Analysing Landing Pages: What Sets High-Converting Pages Apart
In an extensive study analysing landing pages, we examined a few thousand with conversion tracking to uncover the key differences between high-converting and low-converting pages. By categorising these pages into two distinct groups, we aimed to identify the elements that contribute to higher conversion rates.
The landing pages were divided into two categories:
- Pages with a conversion rate of 2% or less.
- Pages with a conversion rate exceeding 2%.
When analysing landing pages, it is important to note that these pages were designed to sell products, with conversions defined as purchases rather than email sign-ups. Through our analysis, we identified several common features among the higher-performing pages that were less frequently found on the lower-performing ones.
Engaging Hero Shot
A compelling hero shot is a critical element for landing pages that successfully convert. The hero shot is the primary image or video visitors see when they land on the page. High-converting pages often feature high-quality, furthermore engaging hero shots that immediately capture the visitor’s attention. These images are not only visually appealing but also relevant to the product being sold, setting a strong first impression.
Utilising Video Content
Video content has become a powerful tool for explaining products and driving conversions. High-converting landing pages frequently incorporate videos to describe what is being sold. In other words, these videos offer a dynamic way to showcase the product’s features and benefits, making it easier for potential customers to understand its value. Videos can also build trust and credibility, which are essential for encouraging purchases.
Analysing Landing Pages: Detailed List of Benefits
Providing a comprehensive list of benefits is another hallmark of high-converting landing pages. These pages often include detailed descriptions of the product’s advantages, typically with the option to expand the list by clicking “see more”. This approach allows visitors to delve deeper into the product’s features, helping them make an informed decision. Detailed benefits lists can also address potential customer concerns and highlight the unique selling points of the product.
Testimonials with Images
Testimonials are a powerful form of social proof that can significantly boost conversions. High-performing landing pages often feature testimonials that include images of the person giving the review and the product itself. In other words, this visual element adds authenticity to the testimonials, making them more credible and relatable. Seeing real people who have benefited from the product can help potential customers envision themselves experiencing the same positive outcomes.
Analysing Landing Pages: Specific Call to Action
The call to action (CTA) is a crucial element of any landing page, guiding visitors towards the desired conversion. High-converting pages tend to use CTAs that are closely related to the product, rather than generic phrases. For example, instead of using “Click here” or “Submit”, they might use “Buy Now” or “Get Your Free Trial”. These specific CTAs are more compelling because they clearly indicate the next step and reinforce the action the visitor is about to take.
High-Quality Images with Text Overlays
High-converting landing pages often use high-quality images with text overlays that explain the product’s benefits. These images not only enhance the visual appeal of the page but also convey important information succinctly. Text overlays can highlight key features, advantages, or special offers, making it easier for visitors to grasp the product’s value at a glance.
Subscribe and Save Options
Offering subscription options with savings can be a persuasive incentive for customers. Many high-converting landing pages include “subscribe and save” options, which encourage customers to commit to regular purchases in exchange for a discount. This not only increases the likelihood of a conversion but also promotes customer loyalty and repeat business.
Showcasing Payment Options
Displaying payment options prominently can reassure customers and facilitate conversions. High-converting landing pages often showcase all available payment methods by displaying their logos, such as PayPal, Visa, and MasterCard. This transparency helps build trust and ensures that customers feel confident about their purchase, knowing they have multiple payment options.
Highlighting Unique Selling Points
To stand out from the competition, high-converting landing pages clearly explain what makes the company and product unique. They highlight unique selling points (USPs) that differentiate the product from similar offerings in the market. This could include superior quality, innovative features, exceptional customer service, or a money-back guarantee. Overall, by emphasising these USPs, the pages create a compelling case for why customers should choose their product over others.
Long, Detailed Landing Pages
Finally, high-converting landing pages are often longer and more detailed compared to their lower-converting counterparts. These pages provide extensive information about the product, including its features, benefits, customer reviews, and usage instructions. While shorter pages might suffice for simpler products, more complex or higher-priced items benefit from the additional detail. Long-form content can address potential objections, answer common questions, and provide all the information needed to make a confident purchase decision.
Analysing Landing Pages: Examples of High-Converting Elements in Action
Example 1: Engaging Hero Shot
Consider a landing page for a new fitness gadget. The hero shot features a high-resolution image of the gadget in use, set against a vibrant background that reflects an active lifestyle. Hence, the image instantly grabs attention and communicates the product’s purpose without requiring any explanation.
Example 2: Video Content
A beauty brand’s landing page includes a short video demonstrating the application of their latest skincare product. The video showcases before-and-after results, user testimonials, and highlights the product’s key ingredients. This engaging format provides potential customers with a thorough understanding of the product’s benefits.
Example 3: Detailed Benefits List
In analysing landing pages, it becomes evident that an online learning platform’s landing page features an expandable list of course benefits. Each benefit is accompanied by a brief description and an icon, making the list visually appealing and easy to navigate. In fact, users can click “see more” to view additional benefits, ensuring they have all the information they need.
Example 4: Testimonials with Images
A software company’s landing page displays testimonials from satisfied customers, each accompanied by a photo of the person and a screenshot of the software in use. This approach personalises the testimonials and builds trust by showing real people who have successfully used the product.
Example 5: Specific Call to Action
A subscription box service uses a CTA that reads “Get Your First Box” instead of a generic “Sign Up” button. This specific CTA clearly indicates what the customer will receive and encourages them to take the next step in the buying process.
Example 6: High-Quality Images with Text Overlays
A luxury watch brand’s landing page features high-quality images of their watches, each with a text overlay highlighting key features like “Swiss Movement” and “Sapphire Crystal”. Subsequently, these text overlays quickly communicate the product’s premium qualities.
Example 7: Subscribe and Save Options
A pet food company offers a “subscribe and save” option on their landing page, allowing customers to save 10% on monthly deliveries. This incentive encourages customers to opt for a subscription, ensuring consistent sales and customer retention.
Example 8: Showcasing Payment Options
An electronics retailer prominently displays logos of accepted payment methods, including credit cards, PayPal, and Apple Pay. Additionally, this transparency reassures customers that they can use their preferred payment method, reducing friction in the purchase process.
Example 9: Highlighting Unique Selling Points
A boutique clothing brand highlights their use of sustainable materials and ethical manufacturing processes. These unique selling points differentiate their products from mainstream brands and appeal to environmentally-conscious consumers.
Example 10: Long, Detailed Landing Pages
A travel agency’s landing page for a luxury vacation package is lengthy and detailed, featuring extensive descriptions of the itinerary, accommodation, dining options, and customer testimonials. Moreover, this comprehensive information helps potential customers feel confident about booking an expensive trip.
Conclusion: Analysing Landing Pages
In summary, high-converting landing pages share several key characteristics that set them apart from lower-converting ones. Engaging hero shots, video content, and detailed lists of benefits all contribute to higher conversion rates. Additionally, authentic testimonials, specific calls to action, high-quality images with text overlays, subscription options, payment method displays, unique selling points, and long, detailed content further enhance conversions. All in all, by incorporating these elements, businesses can create more effective landing pages that drive sales and enhance customer engagement.
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