Ask HN: Optimizing conversion rates for downloads
I'm the Product/UX guy at GameGround (www.gameground.com), a startup aiming to create a lot of new engagement in games across many game platforms. I'd greatly appreciate any advice, tips or sources of information you can offer me for the following.
1) We are currently monitoring the funnel and A/B testing various copy/layouts in our app download and installation process. In general, any best practices or learnings from experience re:communication/UX for optimizing download conversion rates? How would you "couch" a download (albeit a small one) if you knew it was a necessary step in the user funnel? (GameGround is a web app that works in tandem with a desktop app)
2) GameGround's UX involves a desktop app, but the website does live on its own. Any experience or data indicating that the app download should be part of the registration process or after the user enters the site? In one case you might hurt the registration step in the funnel and in another you might hurt the download step.
Some background: Unlike other products I've worked on in the past, the GameGround UX is part website and part lightweight desktop app. The two work hand-in-hand simultaneously. The desktop app automatically saves your scores in games you play on the web, your PC, and console. It also shows you a game summary at the end of any session highlighting your scores, new rank, and what to achieve next. The website displays your scores and accomplishments and allows you to compare and compete with friends. You can also launch games from the website, but you don't have to - the app still saves your scores and rewards your progress.
Sorry for the lengthiness here. I look forward to hearing your comments.
Thanks in advance.