Why the Smartest WordPress Agencies Offer CRO
Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO) used to be the secret weapon of high-growth startups. But according to todays Admin Bar survey data from hundreds of WordPress professionals, it’s now a hallmark of the most successful, profitable, and future-ready agencies.
If you’re not offering CRO yet, here’s a look at what you’re missing out on – and why it’s time to pay attention.
1. CRO Agencies Earn More, With Leaner Teams
Agencies offering CRO services reported significantly higher personal payouts. In fact, they’re twice as likely to pay themselves over $100,000/year compared to their non-CRO peers. And they do it with average team sizes only slightly larger (3.0 vs 2.7 people).
Small teams. Bigger paydays. Strategic work like CRO scales better.
2. Recurring Revenue Machines
CRO agencies were far more likely to report recurring revenue above $5,000/month. Instead of just building websites and moving on, these agencies stick around to improve performance. That means better client retention, predictable income, and long-term contracts.
30+ agencies reported $20,000/month or more in recurring income.
3. Higher Hourly Rates, Higher Value
CRO-focused agencies charge a premium. The average hourly rate was $112 vs $93 for non-CRO shops. This reflects the value clients place on measurable results over just deliverables.
When you’re improving conversions, you’re not a “cost” – you’re a revenue generator.
4. They Embrace AI (While Others Lag Behind)
72% of CRO agencies say they’re fully embracing AI in their workflow – from analytics to content testing and beyond. Only a small fraction of non-CRO agencies say the same.
Want to future-proof your agency? Follow the ones leading the charge.
5. Modern Tools, Smarter Stack
CRO agencies span every major builder: Bricks, Elementor, Breakdance, Kadence, and more. They’re not locked into one tool. They choose what works best for performance, not just aesthetics.
CRO encourages agility. And agility wins.
CRO Isn’t Optional Anymore
If you’re building beautiful sites but not measuring what converts, you’re leaving money on the table. For you and your clients.
Offering CRO isn’t just about A/B tests. It’s about:
- Proving your design decisions
- Justifying higher rates
- Creating long-term partnerships
- Getting off the project hamster wheel
Want to get started? Check out AB Split Test – the privacy-first, WordPress-native CRO tool built for agencies just like yours.
Because real pros don’t guess. They test.