You’ve implemented the Outbrain conversion pixel across your website and are now ready to track engagement from Outbrain readers. But wait, you’re not seeing the conversions and CPA column in your dashboard. What’s going on? Let’s run a quick diagnostic with the below questions.

1. Have I installed the conversion pixel correctly?

Once the pixel has been added to your site, review our helpful implementation guide to ensure it is firing correctly. At the end of the test, you should receive a “200” or “304 Not Modified.” Either of these notifications confirms the pixel will fire when the desired action takes place.

2. Is my CTA clear?

The reader has landed on your page and consumed your awesome content, but doesn’t know what to do next. In this case, they’ll often leave your site. To avoid that, your clear call to action should be present either at the top, side, or bottom of the page, and draw enough attention so that the reader will convert.

3. What’s the conversion path? How many steps does the reader have to take?

We have yet to meet a reader that enjoys filling out tons of text fields and clicking through multiple pages to convert. To encourage those that land on your site to follow through, make the path easy, clear, and simple. That being said, try to avoid adding more than a few click-through pages to get the customer closer to your desired goal.

4. When using earned media, am I extensively hyperlinked?

Earned media is golden and worth sharing in the Outbrain network, but if you’re trying to get readers back to your site, make sure your content links back early and often. Mentions of your brand throughout the content will increase the chances of the reader clicking on your site to learn more.

5. Is this the best piece of content available to showcase my brand?

Contrary to popular belief, all content is not created equal. First, assess the media you have available to amplify and choose your top contenders. Our best practices guide provides useful tips to help strengthen your work with specific keywords and images.

6. Is my budget robust enough to bring in conversions?

If you’re not sure what kind of budget to use, hone in on your target CPA. We recommend setting your daily budget to 3-5x your CPA in order to increase the likeliness of a conversion. The more budget (and the higher your CPC), the faster you will accomplish getting to your ideal CPA. While you may be apprehensive about the increase, look at it this way: these adjustments are an investment in the future success of your campaign.

7. Have I set my campaign up for success?

Starting with a high CPC, 6-8 creatives, and specific target objectives will enable you to reach your targeted audience faster and more easily. You can learn more about how to create a successful campaign here.

Have you checked off all of the above yet still aren’t receiving conversions? Please contact our DIY Customer Success team and we’ll help you get to the bottom of it.

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