Hey there! What if I told you there’s a hidden weapon that most people are overlooking, something that can not only boost your rankings but also dramatically increase your conversions and sales? It’s not black magic or some complicated algorithm hack. It’s something much simpler: User Experience (UX) and Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO).
The Forgotten Key to Google Domination
Most people are obsessed with on-page SEO and backlinks, which is understandable. But there’s a third, often-neglected area that can be a game-changer: UX and CRO. UX, or user experience, focuses on how easy and enjoyable your website is to use. CRO, or conversion rate optimization, is all about turning website visitors into paying customers. When you combine the two, you get a powerful force that can propel your website to the top of Google.
Let’s look at a real-world example: energy gels. If you search for “best energy gels,” you’ll see a ton of affiliate websites popping up. These sites aren’t just ranking because they have tons of backlinks or amazing SEO. They are also ranking because they are doing UX and CRO really well.
The Little Guy Can Compete: How a Small Site Almost Beat the Giants!
You might be thinking, “Sure, these tactics work for big sites with tons of authority!” Well, think again. The video also analyzed a smaller website with a domain authority of just 20, that was ranking very closely to page one for “best energy gels”.
This smaller site showed that you don’t need a massive domain authority to compete if you have good UX and CRO. Here’s what they did:
- Sidebar Opt-in: Similar to Runner’s World, this smaller website also utilizes a sidebar. However, instead of an ad, they used it to promote their free ebook in exchange for the user’s email address. This allows them to build an email list and continue to market products to users over time.
- Inline Opt-ins: Like Healthline, they use inline opt-ins throughout their article. These opt-ins offer free resources in exchange for email addresses.
- Providing Options: Rather than presenting a wall of text, they are giving the user opportunities to engage. They are not using giant blocks of text.
The Missing Link: Why You Need Clickable Links That Pop!
One of the biggest mistakes people make with their websites, is having links that blend in with the rest of the text. You need to make sure that your links stand out.
- Color is Key: Change your links to an eye-catching color. Red is a classic choice, but other colors can work well too, especially if they contrast with your background. The key is to make it unique so that it stands out and encourages clicks.
- The Importance of Contrast: Regardless of the color you pick, make sure that the color contrasts with the color of the text and the background. A link should be clearly identifiable as a clickable element.
The Power of the Opt-In: Build Your List and Build Your Business
You need to have multiple opportunities for users to opt-in to your email list. You could offer free guides, checklists, or other resources in exchange for their email address. This is one of the most important things you can do for your business.
- Strategically Placed Opt-Ins: Don’t just include one opt-in form at the end of your article. Place them throughout the page, in the sidebar, and within the content.
- Make it Easy: Make it easy to opt-in. Don’t ask for too much information and make the process seamless.
Implementing UX and CRO: A Simple System
The best part about these UX and CRO strategies is that you can implement them right away. You don’t need to be a tech guru or have a big budget.
- Create a Template: Develop a standard operating procedure (SOP) for every blog post. Your SOP should include space for inline opt-ins, sidebar ads, and prominent links.
- Plan Ahead: Even if you don’t have a lead magnet ready yet, plan for it. When you create the page, think about where you will eventually add these elements.
- Prioritize Conversion Opportunities: Always be thinking about conversion opportunities. Every element of your page should be designed to guide the user towards taking a specific action.
By focusing on UX and CRO, you can drastically improve your website’s performance. This is what can lead to increased conversions, more sales, and higher search engine rankings.
Conclusion
The secret to ranking higher on Google isn’t just about SEO and backlinks. It’s about creating a user-friendly experience that makes it easy for visitors to find what they’re looking for and make a purchase. UX and CRO can help you achieve this by focusing on user experience, opt-ins, and making calls to action stand out. These strategies can be implemented on websites of all sizes and can lead to significant improvements. When it comes to achieving a higher rank in Google’s algorithm, UX and CRO are not something you can overlook.
FAQs
What is the difference between UX and CRO? UX, or user experience, is all about how easy and enjoyable your website is to use. CRO, or conversion rate optimization, focuses on turning website visitors into paying customers. Both are important, and combining them can lead to higher rankings, conversions, and sales.
Do I need a large website to implement these tactics? No. The source mentions a smaller website with a domain authority of 20 that was ranking close to page one, simply by implementing good UX and CRO. You can implement these tactics regardless of your size.
What is the most important thing I can do to improve my website’s UX and CRO? There are many things you can do to improve your website’s UX and CRO. However, the source emphasizes making sure that any link you want people to click on is a different color and stands out from the rest of the text. You should also have multiple opt-in opportunities and make sure that you provide value to your users.