5 Bad Landing Page Examples & How We Would Fix Them
Startup
Tech
February 28, 2025
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A landing page is often the first point of contact between a business and its potential customers. It’s designed to convert visitors into leads or customers, but not all landing pages are created equal. Poorly designed landing pages can frustrate users, fail to communicate value, and ultimately hurt conversion rates. Below, we’ll explore five common examples of bad landing pages and provide actionable tips on how to fix them.
1. Cluttered and Overwhelming Design
Example: A landing page filled with too much text, multiple CTAs (calls-to-action), distracting images, and no clear hierarchy. Why It’s Bad: A cluttered design overwhelms visitors, making it difficult for them to understand the offer or take the desired action. Users are likely to leave without converting. How to Fix:- Simplify the Layout: Use whitespace effectively to create a clean, organized design.
- Focus on One Goal: Stick to a single CTA that aligns with the page’s purpose.
- Prioritize Information: Use headings, subheadings, and bullet points to break up text and guide the user’s eye.
- Remove Distractions: Eliminate unnecessary elements like excessive images or links that don’t support the primary goal.
2. Unclear Value Proposition
Example: A landing page that doesn’t clearly explain what the product or service does, why it’s valuable, or how it solves the user’s problem. Why It’s Bad: If visitors don’t understand the value of the offer within seconds, they’re likely to leave without engaging further. How to Fix:- Write a Clear Headline: Use a concise, benefit-driven headline that immediately communicates the value proposition.
- Add a Subheadline: Provide additional context or details to support the headline.
- Use Visuals: Include images, videos, or infographics that demonstrate the product or service in action.
- Highlight Benefits: Use bullet points or short paragraphs to explain key features and how they address the user’s pain points.
3. Weak or Missing Call-to-Action (CTA)
Example: A landing page with a CTA that’s hard to find, poorly worded, or doesn’t stand out visually. Why It’s Bad: Without a clear and compelling CTA, users won’t know what action to take, resulting in lost conversions. How to Fix:- Make the CTA Prominent: Use contrasting colors, larger fonts, or buttons to make the CTA stand out.
- Use Action-Oriented Language: Replace generic phrases like “Submit” or “Click Here” with specific, benefit-driven text like “Get Your Free Trial” or “Download the Guide.”
- Place CTAs Strategically: Position the CTA above the fold and repeat it throughout the page for easy access.
- Create Urgency: Use phrases like “Limited Time Offer” or “Only a Few Spots Left” to encourage immediate action.
4. Slow Loading Speed
Example: A landing page that takes too long to load due to large images, unoptimized code, or excessive scripts. Why It’s Bad: Slow loading times frustrate users and increase bounce rates. Research shows that even a one-second delay can significantly reduce conversions. How to Fix:- Optimize Images: Compress images without sacrificing quality to reduce file size.
- Minify Code: Remove unnecessary code and streamline CSS, JavaScript, and HTML.
- Use a Content Delivery Network (CDN): Distribute content across multiple servers to improve load times for users in different locations.
- Test Performance: Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to identify and fix performance issues.
5. Lack of Trust Signals
Example: A landing page with no testimonials, reviews, security badges, or social proof. Why It’s Bad: Without trust signals, visitors may doubt the credibility of the offer or the business, leading to hesitation and lower conversion rates. How to Fix:- Add Testimonials: Include quotes from satisfied customers to build credibility.
- Display Reviews: Showcase ratings or reviews from third-party platforms like Google or Trustpilot.
- Use Trust Badges: Display security badges, certifications, or awards to reassure users.
- Incorporate Social Proof: Highlight metrics like “10,000+ Happy Customers” or “Featured in [Reputable Publication]” to demonstrate popularity and reliability.