Is Infinite Scrolling a Good Option?
Infinite scrolling is a format used on the websites where readers continue scrolling to load new information. In such a format, there is no next page. All the information is present on a single page that scrolls infinitely to the point where the information ends. Websites like Facebook, Twitter, Google Images, etc. use it. In these websites, endless information is present so it keeps on scrolling.
This strategy may sound like a unique concept to you but it is not a work friendly model for every business.
Using this model completely depends on your business goals and the information that you are trying to pass on to your readers.
Scenarios in which it may work:
Mobile Phones: Scrolling up and down is an easier task on a mobile phone while clicking on “next page” to move to the next page is comparatively difficult. So, its an easy to use this feature for a mobile-friendly website.
Better Engagement: Infinite Scrolling keeps the reader engaged into scrolling further to know more and does not navigate it to another page to read the full article as compared to a “see more” option that completely disrupts the flow of a reader and navigates him/her to a different page.
Managing more data: It works best with websites that contain too much data to share with your audience.
Website Speed: Infinite scrolling does not impact the overall speed of the website and each scroll is considered as a new page view in Analytics.
Scenarios in which it may not work:
No categorization: Everything is present on a single page and there is no categorization in this model in case you need to access specific information.
No option to skip: You cannot just skip to the relevant information unless it loads. In order to read what you want; you need to continue scrolling until you find your required information.
Would it work for you or not? This feature is meant for a website that deals in entertainment as the main task of these websites is to entertain you by sharing a similar kind of content. The main purpose of these websites is to load new information with no need for a search option.
Infinite scrolling does not work well with e-commerce websites as such websites want users to explore the relevant product by using the search option.
This is our take on the infinite scrolling feature. Is it the perfect website model for you? Let us know what you think about it.