Quick UX Fixes When Your Conversion Rate Is Stuck

The 2-3% Plateau

You're getting traffic. People are landing on your site. But your conversion rate is stuck at 2-3%, and you've tried "best practices" that don't seem to help.

Here are the UX fixes that actually move the needle—based on patterns I see across dozens of startup products.

Fix 1: Reduce Your Form Fields (Yes, Again)

I know you've heard this before. But you probably haven't gone far enough.

The test: Can you launch with just an email field? Try it for a week. Why it works: Every field is a decision point. Every decision point loses users. The math is brutal: 5 fields at 90% completion each = 59% overall completion. What to cut:

•Name (you can ask later)
•Phone number (you probably don't need it)
•Company name (ask after they've experienced value)
•"How did you hear about us?" (use UTM parameters instead)

Fix 2: Move Your CTA Above the Fold

Check your landing page on mobile. Is the primary CTA visible without scrolling?

The test: Screenshot your page on a phone. If the CTA isn't visible, you're losing conversions. Why it works: Many users never scroll. If your CTA requires scrolling, you're filtering for only the most motivated users. How to fix:

•Move the CTA button up
•Or add a second CTA above the fold
•Make it sticky on scroll (but test this—can feel aggressive)

Fix 3: Add a Single Testimonial Near Your CTA

Social proof works, but placement matters more than quantity.

The test: Add one short testimonial directly above or below your primary CTA. Why it works: At the moment of decision, users look for reassurance. A testimonial provides that at the exact right moment. What works best:

•Specific result ("Increased conversions by 40%")
•Real name and photo
•Relevant to your target user
•Short (1-2 sentences)

Fix 4: Fix Your Button Copy

"Submit" and "Sign Up" are conversion killers. Your button text should communicate value.

The test: Does your button tell users what they GET, not what they DO? Examples:

•"Submit" → "Get My Free Audit"
•"Sign Up" → "Start Free Trial"
•"Learn More" → "See How It Works"
•"Contact Us" → "Get a Quote in 24 Hours"

Fix 5: Remove Navigation From Your Landing Page

This is counterintuitive but often high-impact.

The test: Remove or minimize navigation links on your landing page. Measure conversion. Why it works: Every navigation link is an exit opportunity. On a conversion-focused page, you want users to have one path: convert. How to implement:

•Remove header navigation entirely
•Or reduce to just logo (clicking goes to homepage)
•Keep footer links for trust/legal but make them subtle

Fix 6: Add Urgency or Scarcity (Honestly)

Fake urgency is gross and users see through it. Real urgency works.

The test: Is there a legitimate reason to act now? Make it visible. Honest urgency examples:

•"Prices increase next month" (if true)
•"3 spots left this quarter" (if true)
•"Free audit for next 10 signups" (if you'll honor it)
•Limited-time offer with real deadline

Don't do:

•Fake countdown timers that reset
•"Only 2 left!" that's always 2
•Creating pressure that doesn't exist

Fix 7: Speed Up Your Page

Page speed directly impacts conversion. Every second of load time costs you.

The test: Run PageSpeed Insights. If mobile score is under 70, you have a problem. Quick wins:

•Compress images (use WebP format)
•Remove unused JavaScript
•Lazy load below-fold content
•Use a CDN

The Priority Order

If you're stuck at 2-3%, try these in order:

1. Form fields — Highest impact, easiest to test

2. CTA placement — Check mobile specifically

3. Button copy — Quick win, easy to A/B test

4. Testimonial placement — Add one near the CTA

5. Navigation removal — Test on a landing page variant

6. Page speed — Fix if score is under 70

When These Don't Work

If you've tried these and you're still stuck:

•Traffic quality issue — Are you attracting the right users?
•Product-market fit — Do users actually want what you're offering?
•Pricing problem — Is your price point misaligned with perceived value?
•Trust issue — Do users believe you can deliver?

UX fixes can't solve fundamental business problems.

Want to find what's actually killing your conversions? Book a free 30-minute UX audit. I'll analyze your specific funnel and identify the highest-impact fixes for your product.