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How to Use the Conversion Rate Optimization Checklist to Boost Your Website Conversions

Learn how to use the CRO checklist to improve conversion rate optimization. Discover simple steps to boost clarity, trust, usability, and website performance.
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24 Nov 2025
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4 min read
Jesse Pujji
,
Co-Founder and Chairman
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If you run an online store or manage a DTC brand, improving your conversion rate is one of the fastest ways to increase revenue without increasing your ad spend. But knowing what to fix on your website can be confusing, especially if you are not a CRO expert or developer.

That is why the CRO Checklist exists.

This checklist is the same framework used by performance teams that support top ecommerce brands. It gives you a clear, step-by-step way to evaluate your entire website so you can find opportunities to improve conversions and increase revenue.

Below, you will learn what the CRO checklist is, how it works, and how it helps you make better improvements to your online store.

What Is the Conversion Rate Optimization Checklist

The Conversion Rate Optimization Checklist is a guided tool that helps you review your website for clarity, trust, usability, persuasion, and possible friction in the customer journey.

It is divided into the main areas of any ecommerce store:

  • Homepage
  • Collection page
  • Product page
  • Cart
  • Checkout
  • Scorecard for your final results

Each section contains specific questions, visual examples, and indicators of impact, cost, and difficulty. This makes it easy for anyone to understand what needs to be improved and which changes will give the best results.

Even if you are new to Conversion Rate Optimization, this checklist will help you identify meaningful updates that can make your site easier to use and more effective at converting visitors into customers.

Why This Conversion Rate Optimization Checklist Is Helpful

This checklist focuses on the parts of your website that consistently influence conversions. It is built using real CRO experience and successful tests from ecommerce stores.

It covers improvements related to:

  • Trust and credibility
  • Clear messaging
  • How easy your site is to use
  • How well your product is presented
  • Reducing friction at checkout

Every item is paired with:

  • Estimated impact on conversions
  • Cost to implement
  • Difficulty level
  • Priority score

This helps you quickly see which changes matter most.

How to Use the Conversion Rate Optimization Checklist

1. Make a Copy

Before you start, click File and Make a Copy. You will not be able to edit the original version.

2. Watch the Instructional Video

The video explains how to navigate the sheet and choose the correct responses.

3. Go Through Each Page of Your Website

The checklist is grouped into separate tabs:

  • Homepage
  • Collection page
  • Product page
  • Cart
  • Checkout

Each item asks a simple question, such as:

  • Are the sections properly aligned
  • Is your message clear
  • Are trust signals easy to see
  • Are buttons visible on mobile
  • Is the checkout flow simple

To answer, choose:

  • Yes
  • Somewhat
  • Irrelevant
  • No

If you are not sure what the correct version looks like, the Example column shows a visual reference.

4. Let the Scorecard Calculate Everything

As you complete each section, the Scorecard updates automatically. It shows your performance in areas like clarity, trust, usability, and persuasion.

5. Understand Your Final Score

  • 90 and above: Excellent conversion health
  • 80 to 89: Strong website with some room for improvement
  • 70 to 79: Needs improvement
  • Below 70: Many opportunities to optimize

This score gives you a clear overview of where your site currently stands and where to focus next.

Why This Checklist Delivers Results

Easy to Follow - The steps are simple, and the examples make it clear what good Conversion Rate Optimization looks like.

High ROI - It highlights improvements that often increase conversions without requiring extra ad spend.

Fast to Complete - A full review can be done in a few hours depending on the size of your store.

Made for Any Ecommerce Store - The principles work on Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, or any custom site.
Helps You Prioritize - You do not waste time guessing what to fix first.

Who Should Use This Conversion Rate Optimization Checklist

This checklist is helpful for:

  • Ecommerce founders
  • Marketing teams
  • GrowthAssistants
  • Conversion Rate Optimization specialists
  • DTC brands
  • Shopify store owners
  • Anyone who wants clearer direction for website improvements

If your store gets traffic but conversion rates feel low, this tool can guide your next steps.

Ready to Improve Your Conversion Rate

A strong Conversion Rate Optimization foundation helps your business grow faster and makes your marketing more profitable. If you want help scoring your website or implementing improvements, our trained specialists can support your work.

Hire a Growth Assistant to Support Your CRO Strategy Today Start optimizing your website and improving your results with expert help.

Andy Wells
Jesse Pujji
Co-Founder and Chairman

I’m Jesse, a founder and investor who bootstrapped my first company, Ampush, to a mid 8-figure exit after managing $1BN+ in media spend and partnering with brands like Uber and Hulu. Today, I build businesses at my venture studio Gateway X, with a portfolio that includes GrowthAssistant, Aux Insights, and Unbloat. I also share insights on sales, finance, and leadership in my newsletter Bootstrapped Giants—follow me on LinkedIn if you’re into entrepreneurship, growth, or ecom.

Table of contents

Frequently asked questions

What is a CRO checklist?
Do I need CRO experience to use it?
Why is the scorecard useful?
How long does it take to complete?
Which improvements should I focus on first?
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