A “coming soon” page acts as a placeholder for your website while it’s under construction or undergoing a redesign. It informs visitors that your website is on its way, piquing their curiosity and building anticipation for the launch. More than just a simple message, a well-crafted “coming soon” page can be a powerful tool to start generating buzz, collecting valuable leads, and establishing your brand identity before your website is even fully live. Squarespace, a popular website building platform, simplifies the process of creating impactful “coming soon” pages.
Table of Contents
- I. Choosing Your Squarespace Coming Soon Page Method
- II. Designing Your Squarespace Coming Soon Page
- III. Launching Your Website & Replacing the Coming Soon Page
- IV. Additional Tips & Tricks
- FAQ Section
- Conclusion
I. Choosing Your Squarespace Coming Soon Page Method
Depending on which version of Squarespace you are using, the process for setting up a “squarespace coming soon page” or a “squarespace temporary landing page” will vary.
Version 7.1
Version 7.1 of Squarespace provides two main approaches for achieving a temporary landing page effect:
- Hiding Header and Footer:
- By strategically hiding the typical header and footer elements of your website, you can create a clean and focused “coming soon landing page squarespace” look. This is achieved through the Pages panel, where you can adjust the navigation settings for individual pages.
- Single Section Layout:
- For maximum impact, opt for a single-section design for your “coming soon” page. Create a blank page in the Pages panel and add a section—choose from pre-built options or start with a blank canvas. Fill this section with relevant content blocks (text, image, button, etc.) to deliver your message effectively. Squarespace allows you to further customize the section background with images, videos, or colors.
Version 7.0
Squarespace version 7.0 offers unique features perfectly suited for temporary landing pages:
- Cover Pages:
- Cover Pages are a minimalist and visually-driven solution ideal for crafting simple yet impactful coming soon pages. Within the Pages panel, you can add a Cover Page and set its visibility to public, making it accessible to anyone who visits your domain.
- Layout Pages:
- If your “coming soon” page requires more elaborate content or a wider range of elements, standard Layout Pages are the perfect choice. Add a blank Layout Page to your Pages panel and populate it with various content blocks to create a more complex design.
II. Designing Your Squarespace Coming Soon Page
No matter which method you’ve chosen for your Squarespace “coming soon” page, the following design elements are crucial for maximizing its effectiveness:
- Compelling Headline:
- Your headline is the first thing visitors will see, so it needs to be captivating. It should instantly communicate the essence of your website or the product/service you offer. A powerful headline sparks curiosity and encourages visitors to learn more.
- Engaging Description:
- Following your attention-grabbing headline, you’ll need a concise yet impactful description that elaborates on your website’s purpose or offering. Write in a clear and engaging tone, keeping your target audience in mind. Don’t be afraid to inject a bit of personality into your writing to connect with potential customers.
- Visual Appeal:
- High-quality images or videos that resonate with your brand message are essential. Striking visuals create a lasting first impression and help establish your brand identity. Consider using professional photography or video, or even creating your own unique graphics, to make your “coming soon” page visually appealing.
- Branding Elements:
- Don’t forget to incorporate your brand’s logo and color scheme. Consistency in branding across all platforms, including your “coming soon” page, strengthens brand recognition and fosters a sense of professionalism.
- Social Media Links:
- Connecting your social media accounts to your “coming soon” page allows you to start expanding your reach and building a following before your website even launches. This is a great way to connect with potential customers, share updates, and create a buzz around your brand. Squarespace makes it simple to link your social media accounts and display them prominently on your page.
III. Launching Your Website & Replacing the Coming Soon Page
Once your website is ready for its grand debut, it’s time to transition from your temporary landing page to your actual homepage. Here’s how to make the switch smoothly:
- Setting Your Coming Soon Page as Homepage:
- In your Squarespace Pages panel, navigate to the “coming soon” page you created. Using the page settings, designate this page as your website’s temporary homepage. Remember, this will override your existing homepage until you revert the settings.
- Disabling Other Pages (Optional):
- If your website is still under construction and you’d prefer to keep other pages hidden from public view, you have the option to disable them. Go to the Pages panel and disable the pages you want to keep hidden. Don’t worry, they can be easily re-enabled for public access when you’re ready.
IV. Additional Tips & Tricks
Elevate your “coming soon” page with these extra tips and tricks:
- Customizing the URL:
- Instead of the automatically generated URL slug, create a more memorable and targeted web address for your “coming soon” page. Using keywords relevant to your website or launch makes it easier for people to find and remember. You can even consider creating a subdomain specifically for your temporary landing page, providing an even greater level of customization.
- Hiding from Search Results:
- While building anticipation is great, you might not want your “coming soon” page to appear in general search engine results. Applying a “noindex” tag to your page will prevent search engines from indexing it, ensuring that it doesn’t influence your main website’s SEO. This is particularly helpful for short-term campaigns or when you want to control exactly where your page appears online.
- Using Member Areas for Exclusive Content:
- If you’re planning to offer exclusive content or a membership area on your website, leverage Squarespace’s Member Areas feature. Create a captivating landing page within a Member Site to entice visitors to subscribe for early access to premium content. This strategy can help you build a dedicated community and generate revenue before your official launch.
FAQ Section
There are a few common questions that arise when setting up a “coming soon” page in Squarespace. Here are some answers:
Can I create a coming soon page on a free Squarespace trial?
While a free trial lets you explore Squarespace’s core features, some of the more advanced “coming soon” page options, like Cover Pages, require a paid subscription.
What is the best way to capture leads on my coming soon page?
A newsletter signup form is a tried-and-true method for lead capture. Connect your form to a reputable email marketing service to start building your email list right away. Alternatively, a simple contact form allows visitors to reach out directly if they have specific inquiries.
Should I hide my coming soon page from search engines?
If your coming soon page is temporary or designed for a specific campaign, it’s generally wise to prevent it from being indexed by search engines. This prevents it from potentially affecting the SEO of your main website and keeps your search presence focused on your primary content.
How can I make my coming soon page stand out?
A striking visual design is key to grabbing attention. Use high-quality visuals, bold typography, and a clear, concise message to ensure that your coming soon page makes a strong impression on visitors. A countdown timer to your launch date can also add to the anticipation.
Conclusion
A compelling “coming soon” page is more than just a temporary placeholder—it’s an opportunity to spark excitement, cultivate a loyal following, and even start generating leads before your website is fully operational. Squarespace makes it surprisingly easy to design a page that reflects your brand and captures the attention of your target audience. By following these steps and incorporating these design tips, you can transform your “coming soon” page from a simple announcement into a dynamic asset that sets the stage for a successful website launch.