Ever wish you could drum up excitement for your new brand or product before you launch? A “coming soon” website is your secret weapon—a simple page that builds buzz, gathers leads, and signals that bigger things are on the horizon.
But how do you set up an effective coming soon website that gets real results? In this article, we’ll walk you through the essential steps, share expert tips, and reveal best practices to make your launch unforgettable.
Related Video
How to Create a Coming Soon Website: A Complete Guide
In the digital age, a “coming soon” website isn’t just a placeholder—it’s your first impression before launch. Whether unveiling a new product, service, or brand, a well-crafted coming soon page sparks curiosity, builds anticipation, and grows your audience before your grand debut.
This article breaks down what a coming soon website is, why it matters, and exactly how you can create one that stands out—even if you’re not a tech expert.
What Is a Coming Soon Website?
A coming soon website is a temporary web page that tells visitors something exciting is on the way. Rather than showing an empty or under-construction site, it offers:
- A sneak peek of your brand or product.
- A way to capture leads (like collecting email addresses).
- A professional, engaging face for your project during development.
These pages can be simple or as creative as your imagination allows.
Why You Need a Coming Soon Website
A coming soon page isn’t just about filling a void before launch. Here’s what it can do for you:
- Build Buzz: Create intrigue and encourage visitors to check back at launch.
- Collect Leads: Add signup forms so you can notify interested people when you go live.
- Test Ideas: See how much interest your concept generates.
- Professional Image: Show you’re serious—even while you’re building behind the scenes.
- SEO Benefits: Start ranking in search engines before your site is complete.
Step-by-Step: How to Create a Coming Soon Website
You don’t need to be a web developer to craft a fantastic coming soon page. Follow these detailed steps:
1. Define Your Goals
Ask yourself:
- Do I want to inform, collect leads, or build a social following?
- What message or vibe do I want to send?
- What actions should visitors take (email sign-up, follow on socials, etc.)?
2. Choose a Platform
Great coming soon pages can be built with:
- Website Builders: Platforms like Wix, GoDaddy, and Shopify offer easy drag-and-drop tools and beautiful templates.
- WordPress Plugins: If you use WordPress, plugins like Astra or WPBeginner’s favorites offer pre-made layouts.
- Online Design Tools: Canva and Mockplus let you design visually and export your page for use anywhere.
3. Pick or Design a Template
Most platforms offer a wide range of templates—modern, minimal, bold, playful. For maximum impact:
- Choose a template that fits your brand’s tone.
- Make use of visuals, eye-catching fonts, and whitespace.
- Look for mobile-responsive designs (so your page looks good on all devices).
4. Write Strong Content
Key elements to include:
- Headline: Short, clear, and enticing. (“Something Exciting Is Coming!”)
- Subheadline: One or two sentences explaining what visitors can expect.
- Countdown Timer (optional): Builds urgency for launch day.
- Lead Capture Form: Let people subscribe for updates, early access, or special offers.
- Call-to-Action (CTA): “Notify Me,” “Join the Waitlist,” etc.
- Brand Elements: Your logo, tagline, and maybe a teaser image or video.
- Social Media Links: Connect with visitors on other platforms.
5. Customize Design and Features
Stand out by:
- Adding background images or short animations.
- Using your brand colors and fonts for consistency.
- Including a progress bar if you want to show transparency.
- Embedding an explainer video or promotional animation.
- Offering an incentive for signing up (discount, freebie, exclusive peek).
6. Set Up Lead Collection
Use forms that let you:
- Gather emails with consent.
- Sync with your email marketing tool for automation.
- Provide confirmation or thank-you messages after sign-up.
7. Optimize for SEO
To get found early on:
- Write a descriptive page title and meta description.
- Use target keywords naturally in headlines and text.
- Add alt text to your images.
- Enable indexing so search engines can find the page.
8. Test and Preview
Before you hit publish:
- Preview on desktop and mobile devices.
- Send a test email through your subscription form.
- Check that all buttons, links, and countdowns work correctly.
9. Publish and Promote Your Page
Once live, spread the word by:
- Posting to your existing social media channels.
- Adding a link to your email signature.
- Running ads if your budget allows.
- Sharing with collaborators, influencers, or interested partners.
Key Features Every Effective Coming Soon Website Should Have
To make your coming soon page memorable and useful, focus on these essentials:
- Unique Visual Identity: Use visuals, color schemes, and typography that reflect your future brand.
- Mobile-Responsiveness: Make sure your page looks great on smartphones.
- Clear Value Proposition: Tell visitors why your upcoming launch matters to them.
- Engaging Copy: Short and punchy works best—tease, don’t overwhelm!
- Functional Signup System: Collect emails easily and securely.
- Accessible Design: Ensure screen readers and assistive technologies can navigate your page.
Best Practices and Tips for a Successful Coming Soon Page
Set your page apart with these expert secrets:
- Keep It Simple: Too much information can overwhelm. Focus on building anticipation.
- Tease, Don’t Reveal Everything: Leave visitors curious for launch day.
- Offer Incentives: Give early subscribers a discount, freebie, or exclusive access.
- Use High-Quality Assets: Invest in professional images, animations, or mockups.
- Test Your Forms: Double-check for typos and broken links.
- Promote Consistently: Keep sharing snippets or updates on your social channels.
Challenges to Watch Out For
Creating a coming soon website is simple, but beware of these pitfalls:
- Too Vague: If visitors don’t know what you’re launching, they won’t feel compelled to sign up.
- Lack of Engagement: Without interactive elements, it’s easy to lose the crowd’s interest.
- Poor Mobile Experience: An unresponsive page can turn away users on phones and tablets.
- Not Collecting Leads: Missing out on collecting emails wastes valuable early interest.
Creative Inspiration: What Makes Great Coming Soon Pages?
Innovative brands use their coming soon pages to showcase creativity and personality. Some eye-catching ideas include:
- Animated Backgrounds: Subtle motion to set a mood.
- Interactive Countdowns: Make every second exciting.
- Teaser Videos: A short clip hinting at what’s to come.
- Gamification: Mini-games, quizzes, or unlockable content.
- Live Social Feed: Display real-time updates from your social accounts.
- Progress Bars: Visually show how far you are from launch.
Website builders and template marketplaces often curate examples and ready-made designs—so exploring popular templates can spark your originality.
Cost Tips: How to Create a Coming Soon Website on a Budget
Making an attractive coming soon site doesn’t have to be expensive. Here’s how to save:
- Start with Free Templates: Many builders offer no-cost options you can personalize.
- DIY with Canva or Mockplus: Design the page yourself and host it with a basic website builder.
- Shop Around: Hosting platforms like Wix or GoDaddy often provide free plans or low-cost trials.
- Limit Paid Plugins: Only pay for key features you truly need (like advanced lead capture or analytics).
- Negotiate or Look for Discounts: Some services run promotions for new customers.
- Skip Custom Coding (for now): Use templates—that’s what they’re for!
Bringing It All Together
Launching your brand starts well before your official website goes live. A thoughtful, strategic coming soon page turns potential visitors into early fans, builds your email list, and ensures no one shows up to a digital “ghost town.” With today’s user-friendly tools and beautiful templates, anyone can build an effective page—no coding required.
Take your time to craft a clear message, collect leads, and design an engaging introduction for your brand. The results will pay off long after launch day.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What should be included on a coming soon page?
Include your brand name or logo, a clear headline, a short description or teaser, an email signup form, a call to action, social media links, and launch details (like a countdown or projected date).
Do I need technical skills to make a coming soon website?
No—many platforms (like website builders and design tools) offer easy drag-and-drop interfaces and ready-to-edit templates, making it simple for anyone to build a coming soon page.
How can I collect email addresses from my coming soon page?
Most website builders and plugins let you add forms that collect and save email addresses. You can connect these forms to your email marketing service for automatic follow-up and updates.
Should I use a countdown timer on my coming soon page?
A countdown timer isn’t required, but it helps build excitement and urgency. If you have a set launch date, displaying a countdown can encourage more signups.
Can I launch my coming soon page for free?
Absolutely! Many platforms offer free templates or plans for basic pages. You might only need to pay if you want a custom domain name or advanced features, but you can get started with no upfront costs.
With these steps and tips, you’re well on your way to launching a coming soon website that captures attention, grows your audience, and sets the stage for a successful debut.