21 Conversion Rate Optimization Tips

We gathered some of our Twitter friends and asked them to help us compile a list of 21 conversion rate optimization tips!

This list covers everything from brainstorming a plan to analyzing data. The tips come from copywriters, SEOs, and everyone in between. Here at ion we’re beyond excited to see that conversion rate optimization has infiltrated so many different areas of online marketing.

Long live CRO!

21 Conversion Optimization Tips:

Make the page load fast by removing java, large images, and other unnecessary items. - @KenRobbins

Start the form above the fold so users know there is a form. - @KenRobbins

Answer the three questions your customers are asking: why you, why now, and what’s in it for me? - @robert_brady

Every Web page is a conversation with visitors. Video can visually support how you answer your visitor’s questions. - @Lookadoo

Don’t break the flow of conversation by placing a video right in the middle of your thoughts (copy.) - @Lookadoo

Bounce rates are tricky. If you have unqualified traffic coming to your site, getting them to bounce is a good thing; however, it could also mean your visitors are having a hard time finding what they are looking for based on the page they land on. Be as sure as possible that your visitors are landing in the right places. - @SharonMostyn

Don’t forget to consider offline conversions/sales in your ROI calculation. What may not be converting online may be generating offline conversions via phone, fax or mail. - @SharonMostyn

Write in second person; use “you” and “yours” to keep the focus on the user. - @CopywriterMaven

Write to deliver a clear and persuasive message, not show off how creative you are. - @CopywriterMaven

To increase conversions, try using actionable text. - @Finge

Test different types of images against each other to determine what works best for you. A female vs. a male, a person vs. a product shot and so on. - @Finge

Run tests long enough to reach statistical significance. - @Gatzseo

Remember that just because something is considered a best practice, it doesn’t mean it is the golden goose that once implemented will lay golden eggs all day! - @Gatzseo

Product centric landing pages should not talk about “features” but rather “benefits” to the customer/prospect. - @PriteshPatel9

Be patient with testing - depending on traffic volume, you may need to test for weeks or months before achieving statistical significance. - @PriteshPatel9

Try not to assume anything. It’s okay and normal not to know everything. Ask questions on Twitter, participate in #CROchat, find forums and blogs, and build a community you can learn from. - @LyndiT

Interview the sales and customer service representatives - they are ground level people that  can tell you what customer responses are in terms of objections or assurances.  Use that information to your advantage online. - @LyndiT

Segment your results — averages and totals across the site can hide insights in the data for different channels and user groups. - @sarahd23

Brainstorm your test plan with a multidisciplinary team. The best ideas come from collaboration and allowing the entire team to share in your testing successes. - @sarahd23

Write down the intended purpose of your page or pages. It’s easy to get lost in a sea of tactical possibilities if you don’t keep your eye on the main goal. - @joshsummerhays

Record any assumptions you can think of that you’re making about the target audience prior to designing your landing experience. If you don’t produce the improvements you expected, challenge all of those assumptions through subsequent tests. - @joshsummerhays

These contributors exceeded our expectations with the number of CRO tips submitted, so we’ll be putting together another list sometime soon!

What would you add to the list? We’re always on the look out for great CRO tips!