Is Your Website Getting In The Way Of Your Revenue?
Tiny website annoyances can quietly eat away at your revenue. Think ad blocker walls, clunky forms, or anything else that makes a reader pause. This article highlights common friction points that stand between you and better results—like stronger email lists, more conversions, and a smoother path to paid subscriptions.
When your website experience isn’t smooth, you’re likely losing more than just a few readers—you’re losing revenue. From blocked ads to poor signup flows, every bit of friction is a potential roadblock to conversions.
Let’s break down some of the biggest culprits—and how to fix them.
Ad Blockers: A Barrier to Engagement
Aggressive ad blocker walls do more harm than good. Readers don’t want to be told to disable extensions just to get to your content. It’s frustrating, and chances are they’ll just leave. And the ad revenue you’re trying to protect often doesn’t justify the friction you’re introducing.
Instead of earning pennies from ads, focus on building your email list. These are the leads that could eventually convert into subscribers, making them far more valuable. And sponsors love big lists.
Blocking readers, even with the best intentions, turns away potential supporters. Prioritize ease of access and long-term engagement over short-term ad impressions.
The Impact of CAPTCHA on User Registration
CAPTCHA can help block spam, but overly aggressive systems can end up blocking your readers.
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Sign up for expert advice straight to your inbox.If someone hits a difficult CAPTCHA during registration, chances are they’ll bounce. The bottom line? Don’t use them if you’re looking to engage readers and build paid subscriptions. They’re more of an annoyance than an asset.
Instead, try Turnstile by Cloudflare. It’s a privacy-focused, user-friendly alternative that protects your site without disrupting the user experience.
Streamlining Checkout: Reducing Information Overload
Your checkout process should be quick and intuitive. Asking for too much information, like mailing addresses or phone numbers, creates friction that can lead to abandonment.
Start with the essentials: name and email. Let readers complete their subscription first, then prompt for more details later, if needed.
Content Protection: The Ineffectiveness of Disabling Right Click
Trying to protect content by disabling right-click is outdated and ineffective. Savvy users can easily bypass it, while regular readers get annoyed. It also hurts accessibility and prevents readers from opening links in a new tab.
Instead, protect your work by gating it. Requiring email registration or a subscription not only adds a layer of security but also builds your email list and opens new revenue opportunities.
Password Policies: Balancing Security and User Experience
Strict password requirements often create more frustration than protection. It might seem like you’re giving them more security, but for readers just trying to access content, they’re a barrier.
The truth is, your content doesn’t need high security. Instead, make it easy. Offer options like passwordless logins or social sign-ins. These provide enough security for content access while keeping things user-friendly. Don’t let unnecessary login hoops turn away potential subscribers.
Teasing Premium Content: The Case Against Read More Buttons
“Read more” buttons may seem harmless, but they interrupt the reading flow. Instead of forcing extra clicks, let readers dive into your content.
Introduce email registration or paywall prompts naturally at transition points. The more seamless the journey, the more likely readers are to convert.
Advertising Balance: Nurturing Readers vs. Revenue
Ads are important, but they shouldn’t overwhelm your content. Pop-ups, autoplay videos, and intrusive banners push people away.
Keep ads relevant, well-positioned, and considerate of the user experience. A loyal audience engages more deeply and sees more value in both your content and your sponsors.
Optimizing Subscription Messaging for User Engagement
Don’t just ask readers to subscribe—give them a reason. Clear, benefit-driven messaging works best. Highlight exclusive content, ad-free experiences, or community perks.
Use concise calls to action and reduce distractions around your subscription prompts to guide users smoothly through the funnel.
The little things on your site make a big difference. Reducing friction creates a better experience for your readers. And a better user experience leads to better revenue.
Want to know more? Check out our full conversation on the Paywall Podcast or catch the episode on YouTube.
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Let’s talk paid subscriptions
Want to learn more about growing your audience and converting subscribers with your paywall? Get in touch with Pete.