Are you looking to improve your website conversion rates? If so, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll share tips for optimising your website conversion rates and increasing sales.
We’ll cover everything from reducing page loading time to creating sales promotions. So what are you waiting for? Start reading today!
Reduce page loading time
A slow-loading website will frustrate visitors and make them more likely to leave. Use a performance testing tool to measure your website’s loading speed and make necessary improvements. Below are some tools to consider:
- Google PageSpeed Insights: Get insights from Google itself. Discover areas of improvement for both mobile and desktop versions. Visit PageSpeed Insights here.
- GTmetrix: Dive deep into your website’s performance metrics. Analyse loading times and page sizes and receive actionable recommendations. Visit GTmetrix here.
- Pingdom Website Speed Test: Uncover bottlenecks affecting your site’s speed. It even offers a performance grade for a quick overview. Visit Pingdom here.
- WebPageTest: Test your site’s speed from multiple locations and browsers. Detailed waterfall charts help you understand the loading sequence. Visit WebPageTest here.
- Lighthouse: Built into Chrome DevTools, Lighthouse audits your site’s performance, accessibility, and more. Visit Lighthouse here.
Here are some statistics that link website page loading time to website conversion rates:
- A one-second delay in page load time can lead to a 7% decrease in website conversion rate.
- For every additional second that a web page takes to load, the probability of a bounce (a visitor leaving the page without taking any action) increases by 11%.
- A study by Akamai found that 53% of mobile users will abandon a website if it takes more than three seconds to load.
- A study by Kissmetrics found that a 0.1-second improvement in page load time can lead to a 1% increase in conversion rate.
These statistics show that page loading time significantly impacts website conversion rates. Even a slight delay can lead to a decrease in conversions.
There are a few things you can do to improve your website’s page loading time:
- Use a content delivery network (CDN). A CDN will deliver your website’s content from servers closer to your visitors. This can help to improve loading times.
- Minify your JavaScript and CSS files. Minifying your files will remove unnecessary whitespace and comments, making them smaller and loading faster.
- Lazy load images. Lazy loading images means they will only load when visible on the screen. This can help improve loading times for pages with many photos.
- Optimise your images. Optimising your images means reducing their file size without sacrificing quality. This can help to improve loading times.
- Use a caching plugin. A caching plugin stores a copy of your website’s pages in the visitor’s browser. This can help to improve loading times for subsequent visits.
Following these tips can improve your website’s page loading time and boost your conversion rates.
Shorten the checkout funnel
The checkout process should be as straightforward as possible. The fewer steps there are, the less likely visitors are to abandon their carts.
Here are a few examples of e-commerce websites known for their simple and effective checkout procedures.
- Amazon: Amazon’s checkout process is designed for maximum simplicity. With features like 1-Click ordering and a streamlined, step-by-step approach, users can quickly review their orders and complete the purchase.
- Apple: Apple’s online store boasts a minimalist design that carries over to its checkout process. Users can easily add products to their bags, review orders, and choose from various payment methods.
- Zappos: Zappos focuses on user convenience, allowing customers to complete their purchase without creating an account. They provide a clean and straightforward checkout experience with clear progress indicators.
- ASOS: ASOS has a responsive and efficient checkout process. Users can review their items, add promotional codes, and seamlessly select delivery options within a clean and organised interface.
- Shopify: As an e-commerce platform, Shopify offers a variety of customisable checkout options for businesses. Its default checkout process is straightforward, and it provides a range of payment gateway integrations.
- Warby Parker: This eyewear retailer simplifies checkout by guiding users through a step-by-step journey. They offer various payment options and provide clear shipping information.
- Casper: Casper’s checkout is optimised for a quick and hassle-free experience. They offer guest checkout and display the total cost, reducing potential surprises.
These websites prioritise user experience by minimising friction during the checkout process. They offer guest checkout options, clear progress indicators, and multiple payment methods, making it easier for customers to complete their purchases.
Position and wording of CTAs
Your call-to-action buttons should be clear, concise, and easy to find. They should also be placed in a prominent location, such as above the fold.
Here are some examples of clear and concise calls to action (CTA):
- Shop now: This straightforward CTA tells visitors exactly what you want them to do. It is often used on e-commerce websites to encourage visitors to buy products.
- Sign up for our newsletter: This CTA invites visitors to sign up for your email list, which can be a great way to stay in touch with them and promote your products or services.
- Download our free ebook: This CTA offers visitors a free resource, which can be a great way to generate leads and build trust with potential customers.
- Subscribe to our YouTube channel: This CTA invites visitors to subscribe to your YouTube channel, which can be a great way to reach a wider audience and promote your products or services.
- Contact us today: This CTA makes it easy for visitors to get in touch with you, which can be helpful if they have any questions or need more information.
When writing a CTA, it is essential to keep it clear, concise, and easy to understand. The CTA should also be relevant to the content on the page and should be something the visitor is likely to be interested in doing.
Here are some additional tips for writing clear and concise CTAs:
- Use strong verbs.
- Be specific about what you want the visitor to do.
- Use a sense of urgency.
- Make sure your CTA stands out from the rest of the content.
- Test a mix of CTAs to see which works best.
Integrate customer reviews to increase website conversion rates
Displaying positive customer reviews can build trust and credibility with website visitors and improve website conversion rates. Display customer reviews prominently on your website, such as on product and landing pages.
Many tools are available to help you capture and publish customer reviews on your website. Here are a few of the most popular:
- Trustpilot: Trustpilot is a popular review platform allowing customers to leave business reviews. You can embed Trustpilot reviews on your website to help build trust and credibility with potential customers.
- Google Customer Reviews: Google Customer Reviews is a free service that allows businesses to collect and display customer reviews on Google Maps and Search.
- Yotpo: Yotpo is a review management platform that allows businesses to collect, moderate, and publish customer reviews. Yotpo also offers a variety of features, such as social sharing and email marketing, to help enterprises to get the most out of their customer reviews.
- Providr: Providr is a review management platform that helps businesses collect and publish customer reviews from various sources, including social media, email, and their website.
- ReviewPush: ReviewPush is a review management platform that helps businesses collect and publish customer reviews from their website, social media, and email. ReviewPush also offers a variety of features, such as sentiment analysis and review moderation, to help businesses get the most out of their customer reviews.
When choosing a tool to capture and publish customer reviews, it is essential to consider your needs and budget. Some factors to consider include:
- The number of reviews you want to collect
- The features you need, such as social sharing or email marketing
- Your budget
Once you have chosen a tool, you can start collecting and publishing customer reviews on your website. Be sure to ask customers to leave reviews after they have made a purchase or used your service. You can also offer incentives for reviews, such as discounts or free products.
Here are some tips for collecting and publishing customer reviews:
- Make it easy for customers to leave reviews. You can do this by placing a review form on your website or emailing surveys.
- Ask clear and concise questions. The easier it is for customers to answer your questions, the more likely they will do so.
- Thank customers for their reviews. This shows that you appreciate their input and are committed to improving your products or services.
By using the right tools and following these tips, you can collect and publish customer reviews that will help you build trust and credibility with potential customers.
Create sales promotions
Sales promotions, such as discounts and free shipping, can be a great way to boost conversions. However, be sure to use them strategically and make sure they are relevant to your target audience.
Here are some unique and strategic sales promotion ideas that brands have used recently:
- Nike’s “Pass the Torch” campaign: This campaign encouraged people to donate their old sneakers to Nike, which would then be recycled and used to create new shoes. Nike also gave donors a discount on new shoes. This campaign was a great way to promote sustainability and give back to the community.
- Starbucks’ “Pink Drink Day”: This campaign celebrated the launch of Starbucks’ new pink drink, which is a refreshing blend of strawberry puree, coconut milk, and matcha. Starbucks offered a free pink drink to customers who wore pink on the day of the promotion. This campaign was a great way to generate excitement for the new product and get people talking about it.
- Domino’s “30 Second Pizza Challenge”: This campaign challenged people to make a pizza in 30 seconds. Domino’s offered a free pizza to anyone who could complete the challenge. This campaign was a great way to promote Domino’s pizzas and get people talking about the brand.
- Netflix’s “Stranger Things” tie-in promotion: This promotion offered discounts on Netflix subscriptions to people who dressed up as characters from the popular TV show “Stranger Things.” This campaign was a great way to promote the show and get people talking about it.
- Amazon’s “Prime Day”: This is an annual event where Amazon offers discounts on a variety of products. Prime Day is a great way for Amazon to boost sales and get people to sign up for its Prime membership program.
These are just a few examples of unique and strategic sales promotion ideas that brands have used recently. By being creative and thinking outside the box, brands can come up with sales promotions that are both effective and memorable.
Play on the scarcity effect
The scarcity effect is the idea that people are more likely to want something if they believe it is in limited supply. You can create a sense of urgency by using phrases like “limited-time offer” or “while supplies last.”
Improve the product page
The product page is where visitors will decide whether or not to buy from you. Make sure your product pages are informative and persuasive, with clear photos and descriptions of your products.
Here are two examples of very good product descriptions that have been successful at generating very high website conversion rates.
Example 1:
Product: The North Face ThermoBall Eco Hoodie
Description:The North Face ThermoBall Eco Hoodie is the perfect jacket for staying warm and comfortable on cold days. It’s made with recycled materials and features a water-resistant shell that will keep you dry in light rain or snow. The ThermoBall insulation is lightweight and provides exc ellent warmth-to-weight ratio. The hoodie also features a relaxed fit that allows for layering.
Key features:
- Recycled materials
- Water-resistant shell
- ThermoBall insulation
- Relaxed fit
Benefits:
- Stays warm and comfortable on cold days
- Protects from light rain or snow
- Lightweight and packable
- Sustainable choice
Call to action:
Shop now and stay warm all winter long!
Example 2:
Product: Apple iPhone 13 Pro
Description: The Apple iPhone 13 Pro is the most advanced iPhone yet. It features a triple-lens rear camera system with a new Cinematic mode that allows you to record videos with beautiful depth of field. The phone also has a powerful A15 Bionic chip that makes it fast and responsive. And the Super Retina XDR display is stunning, with a brightness of up to 1200 nits.
Key features:
- Triple-lens rear camera system with Cinematic mode
- Powerful A15 Bionic chip
- Super Retina XDR display
Benefits:
- Take stunning photos and videos
- Be more productive with a powerful chip
- Enjoy a beautiful and immersive display
Call to action:
Order your iPhone 13 Pro today and experience the best of Apple.
These are just two examples of very good product descriptions. A good product description should be clear, concise, and informative. It should also highlight the key features and benefits of the product. The description should be persuasive and make the reader want to buy the product.
Make your online store SEO-friendly
Make sure your website is optimised for search engines so that potential customers can easily find you. Use relevant keywords throughout your website, and create high-quality content that will attract visitors. We have a number of additional resources to help you with your SEO, or avail from our SEO Services. Below are some articles to read.
- On Page SEO Best Practice
- Tips to Write SEO Friendly Content
- Free SEO Tools to Help You Rank in Google
- Common SEO Terms Explained
- SEO Strategy Ideas
Improve store navigation
Your website’s navigation should be easy to use and intuitive. Visitors should be able to find what they are looking for quickly and easily.
Multiple payment options
Offer a variety of payment options, such as credit cards, PayPal, and debit cards. This will make it more convenient for visitors to buy from you.
Build multilingual stores
If you target an international audience, consider building multilingual stores. This will make it easier for visitors to shop from you, regardless of their language.
Integrate currency switcher
If you sell products in multiple currencies, integrate a currency switcher on your website. This will make it easy for visitors to see the price of your products in their own currency.
Improve mobile experience
More and more people are using their smartphones and tablets to shop online. Ensure your website is optimised for mobile devices so visitors can have a seamless shopping experience.
24/7 live chat support
Offer 24/7 live chat support so visitors can get help with any questions. This will help to improve the customer experience and boost conversions. If you don’t have the time or are tight with funds, why not outsource a virtual assistant or customer support agent? Nothing helps website conversion rates better than being able to have sales roadblocks solved real-time.
Offer same-day delivery
Offer same-day delivery or free shipping. This will make it more convenient for visitors to buy from you and can lead to increased conversions.
Return and exchange policy
Make sure you have a clear and concise return and exchange policy. This will help to build trust with visitors and encourage them to buy from you.
Get feedback from customers
Ask for customer feedback so you can learn what they like and dislike about your website. This feedback can help you to improve your website and boost conversions.
There are many tools available to help you gather customer feedback. Here are a few of the most popular:
- SurveyMonkey: SurveyMonkey is a popular survey tool that allows you to create and send customer surveys. You can also track the results of your surveys and analyse the data.
- Qualtrics: Qualtrics is another popular survey tool that offers a variety of features, including advanced analytics and reporting.
- Typeform: Typeform is a survey tool known for its beautiful and engaging user interface.
- Google Forms: Google Forms is a free survey tool that is available to all Google users.
- Sprout Social: Sprout Social is a social media management tool offering customer feedback features.
- UserVoice: UserVoice is a tool that allows customers to submit feedback directly to your website or app.
When choosing a customer feedback tool, it is crucial to consider your needs and budget. Some factors to consider include:
- The number of customers you want to survey
- The features you need, such as advanced analytics or reporting
- Your budget
Once you have chosen a customer feedback tool, you can start gathering customer feedback. Be sure to ask questions relevant to your business that will help you improve your products or services.
Here are some tips for gathering customer feedback:
- Make it easy for customers to give feedback. You can do this by placing a feedback form on your website or app or sending email surveys.
- Ask clear and concise questions. The easier it is for customers to answer your questions, the more likely they will do so.
- Offer incentives for feedback. This could be a discount, a free product, or something else of value.
- Thank customers for their feedback. This shows you appreciate their input and are committed to improving your products or services.
Gathering customer feedback is essential for any business that wants to improve its products or services. By using the right tools and following these tips, you can get the feedback you need to improve your business.
Write effective copy
Your website copy should be clear, concise, and persuasive. It should also be relevant to your target audience. Whether you want to improve b2b website conversion rates or b2c conversion rates, quality web copy is essential. Have you tried AI-powered tools like Jasper AI for writing sales copy content?
Add an e-commerce chatbot to improve website conversion rates
An e-commerce chatbot can help to answer visitors’ questions and provide support 24/7. This can lead to an increased ecommerce conversion rate and improved customer satisfaction.
Check out social commerce
Social commerce is the practice of selling products directly through social media platforms like Instagram or Facebook. This is a growing trend, so it’s worth considering if you want to reach a wider audience and boost conversions. We have written a number of helpful articles for your social media marketing strategy. Take a look at the articles below or take advantage of our social media content plans or content packs.
- The Best Instagram Hashtags to Use Each Day of the Week
- Social Media Metrics You Must Track
- Why A Social Media Manager is Still Important in the Age of AI
- Is SEO or Social Media Best for Growing Your Brand
Define your unique selling point (USP)
What makes your business unique? What do you offer that your competitors don’t? Ensure your website communicates your USP so visitors know why they should choose you.
Website Accessibility
Here are some of the reasons why website accessibility can help with website conversion rates:
- Increased traffic: Accessible websites are more likely to be visited by people with disabilities. According to the World Health Organization, 15% of the world’s population has some form of disability. This means that making your website accessible could potentially open up your website to a much larger audience.
- Improved user experience: Accessible websites are easier to use for everyone, regardless of their abilities. This can lead to a better user experience, which can in turn lead to higher conversion rates.
- Reduced bounce rate: A bounce rate is the percentage of visitors who leave your website after viewing only one page. Accessible websites are less likely to have a high bounce rate because they are easier to use and navigate.
- Increased time spent on site: Accessible websites are more likely to keep visitors engaged. This is because they are easier to use and navigate, and they provide a better overall user experience.
- Improved SEO: Search engines like Google take accessibility into account when ranking websites. This means that making your website accessible could help you improve your search engine ranking, which can lead to more traffic and conversions.
- Enhanced brand reputation: Making your website accessible shows that you are a company that cares about its customers. This can enhance your brand reputation and make you more attractive to potential customers.
In addition to these benefits, website accessibility is also the law in many countries. For example, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the United States requires that all public accommodations, including websites, be accessible to people with disabilities. By making your website accessible, you can avoid legal liability and ensure that you are complying with the law.
If you are looking to improve your website conversion rates, making it accessible is a great place to start. By making your website accessible, you can open up your website to a wider audience, improve the user experience, and boost your SEO. One of the best website accessibility tools is Accessibe – click here to check them out.
Enhance your site’s security
Visitors need to feel confident that their personal information is safe when they shop on your website. Ensure you use a secure payment processor and have a privacy policy.
In conclusion, there are many things you can do to improve your website’s conversion rate. Following the tips in this article can increase conversions and boost your sales.
Remember, conversion rate optimisation is an ongoing process. You should regularly test and measure your results to see what’s working and what’s not. Small changes over time can gradually improve your website’s conversion rate and achieve your business goals.
