Conversion rates to views and chats

I analyzed performance data from 50 submitted job applications. Initial statistics were collected at the beginning of the week and then reviewed again today to assess changes over time. Based on this comparison, we calculated average market benchmarks for key metrics such as views and chats.

Our view rate is above the market average. The chat rate is slightly below the benchmark (2% versus a 3% market average). However, this metric—along with chats and calls—is cumulative by nature, as client responses often occur one to two weeks after submission, or even later.

Recommendation I

Here are the potential bottlenecks hindering our growth:

High Hourly Rate: Over 50% of our competitors charge >$20/hr. High-tier specialists from Ukraine typically work for $30–35/hr, while our rate is set at $50/hr.

Limited Case Studies & Lack of Scalable Results: Clients willing to pay $50/hr instead of $20 usually run established stores with significant revenue—likely tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars per month. Our current highlight of $8k in sales isn't very compelling for that tier of client.

Recommendation II

Here are the potential bottlenecks hindering our growth:

High Competition: Within an hour of posting, jobs with rates that fit our profile attract over 100 applicants. Without boosting, our proposal simply won't be seen in that crowd.

Insufficient Connects Budget: Even when targeting low-competition jobs where boosting is cheaper, we’ve already spent $292 on proposals in just one week (out of a $700 monthly budget). For decent vacancies, the cost to stay in the top 1–4 spots quickly hits around $18 per proposal. At this rate, a $700 budget only allows for about 39 applications per month.

Funnel Performance

I will continue submitting applications and monitoring performance to identify which parameters drive higher view and chat rates. Based on these insights, search conditions will be continuously adjusted. This is a standard adaptation process during the first month of optimization.

Additional lead acquisition approach

I'm partnering with other web designers. I can propose to handle their non-priority leads on a referral basis (recommending you for $150 per signed contract f.e.).

Pending questions

Do you have experience building large-scale sites with thousands of pages? I’ve come across several job postings with this requirement. It would be great if we had case studies like this for both Shopify and WordPress.

Is there a reason you’re hesitant to apply for jobs from Australia and New Zealand? I’ve seen some high-quality vacancies coming from those regions.

Do you have any WordPress landing page case studies?

Do you have any additional Shopify case studies, perhaps featuring larger-scale stores?