Creating The Ultimate Launch Page

 

Everyone wants to build up hype for their product or service before launching. One of the most effective ways to build up this hype is through the use of a launch page.

 

While most launch pages are kept simple, some other launch pages have tons of information. Which of these practices is correct? Well, the correct answer is neither.

 

Launch pages aren’t a marketplace for stuffing information nor is it a place to throw up a date. If you want to acquire customers and build up buzz for your launch, you need to create a strong launch page.

 

Here are the best strategies to create the ultimate launch page:

 

 

 

Fundamental Factors

 

Logo

 

These are the basic things every launch page needs. These things do not have anything to do with design or layout.

 

Every launch page needs to have a logo of your website that you will continue to use after launching. If you do not have a logo ready to use, you are not ready to launch your website.

 

The image below shows proper logo placement as well as a prepared logo.

 

 

Who are you?

 

If you’re launching a new page, people are going to want to know a little bit about you. Instead of jumping right to it, somewhere on the launch page (even if it is just a sentence), you need to tell your visitors who you are.

 

A brief description letting users know who you are and what the purpose of this website is a great way to break the ice. This ice breaker helps you transition into the next segment.

 

Clearly explains who Zaarly is in one sentence.

 

 

 

What does this website do?

 

If someone is visiting your website and ends up on a launch page, they are probably running for the back button. You need to explain in less than 15-20 seconds what this website does.

 

Not only that, but what you choose to say in those 15-20 seconds needs to captivate and interest the user. Leave the fluff out and jump right into what your website does and how he/she can benefit.
Short and concise sentences that tell you exactly what you need to know.

 

 

 

Sharing Loop

 

If you make a great launch page or have a superb idea, people may want to share your page. Not only that, but the best way to build hype for a new launch is through social media.

 

Be sure to include sharing/tweeting buttons on various social networks that allow others to promote your launch. Very few users may end up promoting your page, but any promotion is useful.

 

Easy to share/tweet while giving visitors the ability to share the URL as well.

 

 

Subscribe Strategy

 

Regardless of what your website does, you need to have a box allowing users to subscribe. Whether this subscription notifies them of your launch date or gives them early access, it is a crucial item to add in the creation of your launch page.

 

Users who subscribe to this list can be highly beneficial for you after you launch. You now have a group of users that you can essentially reach for free by simply sending out an email to them.

 

Newsvine makes it extremely easy for users to subscribe and tells them exactly what they get by subscribing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Design Elements

 

Minimal Scrolling

 

Nobody wants to see a launch page that requires scrolling. Your launch page must be short and specific that a visitor does not need to even scroll to know exactly what your website is creating.

 

Avoid having lengthy pages to increase visitor interest. Create a short and to the point page that demonstrates what your new website can do for other people.

 

Consistent Colors

 

If you are launching a website with a black and blue color scheme, stay consistent with those same colors on your launch page. A launch page is a direct reflection of your brand and website.

 

Often times, launch pages are done in completely different colors than the actual website. This is a terrible mistake that causes confusion among early visitors. Stick to the color schemes you use for your website.

 

Serene Background

 

A nice scenic background has been a very popular choice for launch pages in the recent year. If you don’t want to have a gradient or plain color as your background, that is absolutely fine.

 

Be sure to use a background that is serene and does not take attention away from the content on your launch page. Your goal is to amaze your visitors with what you have to say, not with your background.

 

The background used below is a terrible choice because the visitors eyes immediately wander to the background.

 

 

 

Placement

 

This is a very fundamental lesson. Place your content, images, and boxes as you would on any general website.

 

Following conventional wisdom in this sense would probably be your smartest move. Logos belong at the top and social media buttons at the bottom.

 

The winner is Late Car Service! This launch page has all the elements needed to create the ultimate launch page.

 

 

 

 

Resources

 

Site Builders

 

There are quite a few launch page builders out there online. My favorite is LaunchRock, which allows you to create a stunning landing page in minutes using all the elements mentioned above.

 

You can even find many other launch page builders by doing a simple Google search. You can even find themes or pre-made templates that often have the elements discussed above.

 

Subscribe Lists

 

If you use some of the site builder websites mentioned above, you will most likely receive an automatic subscriber list for your launch page. However, if you want to go above and beyond to create a custom launch page, you can still embed a subscribe list into your website.

 

Campaign Monitor makes it easy to add and manage subscribers for a long period of time. They have easy to use codes with a stunning dashboard making it simple for everyone.

 

 

 

Conclusion

 

 

Building the ultimate launch page is all about content, style, and design. These are the three most important factors that separate a winning launch page from a losing one.

 

Launch pages have become a great tool in recent years to build hype and buzz about a new launch. Never underestimate the effectiveness of a launch page. It can help you get a fast start right through the gates.

 

What are your thoughts on the article? Do you have any other suggestions or tips for creating a great launch page? If so, please share any thoughts, questions, or comments you have below.