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Making Websites Win: Apply the Customer-Centric Methodology That Has Doubled the Sales of Many Leading Websites
Most websites lose. Almost all of them.
Many never make a profit. Others are successful at first, and then get crushed by competitors.
This book is about how to buck the trend--to make websites that customers love and that are outrageously profitable.
The methodology is based on the authors' award-winning work growing many of the world's biggest web companies--plus hundreds of smaller, market-leading companies in over eighty different industries. In this book, you'll get
What successful web businesses do differently (and others get wrong)
How to easily identify your website's biggest opportunities
A treasure trove of proven solutions for growing businesses
Discover how to grow your profits--by making winning websites that people love.
Many never make a profit. Others are successful at first, and then get crushed by competitors.
This book is about how to buck the trend--to make websites that customers love and that are outrageously profitable.
The methodology is based on the authors' award-winning work growing many of the world's biggest web companies--plus hundreds of smaller, market-leading companies in over eighty different industries. In this book, you'll get
What successful web businesses do differently (and others get wrong)
How to easily identify your website's biggest opportunities
A treasure trove of proven solutions for growing businesses
Discover how to grow your profits--by making winning websites that people love.
352 pages, Hardcover
Published July 31, 2018
552 people are currently reading
561 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
November 4, 2018
My biggest takeaways from the book is that you need to A/B test everything. And he was completely right - I doubled conversions in a 2 week period after reading this book :O
Get yourself set up on Google Optimize or Optimizely or whatever, and start A/B testing!
Get yourself set up on Google Optimize or Optimizely or whatever, and start A/B testing!
March 3, 2020
I have mixed feelings. There are many fantastic ideas, and research technics in the book. But after I've read, I'm not sure how these bunch of ideas works together. Somehow I don't see the strategic level. Let suppose I have an SMB. After I finished a book, I expect to create a conversion optimization program. But I'm not sure, that the book can help, because hard to connect the dots (I mean the CRO tactics).
For me, the most useful section of the book was the last case study. I think a good choice for an absolute beginner but not the best for experts.
For me, the most useful section of the book was the last case study. I think a good choice for an absolute beginner but not the best for experts.
November 12, 2022
Absolutely loved this book! Engaging prose, great examples, clear suggestions, lack of hubris and even some self-deprecating humour 😱!
How refreshing to read a really good business book that doesn’t start with the tale of a lowly hedge-fund manager, starting a business in a bedsit for lols (before going home to the mansion in which he lives, presumably) and surprising everyone by his success.
I’m new to marketing for prospects and this has given me some great suggestions and inspiration. 🙌🏻👌🏻👍🏻
How refreshing to read a really good business book that doesn’t start with the tale of a lowly hedge-fund manager, starting a business in a bedsit for lols (before going home to the mansion in which he lives, presumably) and surprising everyone by his success.
I’m new to marketing for prospects and this has given me some great suggestions and inspiration. 🙌🏻👌🏻👍🏻
February 21, 2022
Įdomi knyga su daug tikrų pavyzdžių kaip tinklalapiai augino konversijas. Bet gal ji labiau tiktų marketingo srityje dirbančiam žmogui, o ne šiaip bet kuriam tinklalapio savininkui, nes yra pernelyg daug niuansų. Žodžiu, gera knyga, bet ne visiems :)
Skaičiau dėl profesinių dalykų, tai kažkokių emocijų ir nesukėlė.
Skaičiau dėl profesinių dalykų, tai kažkokių emocijų ir nesukėlė.
July 30, 2023
Plenty of inisghts, particularly regarding Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO) and experimentation. It not only covers best practices, but also warns against common pitfalls. It also serves as a useful refresher on the process of creating a conversion-focused website.
April 6, 2019
Brilliant book. Easy enough for a non tech person like me to understand. Tons of practical examples. Will probably read it once again.
December 20, 2020
This book is one relentless sales pitch. When someone already has the book you can stop selling.
April 30, 2023
Practical and applicable approach to designing a website to optimize for conversion.
There are some icky tactics mentioned -- like hovering a call-to-action button, recording user activity, and displaying popup surveys when the user goes to exit -- but on the whole, the advice makes sense, and the results speak for themselves.
The book includes a case study at the end for GoHenry, a prepaid credit card for children, and how the Conversion Rate Experts helped analyze their website and improved conversion. They walk through every step, from the page's design/layout, the copy/language, and the specific pre-sales and post-sales strategies such as writing letters to the kids to raise awareness. The authors justify every action with thorough research. They also refer constantly to their work with Mobal, a Japanese travel phone provider, that offers unique real-life insights.
The authors also name several tools to help, beyond simple Google Analytics and A/B testing.
My only two qualms with the book are
1.) not having an index for easy lookup,
2.) failing to show/specify how they use each tool.
They resort too often to name-dropping lists of online tools, such as Optimizely, Hotjar, Go-To-Meet, without telling how they use each tool. They are much better when they list books to help improve writing, explaining where each book applies to the funnel.
I recommend reading this book before even deciding how to sell a product. You may need to pivot depending on competitors and keyword analyses. The book discusses niching a competitive market, which could benefit from smoke tests and user canvassing. Since they include strategies for improvement even in the absence of user data (for example, on launch), their lessons apply at any stage of the process, whether you have a flow of statistics/visitors or not.
There are some icky tactics mentioned -- like hovering a call-to-action button, recording user activity, and displaying popup surveys when the user goes to exit -- but on the whole, the advice makes sense, and the results speak for themselves.
The book includes a case study at the end for GoHenry, a prepaid credit card for children, and how the Conversion Rate Experts helped analyze their website and improved conversion. They walk through every step, from the page's design/layout, the copy/language, and the specific pre-sales and post-sales strategies such as writing letters to the kids to raise awareness. The authors justify every action with thorough research. They also refer constantly to their work with Mobal, a Japanese travel phone provider, that offers unique real-life insights.
The authors also name several tools to help, beyond simple Google Analytics and A/B testing.
My only two qualms with the book are
1.) not having an index for easy lookup,
2.) failing to show/specify how they use each tool.
They resort too often to name-dropping lists of online tools, such as Optimizely, Hotjar, Go-To-Meet, without telling how they use each tool. They are much better when they list books to help improve writing, explaining where each book applies to the funnel.
I recommend reading this book before even deciding how to sell a product. You may need to pivot depending on competitors and keyword analyses. The book discusses niching a competitive market, which could benefit from smoke tests and user canvassing. Since they include strategies for improvement even in the absence of user data (for example, on launch), their lessons apply at any stage of the process, whether you have a flow of statistics/visitors or not.
May 29, 2019
The authors tackle Conversion Rate Optimization, a topic that luckily has been tackled in books like Goward's "You Should Test That" and Ash's "Landing Page Optimization. Like those books, it espouses A/B testing as a way to improve a site, but it's central theme is about how writing is so central to the success of a business' website. This is driven home by one of my favourite passages:
"When we ask a website's visitors why they didn't buy, they often report that they were confused. They hadn't understood the words on the site. And visitors can't buy what they can't understand." and it gives ideas for how to leverage good copywriting and message hierarchies into your site architecture.
This book pushes into thinking about how the economics of your business is conveyed through a website. It states that, "Your website is effectively your 24/7 robot salesperson. And the robot is no smarter than its inventor. If you can't sell your products in person, you'll struggle to sell them online." While I agree that you have to crack this nut, the chapters that go into pricing models, supply-demand and competitive tensions shouldn't have been a detour in this book. They could have been made into a whole other book.
All in all, this is a great non-technical primer on the thinking that goes into every website you come across.
"When we ask a website's visitors why they didn't buy, they often report that they were confused. They hadn't understood the words on the site. And visitors can't buy what they can't understand." and it gives ideas for how to leverage good copywriting and message hierarchies into your site architecture.
This book pushes into thinking about how the economics of your business is conveyed through a website. It states that, "Your website is effectively your 24/7 robot salesperson. And the robot is no smarter than its inventor. If you can't sell your products in person, you'll struggle to sell them online." While I agree that you have to crack this nut, the chapters that go into pricing models, supply-demand and competitive tensions shouldn't have been a detour in this book. They could have been made into a whole other book.
All in all, this is a great non-technical primer on the thinking that goes into every website you come across.
July 14, 2019
What a surprisingly incredible read. I have great respect for authors that can structure a host of ideas in simple and easy to follow ways. This book gets an A+ in that regard.
The clear structure allows you to dip in and out of chapters if you want to get some actionable ideas immediately, but I do recommend you read from start to finish due to the progression of principles.
Structure aside, the content gets this book 5 stars. They say you should read books that you can use in the next 60 days. If you are involved in the management of a website in any way the content of this book will have you itching to get to your desk to set up some tests, with tactics you can implement within 60 seconds of starting.
Whether you're a marketing manager, sales manager, copywriter, designer or developer, this book covers the waterfront of good UX principles which are ultimately good business principles.
The clear structure allows you to dip in and out of chapters if you want to get some actionable ideas immediately, but I do recommend you read from start to finish due to the progression of principles.
Structure aside, the content gets this book 5 stars. They say you should read books that you can use in the next 60 days. If you are involved in the management of a website in any way the content of this book will have you itching to get to your desk to set up some tests, with tactics you can implement within 60 seconds of starting.
Whether you're a marketing manager, sales manager, copywriter, designer or developer, this book covers the waterfront of good UX principles which are ultimately good business principles.
February 6, 2020
The front part of the book explains the concept and definition of Conversion Rate Optimization (mostly centered around A/B testing) before it delves into the different tools and techniques that you can use to diagnose and improve your website.
Well organised with clear, actionable ideas, the book has an interesting section on good copywriting and why it matters. The authors also recommended a bunch of resources to read if you're keen to follow through with the subject matter. Definitely a book that you can refer to again.
Well organised with clear, actionable ideas, the book has an interesting section on good copywriting and why it matters. The authors also recommended a bunch of resources to read if you're keen to follow through with the subject matter. Definitely a book that you can refer to again.
March 7, 2020
Half of this book is relentless sales pitch. Another one barely touches the things you can do with the websites, stuff I'd expect from books from early 00's. Such a shame to keep selling this dated crap
Half of this book is relentless sales pitch. Another one barely touches the things you can do with the websites, stuff I'd expect from books from early 00's. Such a shame to keep selling this dated crap
Half of this book is relentless sales pitch. Another one barely touches the things you can do with the websites, stuff I'd expect from books from early 00's. Such a shame to keep selling this dated crap
June 14, 2021
Marketing Dynamite
Just finished reading “Making Websites Win” and have lost count of how many “aha!” moments I’ve experienced throughout the read. Makes you realise how the vast majority of websites are doing very little in the way of making the sort of positive impact on a business’ growth in the way they could… if only a small potion of the knowledge described in this book was applied… I’m off to reading it all over again, this time with a view to implement, step by step.
Just finished reading “Making Websites Win” and have lost count of how many “aha!” moments I’ve experienced throughout the read. Makes you realise how the vast majority of websites are doing very little in the way of making the sort of positive impact on a business’ growth in the way they could… if only a small potion of the knowledge described in this book was applied… I’m off to reading it all over again, this time with a view to implement, step by step.
September 27, 2024
By far the best books on CRO and one of the best marketing books ever
This book is literal gold!
Karl and Ben are CRO inventors and guys who understand marketing at a very high level.
This book is highly practical and as you read it you can apply its wisdom on your website and every other possible online and offline conversion optimization.
This is a must read for marketing managers, busness owners and everyone who wants to succeed in business and marketing.
This book is literal gold!
Karl and Ben are CRO inventors and guys who understand marketing at a very high level.
This book is highly practical and as you read it you can apply its wisdom on your website and every other possible online and offline conversion optimization.
This is a must read for marketing managers, busness owners and everyone who wants to succeed in business and marketing.
January 4, 2020
Making Website Win is a great book, and it has all the tools to make you a good Conversion Rate Expert.
I doubt anyone can implement 100% of this book into their business off the bat, but it has a lot of useful insight and is really easy to follow and read.
I would recommend this book to any Web/Marketing professional.
I doubt anyone can implement 100% of this book into their business off the bat, but it has a lot of useful insight and is really easy to follow and read.
I would recommend this book to any Web/Marketing professional.
September 10, 2024
Много добро четиво ако имаш интерес към маркетинг и дизайн на собствен сайт. Инструментите предложени са леко остарели за 2024, но принципите са все така валидни и актуални и определено ако бъдат вложени в практика ще има успешна и позитивна реакция ��т страна на потребители с по голяма вероятност да станат и редовни клиенти на вашия бизнес.
April 21, 2025
Making Websites Win gave me a clearer understanding of what a website should actually do. It helped me see how to structure a site around what users are looking for. The breakdown of user objections and how to turn them into focused copy was especially useful. It reinforced the idea that every part of a site should serve one clear goal
September 16, 2018
Excellent
Some brilliant ideas in here on how to improve your website’s conversion rate. Particularly like the idea of explaining why you might not have a telephone number on your website.
Some brilliant ideas in here on how to improve your website’s conversion rate. Particularly like the idea of explaining why you might not have a telephone number on your website.
May 9, 2020
Actionable reads
Great book to get you thinking about how to me more methodical in designing digital experiences that convert. Has given me a few frameworks that I’m starting to implement at work with good effect!
Great book to get you thinking about how to me more methodical in designing digital experiences that convert. Has given me a few frameworks that I’m starting to implement at work with good effect!
August 27, 2020
Absolutely fantastic value
This can easily be put and presented as a course. This piece is chokfull of value and will level up anyone from expertise. I did mine and was just what I needed
Thank you
This can easily be put and presented as a course. This piece is chokfull of value and will level up anyone from expertise. I did mine and was just what I needed
Thank you
April 20, 2022
Wanted to get smarter about building an effective website. So much beyond making it look pretty.
It’s the kind of book you will go back to multiple times as you design and test websites.
Easy to read, load of resources and references.
It’s the kind of book you will go back to multiple times as you design and test websites.
Easy to read, load of resources and references.
October 11, 2022
Very interesting read. It has many handy tips for any business owners, marketers and website designers. Highly recommended if you run or manage a business website or ecommerce store.
I wish this was written 15 years ago when I started learning web design.
I wish this was written 15 years ago when I started learning web design.
September 21, 2018
I can’t recommend this highly enough; most obviously to businesses wanting more conversations but also to copywriters looking for expert confirmation that copywriting is the root of all conversions.
November 14, 2018
This book is not only about websites. Is about how to grow any online company and make a lot of profits
November 17, 2018
Practical and easy to read. Highly recommend for anyone that "owns" a website. I've got 8 ideas I want to try this week.
April 21, 2019
Some good tips. More geared towards companies whose models are focused on online selling.
July 22, 2019
Not a lot in here that today's SEO wouldn't know, but it's always useful to get a refresher. Probably would work well for onboarding.
November 2, 2019
Absolute must read
February 26, 2020
Solid read with practical tips. Overstates the impact of CRO on business outcomes
April 25, 2020
A must-read if you're in marketing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews