How to Create a Landing Page With WordPress – Your Complete Guide 

A landing page is a specialized, single-page website designed to capture visitors’ attention and guide them toward a specific action, such as signing up for a newsletter or making a purchase. Unlike regular web pages, landing pages are built with a single goal in mind, making them a vital tool for converting site visitors into leads or customers. Their streamlined design and focused calls to action (CTAs) help minimize distractions, driving targeted results from marketing campaigns.  

Learning how to create a landing page with WordPress can significantly boost a business’s online presence, providing a pathway to improved conversions and engagement. In this guide, you can learn about how to create a landing page, even if you have no coding experience. 

What is a landing page? 

A WordPress landing page is a targeted page specifically crafted to capture user attention and let visitors and toward a desired action. Unlike other pages that might provide general information, custom landing pages are tightly focused on a single offer or purpose, making them an essential tool in digital marketing campaigns. Its goal is to convert site visitors into leads or customers by offering a clear value proposition and encouraging users to take a specific next step. 

Creating high converting landing pages with WordPress 

For online businesses, a well-designed landing page is essential for digital marketing success. It helps drive conversions, generate leads, and direct visitors toward specific actions like product promotion, campaign engagement, or email list growth. A targeted landing page in WordPress can build trust and encourage visitors to connect with your brand, leading to improved sales and growth. 

WordPress stands out for its flexibility, offering various themes, plugins, and customization options that make it easy to create an effective landing page without advanced technical skills. You can use pre-designed landing page templates or drag-and-drop builders to craft a custom landing page, making it ideal for businesses of any size aiming for high-conversion pages. 

Landing page vs. regular web page or homepage 

The major difference between any landing page and a regular web page or homepage lies in the purpose and focus. A homepage is designed to introduce users to the website as a whole, offering multiple navigation options to explore different parts of the site. 

It serves as a gateway, providing information about the brand, its services and various resources. Homepages tend to include multiple links, sections and content, aiming to accommodate diverse user needs and interests. 

A landing page, however, is far more specialized. It eliminates unnecessary navigation and focuses solely on the message of the specific offer. There are no extraneous links or distractions that might draw the visitor’s attention away from the call to action (CTA). 

This makes beautiful landing pages particularly effective for targeted campaigns, where the goal is to drive a specific action. This can include downloading an ebook or signing up for a webinar. 

How high converting landing pages help convert visitors 

High converting landing pages are designed to maximize the number of visitors who take a desired action, such as signing up or making a purchase. They achieve this by focusing on user experience and minimizing distractions. Key elements include: 

• Clear and compelling copy: Engaging and concise messaging quickly highlights the offer’s benefits, making it easy for visitors to understand why they should act. 
• Strong visuals: Using images, videos, and graphics that align with the message keeps user attention and makes the page more engaging. 
• Effective call to action (CTA): A well-crafted CTA uses action-oriented language and stands out visually, encouraging visitors to take the next step. 
• Social proof and trust signals: Testimonials, reviews, and logos of well-known clients can build trust, helping users feel confident about taking action. 

These elements create a smooth path to conversion, making it easier for users to take the desired action. 

Why use WordPress for your landing page 

WordPress is a versatile platform for building landing pages, combining flexibility, ease of use, and extensive customization options. It’s ideal for small business owners, marketers, and bloggers due to its balance between simplicity and advanced features. 

• Versatility: WordPress supports a wide range of plugins and themes, enabling you to add features like contact forms, countdown timers, or email sign-up integrations. 
• Ease of use: Even without technical skills, users can start with a pre-designed landing page template and customize it using a drag-and-drop builder. 
• Integration: It easily connects with email marketing services, allowing you to capture leads directly from your landing page and streamline your marketing efforts. 

Prerequisites: What you need to get started 

Before starting the process of creating a landing page in WordPress, it’s important to have a few key tools and resources in place. These essentials will make the setup process smoother and ensure that your landing page is optimized for success. Here’s what you need to get started with building an effective landing page in WordPress. 

1. Essential tools and resources for creating a landing page in WordPress 

To create a landing page, you’ll need the following resources: 

A WordPress website 

First and foremost, you need an active WordPress website. If you don’t already have one, you’ll need to purchase a domain name and choose a hosting provider. Many hosting providers, like Bluehost, offer dedicated WordPress hosting plans with one-click WordPress installation, making it easy to get started. 

Access to the WordPress dashboard 

Once your WordPress site is set up, you’ll need access to the WordPress dashboard. This is where you’ll create and customize your landing page. The WordPress dashboard is user friendly, allowing you to manage your website’s content and design without needing advanced technical skills. 

A page builder plugin 

To design a custom landing page, you’ll need a page builder plugin. These plugins offer drag-and-drop functionality, making it easy to create and edit landing pages without writing any code.

Using a page builder plugin, you can add elements like text blocks, images, forms and buttons directly onto your page. Want an even easier way to build your pages? Bluehost offers an AI-powered website creation tool that simplifies the design process even further.

This tool uses artificial intelligence to help you quickly generate layouts, suggest relevant content and customize your pages with ease.  It’s like having a virtual design assistant built right into your hosting platform. 

2. Choosing the right WordPress theme or child theme  

Selecting the right WordPress theme is crucial when creating a landing page, as it will impact your page’s design and functionality. Here’s what to consider: 

Landing page-friendly themes 

Look for themes that are specifically designed for landing page or marketing purpose. These themes typically come with pre-built landing page templates, optimized layouts and customizable options to enhance your landing page’s performance. 

Child themes for customization 

If you’re using a parent theme that you’d like to customize further for your landing page, consider using a child theme. A child theme for the landing page allows you to make changes to your landing page without altering the original theme files. This is especially useful for keeping your customizations intact when the parent theme gets updated. 

Responsive design 

Ensure the layout theme you choose is responsive, meaning it appears good and functions well on different devices, including mobile and tablet. With more visitors accessing websites on mobile devices, a responsive web design is essential for maximizing your conversions. 

3. Integrating essential plugins for functionality 

In addition to a page builder plugin, consider integrating other essential plugins to enhance the functionality of your landing page: 

SEO plugins 

Plugins like Yoast SEO can help optimize your landing page for search engines, improving its visibility and attracting organic traffic. 

Form plugins 

If you need to capture leads or gather information from visitors, consider using form plugins like WPForms or Contact Form 7. These plugins allow you to create personalized forms that integrate seamlessly into your landing page. 

Analytics plugins 

To track landing page performance, consider installing Google Analytics or Monster Insights. These tools help provide valuable insights into visitor behavior, allowing you to refine the landing page for better conversions. 

Step-by-step guide: How to create a landing page with WordPress 

Now that you have the essentials in place, it’s time to dive into the step by step guide for creating your landing page in WordPress. This guide will walk you through each stage, from installing the necessary plugins to publishing your finished page. 

Step 1: Install and activate a page builder plugin 

• Access your WordPress dashboard 

Log in to the WordPress dashboard by navigating to yourdomain.com/wp-admin. 

• Go to Plugins > Add New 

In the left sidebar, hover over “Plugins” and click “Add New.” This will take you to the repository. 

• Search for your preferred page builder 

In the search bar, type the name of your chosen page builder plugin. 

• Install and activate the plugin 

Once you find the needed plugin, click the “Install Now” button. After installation, click “Activate” to enable the plugin on your site. 

Step 2: Create a new landing page 

• Navigate to Pages > Add New 

In the left sidebar, hover over “Pages” and select “Add New.” This opens the WordPress editor for a new page. 

• Name your landing page 

Enter a name for your landing page, such as “Special Offer” or “Download Our Guide.” 

• Choose the page builder option 

If you’re using a page builder plugin, look for an option to edit the page with your chosen builder. Click the button to launch the page builder interface. 

Step 3: Design your landing page 

• Add sections and elements 

Use the page builder’s drag and drop interface to add sections to your landing page. You can choose to add text blocks, images, buttons, forms or any other elements that align with your campaign goals. 

• Customize content 

For each element you add, customize the content to reflect your message and value proposition. Use clear, concise language that speaks directly to your target audience. 

• Style your landing page 

Use the page builder’s styling options to adjust colors, fonts and layouts. Ensure that your design is visually and graphically appealing and aligns with your brand’s identity. 

• Add a strong call to action (CTA) 

Make the CTA stand out by using contrasting and vibrant colors and action-oriented language. Ensure that it’s clear what action you want visitors to take, whether it’s “Download Now,” “Sign Up Today,” or “Get Started. 

If you’re using Bluehost, you have access to our impressive library of block patterns and landing page templates, WonderBlocks under WonderSuite. Skip the search for a separate plugin and head straight to the WordPress editor. When you create a new page, you’ll see the option to use WonderBlocks. It’s packed with features like: 

• AI-powered personalization: Get tailored suggestions for page layouts, content blocks and design elements based on your specific needs. 
• Customizable blocks: Easily add and arrange text, images, forms and more with a simple drag-and-drop interface. 
• Pre-designed templates: Choose from a library of professionally designed page templates to get a head start on your landing page. 

With WonderBlocks, you can quickly create a unique and effective landing page without any coding knowledge. 

Step 4: Optimize for SEO and mobile devices 

• Install an SEO plugin  

If you haven’t already, firstly install an SEO plugin to help optimize your landing page. Follow the plugin’s guidelines to ensure that your page is search-engine friendly.  

• Check mobile responsiveness  

Use the page builder’s preview feature to check how the landing page looks on different mobile devices. Make any necessary adjustments to ensure a seamless experience for all users.  

• Test your landing page  

Before you hit publish, test all elements, including buttons and forms, to ensure they function properly. This will help prevent any issues once your page goes live.  

Step 5: Publish your landing page 

• Save your changes 

Once you’re satisfied with your landing page design, make sure to save your changes. 

• Publish the page 

Hit the “Publish” button to make your landing page live. You can also set your page to private if you want to test it further before public release. 

• Share your landing page 

Promote your landing page through various channels, including social media, email marketing and online ads. Use clear messaging to drive traffic to the page and encourage conversions. 

Tips for designing a high converting landing page 

To create a landing page, it’s essential to follow best practices that keep visitors engaged and encourage them to take action. One of the most effective strategies is to incorporate compelling visuals and videos. 

These elements can grab attention quickly and convey your message more effectively than text alone. High-quality images, graphics and short videos can illustrate the benefits of your offer, making it more relatable and appealing to visitors. 

In addition, aim for minimal text on your landing page to create a distraction-free environment. Focus on concise, persuasive copy that communicates the value of your offer. 

Use bullet points, headings and subheadings to break up the text and highlight key features. This makes it easier for visitors to skim through and understand what you’re offering without feeling overwhelmed. 

Consider creating a standalone landing page instead of relying solely on your homepage. A standalone page allows you to present a focused message tailored specifically to a campaign, product or service. 

This targeted approach further enhances the chances of conversions, as users are less likely to be sidetracked by additional links or information. If you choose to use a static homepage, ensure that it effectively directs users to your landing page and provides a clear path toward your conversion goal. 

Common mistakes to avoid when creating a WordPress landing page 

When designing landing pages, beginners often encounter common pitfalls that can hinder their effectiveness. One major mistake often made is including too many external links. While it’s important to provide additional resources, too many links can distract users from your main call to action (CTA). To maintain focus, limit external links and ensure that any included supports your overall conversion goals. 

Another critical aspect is maintaining a clean design. A cluttered or complicated page template layout can confuse visitors and lead to higher bounce rates. Hence, strive for a user-friendly interface that guides visitors smoothly toward your CTA. 

Moreover, use white space strategically to create a sense of openness, allowing users to concentrate on your offer without unnecessary distractions. Consistency in design elements, like colors, fonts and buttons, also enhances user experience and builds trust. 

Advanced tips: Using custom code for unique features 

For those looking to take their landing pages to the next level, consider integrating custom CSS or JavaScript to add unique design elements. Custom code allows for greater flexibility, enabling you to implement features that set your landing page apart from the competition. 

For instance, you could create eye-catching animations, interactive elements or customized form designs that enhance user engagement. If you plan to make significant modifications to your site’s design, it’s wise to use a child theme in your page template. 

This allows you to personalize your landing page without affecting the parent theme, ensuring that your changes remain intact during updates. A child theme provides a safe environment for experimentation, letting you explore creative ideas while maintaining the stability of your website. 

Final thoughts 

Creating a landing page template with WordPress can significantly enhance your marketing efforts, allowing you to capture leads and drive conversions effectively. With the flexibility and user-friendly interface that WordPress offers, even beginners can design high-quality landing pages that align with their business goals. 

With Bluehost, your detailed guide and efficient website hosting provider, you’ll be able to create a landing page that not only looks great but also delivers results. Remember to frequently test and optimize your landing page based on performance data to maximize its effectiveness. The more you refine your approach, the better your chances of converting visitors into loyal customers. 

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