Glossaries
Conversion Rate
What is Conversion Rate in User Research?
Conversion rate in user research is the percentage of users who take a desired action, such as making a purchase or signing up for a newsletter, out of the total number of visitors to a website or app.
Synonyms: Conversion Percentage, Success Rate, Action Rate, Goal Completion Rate

Why Conversion Rate is Important in User Research
Conversion rate is a crucial metric in user research as it directly measures the effectiveness of a website or app in achieving its goals. By tracking conversion rates, researchers can:
- Identify areas of improvement in user experience
- Measure the impact of design changes
- Optimize marketing strategies
- Increase overall business performance
How to Calculate and Improve Conversion Rate
To calculate conversion rate, divide the number of conversions by the total number of visitors, then multiply by 100:
Conversion Rate = (Number of Conversions / Total Visitors) x 100
Improving conversion rates often involves:
- Conducting user testing to identify pain points
- Simplifying the user journey
- Optimizing call-to-action buttons and placement
- Personalizing user experiences
- A/B testing different design elements
Examples of Conversion Rate in User Research
- E-commerce: The percentage of website visitors who make a purchase
- SaaS: The proportion of free trial users who become paying customers
- Content marketing: The percentage of blog readers who subscribe to a newsletter
- Mobile apps: The ratio of app downloads to active users
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a good conversion rate? A good conversion rate varies by industry and type of conversion, but generally, 2-5% is considered average, while 10% or higher is excellent.
- How often should I measure conversion rates? Regularly, ideally weekly or monthly, to track trends and the impact of changes.
- Can conversion rates be too high? While rare, extremely high conversion rates might indicate targeting too narrow an audience or missing opportunities for growth.
- How does user research help improve conversion rates? User research provides insights into user behavior, preferences, and pain points, allowing for targeted improvements to the user experience and ultimately increasing conversions.