BLOG


Slide

How to Design a Landing Page That Converts

10 Proven Tips for Success

Posted on February 10, 2025, by Peter Loomis



Introduction

A well-designed landing page can make or break your digital marketing efforts. Whether you're looking to generate leads, drive sales, or encourage sign-ups, an effective landing page is crucial for turning visitors into customers. But what exactly makes a landing page successful?

Here are 10 proven tips to help you design a high-converting landing page that delivers real results.


1. Start with a Clear and Compelling Headline

The First Impression That Drives Conversions

Your headline is the first thing visitors see, and it should immediately communicate the page’s main value in a clear and engaging way. A strong headline grabs attention and encourages users to keep reading.

Here are some best practices for crafting a compelling landing page headline:

  • Be Clear and Direct – Avoid vague or confusing wording. Make sure users instantly understand the benefit.
  • Address a Pain Point – Identify a problem and present your product or service as the solution.
  • Highlight a Unique Value Proposition – Stand out by emphasizing what makes your offer different.
  • Keep It Concise – A short, impactful headline is more effective than a long, complex one.

A well-crafted headline sets the stage for a successful landing page. By instantly conveying value and relevance, it increases engagement and encourages users to take action.

Landing Page Headline Importance

A compelling headline grabs attention and encourages user engagement.


2. Use a Strong Subheadline to Reinforce the Message

Supporting Your Headline with Clarity and Persuasion

Your subheadline should reinforce the main headline by providing additional details. It should be clear, concise, and persuade visitors to continue engaging with your page.

When crafting an effective subheadline, consider these key factors:

  • Expand on the Headline: Your subheadline should add context or reinforce the benefit presented in the headline.
  • Make It Specific: Use numbers, facts, or compelling statements to add credibility and clarity.
  • Enhance Readability: Keep it short and impactful to maintain engagement.

Examples of Effective Subheadlines

Here are some real-world examples of strong subheadlines that effectively reinforce the main message:

  • Slack: "Slack brings the team together, wherever you are. Instant messaging, voice calls, and file sharing in one place."
  • Dropbox: "Securely store, share, and collaborate on files from anywhere."
  • HubSpot: "All-in-one marketing software that helps your business grow better."

Testing Your Subheadline

To maximize effectiveness, A/B test different variations of your subheadline. Track user engagement, click-through rates, and conversion rates to determine the best-performing version.

Crafting a Strong Subheadline

A well-crafted subheadline strengthens the impact of your landing page and keeps users engaged.


“That which is measured improves.”

— Karl Pearson

3. Design a High-Impact Call-to-Action (CTA)

Encouraging User Action with a Strong CTA

A well-placed, compelling Call-to-Action (CTA) is one of the most crucial elements of a high-converting landing page. It guides users toward taking the desired action, whether that’s signing up, making a purchase, or requesting more information.

Here are key strategies for designing an effective CTA:

  1. Be Clear and Action-Oriented: Use direct, concise language that tells users exactly what to do (e.g., “Get My Free Guide” or “Start My 7-Day Trial”).
  2. Make It Stand Out: Use a high-contrast color that distinguishes the CTA from the rest of the page.
  3. Use Persuasive Language: Reinforce the value of clicking with words like "Exclusive," "Limited Time," or "Instant Access."
  4. Position Strategically: Place the CTA prominently above the fold and repeat it throughout the page.

Real-World Examples of Strong CTAs

Some well-known brands use highly effective CTA strategies:

  • Netflix: "Join Free for a Month" – Encourages users with a risk-free trial.
  • Amazon: "Buy Now with 1-Click" – Creates urgency and convenience.
  • Dropbox: "Sign up for free" – Highlights no-cost access to their service.

A/B Testing Your CTA

Run A/B tests on CTA button colors, placement, and wording to determine what performs best. Small tweaks can significantly impact conversion rates.

A well-crafted CTA ensures that users are motivated to take the next step, increasing engagement and conversions.

High-Impact CTA

A well-designed CTA draws attention and encourages action.


4. Minimize Distractions and Remove Unnecessary Links

A landing page should have a clear focus to guide users toward a single action. Removing unnecessary distractions ensures visitors remain engaged and more likely to convert.

1. Limit Navigation and External Links

Unlike a homepage, a landing page should not have a full navigation menu or links that lead users away from the conversion goal. Removing these elements keeps the user focused on taking action.

2. Keep the Design Clean and Focused

Cluttered pages with excessive images, text, or competing calls-to-action (CTAs) can overwhelm users. A simple, well-structured layout with whitespace improves readability and engagement.

3. Reduce Form Fields to Only Essentials

If your landing page includes a form, ask only for necessary information. Reducing the number of required fields minimizes friction and increases the likelihood of completion.

4. Eliminate Unnecessary Pop-Ups

While exit-intent pop-ups can be effective, excessive pop-ups can frustrate visitors and lead to higher bounce rates. Use them sparingly and ensure they add value rather than disrupting the user experience.

5. Focus on a Single, Clear CTA

A landing page should have **one** primary CTA that stands out visually. Multiple competing CTAs can confuse users, reducing conversion rates. Ensure the CTA is clear, concise, and easy to find.

By streamlining your landing page and removing distractions, you create a smoother experience for visitors, increasing the chances of conversion.

Minimizing Distractions

A distraction-free landing page keeps users focused on the primary goal.


“It’s much easier to double your business by doubling your conversion rate than by doubling your traffic.”

— Jeff Eisenberg

5. Use High-Quality Visuals that Support Your Message

Images and videos play a crucial role in engaging visitors and reinforcing your landing page’s message. The right visuals can create an emotional connection, establish credibility, and guide users toward taking action.

1. Choose Images That Align with Your Brand

Every image should complement your brand identity and resonate with your target audience. Whether using photography, illustrations, or graphics, ensure they enhance the message rather than distract from it.

2. Use Authentic and High-Resolution Photos

Avoid generic stock photos that feel impersonal. Instead, use high-quality, real-life images that reflect your business, team, or customers. Authentic visuals create trust and credibility.

3. Incorporate Videos to Increase Engagement

Short, impactful videos can improve user engagement and conversions. Explainer videos, product demonstrations, or customer testimonials help users understand your offering quickly and effectively.

4. Optimize for Fast Loading Speeds

Large images and videos can slow down your page, negatively impacting user experience and search rankings. Compress images and use lazy loading techniques to keep your landing page running smoothly.

Using high-quality visuals strategically ensures that your landing page not only looks professional but also effectively communicates your message and drives conversions.

Using High-Quality Visuals

Strong visuals create engagement and enhance message clarity.


6. Optimize for Mobile and Fast Load Speed

With more than 50% of web traffic coming from mobile devices, ensuring your landing page is mobile-friendly and loads quickly is essential for maximizing conversions. A slow or unoptimized page can lead to high bounce rates and lost opportunities.

1. Use a Responsive Design

A responsive layout ensures your landing page adjusts seamlessly across different screen sizes. Avoid fixed-width elements and use flexible grids and scalable images to create a smooth mobile experience.

2. Optimize Images and Media

Large images and videos can slow down your page. Use compressed image formats (like WebP) and lazy loading techniques to improve load times while maintaining high-quality visuals.

3. Minimize Heavy Scripts and Plugins

Excessive scripts, animations, or third-party plugins can drastically reduce speed. Optimize JavaScript, remove unnecessary plugins, and use asynchronous loading for external resources.

4. Enable Browser Caching and Compression

Browser caching stores static files locally, reducing load times for returning visitors. Additionally, enabling Gzip or Brotli compression significantly reduces file sizes and speeds up page delivery.

5. Test Load Speed and Mobile Performance

Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights and WebPageTest to analyze and improve your landing page’s speed and mobile responsiveness.

A fast, mobile-optimized landing page ensures users have a smooth experience, increasing the likelihood of engagement and conversion.

Optimizing for Mobile and Speed

With more than 50% of web traffic coming from mobile devices, a responsive and fast-loading page improves user experience and conversion rates.


7. Leverage Social Proof for Credibility

Social proof is a powerful psychological tool that builds trust and influences user decisions. Displaying testimonials, client logos, and case studies can enhance your landing page’s credibility and increase conversions.

1. Use Customer Testimonials

Genuine customer reviews help potential clients feel more confident in your product or service. Include a mix of short quotes and detailed testimonials with real names and photos to strengthen authenticity.

2. Showcase Client Logos and Partnerships

Displaying logos of well-known clients or partners reinforces trust and establishes authority in your industry. A “Trusted by” or “Featured in” section can make your offer more compelling.

3. Highlight Case Studies and Success Stories

Sharing real success stories with data-driven results makes your landing page more persuasive. Show before-and-after comparisons, key metrics, or client interviews to illustrate tangible benefits.

4. Incorporate Ratings and Reviews

Featuring star ratings, awards, and external review scores from platforms like Google Reviews or Trustpilot adds another layer of credibility. Positive ratings increase trust and encourage engagement.

By integrating social proof effectively, you create a more trustworthy and convincing landing page, reassuring visitors and increasing conversions.

"PERSONE has designed my website for many years. They have seen me through three different sites. They do incredible work and really listen to what you have as a vision. Their creativity is incredible and inspiring! "

— Betsy Jamison, Photographer

Leverage Social Proof

Client testimonials and trust signals reinforce credibility and encourage conversions.


TRUSTED BY:


Displaying a selection of well-known client or partner logos can reinforce trust and establish authority (Client List)


“The goal is to turn data into information, and information into insight."

— Carly Fiorina, Former CEO of Hewlett-Packard

8. Write Concise, Benefit-Focused Copy

The text on your landing page should be clear, compelling, and focused on how your product or service benefits the user. A well-crafted copy guides visitors toward taking action without overwhelming them with unnecessary details.

1. Focus on Benefits, Not Just Features

While features describe what your product does, benefits explain how it solves a problem or improves the user’s experience. Frame your messaging in a way that highlights real value.

2. Keep Sentences Short and Scannable

Visitors often skim content rather than reading every word. Break up text with bullet points, subheadings, and bold key phrases to make the content easy to digest.

3. Use Persuasive, Action-Oriented Language

Strong verbs and direct calls to action encourage engagement. Instead of saying “Our software has AI-powered analytics,” say, “Get instant, data-driven insights to grow your business.”

4. Eliminate Jargon and Complexity

Avoid technical language that may confuse visitors. Keep your copy simple and relatable, ensuring it resonates with your audience.

By writing concise, benefit-driven copy, you create a more compelling and engaging experience that leads to higher conversion rates.

Get instant, data-driven insights to grow your business.

A clear and benefit-driven copy keeps users engaged and motivated to take action.


9. A/B Test Key Elements for Optimization

A/B testing allows you to compare different versions of your landing page elements to determine which performs best. By systematically testing variations, you can refine your page to maximize conversions.

1. Test Headlines and Subheadlines

Your headline is the first thing visitors see, so testing different phrasing, tones, or word choices can significantly impact engagement and conversion rates.

2. Experiment with CTA Text and Placement

Try variations of your call-to-action (CTA) text to see what resonates best. Additionally, test placing CTAs in different locations (above the fold, middle of the page, or near testimonials) to find the most effective position.

3. Adjust Colors and Button Styles

Small design tweaks, such as changing button colors or adjusting contrast, can influence user behavior. Test different styles to see which version gets the most clicks.

4. Compare Different Media Elements

Test different images, videos, or illustrations to determine which best supports your message and encourages engagement.

5. Evaluate Page Layout and Content Length

Some users prefer concise pages, while others need detailed information before converting. A/B test different content lengths and layouts to find the right balance.

By continuously testing and optimizing key elements, you can enhance your landing page’s effectiveness and boost conversion rates.

A/B Testing for Optimization

A/B testing different elements can lead to significant improvements in conversion rates.


10. Create a Sense of Urgency & Scarcity

Encouraging visitors to take action immediately can boost conversions. Implementing urgency and scarcity techniques on your landing page can create a compelling reason for users to act now rather than later.

1. Use Time-Sensitive Offers

Limited-time discounts or promotions push users toward making a decision. Adding a countdown timer to a special offer can reinforce this urgency.

2. Highlight Limited Availability

If your product or service has a limited number of spots or availability, make that clear. Phrases like "Only 3 spots left!" or "Offer expires soon" encourage action.

3. Showcase Social Proof in Real Time

Displaying notifications of recent purchases or sign-ups (e.g., "John from New York just signed up!") can create a FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) effect, pushing visitors to take action.

4. Offer Exclusive Bonuses for Immediate Action

Give users an extra incentive to act now by including exclusive bonuses or perks for those who sign up or purchase within a specific timeframe.

By integrating urgency and scarcity tactics strategically, you create a compelling reason for visitors to take immediate action, leading to higher conversion rates.

* Limited Time Only *


Sign up by March 1 to get a FREE UX guide!


John from New York just signed up...


Only Three Spots Left

Creating a sense of urgency encourages immediate user action.


Conclusion: Crafting a Landing Page That Converts

A high-converting landing page is built on a combination of clear messaging, strategic design, and data-driven optimization. By following these best practices, you can create an engaging and effective landing page that drives conversions and achieves your business goals.

Key Takeaways:

  • Strong Headlines & Subheadlines: Grab attention and set clear expectations.
  • Effective Calls-to-Action: Encourage immediate user engagement.
  • Minimal Distractions: Keep the focus on the primary goal.
  • Mobile Optimization & Speed: Ensure a seamless user experience.
  • Social Proof & Trust Elements: Build credibility and confidence.
  • A/B Testing & Refinement: Continuously optimize to improve results.

Implementing these techniques will help you design a landing page that not only looks great but also performs exceptionally well. Test, iterate, and refine your page to achieve the best possible conversion rates.

Need expert guidance on optimizing your landing page? Contact us today for professional design and conversion strategy services.

Landing Page Optimization

A well-optimized landing page drives user engagement and conversions.

Stay Connected

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X and YouTube for more design content and inspiration! Sign up to our email list and newsletter.



Ready to Elevate Your User Experience? Let's Collaborate!

We specialize in crafting cutting-edge UX/UI solutions that bring your digital products to life. Whether you're launching a new product, rebranding, or simply need a design refresh, we're here to help bring your vision to life. Send us a message today!


Contact Us


© 2000-2025 PERSONE DESIGN. All Rights Reserved. | Back to Top