7 Fascinating Stats on How Users Engage with Websites

Your website is often the first point of contact for potential customers.

As the online space becomes more competitive and users grow more selective about where they invest their time, understanding how people interact with websites is essential.

Here are seven striking statistics that demonstrate just how crucial effective design and functionality are in attracting—and retaining—your audience’s attention.

1. ~81% of People Research a Company Online Before Making a Purchase or Visiting

Before stepping foot into a physical store or even considering a purchase, the vast majority of consumers will research the company online.

In fact, a study conducted by GE found that 81% of people admit they check a company’s online presence before making any decisions.

This means that if your business doesn’t have a website or has a poorly maintained one, you’re not even in the running for their business.

In today’s digital landscape, having an online presence isn’t just an advantage—it’s essential for staying competitive.

2. 75% of Consumers Judge a Company’s Credibility Based on Its Website Design

The design of your website says more about your brand than you might think.

An overwhelming 75% of consumers confess that they make judgments about a company’s credibility based on the look and feel of its website.

Even more striking, Blue Corona found that nearly 48% of users consider web design as the main factor in judging a business’s credibility.

A professional, polished website instills trust, while a dated or poorly designed site can raise red flags. Your website is your digital storefront; make sure it’s one that people feel comfortable entering.

3. Users Form an Opinion About a Website in Just 0.05 Seconds

First impressions matter, especially online.

In a blink of an eye—just 0.05 seconds, to be exact—users will form an opinion about your website.

That instant judgment will determine whether they stay and explore or immediately click away.

This makes it critical to have an eye-catching design, clear messaging, and intuitive navigation right from the start.

You need to grab attention and communicate value instantly, or risk losing a potential customer before they’ve even fully processed what you have to offer.

4. 61% of Users Will Leave a Website if They Don’t Find What They’re Looking for in 5 Seconds

Time is a luxury users don’t have when browsing the web.

If someone lands on your website and can’t find what they’re looking for within five seconds, 61% of them will simply leave and head to another site.

This emphasizes the need for a well-structured site with clear navigation, fast load times, and a user-friendly experience.

Your visitors should be able to locate key information—like services, contact details, or product categories—without any hassle.

5. 70% of Small Business Websites Don’t Include a Call to Action

One of the most common and costly mistakes businesses make is failing to include a clear call to action (CTA) on their website.

Shockingly, research by Small Business Trends shows that 70% of small business websites lack a CTA, leading to missed opportunities and confused visitors

Whether it’s “Contact Us,” “Get a Free Quote,” or “Sign Up Today,” every page should guide users toward the next step.

A well-placed CTA can be the difference between converting a lead and losing one.

6. 57% of Users Won’t Recommend a Business with a Poorly Designed Website

Your website isn’t just a reflection of your brand; it also influences word-of-mouth recommendations.

A staggering 57% of users say they won’t recommend a business with a poorly designed website.

Additionally, 38% of users won’t even engage with a site if its layout is unattractive.

Your website is a direct reflection of your professionalism—make sure it leaves a positive impression.

7. It Takes an Average of 3 Months to Design a Website with Basic Features

Creating a high-quality website is not an overnight process.

Forbes reports that, on average, it takes around three months to design and develop a website with basic features.

This timeframe includes everything from planning and content creation to design, development, and testing.

Rushing through this process often results in a site that’s poorly optimized, cluttered, and frustrating for users.

However, with cutting-edge tools like Webflow, we've cracked the code on delivering visually stunning, high-performing websites in under 2 weeks.

Don’t Leave Website Success to Chance

These seven facts make it clear: a well-designed, user-friendly website is non-negotiable.

From first impressions to lasting credibility, every detail of your website matters.

By prioritizing clear design, seamless navigation, and strategic CTAs, you can create a website that not only attracts visitors but turns them into loyal customers.

If your website isn’t performing at its best, it’s time to rethink your strategy and focus on the elements that truly make a difference.

‍