Optimised Landing Pages: Best Practices for Higher Education Marketers

In the competitive landscape of higher education marketing, landing pages play a critical role in capturing the attention of prospective students and converting them into leads. An effective landing page acts as a virtual doorway to your institution, providing valuable information and enticing visitors to take action. In this blog post, we will explore key best practices to help higher education marketers optimise their landing pages for maximum impact.

Clear and Compelling Headlines

The headline is the first element visitors encounter on your landing page, making it essential to grab their attention and convey a compelling message. Craft a concise and clear headline that highlights the unique value proposition of your institution. Use strong, action-oriented language that resonates with the aspirations of your target audience. Incorporate keywords that prospective students might be searching for. Ensure the headline aligns with the marketing campaign or source that brought visitors to the page, maintaining a consistent message and avoiding confusion.

Compelling Visuals 

Visual elements have a powerful impact on the overall appeal and effectiveness of landing pages. Include high-quality and relevant images that resonate with the target audience and evoke positive emotions. Use visuals to showcase the campus, facilities, student life, or successful alumni. Videos can also be an effective tool to provide a virtual tour, highlight academic programs, or share student testimonials. Ensure that all visuals are optimised for fast loading times, as slow-loading content can lead to visitor frustration and increased bounce rates.

Concise and Persuasive Copy

Keep the content on your landing page concise, engaging, and easy to digest. Clearly communicate the benefits and advantages of your institution, focusing on what sets it apart. Use persuasive language to address the pain points of prospective students and emphasize how your institution can meet their needs. Break up the text into short paragraphs and use subheadings to enhance readability. Incorporate bullet points or numbered lists to highlight key features or program offerings. Remember, less is more - prioritize impactful information over excessive details.

Mobile Optimization

With the increasing use of mobile devices, it is crucial to optimise landing pages for mobile responsiveness. Ensure that your landing page design adapts seamlessly to different screen sizes and resolutions. Test the page on various mobile devices to ensure a smooth user experience. Streamline the content and layout to eliminate unnecessary scrolling or zooming. Mobile optimization enhances accessibility and user engagement, preventing potential students from bouncing due to a poor mobile experience.

Prominent Call-to-Action (CTA)

A strong and prominent call-to-action is crucial for driving conversions on your landing page. Place the CTA button prominently and use contrasting coulors to make it stand out. The text on the button should be action-oriented and clearly convey the desired action, such as "Apply Now," "Request Information," or "Schedule a Campus Visit." Keep the form fields required for conversion minimal to reduce friction and increase completion rates. Use compelling copy near the CTA to reinforce the benefits of taking action and create a sense of urgency or exclusivity.

Our Advice to You

Optimizing landing pages is a vital component of successful higher education marketing campaigns. By incorporating clear and compelling headlines, concise and persuasive copy, engaging visuals, prominent CTAs, and mobile optimization, higher education marketers can maximize the impact of their landing pages, attract qualified leads, and ultimately increase conversions. Stay abreast of emerging trends and continuously test and refine your landing pages to achieve optimal results in the ever-evolving digital landscape.