Look Familiar? "Please Upgrade Your Browser To View Our Website"

Written by Joe on Thursday, July 28, 2011

Have you ever seen this message, or even worse, is this message on your website?

This is a touchy subject today. With browsers changing, upgrading, and supporting new features so often it's hard to keep older browsers functional with code that new browsers can handle. But is it right to block those users? In my opinion, blocking ANYONE from visiting and using your website is a huge mistake. Here are a few reasons why I believe blocking users with older browsers from your website is a bad idea.

You WILL Confuse Visitors

Not only will most visitors not understand or know how to upgrade their browser, but they will leave your website and most likely not return. A visitor coming to your website made it there by searching for a product or service they need and you're telling them they can't buy it from you. Do you see the problem with this situation?

Users CAN'T Upgrade Their Browsers

Many users shop online while they are at work on spare time or on breaks. These users usually have restrictions on what they can change about the company computer, and upgrading browsers is usually one of them. Since upgrading browsers can take some time, some companies will keep older browsers for longer periods of time, due to the lack of IT staff to handle the job.

Never Turn Away A Visitor. EVER. PERIOD.

If someone tried to walk into a store, and because they were wearing old shoes would you tell them that they can't buy your product? Turning away visitors with older browsers is doing the same exact thing. You are losing out on business and a potential return customer.

Do you want to keep turning potential customers away? Then get that message off your website today! Call us at 732-698-8419 or contact us now so we can help get that message off of your website.

Tags: Website Design, Website Development, Website Usability, Javascript