Thanks to Jakob’s Law of Internet User Experience, we know that user spend most of their time on websites other than yours, which means they prefer your site to work like all the other sites they already know and visit regularly.

This doesn’t mean that your site needs to be exactly like every other site you come across, but it does mean that the design, copywriting, and overall function of your site needs to be similar. The purpose of your website isn’t to be different. It’s to be clear.

And clarity begins with what appears above the fold—the portion of the screen visible when a user first lands. Jakob Nielsen’s research showed that people spend roughly 80% of their attention above the fold and only 20% below it. Users will scroll, but only if what they see first signals that the content below is worth their time.

This is where many sites go wrong, creating an experience that unintentionally tells visitors they’ve reached the end.

What Are False Floors?

False floors (sometimes called false bottoms) are UX design mistakes that create the illusion of completeness—that the page has ended, when in fact more content is hidden below.

They often appear when:

• A hero image or video dominates the entire viewport.

• A strong horizontal line suggests a break or endpoint.

• Large blocks of white space push content too far down.

• Content ends flush with the bottom of the screen, signaling “nothing more here.”

The result is the same: users believe they’ve finished exploring when valuable information remains unseen.

How to Fix False Floors

The good news: preventing false floors is straightforward. Effective strategies include:

• Avoid full-screen hero content. Let content “peek” above the fold.

• Use visual cues. Arrows, icons, or partial cut-offs signal more content below.

• Keep navigation visible. Sticky menus encourage exploration.

• Establish visual hierarchy. Headlines and section breaks invite scrolling.

• Design for mobile. Adapt layouts to small screens where false floors are common.

• Test with real users. Observe whether visitors scroll as intended.

Each of these signals respect the user’s time and attention, guiding them naturally deeper into your content.

Clarity as Strategy

A false floor is more than a design flaw—it’s a missed opportunity. If users never reach key content, you’re losing trust, engagement, and conversions. The most effective websites are the ones that make clarity feel effortless, guiding visitors smoothly from first impression to meaningful action.

As you refine your digital experience, ask: Does my site guide visitors seamlessly, or does it create invisible barriers? The answer may determine whether your website is a passive brochure—or a dynamic driver of business growth.