Creating a landing page to promote your ideas and turn visitors into customers may seem easy enough, but it can be a lot more difficult than it sounds. Seemingly tiny details can have a major effect on your traffic rates. Below is a ‘how to’ list that can help you create the best landing page possible.
The Easy Option
If you feel creating a landing page from scratch will be a little overwhelming, consider using a landing page template. These are super helpful especially if it is your first time creating such a page.
Since templates are usually tested before becoming available, using a template is a quick way to guarantee that your page will be user-friendly. Sites such as Wix are a great way to get you started, there are plenty of free and paid-for services, so there is something for everyone!
Common Web Designs
When creating something new, it is always good to base it on something old that works. This is the same for landing pages, try to loosely follow common web designs.
- Place the search bar on the upper right side of your page- this will allow readers to find what they are looking for quickly and easily.
- Menu items belong at the top of the page- this layout works for all online pages and has become the ‘norm’ for readers.
- Place the logo to the top left- and make it bright, bold and visible. You don’t want people forgetting your brand.
- Links belong at the bottom- be sure to include links such as ‘FAQs’ and ‘contact us’ in the footer of your page.
Different Devices
When creating your landing page, always be mindful that people will be viewing it on different devices. Make sure your page is compatible with phones, laptops, desktops and tablets. The bulk of online traffic comes from mobile users, so consider minimizing your use of flash-based graphics or any kind of auto-playing videos. If you are using an online template, it will usually detect when a mobile device is being used and automatically switch to such design.
Must Have's
There are some things your landing page should always have, firstly- a capturing headline and an optional subheading. These need to be short but informative. Secondly- a brief description of your products or services. Thirdly- a supporting image or photo. Fourthly- supporting elements such as logos, testimonials and badges. And lastly- a call to action button to direct customers to the next step.
The Dont's
The common mistakes people make when creating a landing page really put customers off from the get-go. Things to avoid are:
- Too many pop-ups will instantly turn people away and have the opposite of the desired effect.
- Large ads will prevent readers from viewing the whole page.
- Clashing colours are never good on the eyes.
- Too much movement, you don’t want your readers to get motion sickness!
- Overkill on images and videos will lead to a slow loading page.
When it comes to web design, less is usually more. Keeping fonts and colours minimalistic and modern, avoiding dense text or imagery, and making clear the purpose of your site in every detail of your home page are your best bets for success.
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