First Impressions & Conversion Rates
Tags: webdev, ux, todayilearned, tipsandtricks
Published: 2021-01-26 11:08:38

# For The Reader 📰
A lot of time has been spent lately to gain a better understanding of web design and its' principles. As a full-stack developer, I feel there is good reason to knowing the full spectrum that goes into software development and creating full-stack applications. 

The following article focuses mainly on <u>First Impressions and Conversion Rates</u>. Specifically, it introduces these concepts and paints a picture of why they're essential to know. 

At the end of this article, I share 🖐️ things that can be beneficial for devs (or anyone interested really) to know. Applied well, these things aid in creating lasting First Impressions and may boost Conversion Rates.

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🚫 I want to be very clear that this isn't a "Miracle-Solution". 🚫
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Rather, take these 5 things as starting points and feel free to dig up some more things that help.

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# The Actual Article: Introduction 🚀

`"You never get a second chance to make a first impression" - author undetermined`

There is still no clear accreditation for who initially said the quote above. Some say Will Rogers said it, some say, Oscar Wilde, I've even heard Head & Shoulder's get credit for it.

Regardless, the fact is that this quote remains true in our current day. Forming an impression from an initial encounter is immediate for most people. Lasting judgments happen within the blink of an eye. 👀

It takes the average person about [0.1 seconds (100 milliseconds)](https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1111/j.1467-9280.2006.01750.x) to form an impression about someone. It is a natural ability we have developed over time - a means for humans to survive and thrive through our evolutionary journey.

Our ability to judge trustworthiness in others has evolved as an [essential survival mechanism](http://www.communicationcache.com/uploads/1/0/8/8/10887248/evolutionary_bases_of_first_impressions.pdf). Natural selection displaces any capacity that isn't beneficial to our survival. Our current capabilities are evidence of that. As a result of our evolution, one of our skills is the ability to make fast decisions and snap judgments.

With our evolutionary capabilities in mind, it is then impressive how quick we are to form impressions.

😲 __*0.1 seconds is a remarkably fast amount of time!*__

On the other hand, life has also proven that a lot can happen in that timeframe. Consider this:

👉 A hummingbird can flap its wings eight times in 0.1 seconds.
👉 The earth moves about 46 meters in 0.1 seconds.
👉 Portland Trailblazer's point guard, Damian Lillard, hit a game-winning 3-pointer over the Houston Rockets in 2014, advancing his team to the western conference semi-finals in 0.1 seconds.

![Clock showing time](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/i/qlxb6e098bb1qb6enbpu.jpg)
<sub>*Photo by Skitterphoto from Pexels*</sub>


You see, a lot can happen in 0.1 seconds. It is then not surprising we can form an impression in that short amount of time. It is a fact unavoidable in our daily lives. This fact is equally inevitable when dealing with websites.


# First Impressions on Web Applications/Sites 🤩

The first sight a user gets on an application or site can have a lasting effect on their future interactions. A user's initial reaction is similar to that of a real-life encounter. It is quick and lasts for a long time.

In some cases, it is even quicker to form impressions of web applications or sites than that of real-life encounters.

It takes about [50 milliseconds (0.05 seconds)](https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/01449290500330448) for users to form an opinion about a website. An impression that determines whether they stay or leave. In other words, whether our applications or sites have a chance to increase the conversion rate or not.

# What are Conversion Rates? 📈
An application's or site's conversions are what happens when a user takes a desired action. It may include things like:

👉 Signing up for a newsletter
👉 Filling out a form
👉 Clicking a button
👉 Making a purchase
👉 Sharing blog posts on social media

A percentage of users that complete the desired action is known as the Conversion Rate.

It is essential to generate conversions. Generated conversions mean that whatever desired action intended for a user, was taken. The conversion rate will represent the number of users who took action.

# 🖐️ Tips To Help Create Lasting Impressions While Increasing The Conversion Rate
![Five chalk strikes](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/i/81rj0jxia2bvshc64z9s.jpg)
<sub>*Photo by Miguel Á. Padriñán from Pexels*</sub>

Many things can increase and improve conversion rates. Here are 5 in which you can start with:

1️⃣ Invest in quality design for your website.
2️⃣ Optimize website speed.
3️⃣ Have clear and visible calls-to-action (CTAs) that will prompt a user to take action.
4️⃣ Establish legitimacy by providing credible trust indicators (testimonials, case studies, etc.)
5️⃣ Ensure responsiveness on your website.

# Conclusion 🏁
Good design implemented well makes it easier to make the best possible first impression. The look an application or a site has and the user experience are the primary drivers of first impressions.

Excellent user experience encourages long-lasting First Impressions. Memorable first impressions positively affect users when browsing. Happy and satisfied users are sure to increase the Conversion Rate.

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If you've enjoyed the article, bookmark it and share it with anyone else who may benefit from this.

Feel free to share any thoughts, tips, suggestions in the discussion section below 👇