If you know anything about websites, you know that the way they're designed, the wording used on the page, and the images that are chosen to entice potential consumers are equally important to the overall value of a website.
But did you also know that a website landing page is just as, if not more, important to the value and conversion rate potential of your site?
You might be asking yourself, "What exactly is a landing page?" In simple terms, a landing page is a special page on your website that directs consumers toward a certain goal, such as joining a newsletter list, signing up for a service, learning more about a certain product, or clicking through to another page on your website. They are usually only accessible through a specific URL link, such as one shared through an email or on your social media page.
So if you're new to landing pages, and are wondering how to create one of your own that gets proven results, check out these helpful tips.
KISS is an acronym that stands for Keep It Simple, Stupid. It's a principle that was first coined by sailors in the U.S. Navy in 1960 and is a convenient way to express the idea that simplicity is key in design while complexity oftentimes causes more problems than it helps. By applying the KISS principle to designing your landing page, you are able to focus on the most important information that you want to convey to consumers. If a consumer feels overwhelmed by information overload, they are less likely to skim through your landing page, and might get confused about the message you're trying to send to them. Keep it simple by using minimal text, simple graphics, white space, and a short web page length.
Customers want to know that your business is genuine and trustworthy. In a world full of businesses that sometimes seem like they only exist to take money, rather than build relationships, trustworthiness is one of the most important qualities that consumers look for in a company. Showing off positive customer reviews on your landing page, which is an example of a Trust Signal, is a great way to show customers that you are a great business that cares about its customers.
Mobile websites are quickly becoming the dominant medium that consumers use to visit their favorite sites. So, when designing a landing page, you always have to make sure that it not only looks good on a desktop or laptop computer but on a mobile device as well. Lucky for you, Atwill Media's websites are built to always be mobile responsive, so they look good on any and every screen!
Placing a large header at the top of your landing page is a great tactic for clearly defining the purpose of your page. For example, if you're directing consumers to a landing page with the purpose of signing up for a service you offer, you can use the header "Join Our Family!" This clearly tells the consumer that you want them to join the great service you offer, and that you already think of them as important! A great header message can immediately grab the attention of your visitors.
You can share your landing page through a number of different mediums. Some of the most effective ways are through emails and newsletters, but another great way to promote your landing page is through your social media accounts. Whether it's Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or Instagram, using social media is a great way to promote your beautifully designed landing page.
Your CTA, or Call To Action, is one of the main elements of your landing page. Without a CTA, your landing page is ineffective and pointless! To create an effective CTA, think about the reasons you created your landing page. Are you trying to get people to sign up for a newsletter, or a service you offer? What about directing them to a special or promotion that you're doing right now? Including short Contact Us forms, Signup Forms, or Buy Now buttons are powerful CTA options that can help to increase your conversion rate!
Evoking a sense of urgency on your landing page can subconsciously convince consumers that, oh wow, I need to jump on this deal now before it’s too late! Use buzz words like "Limited Time Only," "Act Now," or "Don’t Wait, Call Now" to increase that sense of urgency.
Contributor Caleb Hennington is a 23-year-old writer, who manages the Atwill Media and FGmarket blogs. He graduated from Arkansas State University in 2014 with a bachelor's degree in journalism.
When not writing, Caleb enjoys camping, running, collecting comic books, and binge-watching shows on Netflix.