of their spots. By reserving space for these elements, you ensure that the page remains stable. Allocate space through proper use of CSS to account for these dynamic elements.
Optimise Fonts
Web fonts sometimes lead to CLS. When browsers load a site, they might replace your fallback system font with your chosen web font, altering text spacing. To counter this, use font-display in CSS and opt for font styles that don’t heavily impact readability or layout when swapping occurs.
Test and Monitor Your Site
Tools like Google’s PageSpeed Insights or Lighthouse can evaluate your site’s CLS. Testing provides insight into how and when shift occurs, so you can react accordingly. Regular monitoring is vital as it allows you to catch any unforeseen shifts before they affect your users. It’s like having a finger on the pulse of your website.
Prioritise Mobile User Experience
In our mobile-driven world, never overlook the importance of mobile-first design. Users accessing your site on their phones should be comfortable and happy. Avoid complex layouts and heavy elements that can’t be handled well by mobile devices. This approach aids in preventing CLS and is all about being ahead of the game.
Choose the Right Tools
Content Management Systems (CMS) offer a variety of tools and integrations that can assist with tackling CLS. By using plugins or scripts that are aligned with current best practices, your job becomes easier. Consider discussing options with your development team to see if the tools you’re using are optimal for your site’s performance.
Continuous Improvement
Addressing CLS is not a one-time task. This requires ongoing effort to ensure your site remains optimal. Track updates in web technology and maintain a proactive approach. By doing this, you can provide users with an exceptional experience consistently.
Ready to optimise your health club’s website for a better user experience? Visit our page on Web Design for Health Clubs for more insights and practical solutions.
