Examples of Winning Landing Pages

Want to see landing pages that convert? You can start by searching the sponsored listings for popular (and therefore very expensive) keyword phrases such as "refinance", "debt consolidation" "auto loans" and "iPhone". 

Click on the top 3 ads and look for commonality in page layout and use of web page elements. Due to the high cost of these phrases, top placement is generally a pretty good indication that these pages have been well tested and are converting.

Here are some additional tips to improve conversion:

• Make sure your offer is clear
• Include credibility logos - trust and security are foremost in many visitor's minds
• Place a persuasive message above the call to action
• Avoid multiple different calls-to-action
• Place your call-to-action in a prominent location on the page
• Create a sense of urgency with terms such as "Start now" and "Apply now".
• Tell your visitor exactly what you want them to do
• The use of an arrow to your call-to-action has increased conversion rates in many cases
• And don't forget about the critical importance of testing and metrics - at a minimum, measure conversion rates, average order values, and bounce rates on your landing pages.

Although it's a lot of work to restrict the amount of copy on your page, remember that when there is less on a page, visitors will tend to read more. Finally, limit your font styles, text formatting and adhere to dark text on light backgrounds.

And remember, landing page conversion improvement affects those visitors you've already pay for anyway. In many ways, by testing new pages you really have nothing to lose that you're not already losing!

Don't assume your visitors are already trained to convert on your landing page. Keep them from running away by taking control of their visit experience. Walk them through your page, and increase conversion by appropriately using headlines, images, captions, benefit-driven bulleted copy, colors and arrows.