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Why Nonprofits Must Know 4 Second Rule

2009 November 18
by Velma McKenzie-Orr

Calvaneo watchNonprofits or anyone interested in a successful online presence must know that visitors to their websites decide in 4-8 seconds if they will stay or go.  PC Magazine’s article Performance suggested we actually have only 4 seconds to grab a visitor’s attention before they decide to leave or stay.

So what does this all mean?   It means plan to share something compelling enough to make a visitor want to learn more about what you offer in 4 seconds.  Once your page loads and comes into view for a visitor, you have 4 seconds to convince your visitor to stay and learn more about what you do.

Your compelling story should indicate that you have the answer to the problem they clicked on your site to find.  In 4 seconds a visitor will determine whether your website provides the relevance that will lead to the solution they are seeking.

2 Responses leave one →
  1. Bernita Williams permalink
    November 30, 2009

    Another interesting article. Can you give an example of a statement that would hold someone for 4 seconds?

  2. Elveria Glover permalink
    November 30, 2009

    What can be said in 4 seconds that would cause someone to want to learn more about a site?

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