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# Learn from the best – see how waiters increase conversion rates
- URL: https://blog.conversionlab.no/learn-from-the-best-see-how-waiters-increase-conversion-rates/
- Published: 2014-10-12T22:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-02-03T08:29:33.000Z
- Description: If you want someone to look somewhere, point to it. Here is how a simple receipt trick from a waitress proves the power of directional cues in increasing conversions.
- Author: Finge Holden
- Tags: Conversion Optimization

As I settled my check at a New York restaurant a while back, I was reminded that conversion secrets aren’t just for CRO experts.

**Waiters know them too!**

Their goal? **More tips.** And this particular waitress used a **brilliant conversion tactic.**

**A receipt for higher conversions**

I immediately noticed the scribbles on my check—it was crystal clear what she wanted me to do.

✔️ **A heads-up** that tips weren’t included.

✔️ **Suggested amounts** for an 18%, 20%, or 22% tip—removing any friction in decision-making.

By making the **desired action obvious and effortless**, she increased the likelihood of getting a tip. If I had missed the tipping info or simply been distracted, these small **visual cues** ensured her conversion goal was met.

**Tell me what you want**

A simple arrow, a framed box, a highlighted section—**visual cues guide attention.**

This is what the waitress did. And it’s what you should be doing with your landing pages, forms, and CTAs.

Ever noticed how, on a busy street, if someone looks up at the sky, others follow? **That’s a directional cue in action.** On your website, you can use:

👀 **Images** of people looking at the CTA  
📍 **Arrows** pointing to key actions  
🔲 **Boxes** framing the most important content

**Attention before conversion**

You only have **seconds** to grab a visitor’s attention. People don’t read web pages top-to-bottom—they scan for cues.

We’ve run multiple **A/B tests**, and the results are clear: **Adding visual cues increases conversions.**

Take this example 👇

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/7f/16/7f165d07-630a-45c5-be90-1a390b656d8e/content/images/2025/02/visual-cues-sample.jpg)

**What is your goal?**

Where do you want your users to focus? **The CTA button? A lead form? A key message?** Choose the right **visual cue**—subtle or obvious—to **guide attention and drive action.**

Now, **try it yourself** and let me know your results. I’d love to hear how it works for you!

Or better yet… **let me do the work for you!** 🚀

👉 [**Get a free landing page audit**](https://conversionlab.no/free-audit/?ref=blog.conversionlab.no) with actionable insights on increasing your conversions—just like the best waiters do.