Key Takeaways
- A well-designed “Coming Soon” page is a valuable tool for generating interest in a brand or project. It should be unique and appealing, offer some form of a mission statement, utilize various social media platforms, and encourage visitors to subscribe.
- A mission statement on a “Coming Soon” page is crucial to explain the purpose of the site and to give visitors an idea of whether the final website will appeal to them. It should state what’s coming, explain the site’s purpose, create curiosity, and ideally, provide a launch date.
- Utilizing social media platforms and encouraging subscription are essential for an effective “Coming Soon” page. Social media can help with promotion and maintaining connection with potential visitors, while encouraging subscription can create a mailing list for future marketing efforts and increase chances of revisits to the site.
What is a “Coming Soon” Page?
Basically, a “Coming Soon” page is a placeholder that announces that your actual website is “coming soon,” whether it be just launching or undergoing maintenance. Some feel that only large companies benefit from a “Coming Soon” page, but the truth is that it can be used by anyone. “Coming Soon” pages are often minimalistic, but this keeps the focus and fits messaging into a visitor’s very limited attention span. These pages can employ various design techniques, from a basic, static page to dynamic sites with real-time information updates. “Coming Soon” pages usually have three goals in mind: to announce the actual website’s impending launch, offer some explanation of the site’s purpose, and to persuade visitors to return once the site is officially launched. Remember that effectively-designed landing pages should not only be visually appealing, but at their best they should also create “buzz” and anticipation.Create Unique Designs
When it comes to design, you will need a way to excite visitors without having your full website in effect. The easiest way to do this is to be original and offer something new and refreshing to your site’s visitors. Your page should have some form of appeal or a “wow” factor, because as mentioned before, the coming soon page is meant to get people interested. Your landing should reflect your brand’s personality. Design elements that should be given special attention for a unique look are:- Color
- Layout Design
- Graphics
- Typographical Content
Mission Statement
The primary purpose of the “Coming Soon” page is to explain the purpose of your site, so you definitely want to offer some form of explanation for the page’s existence. Failure to give some form of introduction can often times leave visitors confused by the purpose (or lack thereof) of the site, and they consequently they won’t come back unless they’re really curious. Opting to just place a logo and name on your coming soon page really does nothing in regards to offering an explanation of your site’s existence, regardless of whether your logo and brand are well-known. Providing some form of a mission statement or purpose of intent can give visitors an idea of whether the final website will appeal to them and be something that they can use in the future. Your mission statement should:- Say what’s coming
- Explain the site’s purpose
- Create curiosity (optional, but ideal)
- Launch date (optional, but ideal)
Utilize Social Media
Most people in this day and age are using some form of social media, and with the large number of existing networks you have an incredible array to choose from. Marketing through social media has proven to be very successful over the years, especially when done with thoughtful and unique flair. Whether it’s a personal account or a business account, guiding visitors to social media networks such as Facebook and Twitter will benefit your campaign in the long run. Steps to use the social media networks require the following:- Social media icons
- Promotion
- Frequent, meaningful updates
Encourage Subscribing
If you have seen a “Coming Soon” page, which most of you probably have, you more than likely have seen some usage of subscription forms being employed. Most of these subscription forms are meant for you to enter your e-mail address and then submit it in order for you to be subscribed to the site’s newsletter. When you’re creating your website, you will definitely want to add a subscription form to your “Coming Soon” page, as it is one of the best methods to employ when engaging in online marketing. Encouraging visitors to subscribe not only creates a mailing list for you but it also increases chances of revisits to your site. When you plan on adding a subscription form:- Explain what’s going on
- Offer signup incentives
- Use your mailing list
Conclusion
Employment of simple design elements and tactics can take a simple, minimal “Coming Soon” design and turn it into an effective page that is generating a substantial number of visitors and subscribers. Remember to keep your design clutter-free, make sure you offer an appealing and unique value proposition that not only informs visitors but also encourages the use of social media outlets and subscription forms.Frequently Asked Questions about Creating an Effective Coming Soon Page
What are the key elements to include in a coming soon page?
A coming soon page should include a few key elements to be effective. Firstly, it should have a clear message about what is coming soon. This could be a new product, a website redesign, or a new service. Secondly, it should include a countdown timer to build anticipation and create a sense of urgency. Thirdly, it should have a call-to-action (CTA), such as a sign-up form for email updates or pre-orders. Lastly, it should reflect your brand’s identity through its design and tone of voice.
How can I make my coming soon page more engaging?
To make your coming soon page more engaging, consider adding interactive elements such as a countdown timer, a sign-up form, or social media sharing buttons. You could also include a teaser or sneak peek of what’s to come to pique visitors’ interest. Additionally, make sure your page is visually appealing and aligns with your brand’s aesthetic.
How can I optimize my coming soon page for SEO?
Optimizing your coming soon page for SEO involves using relevant keywords in your page title, meta description, and content. You should also include alt text for any images on the page. Additionally, make sure your page loads quickly and is mobile-friendly, as these factors can affect your SEO ranking.
How can I use my coming soon page to build my email list?
You can use your coming soon page to build your email list by including a sign-up form where visitors can subscribe for updates. To encourage sign-ups, you could offer an incentive such as early access, a discount, or a freebie. Make sure to clearly state that subscribers will be the first to know when your product or service launches.
What should I avoid when creating a coming soon page?
When creating a coming soon page, avoid being vague about what is coming soon. Visitors should be able to understand what to expect and when to expect it. Also, avoid cluttering the page with too much information or too many elements. Keep the design clean and the message clear.
How long should my coming soon page be live for?
The length of time your coming soon page should be live for depends on your specific circumstances. However, it’s generally recommended to have it live for at least a few weeks before your launch to build anticipation and gather email sign-ups.
How can I track the performance of my coming soon page?
You can track the performance of your coming soon page by using analytics tools such as Google Analytics. This can help you understand how many people are visiting your page, how long they’re staying, and what actions they’re taking. You can also track the number of email sign-ups you receive.
Can I use a coming soon page for a website redesign?
Yes, you can use a coming soon page for a website redesign. This can help build anticipation for the new design and keep your audience informed about when the new site will be live.
Should I include social media links on my coming soon page?
Including social media links on your coming soon page can be a good way to encourage visitors to connect with you on different platforms. However, make sure to only include links to social media profiles that are active and relevant to your audience.
Can I customize my coming soon page to match my brand?
Yes, you should definitely customize your coming soon page to match your brand. This includes using your brand colors, fonts, and logo. This helps to create a consistent brand experience for your visitors.
Gabrielle is a creative type who specializes in graphic design, animation and photography.