AI Skill Report Card

Running CRO Experiments

B+78·Feb 26, 2026·Source: Web
15 / 15
Hypothesis: We believe changing the CTA button from "Learn More" to "Get Free Demo" 
for enterprise prospects will achieve 15% conversion lift because it's more specific 
and action-oriented for decision-makers seeking tangible value.

Priority Score: Impact (8) × Confidence (7) × Ease (9) = 504/1000
Test Duration: 2 weeks minimum for 95% confidence with 5,000+ visitors per variant
Recommendation
Remove the detailed statistical planning section and sample size calculator - these are basics Claude already knows
15 / 15

1. Data Analysis & Research Phase

Progress:

  • Analyze current funnel metrics (Google Analytics + heatmaps)
  • Identify conversion bottlenecks and drop-off points
  • Review user session recordings for friction points
  • Gather qualitative feedback (surveys, sales team insights)
  • Audit competitor landing pages for industry benchmarks

2. Hypothesis Generation

For each landing page redesign, create exactly 3 testable hypotheses using:

CRO-DESIGN Framework:

We believe changing [specific element] 
for [target audience segment] 
will achieve [quantified metric improvement] 
because [behavioral/psychological rationale]

3. Test Prioritization

Score each hypothesis: Impact × Confidence × Ease (1-10 scale each)

  • Impact: Potential conversion lift based on traffic volume to that element
  • Confidence: Strength of supporting data/research
  • Ease: Implementation complexity and resource requirements

Priority threshold: Score >300 gets tested first.

4. Statistical Planning

  • Significance Level: 95% confidence minimum
  • Sample Size: Calculate using baseline conversion rate + desired lift
  • Test Duration: Run until significance achieved OR 4 weeks maximum
  • Traffic Split: 50/50 for A/B tests, equal splits for multivariate

5. Test Implementation

Progress:

  • Set up tracking pixels for micro-conversions
  • Configure A/B testing tool (Optimizely/VWO)
  • QA test variants across devices/browsers
  • Document test parameters in CRO backlog
  • Launch with 24-hour monitoring

6. Results Analysis & Implementation

Progress:

  • Wait for statistical significance before calling results
  • Analyze segment performance (traffic source, device, etc.)
  • Document insights in CRO knowledge base
  • Implement winning variant permanently
  • Plan follow-up tests based on learnings
Recommendation
Consolidate the 'Best Practices' and 'Common Pitfalls' sections to avoid redundancy and improve flow
16 / 20

Example 1: Hero Section Test Input: B2B SaaS landing page with 2.3% conversion rate Hypothesis: "We believe changing the hero headline from 'Streamline Your Workflow' to 'Cut Project Delivery Time by 40%' for project managers will achieve 25% conversion lift because specific time savings resonate more than vague benefits." Output: 18% actual lift, 96% confidence after 2,200 visitors per variant

Example 2: Form Optimization Input: Lead gen form with 12% completion rate Hypothesis: "We believe reducing form fields from 8 to 4 for first-time visitors will achieve 30% completion lift because shorter forms reduce perceived friction for unknown brands." Output: 31% completion rate improvement, implemented as winner

Example 3: Social Proof Test Input: Enterprise landing page lacking credibility signals
Hypothesis: "We believe adding customer logo bar above the fold for mid-market prospects will achieve 20% conversion lift because social proof reduces perceived risk for B2B buyers." Output: 14% lift (not significant), but 28% lift for mid-market segment specifically

Recommendation
Add more concrete input/output examples showing actual test results and implementation decisions

Hypothesis Quality

  • Always include specific audience segment (not "users")
  • Quantify expected improvement (not "increase conversions")
  • Base rationale on behavioral psychology, not preferences
  • Test one variable at a time unless using multivariate methodology

Multivariate Test Design

Use when testing 3+ elements simultaneously:

  • Maximum 4 variables to avoid traffic dilution
  • Calculate sample size for smallest expected effect
  • Use fractional factorial design for complex interactions
  • Document all combinations being tested

CRO Backlog Management

Sources for test ideas:

  • Analytics: High-traffic, low-converting pages
  • Heatmaps: Elements with low engagement
  • User recordings: Friction points and confusion
  • Sales feedback: Common objections and questions
  • Competitor analysis: Industry best practices

Backlog format:

Priority Score | Hypothesis | Est. Impact | Resources | Status
504 | Hero CTA change | 15% lift | 2 dev days | Ready
480 | Form field reduction | 25% lift | 1 dev day | In Progress  
290 | Testimonial placement | 8% lift | 4 hours | Backlog
  • Stopping tests early when they show promising results (wait for significance)
  • Testing multiple elements without proper multivariate methodology
  • Ignoring segment analysis - overall results may hide segment wins
  • Not calculating sample sizes before launching (leads to underpowered tests)
  • Testing aesthetic preferences instead of conversion psychology
  • Running tests during seasonal anomalies (holidays, industry events)
  • Not documenting losing tests - failed hypotheses provide valuable insights
  • Implementing winners without QA across all device/browser combinations

Sample Size Calculator

Required visitors per variant = 
(Baseline conversion rate × (100 - Baseline rate) × 16) / 
(Minimum detectable effect²)

Example: 3% baseline, want to detect 20% relative lift (0.6% absolute)
= (3 × 97 × 16) / (0.6²) = 12,907 visitors per variant
0
Grade B+AI Skill Framework
Scorecard
Criteria Breakdown
Quick Start
15/15
Workflow
15/15
Examples
16/20
Completeness
15/20
Format
15/15
Conciseness
12/15