I have a content-rich site, where I find the bounce rates are two high, what are the reasons for high bounce rates? other than too many affiliate links/adverts.

Bounce rate it said that users doesn't feel like your site is attractive for them. At least not at the first impression.


There are couple of possible reasons for this.:
1. Bad design/placement of site zones may simply make users close quickly browser windows related to your site

2. Your site is attracting other users than your site target. This could be due to wrong SE optimization or wrong link building (or banner exchange, aso).

What stats system do you using ? I can tell you where to look to for checking what kind of users are bouncing more and can give then a much better evaluation.

If you willing to post your URL i can make also a short evaluation.

Is a very unpleasant thing to see you got visitors but they leave quickly...

Your content isn't good enough to make them stick around.
There's a better site that offers the same thing(s) as you do.
Your design is too bland.

Could be a number of things.

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Jerlene
DNLodge.com
manual Directory Submission Service

I have a 40% Bounce rate on new visitors and 5% on returning visitors.

I think that is very good?

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Not too unusual. I have that for some of my best sites.

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Jerlene
DNLodge.com
manual Directory Submission Service

Thanks for all them who have replied for this post, I would have loved to post the url, but fortunately I have sold the web sites to of my old associate. Thanks again, I will surely take everything discussed in this thread when starting my new venture.

40% Bounce rate for visitors is very common, but i think somewhere under 25-30% you should be relaxed... So 40% is a bit much...

Hmm I was wondering what the statistics are for this site.

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The hardest thing is keep members on a site. I think two of the most important things with keeping them to stick is quality of content and activity.