What Is Conversion Rate?

Written by Coursera Staff • Updated on

Learn about conversion rate, why it’s an important digital marketing metric, and how to use it effectively in your digital marketing strategies.

[Featured image] A mobile customer lying on a sofa converts after seeing a call to action on her cellphone.

In digital marketing, the conversion rate is a key metric that calculates the percentage of users who complete a specific desired action out of the total number of visitors to your website or marketing platform. Your business objectives define the particular action and might involve clicking on an ad, filling out a web form, purchasing a product, or opening an email. A higher conversion rate indicates that the marketing prompt is more effective, representing more customers who completed the intended action upon engaging with it.

Conversion rates are key performance indicators (KPIs) that offer a clear, precise, and accurate assessment of a marketing campaign's success. To calculate a campaign's conversion rate, divide the total conversions by the overall number of visitors and multiply the result by 100. Finally, evaluate the conversion rate with your business objectives to determine if the campaign meets the predetermined metrics.

Conversion rate = total conversions / total visitors x 100

Maximising your conversion rate is one of the most efficient ways to use your advertising budget. A high conversion rate means you're advertising to the right audience, increasing the likelihood that they will spend money on your products and services. This, in turn, means you end up with a higher return on investment (ROI) on marketing campaigns, boosting profits and growing your customer base. 

To maximise your conversion rate, consider the following strategies:

  • Add text-based calls to action (CTAs) to each blog on your website.

  • Run A/B tests on landing pages to discover the most effective messaging.

  • Optimise conversion paths on your website.

  • Add a lead flow to your website, such as a pop-up or slide-in box.

Another important thing to remember is your website’s user experience (UX) and user interface (UI). User experience (UX) encompasses users' overall perception and satisfaction when interacting with your website, including its value, credibility, and ease of use. User interface (UI), on the other hand, deals explicitly with the visual and interactive elements of the website, focusing on the design and layout that enables users to navigate and interact with the site. 

Both UX and UI play a crucial role in influencing conversion rates. The way customers interact with a business directly affects their opinion of it. Companies with well-designed websites that are user-friendly and informative tend to experience higher conversion rates. Customers are satisfied with their ability to navigate the website and find value in the information provided.

Related terms

  • Bounce rate

  • Target market

  • Click-through rate

  • Content strategy

  • Jobs to be done

Learn digital marketing with Google.

Conversion rate, a key digital marketing metric, measures the percentage of visitors who take a desired action (like buying a product) on your website or platform. A higher conversion rate indicates a more successful marketing campaign, driving more customers and boosting profits.

Develop your digital marketing skills on Coursera with the Google Digital Marketing and E-Commerce Professional Certificate. You could learn the marketing fundamentals needed to begin a digital marketing career in about six months.

Keep reading

Updated on
Written by:

Editorial Team

Coursera’s editorial team is comprised of highly experienced professional editors, writers, and fact...

This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.