2 weeks
by
Daniil Kolesnikov
Conversion rate optimization for iGaming: from clicks to wins
What is this article about?
- Understanding CRO strategies in iGaming via gamblers’ psychology
- Technical CRO strategies in iGaming
- Conclusion
We’ve discussed numerous times how highly competitive the iGaming market is and how many people are vying for the same pie. What is it that these people are most competing for? Conversions!
One of the most important metrics in affiliate marketing is the conversion rate (CR) indication, which displays the proportion of total visitors to those who completed a conversion activity, such as registering or making a first-time deposit.
In this article, we’ll discuss the best practices for conversion rate optimization for iGaming (CRO) and how to engage in level competition with other market players!
Understanding CRO strategies in iGaming via gamblers’ psychology
Prior to discussing the actual implementation of CRO in the iGaming industry, it is important to understand the thoughts that players have while they play, the factors that may encourage them to visit a specific website, and the general principles that influence their decision to place a bet or spin a slot.
Desire for instant gratification
Players’ need for quick satisfaction from the game is one of its defining characteristics, and the brain needs to transmit a signal and release specific hormones in order to satiate this need.
Studies have shown that when money is won, the corpus striatum and prefrontal cortex, parts of the brain involved in the reward circuit, become active. When a person enjoys a good meal or has sex, this same area of the brain rewards him.
That’s why casinos frequently entice players with welcome bonuses, quick wins, and short games where they can win a little sum of money right from the start: this triggers the brain to release feel-good hormones. These same factors are considered by webmasters when making creatives and any other content.
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Risk-taking behavior
Thrill-seeking nature of players is another important factor to pay attention to. Risk-takers are especially vulnerable to the sports betting industry, which preys on young people between the ages of 21 and 24. Notably, loot boxes in computer games, which function similarly to slot machines, are where the earliest seeds of a desire to gamble are planted in this age range.
In a study involving 1,102 adults in the UK, almost 20% of gamblers claimed that loot boxes were how they initially became involved in gambling, and that the game’s prizes led them to believe that other types of gambling would be enjoyable as well.
Two tactics that urge players to spend more money are developed from this point on:
- Near-misses
Alternatively, we could refer to them as “almost-wins”. This happens when the slot machine indicates that you are on the verge of winning the jackpot, deceiving the player into thinking he is close. People are encouraged to play more if they see such results frequently because they start to think of themselves as more skilled gamers. - Personal choice
One way to give players the impression of control in a game they are participating in is to give them choices. In roulette, for instance, players would rather toss the ball themselves rather than have the croupier do it for them. Another notable example is lotteries, where participants are allowed to select their own ticket, giving the idea that their skill will determine the outcome while ignoring the fact that the outcome is entirely random.
These fundamental ideas serve as the cornerstone for the iGaming and sports betting industry’s continued growth, which is constantly changing and inventing new optimization strategies to draw in and keep players.
Social validation
Belonging to a social community of like-minded individuals is another significant factor that fuels players’ urge to place bets, play poker, roulette, and other games. This is because people always want to feel like they belong to a group and are not alone in their interests.
As a result, numerous forums are typically developed on the Internet where players discuss various techniques, share their gaming experiences, and rejoice in winning. These societies encourage players to visit the casino even more frequently, and those most impacted by their influence are loners who do not actually have companions. This tendency was most clearly demonstrated in Finland following a study carried out by Sirola.
Besides forums, some online casinos also provide in-game activities, however this is still a relatively new phenomenon. Furthermore, social media platforms like Facebook can be utilized as a means of encouraging participation. Therefore, users’ intents to try gambling or gambling-like activities are influenced by their Facebook friends’ actions, such as “liking” social casino games and inviting friends to play alongside them.
Thus, making players feel like they belong to a certain group of players who have similar interests is another crucial component that helps to increase conversion rates. Having mastered this skill, webmasters can effectively use it in their creatives or, for example, to advertise their own iGaming website, which features a forum devoted to the discussion of sports and casino betting. Overall, playing on emotions is the most solid way to achieve the highest conversion rates.
Technical CRO strategies in iGaming
Now you have a better understanding of what’s happening within the player’s thinking, and we can discuss technical aspects of CRO in the Gambling niche.
Website and landing page optimization
The website’s user experience (UX) is crucial and every element of your site should be made to facilitate easy navigation and encourage interaction. Here are some important things to think about:
Loading speed
Today, the audience expects websites to load quickly, and even a small delay of a few seconds might cause them to become frustrated and leave. That’s why you should optimize speeds by compressing images, minifying code, and utilizing caching mechanisms. Tools like Google PageSpeed Insights can help identify areas for improvement and gauge performance.
Navigation
It should be simple for users to navigate and find what they’re looking for. Thus, internal linking and brief menu options can all help people navigate a website with ease. Developing a user-friendly search feature is another thing to consider in order to improve navigation even more, especially for users looking for particular games or content.
Responsive forms
Your registration forms should be optimized for responsiveness and ease of use across devices: use clear labels and input fields, minimize the number of required fields, and provide helpful error messages to assist users in completing forms. To simplify the process even more, consider implementing an autofill feature.
Design
Maintaining user engagement and making a good first impression require a well-thought-out UX/UI design. Highlight the most crucial elements and information, like the available games, registration options, payment options, promotions, etc. Make sure that font, color palettes, and design elements are all consistent.
Mobile optimization
It’s a subject we’ve covered extensively already, but mobile optimization is non-negotiable. To guarantee that mobile users have seamless experience, build and test the website with a range of mobile devices and screen sizes.
By paying attention to user journey, webmasters can build an environment that not only draws visitors but also motivates them to explore, interact, and eventually convert.
Personalization
Once the foundational elements are in place, enhancing the user experience through personalization can significantly impact conversion rates for iGaming operators and affiliates alike. Here’s how:
Behavioral analysis
Analytics of user activity on the iGaming website provides insightful information about their interactions, interests, and preferences. Because of this, tracking data like time spent on particular pages, click-through rates, and exit points can be used to spot trends and determine which parts of the conversion funnel need to be optimized.
Targeted approach
Armed with data about user behavior and preferences, webmasters can implement personalized recommendations based on user activity, such as suggesting relevant games or promotions that align with their interests.
Effective Calls to Action (CTAs)
CTAs serve as the final step in the sales funnel, prompting potential customers to take the desired action. The most crucial thing to remember in this situation is that powerful CTAs evoke strong feelings in the visitor, such as excitement, urgency, or anticipation.
CTA placement plays a significant role as well; clickable and visually striking buttons should be placed in locations where users are likely to interact, such as at the end of informative content or on landing pages.
Trust signals
Last but not least, trust is a major factor that greatly improves conversions in the Gambling and Betting niches. Here are the main factors to consider for your target audience:
- Positive feedback and reviews
Let’s say your website provides reviews on casino games or betting platforms. In this case, showcasing authentic reviews and ratings can reassure visitors of the site’s credibility and reliability. - Industry expertise and certifications
Certificates from reputable organizations or affiliations with trusted industry partners can serve as endorsements of the website’s legitimacy and knowledge. - Secure connection
To protect user data and build trust in the website’s trustworthiness, it is essential to establish a secure connection via HTTPS encryption.
By considering both aspects of psychological patterns of players, as well as the data-driven approach and other technical aspects, conversion rate optimization for Betting and Gambling niches will not be a problem for you!
Conclusion
Conversion rate optimization for iGaming requires a specific approach that combines an understanding of player psychology, technical expertise, personalized marketing strategies, and a commitment to building trust.
Ready to boost iGaming conversions and level up your business efforts? Join Yellana CPA network and launch Gambling ad campaigns with us!
