Build a Website That Converts: Top Tips

A beautiful website is great, but if it doesn’t convert visitors into customers, it’s not serving its purpose. Whether you’re driving sales, collecting leads, or boosting sign-ups, your website needs a clear strategy to guide visitors towards action. Here are the top tips to build a website that converts.

Build a High-Converting Website: Proven Tips and Strategies

Learn how to create a website that not only attracts visitors but also converts them into customers. Discover essential tips on website design, user experience, and conversion optimisation.

1. Define Clear Conversion Goals

Before diving into design or content, define what “conversion” means for your business. Are you aiming for product sales, form submissions, newsletter sign-ups, or consultation requests? Knowing your primary goals lets you structure every element on your website to guide users towards those specific actions.

Pro Tip:
Keep your conversion goals visible throughout the site by placing relevant calls to action (CTAs) on every page. This way, no matter where a visitor lands, they’re always one click away from converting.

2. Prioritise User Experience (UX)

User experience (UX) is about making the visitor’s journey smooth and enjoyable. An intuitive layout, fast-loading pages, and clear navigation can make a huge difference in keeping visitors engaged. Organise content logically and avoid overwhelming users with too many options. A clean, simple interface ensures users find what they’re looking for quickly.

Quick Fixes:

• Keep navigation menus simple and easy to understand.
• Ensure key information is accessible within a few clicks.
• Optimise for speed; a 1-second delay in load time can reduce conversions by up to 7%.

3. Craft Compelling and Clear Headlines

Headlines are the first thing visitors notice, so make sure they’re engaging and to the point. A powerful headline grabs attention, sets expectations, and encourages visitors to read more. Use strong, actionable language that resonates with your audience's needs or pain points.

Pro Tip:
Use A/B testing to experiment with different headline styles and lengths. Track which headlines drive more clicks, engagement, and conversions.

4. Use High-Quality, Relevant Visuals

Visuals can communicate messages faster than text. Use high-quality images, graphics, and videos that align with your brand and support your content. Authentic visuals help build trust, while images that depict people or real-life scenarios can create emotional connections. Be mindful of loading times, though; compress images to ensure they don’t slow down the site.

Pro Tip:
Include photos of real people, like team members or customers, rather than stock images. Visitors are more likely to connect with authentic visuals, which can drive trust and conversions.

5. Optimise for Mobile Users

With over half of internet traffic coming from mobile devices, a mobile-friendly site is essential. Ensure your website layout, images, forms, and CTAs look and work great on smaller screens. This enhances usability and prevents potential conversions from being lost due to poor mobile experience.

Quick Fixes:

• Use a responsive design that adapts to different screen sizes.
• Test your website on multiple devices to spot and fix mobile issues.
• Ensure mobile CTAs are prominent and easily tappable.

6. Write Persuasive, Benefit-Driven Copy

Your copy should focus on the benefits your product or service provides to customers, not just the features. Use language that speaks directly to your audience, highlighting how you can solve their pain points. persuasive copy addresses what’s in it for the visitor, guiding them towards taking action.

Pro Tip:
Avoid jargon and complex phrases. Use clear, direct language that makes your value proposition easy to understand. Employ storytelling to create an emotional connection and establish credibility.

7. Include Strong Calls to Action (CTAs)

CTAs are essential for converting visitors. Be specific and direct—use action-oriented language that tells visitors exactly what to do next. Experiment with different CTA button colours, placements, and phrasing to see what resonates best with your audience.

Quick Tips:

• Place CTAs above the fold, so users don’t need to scroll to see them.
• Use contrasting colours to make your CTAs stand out.
• Be clear about what users will get by clicking the CTA, e.g., “Get Your Free Trial” or “Start Your Journey.”

8. Showcase Social Proof

Social proof, like customer testimonials, case studies, and ratings, is a powerful way to build trust and credibility. When visitors see that others have had positive experiences, they’re more likely to follow suit. Include testimonials on high-traffic pages, and add logos of recognised clients or brands you’ve worked with to build authority.

Pro Tip:
Video testimonials can be particularly effective, as they convey authenticity and emotion that written reviews sometimes lack. Display social proof prominently, especially near your CTAs.

9. Leverage Trust Signals

Trust signals—like secure payment badges, SSL certificates, privacy policies, and guarantees—help reassure visitors that your website is safe and reliable. For e-commerce sites, display badges like “Secure Checkout” or “Money-Back Guarantee” to alleviate fears about purchasing.

Quick Fixes:

• Place trust badges near checkout or form submission areas.
• Use privacy policies and data protection statements to reassure users about their information.
• Mention affiliations, awards, or partnerships with reputable organisations.

10. Simplify Forms

Forms are often the final step in a conversion process, so keep them simple and user-friendly. Only ask for necessary information—long, complicated forms can deter users from completing them. If possible, use auto-fill features and minimise the number of required fields.

Pro Tip:
For long forms, consider breaking them into multi-step progressions. This makes the form feel shorter and less daunting, which can lead to higher completion rates.

11. Use Exit-Intent Pop-Ups

Exit-intent pop-ups appear when a user is about to leave your site, offering a last-chance incentive to keep them engaged. Use these pop-ups to offer discounts, exclusive content, or sign-up offers, giving users a reason to stay and convert.

Pro Tip:
Make the pop-up content relevant to the page the user is on. For example, if they’re leaving a product page, offer a discount on that specific product.

12. Test and Optimise Continuously

Your website needs regular testing and optimisation to achieve the best conversion rates. Use A/B testing to experiment with different design elements, CTAs, and layouts. Analysing user behaviour can reveal valuable insights on what works and what doesn’t, allowing you to make data-driven improvements.

Quick Tools:

• Use Google Analytics and heatmap tools like Hotjar to track user interactions.
• Run split tests on landing pages and CTAs to discover what performs best.
• Regularly update and refine based on performance metrics and user feedback.

The Bottom Line

Building a high-converting website takes strategic planning, user-focused design, and constant optimisation. By implementing these tips, you can create a website that not only attracts visitors but guides them smoothly towards action. Whether it’s improving load speed, simplifying forms, or optimising for mobile, each step brings you closer to a conversion-friendly site that drives real results for your business.