What would you cite as the most critical elements on a site's landing page? In my case, my goal is to entice visitors so join my (free) online community. On my current landing page there is a 2 min promo video about my site, a couple of SEO-paragraphs on the same, and the links to my blog (Wordpress), login for current members, join link for visitors, and the typical privacy, terms, and social network links (i.e., Twitter, Facebook, etc.). I think that I have the basic elements in place, but lately I have come across less-crowded-looking landing (minimalist, very 2.0ish) pages that tell little about the site in question, but look fantastic. Frankly, I like those better! Perhaps I have overdone the content part on mine and neglected the design... I'm after sign ups, so.... Since I'm a noob, could you also point me to samples of landing pages that are effective and feature a nice balance of design and content. Thanks!
Always make it simple and to the point. You want a brief explanation of the site and a clear call to action. If it is to join the site you want that to be front and center. Leave out options for them to click or leave the page anyway than what action you want them to take.
I have thought of that--getting rid of all links except for the one that leads to my community sign up page. However, I think that the link to the blog is also critical....
If it is critical it can be added back into the process. After they join for instance or the moment after they join they can be greeted with a thank you for joining and THEN a link for the blog.
Will do! I'll post a link to my site in the reviews section when the DigitalPoint gods empower my account to do so. I'll definitely look for your suggestions.