Ever feel like your website looks great but isn’t quite getting the results you hoped for? You’re not alone.
At TheSpaceCode, we talk to businesses every day who are stuck wondering, “Why aren’t people clicking that button?” or “Why is no one scrolling down to read the full offer?”
Here’s the truth: what we think users do on our sites and what they actually do are often two very different things.
That’s where heatmaps and scrollmaps come in. They’re like little windows into your users’ behavior—and once you start using them, you won’t want to design without them again.
What Are Heatmaps, Really?
Let’s skip the technical jargon. A heatmap is a visual tool that shows you where users are clicking, tapping, and hovering on your website.
It’s color-coded—red and orange mean “hot” spots (a lot of interaction), while blue means “cold” areas (little or no interaction).
Imagine your website as a football field. Heatmaps show you exactly where people are playing—and where no one’s even stepping foot.
You’ll find out:
- What’s catching users’ attention
- If people are clicking things that aren’t clickable
- Whether your CTA (call-to-action) is actually doing its job
And once you see that data? You start spotting what’s working—and what needs fixing.
What’s a Scrollmap?
Now, scrollmaps are slightly different. They show you how far people are scrolling down your pages.
Let’s say you’ve got a killer offer at the bottom of your homepage. But if scrollmap data shows that 75% of users never even get there? You’ve got a visibility problem.
Scrollmaps help you figure out:
- Where people lose interest
- If your content is too long or overwhelming
- Whether your most important content is buried too far down
When you know where people stop scrolling, you can make sure the right stuff shows up at the right time.
Why This Really Matters in 2025
Today, attention spans are short. Mobile usage is high. And expectations are even higher.
Your audience doesn’t care how long you spent perfecting your layout. They care if they can find what they need quickly—and if your site feels easy to use.
Heatmaps and scrollmaps help you remove guesswork. You’re no longer designing based on “I think this looks good”—you’re designing based on proof.
How to Use Heatmaps (Without Being a Data Nerd)
You don’t need to be a tech wizard to get started.
Here’s a simple flow:
- Set it up on a live page
Use tools like Hotjar, Crazy Egg, or Microsoft Clarity. They’re plug-and-play, and most have free options. - Watch what people do
Check where users click. Are they missing your menu? Are they trying to click on static text? These patterns reveal a lot. - Adjust accordingly
Maybe your CTA needs to move. Maybe that banner image isn’t working. Small changes based on real behavior can lead to big results.
Scrollmap Tips You Can Use Today
- Keep key info above the fold
Don’t hide your best content. Make sure it’s easy to see without having to scroll too far. - Use headings to break things up
People skim online. Headings, icons, and bullet points help them scan quickly. - Add “teasers” to encourage scrolling
An arrow pointing down, a “keep reading” line, or a peek at the next section can keep visitors engaged.
Real Wins We’ve Seen at TheSpaceCode
Here are a few ways scrollmaps and heatmaps helped our clients:
- A product page got 30% more clicks after moving the CTA higher based on scrollmap data.
- A service-based business simplified their layout after seeing users ignore a sidebar completely.
- One brand added a second CTA mid-page after seeing drop-offs—and doubled conversions.
The point? These tools don’t just help you understand users—they help you serve them better.
Final Thoughts: Design for Humans, Not Just Aesthetics
If you want to build a website that truly works, don’t rely on guesses.
Design with empathy. Design with data.
At TheSpaceCode, we combine behavior-tracking tools with great design to build websites that don’t just look good—they perform. Whether you’re getting started or looking to optimize an existing site, we’re here to help.
