Two commonly misinterpreted terms in the world of Google Analytics is the difference between Bounce Rate and Exit Rate. People often use them interchangeably but they both have different meanings. What exactly are they? How can you work on reducing them? Which one of them needs more attention? Today, we will clear all your doubts regarding both the terms so you can work on them accordingly.
Meaning Of The Terms
Let’s say user A visits one of the pages of your website. If A exits your website without navigating to any other page of your website then it is referred to as bounce and the rate calculated by dividing the number of bounces to the number of page views is the bounce rate.
On the other hand, the exit rate refers to the rate calculated when a user goes through other pages as well before exiting the website. This means he has been to one or more different pages other than the landing page. In such a scenario bounce rate will be 0.
Which Metric Needs More Attention?
The difference between Bounce Rate and Exit Rate metrics need equal attention. A high bounce rate implies a bad first impression which is why they exit as soon as they land on the website. If you have a high bounce rate then focus on improving the overall appearance of the website making it easily understandable and less congested. As soon as a user lands on your website, he should get an idea about what it is and what he can expect. The slow loading speed can be another reason behind the high bounce rate. These basic things must be taken into consideration in order to ensure you reduce the rate. Also, it is important that your Easy Setup of Google Analytics is done right.
On the other hand, a high exit rate implies fewer conversions. Both of these metrics need to be timely analyzed in order to ensure your website goals are achieved. Although the current area of focus depends on the current concerned problem. Exit rate will eventually help you in focusing on major errors on particular pages which led to the potential customer leaving the website. Therefore, you should never take the exit rate for granted.
Reducing The Exit Rate
You might be wondering why do people navigate through different pages on the website and end up leaving. This is because either they didn’t get what they expected or poor user experience. People often leave due to too many ads, slow response, etc. But after proper analysis, it is possible to make important improvements. When you create a website, you create it according to your understanding and preference. But when it comes down to making fruitful improvement, it can only happen with the analysis of your potential customers’ behavior.
There are various different tools available that will help you in the easy analysis. Use them and see what prevents them from converting. Keep making changes in your website design if you find it problematic. Making investments in these areas eventually leads to better conversions.
As you progress using Google Analytics, in the end, reducing both of these rates are essential for the growth of your website. Make sure you conduct a proper analysis to see what exactly your website is lacking and work on that particular area. Your website should always be attractive to your visitors in order to make them stay and explore more. Do not be rigid and keep making changes in the web design. You can also hire a web design expert for the same. The investment that you make here will pay you off in the long run. Therefore, do not hesitate much and take some fruitful actions.Â