Did you know that most landing pages only convert 2.35% of visitors? That's a lot of missed opportunities. But don't worry - this guide will show you how to create landing pages that turn more visitors into customers. We'll cover everything from headlines to thank you pages, so you can build landing pages that really work.
What Makes a Landing Page Effective?
A good landing page does three main things:
1. Shows Clear Value
Your landing page needs to quickly tell visitors why they should care. What problem do you solve? How will their life improve? Make this crystal clear right away.
2. Focuses on One Action
Don't give visitors too many choices. Pick one main thing you want them to do, like signing up or buying. Make this action stand out and easy to take.
3. Removes Distractions
Get rid of anything that might pull visitors away from your main goal. That means no extra links, no complex menus, and no clutter.
Key Parts of a High-Converting Landing Page
Let's look at the building blocks of a landing page that works:
Headline That Grabs Attention
Your headline is the first thing people see. It needs to:
- Speak to a problem your visitors have
- Hint at your solution
- Use strong words that create emotion
For example, "Stop Wasting Time on Boring Reports" is better than "Our Reporting Software".
Hero Image That Shows Your Product
A picture is worth a thousand words. Use your main image to:
- Show your product or service in action
- Match the message in your headline
- Help visitors picture themselves using what you offer
Copy That Persuades
Your words need to convince visitors to take action. Good copy:
- Talks about benefits, not just features
- Uses short paragraphs and bullet points
- Speaks directly to the reader ("you" instead of "customers")
Call-to-Action That Stands Out
Your call-to-action (CTA) button is where conversions happen. Make it:
- Use action words ("Get Started" instead of "Submit")
- Stand out with a bright, contrasting color
- Big enough to tap easily on mobile
12 Tips to Boost Your Landing Page Conversions
Now let's dive into specific ways to make your landing page convert better:
1. Match Your Ads
If someone clicks an ad about "free shipping", your landing page should mention free shipping right away. This tells visitors they're in the right place.
2. Put Important Stuff on Top
Don't make people scroll to find what matters. Keep your headline, main benefits, and CTA "above the fold" - visible without scrolling.
3. Guide the Eye
Use arrows, lines, or even photos of people looking toward your CTA. These visual cues help guide visitors to take action.
4. Cut Out Distractions
Remove your regular website menu and any links that don't support your main goal. Keep visitors focused on converting.
5. Add Social Proof
Show that others trust you. Use:
- Customer quotes
- Logos of companies you work with
- Number of happy customers
- Awards or certifications
6. Speed Up Your Page
A slow page kills conversions. Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to find and fix speed issues.
7. Make It Mobile-Friendly
More than half of web traffic is mobile. Make sure your landing page looks good and works well on phones and tablets.
8. Write Clear, Compelling Copy
Use simple words and short sentences. Focus on how you solve problems for your customers. Avoid jargon and buzzwords.
9. Use Video (Sometimes)
Video can boost conversions, but only if it's done well. Keep videos short, to the point, and make sure they add value.
10. Test Different Versions
Don't guess what works best. Use A/B testing to try different headlines, images, or CTAs. Let data guide your decisions.
11. Simplify Your Forms
Every extra form field lowers conversions. Ask only for information you really need. Consider multi-step forms for longer surveys.
12. Create a Thank You Page
Don't stop at the conversion. Use your thank you page to:
- Confirm the action was successful
- Tell visitors what to expect next
- Offer additional resources or upsells
Landing Page Tips for Different Industries
Different businesses need different approaches. Here are some tips for specific industries:
E-commerce
- Show clear product images
- Include customer reviews
- Offer a simple return policy
- Use urgency ("Only 3 left in stock!")
SaaS (Software as a Service)
- Highlight key features with icons
- Offer a free trial or demo
- Show pricing clearly
- Use comparison tables for different plans
B2B Services
- Focus on ROI and business benefits
- Use case studies from similar companies
- Offer whitepapers or other valuable content
- Include trust signals like client logos
Non-profit
- Tell emotional stories
- Show the impact of donations
- Make the donation process simple
- Offer multiple ways to help (donate, volunteer, share)
Common Landing Page Mistakes to Avoid
Watch out for these errors that can hurt your conversions:
Cluttered Design
A messy page confuses visitors. Keep your design clean and focused on your main message and CTA.
Weak Call-to-Action
Your CTA needs to stand out and clearly tell people what to do next. "Learn More" is weak. "Start Your Free Trial" is strong.
Missing Trust Signals
People are cautious online. Show them it's safe to trust you with testimonials, security badges, and clear contact information.
Tools for Creating High-Converting Landing Pages
You don't need to be a web designer to make great landing pages. These tools can help:
- Unbounce: Drag-and-drop builder with lots of templates
- Leadpages: Easy to use with built-in A/B testing
- Instapage: Good for teams with collaboration features
For startups and SaaS companies, FastWaitlist offers quick and customizable waitlist pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should my landing page be?
There's no perfect length. It should be as long as needed to convince visitors to take action. For simple offers, short pages work. For complex or expensive products, longer pages might be better.
Should I use pop-ups on my landing page?
Pop-ups can boost conversions, but they can also annoy visitors. If you use them, make sure they add value and are easy to close.
How many form fields should I include?
Fewer is usually better. Ask only for information you really need. For lead generation, start with just name and email. Add more fields only if absolutely necessary.
How often should I update my landing page?
Test and update your page regularly. Try new headlines, images, or CTAs every few weeks. Always be looking for ways to improve.
Can I use the same landing page for different traffic sources?
It's better to create specific pages for different sources. A visitor from a Facebook ad might need different information than someone from a Google search.
Wrapping Up: Take Action on These Landing Page Tips
Creating a high-converting landing page takes work, but it's worth it. Even small improvements can lead to big gains in your business. Start by picking one or two tips from this guide and testing them on your page. Keep what works and keep improving.
Remember, the best landing pages are always changing. What works today might not work tomorrow. Stay curious, keep testing, and always focus on what your visitors need.
For more specific advice on creating waitlist landing pages, check out the ultimate guide to high-converting waitlist pages.
Now go out there and create landing pages that convert!