Conversion Rate Optimization
Before starting: Read
MARKETING-CONTEXT.mdin this domain for product, ICP, and positioning context.
What This Skill Does
Systematically audits and optimizes conversion points across the entire funnel -- landing pages, signup flows, checkout processes, and onboarding sequences. Applies behavioral science (loss aversion, social proof, friction reduction) to every recommendation. Produces prioritized, testable hypotheses rather than opinion-based changes.
Key Questions to Ask
- What is the current conversion rate and what is the target?
- Where in the funnel is the biggest drop-off?
- What has already been tested (and what were the results)?
- What is the primary CTA and does it match the ICP's desired outcome?
- Is there existing analytics data (heatmaps, session recordings, funnel reports)?
Framework / Approach
Systematic Page Audit (for each conversion point)
- Hero Section -- Does the headline match the visitor's intent? Is the value proposition clear within 5 seconds? Does the hero image support or distract?
- CTA Clarity -- Is there one primary CTA? Is it above the fold? Does the button copy describe the outcome (not the action)?
- Social Proof -- Are testimonials specific (name, role, metric)? Are logos relevant to the ICP? Is proof placed near decision points?
- Objection Handling -- Are the top 3 objections addressed before the CTA? Is there a risk reversal (guarantee, free trial, no credit card)?
- Friction Points -- How many form fields? How many steps to convert? Are there unnecessary distractions or navigation leaks?
- Trust Signals -- Security badges, privacy statements, known-brand associations placed at friction points?
Prioritization (ICE Framework)
For each hypothesis:
- Impact (1-10): How much will this move the conversion rate?
- Confidence (1-10): How certain are we based on data/best practices?
- Ease (1-10): How fast can we implement and test?
Testing Protocol
- Define control vs. variant clearly
- Set minimum sample size before launching
- Run for at least 1 full business cycle (7 days minimum)
- Measure primary metric + guard-rail metrics
- Document learnings regardless of outcome
Output Format
## CRO Audit: [Page/Flow Name]
### Current State
- Conversion rate: [X%]
- Traffic source: [organic/paid/direct]
- Key drop-off: [where]
### Findings
| Element | Issue | Severity | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hero headline | Doesn't match search intent | High | Rewrite to mirror ICP pain point |
| ... | ... | ... | ... |
### Prioritized Hypotheses
| # | Hypothesis | ICE Score | Expected Lift |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | [If we X, then Y because Z] | [score] | [estimate] |
| ... | ... | ... | ... |
### Test Plan
- Variant description: [what changes]
- Success metric: [primary KPI]
- Sample size needed: [N]
- Estimated run time: [days]
Related Skills
copywriting-- headline and CTA copy optimizationpaid-measurement-- attribution and analytics for conversion trackinggrowth-retention-- post-conversion activation and retentioncustomer-research-- qualitative insights to inform hypotheses
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