Ecommerce Persuasion Audit

30 persuasion tactics across Cialdini's 6 principles. Check off what your store already uses — and discover the gaps costing you conversions.

People do not buy on logic alone. Every purchase is influenced by psychological triggers — reciprocity, social proof, scarcity, and more. This audit covers 30 persuasion tactics across Cialdini's 6 principles. Check off what your store already uses, and spot the gaps where you are leaving conversions on the table.

Based on Robert Cialdini's "Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion."

1

Reciprocity

Give something valuable first. When people receive, they feel compelled to give back — often with a purchase.

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2

Commitment & Consistency

Once someone takes a small step, they want to stay consistent with that action. Get the small yes before the big one.

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3

Social Proof

People look to others when deciding what to do. Show them that other people already trust you.

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4

Authority

People follow credible experts. Prove your expertise and let third parties vouch for you.

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5

Liking

People buy from brands they like. Be relatable, human, and genuinely helpful.

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6

Scarcity

What is limited feels more valuable. Use real scarcity to create urgency — never fake it.

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Your persuasion audit score

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Check off each item as you audit your store. Your score updates in real time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to use all 6 principles on every page?

No. Different pages serve different purposes. Product pages benefit most from social proof, authority, and scarcity. Your homepage is where reciprocity and liking do the heavy lifting. The goal is coverage across your entire funnel, not cramming every principle onto one page.

Is using scarcity manipulative?

Only when it is fake. Showing genuine low stock or a real deadline is helpful — it gives the customer information they need to make a decision. Manufacturing fake urgency (fake countdown timers, "only 2 left" when you have 2,000) erodes trust and damages your brand long-term.

Which principle has the biggest impact on conversions?

Social proof, consistently. Reviews, ratings, and user-generated content reduce perceived risk and give hesitant buyers the confidence to purchase. If you only implement one principle well, make it social proof.

How does this audit relate to a design audit?

Design audits check whether your store looks professional and functions well. This persuasion audit checks whether your store uses psychological triggers to motivate action. You need both — a beautiful store that does not persuade still will not convert.

How often should I re-run this audit?

Run it quarterly or after any major site update. Persuasion elements can break during redesigns — a theme migration might remove your review widget, or a new product page template might drop the "As Seen In" section. Regular audits catch these regressions.

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