Can you believe it’s December? Where did this year go? Hopefully, you were optimizing, testing, and growing your business to successful heights. What key move did you make this year to increase revenue? No, seriously, we would love to know! Before we close out this year, we have one last lineup of amazing articles for you to explore.

This month we share articles relating to marketing. As we know, marketing is vital for any business. Marketing allows you to connect and engage with your intended audience, differentiating you from your competitors and reaching your target audience.

“Every aspect of marketing is entirely useless unless it produces conversions.” — Jeremy Smith

Today we learn from The Marketing Sherpa about customer-first marketing. Do progress bars help? Find out from Guess The Test. Need a great marketing book? Conversion Rate Experts has a list of the top books you need to be reading. And finally, VWO talks about measuring personalization success. 

Did you know using correct targeting and testing methods, you can boost your conversion rate by 300%?

Customer-First Marketing

https://marketingsherpa.com/article/case-study/customer-fir

The Marketing Sherpa shares case studies discussing why customer-first marketing is the best approach. It’s too easy to get sidetracked and lose sight of what matters; the customer. In this article, learn how to shift into a customer-first strategy.

All three case studies in this article are great, but the last one caught our eye. We learn how a law firm got twice as many reviews simply by asking for them. A reputation is everything to a lawyer, and they depend on quality reviews to generate and keep business.

As a rule, most law firms send out an end-of-action letter summarizing the case. It’s here that a request for a review is mentioned, we agree, not very personal. The law firm Paschal O’Hare decided to try a new approach and started calling or asking in person for a review. Using this new approach, this law firm saw a conversion rate increase of 25%! 

Do you have any personal contact with your consumers?

With or Without the Progress Bar

https://guessthetest.com/test/with-or-without-the-progress-bar/

This month’s Guess The Test article has us asking if a progress bar is best. Greenhouse Group performed an A/B test for Dela, a Dutch insurance company. The test was to see if a three-step progress bar would improve their click-through rate (CTR).

What format do you think won? Yes, I also love a progress bar.

The results:

• 16% increase in CTR from steps 1-2.
• 18% increase in CTR from steps 2-3.
• 18% increase in completed transactions.

Humans have a need to finish what we have started, which is why the progress bar works. Remember not to add too many steps or take too long on each step. Testing has shown a three-step progress bar works best. Below are some examples of different progress bars to consider.

Image Source: Guess The Test

Another reason we love Guess The Test is they explain how we can use this test to optimize our own sites. In this article, they go on to explain why visual clarity is so vital to your users. The ability to have clear, concise instructions is what will set you apart.

The Best Online Marketing Books

https://conversion-rate-experts.com/great-resources/

Conversion Rate Experts have compiled a list of 18 marketing books you “must read.” Let us highlight a few we also consider to be great reads.

First, let’s start with our favorite. The Dip is only 80 pages long but packed full of great ideas for you to try today. Easy to read, full of spunk, and eye-opening. We agree this is a must-read.

Image Source: https://conversion-rate-experts.com/

Another fan favorite is in its 4th edition, Tested Advertising Methods by John Caples. This copywriting legend will guide you through his tried and tested method. Learn how to write copy that targets buyers’ emotions.

Image Source: https://conversion-rate-experts.com/

Making Websites Win by Dr. Karl Blanks and Ben Jessen needs to be at the top of your wish list. This conversion optimization rate book explains in-depth how to apply customer-centric methods. Learn how to make a winning website!

Image Source: https://conversion-rate-experts.com/

Learn about other informative books in this extensive list.

How To Measure Personalization Success

https://vwo.com/blog/how-to-measure-personalization-success-the-key-metrics/

VWO’S December article is one you want to keep for reference. Loaded with formulas to help calculate your standings and improve where needed. VWO teaches us about personalization and the significance of your marketing strategy.

In short- personalization is customizing the experience for returning users. It makes us feel special, feel seen. Once we can hone in on returning customers, our acquisition costs will lower. Below we will share a few of the formulas for better conversions.

Calculating Click-through rate (CTR):

Image Source: https://vwo.com/

By tracking the CTR, we better can understand our users. Personalization becomes easier when tracking past behavior, thus improving the UX. (User Experience)

Customer lifetime value (CLV)

Image Source: https://vwo.com/

Tracking the CLV is best used when you have a long-term association with a customer.

Be sure to read the entire article from VWO to gain a more in-depth understanding of personalization. Everyone wants a loyal customer base; learn how to secure yours.

In Conclusion

Understanding our customers and users is the keyway to improve conversions. The best way to do this is through testing; consistent A/B testing will set you apart from your competitors.

Did you know that, on average, for every $92 spent acquiring customers, only $1 is used to convert them? We need to do everything we can to optimize our conversion rate, and companies that allocate funds to optimization tend to see increased conversions.

As we say goodbye to 2022, we invite you to contact us for a free audit. Let’s see what’s working and what needs attention. Remember, conversions are all about testing.

Claim Your Free Audit Here.