When it comes to owning a website, it’s important to consider conversion rate optimization (CRO). If you are new to the term, CRO refers to the process of increasing the percentage of online users who perform a desired action on a website. The desired actions will vary based on the type of website you own. Common examples of desired actions include purchasing a product or service, signing up for a monthly subscription, filling out a contact form, clicking on a link, or scheduling an appointment. Let’s take a closer look at what CRO is and why your site needs it to increase site traffic, profits, and visibility on search engines.

What Is Conversion Rate Optimization? 

The standard definition of conversion rate optimization focuses on the numerical data (i.e. percentages, averages, and benchmarks). However, it’s also important to use a user-centric approach with CRO. Indeed, this allows you to understand what encourages, hinders, and persuades visitors on your website. This user information helps you create a positive site experience for users, which increases the likelihood of them driving site conversions. 

When it comes to CRO, the conversion aspect is a major focus. Rather than only focus on this final action, it’s more effective to emphasize the process that users take before they decide to convert on your site. By identifying what encourages users to your site, causes them to leave, and persuades them to take action, you will be one step closer to understanding how to maintain a quality, user-friendly site that meets your visitors’ wants and needs.

If your website has less than stellar conversion rates, there may be a technical or design issue. If over 90 percent of your visitors cannot use your checkout system, then it’s most likely a technical issue. However, if your website is functioning well, yet you have low conversion rates, this indicates some room for improvement with your site experience. Perhaps your visitors find it difficult to see the text or select a CTA (call to action) button. By identifying the areas for improvement, this can help improve your overall site experience and increase your site’ conversions.

How Do You Calculate CRO?

To calculate CRO, you divide the number of conversions (desired actions taken) by the total number of visitors and then multiply the result by 100. This will yield a percentage, which is your conversion rate optimization. For example, if 50 people bought your products and you had 500 visitors, your conversion rate is 50 divided by 500 (0.1), multiplied by 100, which equals 10 percent. 

What Is the Average CRO?

While there are no industry-wide average conversion rates, a common range is between 1 to 4 percent. Instead of focusing on maintaining an average rate it’s better to focus on researching and understanding what matters most to your site visitors. Once you have this key information, you can build and design your site, so that visitors will find it easy to perform conversions. 

Engage with Your Site Visitors

Here at Awesome Website Guys, we understand the importance of reaching your visitors. It’s not enough for people to visit your site and then leave without converting. This is why it’s essential to engage with them. By creating an engaging, positive user experience, visitors will stay longer on your site, drive conversions, and help drive profits. If you are ready to learn more about AWG’s conversion rate optimization services, contact us today.