Carefully Consider A Website Slider Shortcomings

Website sliders – the image banners that cycle through with a carousel of call-to-action’s are super popular for web development projects. It is often one of the first requests we get from clients when starting to discuss the look and feel of their website. At first glance, they seem like a great way to showcase multiple messages in a limited space. However, they come with several drawbacks that can harm user experience, website performance, and even conversions. When considering whether to use a slider on your website you may want to think of other avenues to use, and here are several reasons why.

1. They Reduce User Engagement

Studies have shown that most users ignore website sliders or only interact with the first slide. Visitors typically don’t have the patience to wait for multiple slides to cycle through, meaning your important messages get lost. Instead of engaging users, sliders often become overlooked distractions. Choosing a Static Hero Image with a Strong CTA: A high-quality image or video like the one on the Wolfpaw Digital Home Page with a clear call-to-action performs better than a rotating slider due to less digital clutter for all users. You can also add animations to buttons, text, or images on a static hero banner that allows them to look visually cool without shifting to another slide.

2. They Slow Down Your Website

Sliders often require large image files and additional code scripts or third-party plugins, which can significantly slow down page load times. Slow websites lead to higher bounce rates, as users are more likely to leave if a page takes too long to load. Faster-loading pages improve user experience and search engine rankings.

3. They Hurt Mobile Usability

Most web sliders are not optimized well for mobile devices. They can appear clunky, require excessive scrolling, and make navigation frustrating. With mobile users making up a significant portion of web traffic, it’s of major importance to have a design that works seamlessly across all devices.

4. They Don’t Improve Conversions

If your goal is to drive conversions—whether that’s sales, sign-ups, or leads—sliders are not the best tool. Research shows that static, focused content with a clear call-to-action performs much better than rotating banners. Instead of presenting multiple competing messages, a single, convincing message is more effective.

5. They Can Be Bad for Accessibility

Sliders often don’t comply with accessibility best practices, making it difficult for users with disabilities to navigate them. Autoplaying sliders can be especially problematic for people with visual impairments or cognitive challenges. Ensuring your website is accessible to all users is both a legal and ethical responsibility.

What to Use Instead?

If you want to showcase multiple offers or messages, consider alternative approaches:

• Static Hero Image with a Strong CTA: A high-quality image with a clear call-to-action performs better than a rotating slider.
• Grid-Based Layouts: Display multiple options side by side for better visibility and usability.
• Tabbed Content or Expandable Sections: Let your website users control what they see rather than forcing them through a slideshow.

Simple Is Always Effective

While sliders may seem like an awesome way to present your content, they often do more harm than good. They can reduce engagement, slow down your site, hurt mobile usability, and lower conversion rates. By opting for simpler, more effective design alternatives, you can create a better user experience and achieve better results for your website.