A landing page has one job: to turn a visitor who arrived for a single reason into someone who takes a single action. It is not a home page, and it does not need a menu. Use this checklist before you publish one.
1. One offer, one audience, one action
Write these three things on a card before you design anything: who the page is for, what you are offering and what you want the visitor to do. If you cannot write each in one line, the page is not ready. A visitor who sees three offers does nothing.
2. A headline that says what the visitor gets
The headline should name the benefit in plain words, not the name of your company. “Winter-ready in 45 minutes” is better than “Welcome to our garage”. Add a short line under it to make the offer concrete: what happens, how long it takes, where.
3. A clear call to action, repeated
The main button should say what happens next: “Book your slot”, “Get my quote”, “Reserve a viewing”. Place it near the top, and again after the main points. Use the same wording each time. Avoid vague words such as “Submit”.
4. Show how it works
Visitors want to know what happens after they click. Three simple steps, with a short line each, answer most doubts: “Tell us your car. Pick a time. Drop it off.” Keep the steps short, in order and concrete.
5. Proof that is real
Proof builds trust, but only when it is true. Use real photographs of your work, real numbers you can stand behind and certificates you actually hold. Do not invent reviews, and do not claim awards you have not won. If you have no reviews yet, say how you work, and show the work. A page that is honest and specific beats one that boasts.
6. Answer the questions people ask
Add four to six short questions: the price range or how it is quoted, how long it takes, what is included, what happens if the visitor changes their mind. Questions that you leave unanswered cost you enquiries.
7. A short form
Ask only for what you need to reply: a name, a way to contact the visitor and one or two details about the request. Every extra field lowers the number of people who finish the form. Say what happens after the visitor sends it, for example “I reply within two working days”.
8. Mobile first
Most visitors arrive on a phone. Check that the headline is readable without zooming, that buttons are large enough to tap and that the form is easy to fill in with a thumb. Place the main button where a thumb can reach it.
9. Speed
A slow page loses visitors before they read a word. Use properly sized images, avoid heavy videos at the top and avoid scripts you do not need. Test the page on a phone with a weak connection.
10. A thank-you step
After the visitor submits the form, show a clear message: “Thank you, your request is in”, with what happens next. If you can, also send an email that confirms it. It builds trust and lets you check that the form works.
11. Measure
Decide in advance what counts as success: the number of form submissions, calls or bookings. Check them weekly. If a page is not working, change one thing at a time, for example the headline, and see what happens.
Examples
Every project in the design portfolio includes a landing page built for a specific campaign: a winter tire swap, a long-table harvest lunch, a private viewing. Open one to see how the offer, the steps and the form fit together. If you need a full site as well, see web design.
Related guides
To make your brand consistent across pages and print, read what a brand book is and the guide to planning a tri-fold brochure. If your page sells products, read the product photo checklist.
Want one designed for your business?
Tell me about your offer and your audience. I reply with questions, a plan and a quote. You can request a design quote here, see the landing page design service, and call, email or message me using the details at the bottom of this page.
