The primary purpose of a landing page is to drive web traffic, improve SEO results, and, most importantly, increase conversions.
Businesses with over 30 landing pages generate 7 times more leads than those with fewer than 10 landing pages. This underlines the importance of having multiple, well-optimized landing pages.
And if you’re using WordPress, one of the most popular website-building platforms, creating a landing page is simpler than you think.
Regardless of your experience with WordPress, this guide will equip you with the tools and knowledge you need to build a compelling landing page.
Key Highlights
- WordPress, with its versatile features and user-friendly interface, simplifies the landing page creation process
- Selecting a landing page-optimized theme, such as Divi or Elementor, significantly influences your page’s effectiveness
- Plugins, offering various functionalities, enhance your landing page, making it more interactive and result-driven
- Promoting your landing page through social media and email marketing amplifies its reach and visibility
- Consistent testing and optimization of your landing page ensure improved user experience and increased conversion rates
- Web hosting optimized specifically for WordPress ensures enhanced performance, speed, and reliability for your website
Learn How to Install a WordPress Theme for Your Landing Page
After setting up your WordPress website, the step is to choose and install a theme specifically tailored for creating landing pages.
Why? Themes serve as the foundation for your website’s aesthetic and functional properties. The right theme significantly improves user experience and conversion rates, increasing sales.
Research And Select a Suitable Landing Page Theme
Start by exploring the myriad of WordPress themes available that are optimized for landing pages.
Look for themes offering pre-built landing page templates. These significantly reduce the time and effort needed to build a page from scratch.
Additionally, themes with customization options allow you to tweak the design to align with your brand’s aesthetics.
Also, ensure the theme is responsive and looks great on desktop and mobile devices. With over 58% of web traffic coming from mobile devices, having a mobile-friendly design is non-negotiable.
Download the Theme Files
Once you’ve selected a suitable landing page theme, visit the theme developer’s website or a trusted marketplace like ThemeForest or the official WordPress theme repository to download the theme files.
These files will be provided as a compressed ZIP file, which you’ll upload to your WordPress site.
Access the WordPress Dashboard
Next, log in to your WordPress website by entering your username and password. Once logged in, you’ll be redirected to the WordPress dashboard, your control center for managing every aspect of your website.
Navigate to the “Appearance†Section
In the WordPress dashboard, locate the “Appearance†tab on the left-hand sidebar. Hover over it to expand the options, revealing the tools you’ll use to alter your website’s visual appeal.
Click on “Themesâ€
Under the “Appearance†section, click on the “Themes†option. This action will take you to the Themes page, your go-to place for managing and installing themes on your WordPress website.
Click on “Add Newâ€
On the Themes page, click the “Add New†button at the top of the screen. This will redirect you to the Add Themes page, a hub for uploading and installing new themes.
Upload the Theme
Click the “Upload Theme†button on the Add Themes page. Choose the ZIP file of the landing page theme you downloaded earlier by clicking the “Choose File†button. Navigate to the theme’s ZIP file on your computer, select it, and click the “Install Now†button.
Activate the Theme
Once the theme is successfully uploaded and installed, click the “Activate†button. This action sets it as the active theme for your website. WordPress will apply the new theme, and you’ll see a live preview of your website with the new theme.
Understanding the importance of theme activation is paramount, as it’s this step that ultimately applies your selected design and layout to your site.
Integrate Plugins Into Your Landing Page for Added Functionality
Plugins are the lifeblood of a WordPress website, allowing you to add various functionalities without requiring coding knowledge.
They are essentially apps for your website, extending its functionality and allowing you to make the most of your landing page.
Here’s how you can integrate plugins into your landing page for a power-packed performance:
Research and Select Relevant Plugins
The first step is identifying the specific functionalities you want to add to your landing page. These may include contact forms, social media integration, analytics tracking, countdown timers, or A/B testing capabilities.
Next, research popular plugins that offer these desired features. The WordPress plugin directory, online reviews, and developer websites can provide a wealth of information to help you choose.
For instance, suppose you want to add a contact form to your landing page. You might research plugins like Contact Form 7, one of the most popular WordPress contact form plugins, or Ninja Forms, known for its user-friendly interface and flexibility.
Install and Activate Plugins
After identifying your required plugins, access the WordPress dashboard by logging into your website.
In the left-hand sidebar, find the “Plugins†tab and click on it, then choose “Add New†to access the Add Plugins page.
Search for the Desired Plugin
You can search for plugins by name or specific functionality on the Add Plugins page. Simply enter the plugin’s name or the desired feature in the search bar, and WordPress will display a list of relevant options.
Let’s use Yoast SEO as an example. It’s a highly recommended plugin for SEO optimization on your WordPress site. Once you’re in your dashboard’s Plugins section, click “Add New†and type “Yoast SEO†into the search bar.
Install the Plugin
Locate the plugin you want to install from the search results and click on the “Install Now†button next to it. WordPress will take care of the rest, handling the installation process automatically.
Activate the Plugin
Once the plugin is installed, click on the “Activate†button to make it available on your website. The activated plugin will then appear in the Plugins section of your WordPress dashboard.
Configure the Plugin
Depending on the plugin, you may need to configure its settings to suit your needs. Look for the plugin’s settings page, usually found in the left-hand sidebar of the WordPress dashboard, and adjust its settings according to your preferences and the requirements of your landing page.
For example, if you’ve installed the WP Super Cache plugin to improve your website’s loading speed, you’d go to the settings page (usually found in the sidebar) to configure it.
You might enable caching, choose a caching method, or decide whether to compress pages.
Test and Optimize
After integrating the plugin, it’s crucial to thoroughly test its functionality to ensure it works as expected.
If it doesn’t deliver the desired outcome, you may need to optimize and fine-tune the plugin’s settings. Remember, the goal is to provide the best user experience possible, so use user feedback as a guide to make adjustments.
For instance, if you’ve installed the MonsterInsights plugin for analytics, test if it’s accurately tracking your site traffic and user interactions. You could then optimize based on the data gathered, like adjusting the placement of a lead capture form for better visibility.
Understanding how testing and optimizing can be useful is essential for the overall performance of your landing page. The key to a successful landing page is continuous improvement based on user interactions and feedback.
Publishing and Sharing Your New Landing Page on Social Media Channels
Once you’ve designed and perfected your WordPress landing page, it’s time to unveil it.
This stage is about more than just hitting the ‘publish’ button—it’s about strategic promotion to drive traffic and conversions. Here’s how you can do it effectively:
Publish Your Landing Page
Before publishing your landing page, ensure it’s primed for public viewing.
All the essential elements, such as engaging text, captivating images, easy-to-fill forms, and compelling call-to-action buttons, should be in place.
A good practice is to preview your landing page to confirm it appears as intended. Tools like BrowserStack can help verify that your page displays correctly across various devices and browsers.
Generate a Short and Memorable URL
A clear, concise URL is essential for your landing page. It not only improves user experience but also boosts SEO.
Use WordPress’s permalink feature to customize your URL structure, reflecting the title or purpose of your landing page.
For instance, if your landing page is about a new eBook, your URL could be “www.yoursite.com/free-ebookâ€. Tools like Bit.ly can help you shorten and track your URLs for better shareability and analytics.
Share on Social Media
Identify the social media channels most frequented by your target audience and align them with your marketing objectives.
According to the Pew Research Center, Facebook and YouTube lead the pack in popularity, but platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn shouldn’t be ignored depending on your audience.
And in the latest insights from HubSpot Blog Research, Facebook has emerged as the topmost priority for marketers in 2022, with 25% of marketers planning to invest the most in it for 2021. This is followed by YouTube with 20%, Twitter with 16%, and Instagram with 15%.
When sharing your landing page on these platforms, craft compelling posts that pique interest and drive clicks. Use appealing visuals, catchy headlines, and a clear call to action to increase engagement.
Utilize Social Sharing Plugins
Social sharing plugins like AddToAny or Social Warfare allow visitors to share your landing page on their social media accounts, amplifying your reach.
These plugins offer customizable sharing buttons and analytics to track social sharing activity.
“The sheer amount of links exchanged, and posts shared across the world is so great that it is impossible to measure.â€
—Statista
Leverage Email Marketing
If you have an email marketing list, announce the launch of your new landing page to your subscribers.
Personalize the email to make your subscribers feel valued and highlight the benefits of visiting the landing page.
“Segmented email marketing campaigns can lead to revenue increases of as much as 760%.â€
—Backlinko
Collaborate With Influencers or Partners
Consider collaborating with influencers or strategic partners in your niche who have a significant following and align with your target audience.
Collaboration opportunities could include guest blog posts, social media takeovers, or joint promotions.
Conclusion
Creating a WordPress landing page is an intricate process. It merges technical knowledge and creativity.
From installing WordPress and choosing the right theme to add relevant plugins and effective promotion on social media, each step will impact your conversion rates and, eventually, your business’s bottom line.
Even though the steps outlined in this guide lay the groundwork, remember that your landing page’s journey doesn’t end with its creation.
The technology world continually evolves, and staying up-to-date with the latest trends and tools is crucial. Optimize and adapt based on analytics and user feedback, ensuring your landing page remains a potent tool in your marketing arsenal.
As you continue this journey, check the best website builders and web hosting services. These resources can help you unlock further potential in your site.
Next Steps: What Now?
- Web Hosting – Get Web Hosting Optimized for WordPress Sites
- Try different themes – Experiment with various landing page themes to find what suits your needs and aesthetic preferences. Check out our list of the best free drag-and-drop WordPress themes for inspiration.
- Create a WordPress child theme – If you want to customize a theme without losing the ability to upgrade it, consider creating a WordPress child theme. Here’s a guide on creating a WordPress child theme to help you get started.
- Integrate a booking plugin – If your landing page serves a business that relies on appointments or reservations, a booking plugin could enhance functionality and user experience. Here’s our take on the best WordPress booking plugin.
- Expand your WordPress skills – To further enhance your landing page and overall website, consider broadening your WordPress skills. Here’s how you can How to Become a WordPress Developer.
Further Reading – Useful Resources
- Elementor – Striving to Be the Ultimate WordPress Drag & Drop Page Builder
- How to verify coding standards in WordPress -PHP
- WordPress Hosting Cost: Comparison of Top 20 WordPress Hosting Providers for July 2022
- How to Choose the Best WordPress Membership Plugins
- The Top 5 Best WordPress Website Builders
