53-Point WordPress Conversion Rate Optimization Checklist

53-Point WordPress Conversion Rate Optimization Checklist

Foundation & Strategy (5 points)

1. ✓ Define specific conversion goals for each key page (purchases, sign-ups, downloads, etc.)
2. ✓ Establish baseline conversion metrics and benchmarks for your WordPress site
3. ✓ Map out complete user journeys for each primary conversion path
4. ✓ Implement proper tracking with WordPress-compatible analytics tools (GA4, Matomo, etc.)
5. ✓ Create a systematic testing schedule with prioritized hypotheses

User Experience & Interface (10 points)

6. ✓ Optimize above-the-fold content with clear value propositions
7. ✓ Ensure all CTAs use contrasting colors and action-oriented language
8. ✓ Implement progressive disclosure for complex forms
9. ✓ Remove unnecessary form fields to reduce friction
10. ✓ Add visual cues (arrows, highlighting) to direct user attention
11. ✓ Implement smart defaults where appropriate to speed completion
12. ✓ Use persuasive microcopy near conversion points
13. ✓ Include progress indicators on multi-step processes
14. ✓ Ensure optimal white space for improved content scanability
15. ✓ Add social proof elements near conversion points (reviews, testimonials, etc.)

WordPress-Specific Technical Optimization (12 points)

16. ✓ Optimize database queries with a tool like Query Monitor
17. ✓ Implement object caching (Redis or Memcached) for faster page loads
18. ✓ Optimize Core Web Vitals using WordPress-specific techniques
19. ✓ Ensure mobile responsiveness with WordPress-native testing
20. ✓ Install a properly configured WordPress caching plugin
21. ✓ Optimize image sizes and implement lazy loading
22. ✓ Minify CSS and JavaScript files with WordPress optimization plugins
23. ✓ Set up browser caching with proper expires headers
24. ✓ Implement CDN integration for WordPress
25. ✓ Remove unnecessary WordPress plugins that affect performance
26. ✓ Configure GZIP compression on your WordPress hosting
27. ✓ Enable prefetching for critical conversion pathways

Content & Copy Optimization (7 points)

28. ✓ Create benefit-focused headlines for key conversion pages
29. ✓ Implement clear, scannable product/service descriptions
30. ✓ Include high-quality, conversion-focused images
31. ✓ Add video demonstrations where appropriate
32. ✓ Use bullet points to highlight key benefits
33. ✓ Create compelling, clear CTAs throughout content
34. ✓ Include FAQ sections to address common objections

Trust & Credibility (5 points)

35. ✓ Display security badges and payment icons in checkout areas
36. ✓ Show testimonials from real customers with photos and names
37. ✓ Include case studies with specific results
38. ✓ Display industry certifications and awards
39. ✓ Add GDPR-compliant privacy notices at relevant touchpoints

Testing & Optimization (8 points)

40. ✓ Implement A/B testing on high-traffic pages using WordPress-compatible tools
41. ✓ Set up multivariate testing for complex page layouts
42. ✓ Configure heatmap and session recording for qualitative insights
43. ✓ Create exit-intent actions to reduce abandonment
44. ✓ Implement smart personalization based on user behavior
45. ✓ Test different CTA placements on key conversion pages
46. ✓ Use scroll depth tracking to identify engagement patterns
47. ✓ Install funnel visualization to identify drop-off points

WordPress Ecommerce Specific (6 points)

48. ✓ Optimize WooCommerce (or other plugin) database tables
49. ✓ Implement one-click upsells and cross-sells
50. ✓ Create abandoned cart recovery emails with WordPress plugins
51. ✓ Optimize product image galleries for speed and engagement
52. ✓ Implement product recommendation algorithms
53. ✓ Streamline checkout process with minimal steps

This checklist provides a comprehensive framework for systematically improving conversion rates on your WordPress website. By methodically working through these points, you can identify and fix conversion bottlenecks, enhance user experience, and ultimately increase your website’s overall performance in turning visitors into customers or leads.

Phil Belleville

With over 27 years of hands-on SEO expertise, starting from my early days as a CFO. Quitting that job to build a top-ranked web hosting business in 1995, I’ve mastered WordPress optimization as a precise engineering discipline. Through extensive research, high-level consulting, and developing a WordPress site that achieved over a thousand organic Google rankings—culminating in a six-figure sale—I’ve decoded Google’s algorithm over 27 years to develop wordpress engineering that transforms underperforming WordPress sites into authoritative powerhouses. Business owners frustrated by stagnant traffic, low visibility, and missed opportunities find relief as I help them deliver measurable ROI through higher rankings, increased leads, and sustainable growth. As owner of dominant city-based SEO platforms in major U.S. markets, I outperform industry gurus, empowering entrepreneurs, local businesses, agencies, and marketers via my WordPress Optimization services at wordpressoptimization.com to unlock their site’s full potential.