Marketing, SEO and networking can all go to waste if the visits to your website do not translate into conversions. But many sites fall short on the simplest of design and content points. Pay attention to the detail and you could be surprised by the increase in conversion rates.

Here are 5 simple tips for optimising your website for conversions:

The three second test: Internet users have a very short attention span so your website must have instant appeal. Competition is only a click away, so don’t make potential customers search for what they want. Use great design and smart, straight-talking headers to instantly grab a customers attention.

What’s the incentive? Tell the customer immediately – and in a small amount of words – what they will gain from your business as compared to the nearest rival. Eg Bargain priced running shoes; the cheapest car deals; longer-lasting ink cartridges; designer frames for just £50.

Easy navigation: A well-planned site map and lots of obvious internal page links will help even the least savvy internet users. The second that a customer has to work hard to navigate a site is the second they will click on to a competitor’s website.

Picture perfect: A great image can boost your site’s looks and credibility. Use good product images and not generic stock images. Back up pictures with specific and clear captions. Try to illustrate as many products as possible. Customers like to see what they want to buy.

Close the sale: Don’t leave customers wondering where to go next. Make checking out an easy and obvious step. You goal is to get a sale so make this as simple as possible.