I'm working on improving my skill at creating landing pages that convert - some simple pages convert at over 25% and others that I invest huge time into, don't seem to convert at all... I purchase PPC traffic, send it to my landing page, which squeezes an email address and starts a series of auto-responder messages promoting a Clickbank product with monthly membership... I wanted to know if there are a few basic pointers or critical elements of a Landing Page that I should be aware of before I start trying to fix these lame Landing Pages that converting at 00.001% Many thanks. Doug
There are many types of landing pages - presell, review pages, solo sites, coupons sites etc. What type is yours so that we can provide further help.
Type of landing page... type of landing page... umm... errr... Maybe I'm comparing the conversion results from two different types of landing pages! I'm still not sure. Mentos gave a good tip to include a product tutorial on the landing page in this thread and dopepope provides a fantastic landing page template, along with great replies to the active thread. Other Reading As a first step in improving the results, I've been directed to sign up with Google Website Optimizer and create a split test of two drastically different versions of each of my landing pages. This is great! I signed up and it looks simple enough - only takes a few minutes to include the code once the pages are created. Dopepopehas provided a nice clear plan of exactly what to include in his style of landing page... and since I came here for ideas, I'm going to build a few split tests - just as he says to do them. His proven template VS my worst-performing sales page. http://forums.digitalpoint.com/showthread.php?t=861159 dopepope thread http://forums.digitalpoint.com/showthread.php?t=1433819 mentos thread
You need targeted copy+ image(s) + simple and clear call(s) to action. 1.The design should be uncluttered and the message needs to present value. 2.Expect to have around 5-10 seconds to convert a visitors' interest. ,Close your eyes then open them and Look at your page see if your page captures your interest in this time frame. 3.Use widgets and have syndication options for viral capability. 4.use a video or web 2.0 widgets(slideshare/scribd etc) rather than loads of text for alternate information./more detail if required.
Market research to match website content to exact customer needs Professionally designed and formatted sales page to build credibility Detailed description/ sales pitch/ answering concerns and 'what if' scenarios - fulfilling customers needs Numerous calls to action strategically placed to get potential customers to follow through
The following outlines the “best practices†that pertain to proper landing page design. All of these points are designed to maximize conversions. These rules however, cannot always be followed due to variable campaign specifications and user behavior, so in the end it is up to the site’s designers and visitors to determine what works best. The ideal situation for site designers is to follow these guidelines, then split test to find the results that work best. Rule #1 – Above The FoldThe top 300 pixels of any website are the most important page real-estate. That area needs to tell the visitor exactly what the site is, and what it is for. They should be able to interpret this on their first read, usually between 1 to 3 seconds. Also, remember they need to be able to find a purchase button without having to think about it. Instant communication is the gold standard. Rule #2 – ImageryWhen it comes to using graphics on landing pages, statistics and user studies have found that images are more effective when they contain photos of real people rather then illustrations. Another major point to remember is to make ALL images clickable, whether they take you to a larger view of the product, or just start the product download. 42% of landing pages on the internet do not have clickable images. Rule #3 – Make It Obvious What’s ClickableDo not over-complicate things for the user. Text that is underlined MUST always be clickable. If you want to emphasize something, BOLD it unstead of underlining. Buttons also need to be easy to find. Don’t create buttons that blend into the background. Users love to click, so give them what they want. Which brings us to: Rule #4 – Buttons, Buttons, ButtonsThere is nothing worse then being in a store and wanting to purchase something and you cannot find a sales associate. A website functions the same way, do not hide the purchase buttons! Make them visible and frequent. It may not be as pretty, but your sales figures will thank you. Rule #5 – Copy DesignText and typography are an essential part of any landing page. It’s what will convince the reader to purchase your product. Fonts like Arial and Verdana were designed to make reading on a computer screen easy, so don’t make it difficult. Another essential practice is to avoid using light text on a dark background. This is not something our eyes were designed for, therefore slowing the readers apprehension and overall comprehension of essential content. Along the same lines, users are able to read a lot quicker when paragraphs are kept between 40 – 60 words in width. Sticking to these major points will improve your sales and make creating landing
Just remember this rule DON'T MAKE ME THINK If you go by that golden rule of the internet you will be a millionaire in no time. J/K it will take you lots and lots of practice. But the more you try and fail the more things you no not to do. Just please don't keep repeating your same mistakes ( I use to do it. )
here is a informative link about building a landing page: http://www.mandarich.com/SEO-ARTICLES/landing-page-tips.html hope it helps! Tony