How Adding TL;DR Boosted My Conversion Rate by 33%: A Real Test
I decided to run a simple test to see if adding a TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read) section to my articles and product pages would have any impact on conversions. The results? A 33% increase in conversions.
In this section, I’ll walk you through the test, share my findings, and explain why this simple addition made such a huge difference.
The Test: Adding TL;DR to Articles and Product Pages
Here’s what I did:
- Test 1: Articles
I added a TL;DR summary at the top of a few articles. It was a quick, 2-3 sentence summary of the article’s main points. The goal was to let readers know right away what they could expect from the content without reading the entire piece. - Test 2: Product Pages
I did the same thing with product pages—shortly summarizing the product’s key features and benefits. The TL;DR was placed right under the product title, so users could immediately see if the product was worth checking out further.
I ran the tests for two weeks and tracked conversion rates to see if the TL;DR sections would make a difference.
The Results: 33% Increase in Conversion Rates
After adding TL;DR to the pages, I saw an average 33% increase in conversions across both articles and product pages. Here’s why:
- Quick Decisions
Users didn’t have to dig through long paragraphs. They could instantly get the information they needed. This faster decision-making led to more users completing a purchase or engaging with the content. - Less Friction
By making it easy to see what the article or product was about right away, users didn’t feel lost or frustrated. This reduced friction and helped guide them toward the next step. - Improved User Experience
A TL;DR summary made the pages more scannable, which kept visitors on the page longer and encouraged them to explore more. This helped keep bounce rates lower and kept people engaged.
Why It Worked: The Power of TL;DR
The TL;DR worked because it gave users a quick way to decide whether they wanted to dive deeper. This small, but powerful, addition improved the overall user experience and made people more likely to take action. Whether it was reading more of the article or completing a purchase, the TL;DR helped people make decisions faster.
Add TL;DR to See a Boost in Conversions
If you’re looking for a simple way to increase conversions on your site, adding a TL;DR section is a game-changer. My test showed a 33% increase in conversions, and it’s an easy strategy to implement. Whether it’s for articles or product pages, TL;DR makes content more accessible, reduces friction, and helps users make decisions faster. Try it out yourself, and watch your conversions grow!
