Open link to a new window, +/-?

[esendex]

Basically I want to link from our main website to some of our PPC landing pages (to explain smaller elements of our offering). The reason for this is that the PPC pages are not exactly services but features that people might search for, so these pages are not navigable from the site (unless mentioned on another page). We do not want to include these pages as their own entity on the site, but people may want to click to see an explanation.

So, my question is 2 fold:

1. Should I use an "open link in new window" link, what are the pros and cons of this.

2. Should the link description say that the link will open in a new window. i.e. [Feature name - opens in new window]

What are your opinions on this? I know it may not have much, if any SEO benefit, but from a user point of view I feel it may offer some.

Thanks in advance,

Andy

[ReneReinholdt]

Have you considered loading the landing page in a div when they click on it (as a pop-up)?

The pros of opening things in a new window is that when you link off site,the user won't leave your page and can return later. The cons well.. to many pop ups can be annoying for the user. If the page is something they might use as a reference then opening it in a new window can be a good thing, think size guides for a shoe-store. You can browse the products but still have the size guide as a reference.

The example you mention is a perfect example where it might serve you better to think "what is best for our users". And since you don't link off site (at least it doesn't sound like it) I see no problem with linking to it in the same window.

2: completely up to you and what you think serves you users best

[kennyrowe]

I think it depends how many explanations you need to put in and how long they are or how the information of more explanation needs to be compared to the other information. Plus, you have to factor in how flexible your site is, coding-wise and what your team can accomplish.

Opening the link in a new window is great when you have a few things as it's easy to code. Plus, it's important to have in a new window if there's information the customer needs to compare from the explanation. (Like Rene mentioned, sizing charts for clothing.)

You can also use a hover to show the information, but I'd only use it if the explanation is super short, like say a definition.

The third option is having the page expand with the information when they click on it. Of course, this option will be the most technical to code.