A great website isn’t just about looking good, it should work for your business. But how do you build a website that attracts, engages, and converts visitors into potential customers? In short, how do you create a lead generating website?
Essential Features of a Lead Generating Website
Before diving into design, SEO, or CTAs, let’s get one thing straight, what makes a website great for lead generation?
- Clear Value Proposition – Visitors should immediately understand what you offer and why it matters to them.
- User-Friendly Navigation – If visitors can’t find what they need quickly, they’ll leave. Keep menus simple and intuitive.
- Fast Load Speed – A slow website kills conversions. Aim for a load time under three seconds.
- Mobile Responsiveness – More than half of web traffic comes from mobile devices. Ensure your site looks great and functions well on all screen sizes.
- Optimized Lead Capture Forms – Forms should be short and ask for essential information only. Name, email, and phone number are usually enough.
- Live Chat or Chatbots – These can help answer questions instantly and capture leads in real-time.
- Social Proof – Customer testimonials, case studies, and reviews build trust.
- Exit-Intent Popups – These appear when a visitor is about to leave, giving them one last chance to sign up for something valuable.
- Compelling CTAs – We’ll dive into this more later, but your Call-to-Action (CTA) should be clear, enticing, and strategically placed.
Choosing the Right Platform for Your Lead Generating Website
Your website’s platform plays a crucial role in its success. The best one is always the one you can work around and make it work for your business:
1. WordPress
- Highly customizable and scalable.
- A vast library of plugins for SEO, lead generation, and automation.
- Great for businesses that need flexibility.
2. HubSpot CMS
- Designed specifically for lead generation and marketing automation.
- Integrated CRM for tracking leads.
- Seamless integration with email marketing and sales tools.
3. Shopify (for E-commerce)
- Built-in tools for capturing leads and driving conversions.
- Excellent for businesses selling physical products.
4. Wix & Squarespace
- Easy drag-and-drop builders for beginners.
- Good for small businesses that don’t need advanced customization.
Your choice depends on your business size, technical expertise, and long-term goals. If lead generation is your primary goal, platforms like WordPress or HubSpot CMS offer the most control and flexibility.
Design Tips for Effective Lead Generation
Once you have your platform, it’s time to focus on design. A well-designed lead generating website doesn’t just look good, it guides visitors toward conversion. Here’s how:
1. Keep It Clean and Simple
- Avoid clutter; too much information overwhelms visitors.
- Use whitespace to create a breathable, easy-to-navigate experience.
2. Use Eye-Catching Colors and Buttons
- Your CTA buttons should stand out (e.g., bright colors like orange, green, or blue).
- Use contrast to highlight important sections.
3. Follow the F-Pattern
- Users naturally scan a page in an “F” shape.
- Place important elements (headline, CTA, lead forms) along this pattern.
4. Make Forms Effortless
- Minimize required fields.
- Use autofill options to make it easier for users to submit.
- Offer incentives like a free eBook, discount, or webinar registration.
5. Use Visuals to Boost Engagement
- Videos and images can improve conversion rates by making your content more engaging.
- Explainer videos about your service can increase trust and understanding.
Crafting the Perfect Call-to-Action (CTA) for Lead Generation
Your CTA is what turns a visitor into a lead. A weak CTA can cost you conversions, while a strong one can significantly boost them. Here’s how to craft the perfect CTA:
1. Be Clear and Action-Oriented
- Instead of “Submit,” try “Get Your Free Guide” or “Start Your Free Trial.”
- Use action words that create urgency (e.g., “Join Now,” “Claim Your Offer Today”).
2. Use Placement Strategically
- Above the fold (visible without scrolling).
- At the end of blog posts.
- In popups, sidebars, and within content.
3. Add a Sense of Urgency
- “Limited Time Offer” or “Only 5 Spots Left” makes people act fast.
4. Match the CTA with the Customer’s Journey
- First-time visitors: “Download Our Free Guide.”
- Ready-to-buy leads: “Schedule a Free Consultation.”
SEO Best Practices for Lead Generating Websites
SEO (Search Engine Optimization) helps your website rank higher in search results, bringing in more organic traffic. Here’s how to optimize your site for better lead generation:
1. Optimize for the Right Keywords
- Research what your audience is searching for using tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs, or SEMrush.
- Use long-tail keywords (e.g., “best CRM software for small businesses” instead of just “CRM software”).
2. Create High-Quality Content
- Blog posts, case studies, and guides attract organic traffic and position you as an expert.
- Answer common questions in your industry to rank in Google’s Featured Snippets.
3. Improve Website Speed
- Compress images.
- Use caching plugins.
- Optimize code and minimize redirects.
4. Make Your Site Mobile-Friendly
- Use a responsive design.
- Test on different devices using Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test.
5. Use Internal Linking
- Guide visitors to other relevant pages (e.g., linking a blog post to a landing page).
- Helps Google understand your site structure and boosts SEO rankings.
6. Build Backlinks
- Get other reputable sites to link back to your content.
- Guest posting and PR outreach can help.
7. Use Schema Markup
- Helps search engines understand your content better, leading to rich snippets in search results.
Creating a lead generating website isn’t about throwing up a few forms and hoping for the best. It requires careful planning, a user-focused design, compelling CTAs, and strong SEO strategies. When done right, your website becomes a 24/7 lead-generation machine that fuels your business growth.
If you’re looking to build or improve your lead generation website, get in touch our lead generation experts