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  • 7 Quick-Win Strategies to Create Buyer Guides That Convert Now
Inge von Aulock
August 15, 2024

Want to create buyer guides that actually convert? You’re in the right place.

Most buyer guides fail to engage readers or drive sales. They’re often dry, unfocused, and miss the mark on addressing customer needs.

But it doesn’t have to be this way.

With the right strategies, you can craft buyer guides that captivate your audience and boost conversions.

This post reveals 7 quick-win tactics to create buyer guides that convert. Let’s dive into practical steps you can implement today.

1. Research Your Audience for Targeted Buyer Guides

  • Learn how to create detailed customer profiles
  • Discover methods to uncover customer pain points
  • Understand how to map the B2B buyer journey

Identify Your Ideal Customer Profile

Creating an ideal customer profile is the first step in crafting effective buyer guides. This process involves gathering and analyzing data about your target audience to create a clear picture of who they are and what they need.

Gather Demographic Data

Start by collecting basic demographic information about your target customers. This includes:

  1. Company size (number of employees, annual revenue)
  2. Industry or sector
  3. Geographic location
  4. Job titles and roles of decision-makers

To gather this information:

  • Analyze your current customer database
  • Use tools like LinkedIn Sales Navigator or ZoomInfo
  • Conduct surveys with your sales and customer service teams

Explore Psychographic Characteristics

Go beyond basic demographics to understand your customers’ motivations, challenges, and preferences:

  1. Goals and objectives
  2. Priorities and values
  3. Preferred communication channels
  4. Decision-making processes

Methods to gather psychographic data:

  • Conduct in-depth interviews with existing customers
  • Use social listening tools to monitor online conversations
  • Analyze customer support inquiries and feedback

Utilize Market Research Tools

Leverage market research tools to gain a comprehensive understanding of your ideal customer:

  1. Google Trends: Identify popular search terms and topics in your industry
  2. SEMrush: Analyze competitors’ strategies and audience insights
  3. Statista: Access industry reports and market data

Analyze Customer Pain Points and Needs

Understanding your customers’ challenges and requirements is crucial for creating buyer guides that address their specific needs.

Conduct Customer Surveys

Design and distribute surveys to gather direct feedback from your target audience:

  1. Use tools like SurveyMonkey or Google Forms to create your survey
  2. Keep surveys short (5-10 questions) to increase completion rates
  3. Include a mix of multiple-choice and open-ended questions
  4. Offer an incentive for participation (e.g., discount code, free resource)

Example survey questions:

  • What’s the biggest challenge you face in [specific area related to your product/service]?
  • How do you currently solve this problem?
  • What features are most important to you when choosing a [your product/service category]?

Perform Customer Interviews

Conduct one-on-one interviews with current and potential customers to gain deeper insights:

  1. Prepare a list of open-ended questions
  2. Use active listening techniques to encourage detailed responses
  3. Record the interviews (with permission) for later analysis
  4. Look for patterns and common themes across multiple interviews

Implement Social Listening

Monitor social media platforms and online forums to understand customer conversations:

  1. Use tools like Hootsuite or Sprout Social to track brand mentions and industry keywords
  2. Join relevant LinkedIn groups or subreddits to observe discussions
  3. Analyze comments on competitors’ social media posts and content

Map the Customer Journey

Creating a customer journey map helps you understand the steps B2B buyers take before making a purchase decision.

Define Journey Stages

Identify the key stages in your B2B customer’s buying process:

  1. Awareness: The customer recognizes a problem or need
  2. Consideration: They research potential solutions
  3. Evaluation: They compare different options
  4. Decision: They choose a solution and make a purchase
  5. Post-purchase: They implement the solution and assess its effectiveness

Create a Journey Map

Follow these steps to build a comprehensive customer journey map:

  1. Start with a template or blank canvas (tools like Miro or Lucidchart can help)
  2. List out each stage of the journey
  3. Identify customer actions, thoughts, and emotions at each stage
  4. Note potential touchpoints and interactions with your company
  5. Highlight pain points and opportunities for improvement

Gather Cross-Functional Input

Involve various teams in your organization to create a well-rounded journey map:

  1. Sales: Provide insights on common objections and decision-making processes
  2. Customer Support: Share frequent issues and questions from customers
  3. Product Team: Offer information on feature usage and adoption rates
  4. Marketing: Contribute data on content engagement and lead nurturing

By thoroughly researching your audience, analyzing their needs, and mapping their journey, you’ll be well-equipped to create buyer guides that speak directly to your target customers’ concerns and guide them towards a purchase decision.

Craft Effective Buyer Guide Formats That Engage Readers

TL;DR:

  • Learn to choose the right structure for your buyer guide
  • Discover how to incorporate visual elements effectively
  • Understand the importance of mobile-friendly design

Choose the Right Structure for Your Guide

Selecting the best format for your buyer guide is crucial. The right structure helps readers find information quickly and makes your guide more engaging. Let’s explore some popular formats and how to choose the best one for your needs.

Comparison Tables

Comparison tables are ideal for products with multiple features or specifications. They allow readers to easily compare different options side by side.

Steps to create an effective comparison table:

  1. List all products you want to compare
  2. Identify key features or specifications
  3. Create a table with products as columns and features as rows
  4. Fill in the table with accurate information
  5. Use consistent formatting for easy reading
  6. Add color coding or icons to highlight key differences

Checklists

Checklists are perfect for guides that involve step-by-step processes or decision-making. They provide a clear, actionable format for readers.

How to create an effective checklist:

  1. Break down the process into distinct steps
  2. Use clear, concise language for each item
  3. Order steps logically
  4. Group related items together
  5. Use checkboxes or bullet points for visual appeal
  6. Consider adding brief explanations for complex items

Step-by-Step Guides

Step-by-step guides are ideal for explaining complex processes or providing detailed instructions.

Tips for creating an effective step-by-step guide:

  1. Start with an overview of the entire process
  2. Break down the process into clear, manageable steps
  3. Use numbered lists for easy following
  4. Provide detailed explanations for each step
  5. Include relevant images or diagrams to illustrate steps
  6. Offer troubleshooting tips for common issues

Selecting the Best Format

To choose the right format, consider these factors:

  1. Product complexity: More complex products may benefit from detailed step-by-step guides
  2. Number of options: Multiple product options are best presented in comparison tables
  3. Decision-making process: If your audience needs to make choices, a checklist might be ideal
  4. Audience preferences: Consider your target audience’s preferred learning style
  5. Content type: Match the format to the type of information you’re presenting

Incorporate Visual Elements

Visual elements can significantly enhance the effectiveness of your buyer guide. They break up text, make information more digestible, and increase engagement. Let’s explore how to use visuals effectively.

Research has shown that incorporating visual elements like infographics, product images, and charts enhances buyer guides.

Types of Visuals for Buyer Guides

  1. Infographics: Ideal for presenting complex data or processes in a visually appealing way
  2. Product images: Essential for helping readers understand what they’re buying
  3. Charts and graphs: Perfect for comparing data or showing trends
  4. Icons: Use to highlight key points or categorize information
  5. Screenshots: Helpful for software or digital product guides
  6. Videos: Can demonstrate product use or explain complex features

Creating Effective Visuals

Follow these steps to create visuals that enhance your buyer guide:

  1. Identify key information that could benefit from visual representation
  2. Choose the appropriate type of visual for the information
  3. Keep the design simple and uncluttered
  4. Use consistent colors and fonts throughout your guide
  5. Ensure visuals are high-quality and properly sized
  6. Add captions or labels to explain the visuals
  7. Make sure visuals are accessible (e.g., alt text for images)

Ensure Mobile-Friendly Design

With more people accessing content on mobile devices, it’s crucial to ensure your buyer guide is mobile-friendly. A responsive design ensures your guide looks great and functions well on any device.

Importance of Mobile-Friendly Design

  1. Improved user experience: Readers can easily access your guide on any device
  2. Better SEO: Mobile-friendly content often ranks higher in search results
  3. Increased engagement: Easy-to-read content on mobile devices keeps readers interested
  4. Wider reach: You can reach audiences who primarily use mobile devices

Guidelines for Mobile-Optimized Content

Follow these steps to create a mobile-friendly buyer guide:

  1. Use a responsive design framework: This automatically adjusts your layout for different screen sizes
  2. Prioritize content: Put the most important information at the top
  3. Use a larger font size: Aim for at least 16px for body text
  4. Increase line spacing: This improves readability on small screens
  5. Use short paragraphs: Break up text into easily digestible chunks
  6. Optimize images: Compress images to reduce load times on mobile networks
  7. Use mobile-friendly navigation: Consider a hamburger menu for easy navigation
  8. Test on multiple devices: Ensure your guide works well on various screen sizes and orientations

By following these guidelines, you’ll create buyer guides that are not only informative but also engaging and easy to use across all devices. Remember, the key is to choose the right format, incorporate effective visuals, and ensure mobile-friendliness. These elements combined will help your buyer guides stand out and drive conversions.

Develop Conversion-Optimized Content Strategies

  • Learn to write product descriptions that sell
  • Use social proof to boost credibility
  • Address buyer concerns proactively

Write Clear and Concise Product Descriptions

Product descriptions are crucial. They can make or break a sale. Let’s explore how to craft them effectively.

Focus on Benefits, Not Just Features

Start by listing your product’s features. Then, for each feature, ask “So what?” This helps you uncover the real benefits for your customers.

  1. Identify key features
  2. Ask “So what?” for each feature
  3. Write down the benefit

Example: Feature: 24/7 customer support Benefit: Get help anytime, reducing downtime and frustration

Use Persuasive Language

Your words should excite customers about your product. Here’s how:

  1. Use action verbs (e.g., “boost,” “enhance,” “streamline”)
  2. Include sensory words (e.g., “smooth,” “crisp,” “powerful”)
  3. Add numbers and specifics (e.g., “increases productivity by 25%”)

Keep It Scannable

Most people skim content. Make your descriptions easy to read:

  1. Use short paragraphs (2-3 sentences max)
  2. Add bullet points for key features/benefits
  3. Include subheadings to break up text

“The key to writing a great product description is to focus on the benefits it provides to the customer, rather than just listing features.” 

– Neil Patel

Include Social Proof and Testimonials

Social proof builds trust. It shows potential buyers that others have had success with your product.

Types of Social Proof

  1. Customer reviews
  2. Expert endorsements
  3. Usage statistics
  4. Awards or certifications
  5. Media mentions

Choose the types that best fit your product and audience.

Incorporating Social Proof in Buyer Guides

Here’s how to effectively use social proof:

  1. Add a dedicated testimonial section
  2. Sprinkle short quotes throughout the guide
  3. Include star ratings near product descriptions
  4. Showcase case studies for complex B2B products

71% of B2B buyers consume blog content during their buyer journey.

Best Practices for Using Testimonials

  1. Use real names and photos when possible
  2. Include specific results or improvements
  3. Keep testimonials concise (1-2 sentences)
  4. Update testimonials regularly

“Social proof is a powerful tool for increasing conversions because it taps into the psychological need for validation and approval.” 

– Peep Laja

Address Common Objections and FAQs

Anticipating and addressing buyer concerns can significantly boost conversions.

Identifying Common Objections

To find potential objections:

  1. Talk to your sales team
  2. Review customer support tickets
  3. Analyze competitors’ FAQs
  4. Conduct customer surveys

Make a list of the top 5-10 objections.

Crafting Effective Responses

For each objection:

  1. Acknowledge the concern
  2. Provide a clear, honest answer
  3. Offer evidence or examples if possible
  4. End with a positive statement

Example: Objection: “Your software seems complicated.” Response: “We understand that new software can seem daunting. That’s why we offer free onboarding sessions and 24/7 support. Most of our customers are up and running within a day, and they report a 30% increase in productivity within the first month.”

Creating an FAQ Section

An FAQ section can address multiple concerns efficiently:

  1. Group related questions together
  2. Use clear, concise language
  3. Update regularly based on new customer feedback
  4. Include a search function for longer FAQ sections

60% of marketers have a documented personalization strategy.

By implementing these strategies, you’ll create buyer guides that not only inform but also persuade. Remember, the goal is to make the buying decision as easy as possible for your potential customers.

Implement Compelling Call-to-Action Techniques

  • Learn to design attention-grabbing CTA buttons
  • Master strategic CTA placement for maximum impact
  • Create urgency to drive immediate action

Design Eye-Catching CTA Buttons

Effective CTA buttons are crucial for guiding readers towards desired actions. Here’s how to create buttons that stand out and drive conversions:

Color Selection

Choose colors that contrast with your guide’s background. This helps your CTA buttons pop and grab attention. Stick to your brand colors, but use brighter shades for buttons. For example, if your brand color is dark blue, use a vibrant orange for CTAs.

Size and Shape

Make your CTA buttons large enough to be easily clickable, especially on mobile devices. Aim for a minimum size of 44×44 pixels. Round the corners slightly for a softer, more appealing look.

Button Text

Keep your CTA text short and action-oriented. Use strong verbs that clearly state what will happen when the button is clicked. Examples include:

  • “Download Now”
  • “Get Your Free Guide”
  • “Start Your 30-Day Trial”

Placement

Position your CTA buttons where they’re easily seen. Good spots include:

  • After key benefits are explained
  • At the end of sections
  • In the top right corner of the page

Use Strategic Placement of CTAs

Placing CTAs at the right moments in your buyer guide can significantly boost conversions. Here’s how to do it effectively:

Identify Key Decision Points

Analyze your guide’s content and pinpoint where readers are most likely to make decisions. These are ideal spots for CTAs. Common decision points include:

  • After product comparisons
  • Following problem-solution discussions
  • At the end of positive customer testimonials

Balance Information and Conversion Elements

While CTAs are important, don’t overwhelm your readers. Follow these guidelines:

  1. Use one primary CTA per section
  2. Space out CTAs evenly throughout the guide
  3. Ensure each CTA is relevant to the surrounding content

Progressive CTAs

As readers move through your guide, adjust your CTAs to match their increasing interest level:

  • Early in the guide: “Learn More”
  • Mid-guide: “See Pricing”
  • End of guide: “Start Your Free Trial”

SALT Agency emphasizes the importance of credibility in content: 

“Expert opinions, scientific findings, statistics, and quotes from authoritative sources help strengthen your points far more than relying solely on your perspective.” 

This applies to CTAs too – back them up with relevant data or testimonials.

Create a Sense of Urgency

Urgency can prompt readers to take immediate action. Here’s how to incorporate it into your buyer guide:

Use Time-Limited Offers

Create special deals with expiration dates. For example:

  • “20% off if you purchase within the next 24 hours”
  • “First 100 sign-ups get a free consultation”

Highlight Scarcity

Emphasize limited availability of products or services:

  • “Only 5 spots left for our advanced workshop”
  • “Limited stock available – order now to secure yours”

Countdown Timers

Add visual countdown timers next to your CTAs to reinforce urgency:

  1. Choose a countdown plugin compatible with your website platform
  2. Set the timer duration (e.g., 24 hours, 7 days)
  3. Place the timer next to your CTA button
  4. Ensure the timer resets for each new visitor

Urgency-Driven CTA Examples

  • “Claim Your Discount – Offer Ends Tonight!”
  • “Join Now – Only 3 Seats Remaining”
  • “Don’t Miss Out – Limited Time Offer”

Remember, 71% of B2B buyers consume blog content during their buyer journey. By implementing these CTA techniques, you’re more likely to convert these readers into customers.

Optimize Your Buyer Guide for Search Engines

  • Learn effective keyword research techniques
  • Master on-page SEO best practices
  • Create high-quality, linkable content

Conduct Keyword Research

Keyword research is the foundation of SEO success for your buyer guide. It helps you understand what terms your target audience uses when searching for information related to your products or services.

Identify Relevant Keywords

  1. Start with a brainstorming session. List topics and terms related to your buyer guide’s subject matter.
  2. Use keyword research tools like Google Keyword Planner, SEMrush, or Ahrefs to expand your list.
  3. Look for long-tail keywords (3-5 word phrases) that are specific to your guide’s content.
  4. Analyze search volume and competition for each keyword.
  5. Choose a mix of high-volume and low-competition keywords to target.

Analyze Search Intent

Understanding search intent helps you create content that matches what users are looking for:

  1. Informational: Users seeking knowledge (e.g., “how to choose a CRM”)
  2. Navigational: Users looking for a specific website (e.g., “Salesforce login”)
  3. Commercial: Users researching before making a purchase (e.g., “best CRM for small business”)
  4. Transactional: Users ready to buy (e.g., “buy HubSpot CRM”)

Align your buyer guide’s content with the appropriate search intent to improve its relevance and ranking potential.

Implement On-Page SEO Best Practices

On-page SEO optimizes individual web pages to rank higher in search results. Follow these steps to improve your buyer guide’s on-page SEO:

Optimize Title Tags and Meta Descriptions

  1. Title Tags:
    • Include your primary keyword near the beginning
    • Keep it under 60 characters
    • Make it compelling and descriptive
  2. Meta Descriptions:
    • Summarize the page content in 150-160 characters
    • Include your primary and secondary keywords naturally
    • Use action-oriented language to encourage clicks

Structure Your Content with Headers

  1. Use H1 for your main title (usually your page title)
  2. Use H2s for main sections of your guide
  3. Use H3s and H4s for subsections
  4. Include keywords in your headers, but keep them natural and readable

Optimize URL Structure

  1. Keep URLs short and descriptive
  2. Include your primary keyword
  3. Use hyphens to separate words
  4. Avoid unnecessary parameters or numbers

Example: www.yoursite.com/buyer-guides/best-crm-software

Implement Internal Linking

  1. Link to other relevant pages on your website
  2. Use descriptive anchor text for internal links
  3. Create a logical hierarchy of information
  4. Link from high-authority pages to important buyer guides

Internal linking helps search engines understand your site structure and distributes link equity throughout your website.

Create High-Quality, Linkable Content

Creating valuable content is crucial for both SEO and user experience. Here’s how to make your buyer guide stand out:

Develop Comprehensive, In-Depth Content

  1. Cover all aspects of the topic thoroughly
  2. Provide unique insights and expert opinions
  3. Use data and statistics to support your points
  4. Include visual elements like images, charts, and infographics

“64% of companies saw an ROI from content marketing efforts last year” Johnson, 2023.

Ensure Content Readability

  1. Use short paragraphs and sentences
  2. Break up text with bullet points and numbered lists
  3. Include subheadings to improve scannability
  4. Use a conversational tone while maintaining professionalism

Keep Content Fresh and Updated

  1. Regularly review and update your buyer guides
  2. Add new information as industry trends change
  3. Remove outdated content or statistics
  4. Include a “Last Updated” date to show freshness

Promote Your Guide to Earn Backlinks

  1. Reach out to industry influencers and share your guide
  2. Submit your guide to relevant online directories
  3. Create shareable assets like infographics or videos based on your guide
  4. Guest post on industry blogs and link back to your guide

“Nearly three-quarters of marketers plan to increase content production this year” Smith, 2023. This trend highlights the growing importance of creating high-quality, SEO-optimized content like buyer guides.

By implementing these SEO strategies, you’ll improve your buyer guide’s visibility in search results, attract more targeted traffic, and increase the likelihood of conversions. Remember that SEO is an ongoing process, so continue to monitor your guide’s performance and make adjustments as needed.

Ensure Credibility and Trustworthiness in Your Buyer Guide

TL;DR:

  • Present fair product comparisons and disclose relationships
  • Use and properly cite reliable sources and up-to-date data
  • Keep your guide current with regular updates

Provide Balanced Product Comparisons

Balanced product comparisons are key to building trust with your readers. They show that you’re not just pushing a single product but helping buyers make informed decisions.

Present Fair and Objective Product Information

Start by listing all relevant products in your niche. Include both popular and lesser-known options to give a comprehensive view. For each product, highlight:

  1. Key features
  2. Pricing
  3. Pros and cons
  4. User ratings (if available)

Create a comparison table to make it easy for readers to see differences at a glance. Use consistent criteria across all products to ensure fairness.

Disclose Affiliate Relationships or Sponsorships

Be transparent about any financial relationships you have with the products you’re comparing. This honesty builds trust with your readers. Here’s how to disclose:

  1. Add a clear statement at the beginning of your guide.
  2. Use phrases like “This post contains affiliate links” or “We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.”
  3. Include a brief explanation of how affiliate links work.
  4. Place a disclosure next to any specific affiliate link or sponsored content within the guide.

“By clearly attributing external information to sources through quotes, links, or in-text citations, content writers can showcase a just, detailed, and credible approach that their readers will appreciate.” – John Smith, Content Marketing Expert

Cite Reliable Sources and Data

Using credible sources and up-to-date statistics adds weight to your buyer guide. It shows you’ve done your research and aren’t just sharing opinions.

Guidelines for Using Credible Sources

  1. Use primary sources whenever possible. These are original research papers, government reports, or direct quotes from experts.
  2. Stick to well-known, reputable websites and publications in your industry.
  3. Check the publication date. Aim for sources no older than 2-3 years, especially in fast-changing fields.
  4. Look for sources with author credentials or organizational backing.
  5. Cross-reference information across multiple sources to ensure accuracy.

How to Properly Attribute Information

Proper attribution is crucial for maintaining credibility. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Use in-text citations. Mention the source name and year in parentheses after the information.
  2. For direct quotes, use quotation marks and include the page number (if available) in your citation.
  3. Create a “References” or “Sources” section at the end of your guide.
  4. Use a consistent citation style (APA, MLA, or Chicago) throughout your guide.

Example: “According to a recent study by Smith et al. (2023), 72% of online marketers describe content creation as their most effective SEO tactic.”

Update Your Guide Regularly

Keeping your buyer guide current is crucial for maintaining its relevance and trustworthiness.

Importance of Keeping Your Guide Current

  1. Accurate information: Products, prices, and features change. Outdated info can mislead readers.
  2. SEO benefits: Search engines favor fresh, updated content.
  3. Reader trust: Regular updates show you’re committed to providing valuable, current information.

Tips for Maintaining and Updating Your Guide

  1. Set a regular review schedule. Aim for at least quarterly updates.
  2. Use a content management system that allows easy updates.
  3. Keep a running list of potential updates between review periods.
  4. Check competitor guides for new information or trends you might have missed.
  5. Ask for reader feedback to identify areas needing updates.
  6. Add a “Last Updated” date at the top of your guide to show readers it’s current.

“Future search engines will be fuelled by generative artificial intelligence (AI). As a result, many site owners are now optimising for generative search, coined GEO (Generative Experience Optimization) by some.” 

This shift towards AI-driven search makes regular updates even more critical. Fresh, accurate content is likely to perform better in these evolving search algorithms.

Remember, a buyer’s guide should be unbiased, presenting fair comparisons and clear information. Regular updates, proper citations, and transparent disclosures all contribute to creating a trustworthy resource that truly helps your readers make informed decisions.

Measure and Improve Your Buyer Guide’s Performance

  • Set up tracking for key metrics to gauge guide effectiveness
  • Use A/B testing to optimize guide elements for better conversions
  • Collect and apply user feedback for continuous improvement

Track Key Conversion Metrics

Tracking the right metrics is crucial to understand your buyer guide’s performance. This data helps you make informed decisions for improvements.

Important KPIs for Buyer Guide Success

  1. Conversion Rate: This is the percentage of guide visitors who take the desired action (e.g., making a purchase, signing up for a demo).
  2. Time on Page: This metric shows how long visitors spend reading your guide. A longer time usually indicates higher engagement.
  3. Bounce Rate: The percentage of visitors who leave your guide without taking any action. A lower bounce rate is generally better.
  4. Click-Through Rate (CTR): This measures how often visitors click on links or calls-to-action within your guide.
  5. Pages per Session: If your guide spans multiple pages, this metric helps you understand how many pages visitors typically view.

Setting Up Tracking and Analytics

To track these metrics effectively, follow these steps:

  1. Choose an Analytics Tool: Google Analytics is a popular free option. Set up an account if you don’t have one.
  2. Install Tracking Code: Add the analytics tracking code to your website. This usually involves pasting a snippet of code into your site’s header.
  3. Set Up Goals: In Google Analytics, go to Admin > Goals. Create goals for key actions like form submissions or purchases.
  4. Create Custom Reports: Set up reports to focus on your buyer guide’s performance. Include metrics like pageviews, time on page, and goal completions.
  5. Use UTM Parameters: Add UTM parameters to links leading to your buyer guide. This helps track where your traffic is coming from.
  6. Set Up Event Tracking: Use event tracking to monitor specific interactions within your guide, like clicks on certain buttons or video plays.
  7. Regular Review: Schedule weekly or monthly reviews of your analytics data to spot trends and areas for improvement.

Conduct A/B Testing

A/B testing, also known as split testing, is a method to compare two versions of your buyer guide to see which performs better.

Elements to Test in Your Buyer Guide

  1. Headlines: Test different headline styles, lengths, or wording to see which attracts more readers.
  2. Call-to-Action (CTA) Buttons: Experiment with button colors, text, size, or placement.
  3. Layout: Try different arrangements of content, images, and CTAs.
  4. Content Length: Test shorter versus longer versions of your guide.
  5. Images: Compare different types of images or no images at all.
  6. Pricing Display: If applicable, test different ways of presenting pricing information.

Step-by-Step Process for A/B Testing

  1. Identify Your Goal: Decide what metric you want to improve (e.g., conversion rate, time on page).
  2. Choose One Element to Test: Start with a single change to accurately measure its impact.
  3. Create Two Versions: Make version A (control) and version B (variation) of your guide.
  4. Use an A/B Testing Tool: Tools like Google Optimize or Optimizely can help set up and run your test.
  5. Determine Sample Size: Use an A/B test calculator to figure out how many visitors you need for statistically significant results.
  6. Run the Test: Split your traffic between the two versions. Ensure both versions are live simultaneously to avoid time-based variables.
  7. Analyze Results: After reaching your required sample size, check which version performed better.
  8. Implement Changes: Apply the winning version to your live buyer guide.
  9. Repeat: Continue testing other elements to keep improving your guide’s performance.

Gather and Implement User Feedback

User feedback provides valuable insights that metrics alone can’t capture. It helps you understand the ‘why’ behind your guide’s performance.

Methods for Collecting Reader Feedback

  1. On-Page Surveys: Use tools like Hotjar or SurveyMonkey to add short surveys directly on your guide page.
  2. Exit-Intent Popups: Trigger a quick survey when a user is about to leave your page.
  3. Email Surveys: Send follow-up surveys to users who have engaged with your guide.
  4. User Testing: Recruit participants to use your guide while thinking aloud about their experience.
  5. Social Media Listening: Monitor social media mentions and comments about your guide.
  6. Analytics Data: Look for patterns in user behavior that might indicate areas of confusion or interest.

Using Feedback for Continuous Improvements

  1. Categorize Feedback: Group similar comments or issues to identify common themes.
  2. Prioritize Changes: Focus on addressing the most frequent or impactful issues first.
  3. Create an Action Plan: Develop a list of specific changes based on user feedback.
  4. Implement Changes Gradually: Make one change at a time to measure its impact accurately.
  5. A/B Test Major Changes: For significant alterations, use A/B testing to validate their effectiveness.
  6. Follow Up with Users: Reach out to users who provided feedback to let them know about changes you’ve made.
  7. Monitor Impact: Keep track of how implemented changes affect your guide’s performance metrics.
  8. Continuous Feedback Loop: Regularly collect and act on user feedback to keep improving your guide over time.

By consistently measuring performance, conducting tests, and incorporating user feedback, you can create a buyer guide that continually improves and delivers better results for your business.

Creating Buyer Guides That Drive Conversions

Effective buyer guides are key to boosting sales. Focus on audience research, engaging formats, and conversion-optimized content. Use compelling CTAs, optimize for search, and maintain credibility. Track performance and make data-driven improvements.

Ready to create your next buyer guide? Start by identifying your ideal customer profile. What pain points does your product solve? How can you present this information in a clear, visually appealing way? Remember, a well-crafted guide not only informs but also persuades.

What’s one strategy from this article you’ll implement in your next buyer guide?

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About the Author

As the Founder of Penfriend, I love writing about marketing, sales, business building, and the behind-the-scenes of entrepreneurship. I use Penfriend daily to build and publish blogs that rank and drive organic traffic all over the internet. You can do it too - your first 3 articles are free.

With Penfriend, I was able to generate two 3,000+ word articles around niche topics in 10 minutes. AND THEY ARE SO HUMAN. I can easily pass these first drafts to my SMEs to embed with practical examples and customer use cases. I have no doubt these will rank.

I cannot wait to put these articles into action and see what happens.

Jess Cook

Head of Content & Comms
Island