When it comes to improving conversions, there’s no shortage of “UX wisdom” floating around online.
Some tips are timeless. Others? Outdated, misleading, or completely wrong.
Today, we’re busting common UX myths — and replacing them with strategies that actually move the needle.
Myth #1: “More choices mean happier users”
The reality: Too many options can overwhelm people and cause decision paralysis.
Why it hurts conversions: When faced with a long list of choices, users often freeze or delay making a decision.
What to do instead:
- Limit primary choices to 3–5 clear options
- Use progressive disclosure — reveal extra details only when needed
- Guide users toward a recommended option (e.g., “most popular” or “best value”)
Myth #2: “Shorter pages always convert better”
The reality: People will scroll — if the content is valuable and relevant.
Why it hurts conversions: Cutting important information just to “keep it short” can leave users without enough confidence to act.
What to do instead:
- Use longer pages when selling complex products or services
- Structure content into clear sections with visual breaks
- Include multiple CTAs throughout the page so users can act when ready
Myth #3: “A beautiful design guarantees high conversions”
The reality: Looks matter, but usability matters more.
Why it hurts conversions: A visually stunning site that’s confusing to navigate will lose users faster than a plain but clear one.
What to do instead:
- Prioritize clarity over complexity
- Test navigation and key flows with real users
- Use visuals to guide, not distract
Myth #4: “People read every word”
The reality: Most users scan first and read later — if something catches their interest.
Why it hurts conversions: Dense paragraphs and long explanations can make users bounce before finding what they need.
What to do instead:
- Use clear headings, bullet points, and short paragraphs
- Highlight key benefits and data points visually
- Keep critical messages above the fold, but don’t hide important details below
Myth #5: “One perfect UX works for everyone”
The reality: Different audiences behave differently — and what works for one group might flop for another.
Why it hurts conversions: Applying “best practices” without testing ignores your unique audience’s needs.
What to do instead:
- A/B test layouts, copy, and visuals with your target audience
- Personalize experiences where possible
- Keep iterating based on real user data, not assumptions
Key Principles That Actually Drive Conversions
After debunking the myths, here’s what consistently works:
- Clarity over cleverness → Make the next step obvious
- Speed matters → Optimize performance to reduce drop-offs
- Trust signals → Reviews, testimonials, and security badges build confidence
- Frictionless flows → Remove unnecessary steps in checkout or signup
- Continuous testing → Data beats assumptions every time
Good UX isn’t about following every “rule” you read online — it’s about understanding your users and designing for their goals.
When you cut through the myths and focus on clarity, trust, and simplicity, you create experiences that feel effortless — and that’s what really drives conversions.