Split testing! Is a way to test various variations of your current page to see which one converts more, the variations on each page could be as simple as changing the color of a link or changing the entire layout of the site, you have to experiment with various elements. But the rule of thumb for good convertions are: Strong Headline - Have a headline that makes users want to click and read your content, you can go to a large news website to see how they abuse this technique to death( "CLICK HERE TO SEE WHAT MILEY CYRUS DID IN PUBLIC!" etc). Educate your users! - Make your users understand your content and what you are trying to "sell" them, nobody will buy something they don't need or understand, it's worth spending a little extra time to make sure the user have fully understood your service/product or whatever you are doing. Easy to see Call to Action! - You want to make sure that your call to action("Buy now" button for example) is clearly visible and pops a bit on the page, it should not be something the users can miss. If you need a split testing tutorial and you are using analytics it's quite easy to do, you can read my tutorial on my blog: http://marketingguard.com/tips-and-tutorials/split-testing-in-google-analytics-tutorial/
You want to be more specific than this, you want to increase conversion rate of which part of yours sales cycle ? There are plenty of tools to improve conversion rate at various parts of sales cycle, here is a list of few http://www.inboundio.com/blog/10-waystools-improve-copy-writing-increase-conversion-rate/
Helge nailed it on the head! Those are the basic tactics for increasing conversion rates...make sure you keep track of each variate that you split test. Surprisingly small things can lead to big changes...font size, colors, sales copy. Good luck!
What the above posters said PLUS make a video. A well made video can go a long way. Just stay away from too much hyping the video and allow the user to play it manually.
Hi, First of all you want to build trust with your users. The more trust you gain by your users, more they believe in you and it give you a higher conversion rate for any product you sell.
As user Helge wrote, I would try to make some split test over call-to-action buttons. I have noticed a great difference even between a small change, for example GET INFO or REQUEST INFO which are basically the same but visitors react in a different mode.
The call o action buttons should be placed effectively for getting the best results. The website navigation should also be user friendly so that of a visitor wants to sign up, he / she can get to the respective page easily.
Interesting perspective... simple words can make some differences in the way a page converts. Thank you guys. I need to go split-testing...
Call to action buttons with messages are effective tools to increase your conversion rate however it depends on the offer as well. You can use plugins too, if you are a Wordpress user. Here is an example: http://wordpress.org/plugins/gc-message-bar/
You have to make tests with Google Analytics, make A B tests, it will help you a lot. Offcourse you have to know what you are looking for.
I want to suggest a slightly different angle. All of the above ideas are great, but there is something being overlooked. Value. Increase the value you provide to your readers and buyers, and conversion rates will leap. I'm not talking about product value, or after sale value. I am talking about the free value you provide pre-sale, which then continues after the sale. Value increases trust and confidence, which increases your conversion rates.