Google’s Outlook
Conversion rates can be tricky if you’re trying to track your own progress. These rates vary by industry and type and can be challenging to compare across months or years. Conversions themselves can also be deemed a macro (transaction) or micro (goal) conversion depending on the action completed, creating yet another layer of comprehension within this KPI.
According to Google, “In Analytics, a conversion is the completion of an activity that is important to the success of your business, such as a completed sign up for your email newsletter (a Goal conversion) or a purchase (a Transaction, sometimes called an Ecommerce conversion).”
What is a Good Conversion Rate?
Keep in mind when measuring conversion that many factors weigh in. Industry type will play a significant role. While businesses that are B2B will fare better, e-commerce companies will have lower rates as people shop and fill their carts without actually checking out. This table is a rough guide to what you should aim for.
1-2% – On the low end with a lot of room for improvement.
2-4% – Average. This is a common range for those just starting to optimise.
4-8% – Doing great. In this range, you’re converting well.
8-11% – The upper echelon, usually only the top 10% of companies.
12+% – Very high. This warrants further investigation into web traffic.
So, what can you do to increase your percentage? Here are our top tips to improve your Conversion Rate Optimisation (CRO).
How Do I Increase My Conversion Rate?
A/B Testing
You should already be doing this, but if you’re not, then now is a great time to start. You should be testing different variations of your site in order to improve the customer experience. This is especially true for the wording you use in your headers as well as your CTA or button links.
For instance, changing your CTA from “Try our product now” to “Get your free sample” could have a drastic impact on your conversion rate. If your CTA still isn’t working, consider the fact that it might not be the wording but your actual offer that isn’t appealing to your customers.
Landing Pages
Using landing pages is a great SEO and CRO tactic. These pages will funnel potential customers to a personalised page on your site depending on how they found you. These pages can be altered depending on whether they click through from a Google Ad or a varying list of keywords.
By speaking directly to what they’re searching for and shortening the time they need to spend clicking through your site, you’re increasing your chance of a conversion. Make these pages laser-focused on what your searchers are looking for as these pages can be the best tool in your arsenal for improving CRO.
Your Site
A well designed, easy to use site will be a critical part of the conversion game. We know that you only have seconds to convince a potential customer to stay on your site. The colours, photos, designs, font and especially loading speed, will directly impact their impression of your company. Make that first impression a good one.
The Numbers
Sometimes conversion rates are a numbers game. If you think about it, having four visitors to your site and converting two of them leaves you with a 50% conversion rate. While you’ve achieved a high rate, you’re still not achieving a successful business outcome.