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Do You Have a Traffic Problem or a Conversion Problem?

Simon Kelly
Do You Have a Traffic Problem or a Conversion Problem?

If you’re not seeing the online revenue growth you expect, it usually comes down to two issues.

You either don’t have enough people seeing your offers.

Or the people who do see your offers aren’t taking action.

It’s traffic or conversions. And knowing which problem you have will determine your entire marketing strategy.

Most businesses assume they have a traffic problem.

They want more SEO, more Google Ads, more social content, more eyeballs.

But adding more traffic to a poor-performing website is like pouring water into a leaky bucket.

Nothing meaningful improves.

The truth is that most businesses don’t need more traffic. They need to convert more of the traffic they already have.

Industry-wide website-to-lead conversion rates sit around 2-5%. But the top performers achieve 15-25%. (Source: RockingWeb)

If you’re sitting in the average range, simply increasing traffic won’t move the needle. You’ll pay more for the same results.

That’s why conversion optimisation comes first.

When your website is professionally designed, communicates clearly, and demonstrates authority, every channel works better.

SEO improves.

Google Ads become more cost-effective.

Email and social campaigns drive more enquiries.

You get a stronger return from the same spend.

If you send traffic to a weak website, you’re amplifying the problem.

It’s like handing a microphone to a terrible singer. The microphone won’t make them better. It just makes the bad performance louder.

Start by reviewing your website with these questions:

Trust Signals 

Does your website clearly prove your credibility?

Are your reviews, testimonials and logos as strong (or stronger) than your competitors?

Headings and Messaging 

Are your headings clear, specific and benefit-driven?

Would a first-time visitor understand what you offer and why it matters in 5 seconds?

Visuals and Professionalism 

Do your photos and visuals build trust, or do they cheapen the perception of your brand?

Calls to Action 

Is it immediately obvious how to contact you or take the next step?

Is your primary call to action more compelling than your competitors?

Speed and Experience 

Does your website load quickly?

Is it easy to navigate without friction?

Proof of Expertise 

Are you clearly demonstrating your experience, authority and results?

Once you’ve reviewed these questions, take action to improve them with your website support team.

Fix the leaks before you add more water. 

When your website converts at a higher rate, everything else becomes easier and more cost-effective.

After improving conversions, that’s when it makes sense to increase traffic through SEO, Google Ads, and platforms like LinkedIn Ads.

Your website becomes an asset that multiplies the impact of your campaigns rather than limiting them.

If you want a clear starting point, view this landing page optimisation guide.

Is your website ready to convert visitors into leads?

If you’d like a free landing page audit, contact us and we’ll take a look for you https://sgd.com.au/contact/

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Author

Simon Kelly

Simon Kelly

Simon Kelly is the CEO and Head of Growth at Seriously Good Design. Simon started his first web design agency in 2009 which he merged with the SGD team in 2023. With a strong background in digital strategy and a history of working with fast-growing Australian companies, including CyberCX, Envato and Agency Mavericks, he's passionate about using ethical digital marketing that delivers business value. Simon's experience includes coaching digital agencies, running digital marketing workshops, driving growth and excellence within the SGD team.

Read more posts by Simon Kelly

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