Getting that landing page right and ensuring a positive customer experience when visitors land on it is crucial. The landing page can be even more vital as it often drives visitors to explore the rest of the website, particularly the sales page. Many websites and systems use the landing page as their main form of lead capture.
This blog features nine essential tips for creating an effective landing page. These tips are simple yet powerful strategies that can significantly increase the likelihood of conversion. It's important to note that the focus here is on the homepage of a website, and for those with a one-page website, these recommendations are even more critical.
1. Stripped-Down Header Design
A cluttered header can overwhelm visitors. A clean, stripped-down header design helps ensure that essential elements like navigation, the logo, and the search button are easily accessible. Consider including a small banner for important updates like shipping delays or special sales.
2. Enticing Hero Section
The hero section is the prime real estate of a landing page. It needs to be engaging enough to make visitors want to scroll down and explore more. An effective hero section can significantly impact a visitor's decision to stay on the site.
3. Compelling Benefits
Visitors need to know what's in it for them right away. Highlight the benefits of your product or service prominently. This could be in the form of compelling content just below the hero section, making it clear why they should choose your business.
4. Quality Imagery
Good imagery can make a huge difference. Avoid generic stock images and opt for high-quality visuals that accurately represent your products or services. Using GIFs or sliders can be a good alternative to videos, especially in areas with poor internet connectivity.
5. Clear Call to Action
A landing page should have a clear, single call to action (CTA). This CTA should guide visitors to a specific action, whether it's signing up for a newsletter, booking a consultation, or making a purchase. Repeating the CTA throughout the page can reinforce its importance.
6. Email Capture Form
Collecting email addresses is importantl for building a customer base. Offer something valuable in exchange, like a discount, a free guide, or entry into a giveaway. Make it easy for visitors to provide their email addresses without feeling pressured.
7. Social Proof
Showcase testimonials and reviews to build trust with potential customers. This could include written testimonials, star ratings, or even video reviews. Implementing widgets that display the latest reviews can keep your social proof up-to-date automatically.
8. FAQs
Including a section for frequently asked questions can help address common concerns and improve the user experience. This not only aids in customer satisfaction but also boosts SEO performance.
9. Minimalist Footer Design
Just like the header, the footer should be clean and not overloaded with information. Essential elements might include social media links, contact information, and navigation links. Keeping it simple ensures that visitors can find what they need without feeling overwhelmed.
These nine tips are essential for creating an effective landing page. By focusing on a clean design, compelling content, and user-friendly features, you can improve your chances of converting visitors into customers. Take a look at your current landing page and see how it measures up against these recommendations.
Listen in to our Bite-Size podcast episode about Your landing page must-haves:
28 February 2024