Use a Coming Soon or Maintenance page on my WordPress site
Whether you're building a new WordPress website or need to make improvements to your existing site, you can use a Coming Soon or Maintenance page to let the visitors know. These pages communicate why your site is unvailable, stir curiosity, build anticipation, and keep your audience engaged, even when your main content is under wraps.
Important elements of an engaging Coming Soon or Maintenance page
Here are the most important elements you need to include in your Coming Soon or Maintenance page:
- Engaging visuals: Use high-quality images or animations that align with your brand.
- Clear Message: Whether it's "Be Right Back" or "Launching Soon," your message should be concise and clear. Add a personal touch or humor to resonate with your audience.
- Countdown Timer: A countdown adds a sense of urgency and keeps the excitement ticking. It's a visual cue that something great is on the horizon.
- Email sign-up form: Don't miss the chance to gather email addresses. Offer a subscription form so visitors can be the first to know when you're back or live.
- Social Media Links: Expand your reach by linking to your social media profiles. It's a great way to stay connected and grow your community.
- Contact Information: Provide a way for visitors to reach out with inquiries. A simple contact form or email link will do.
Creating the page
In WordPress, you can use third-party plugins to add more functionality to your site, including specialized Coming Soon and Maintenance pages. First, you'll have to find a plugin that suits your needs. You can either choose one of the free Coming Soon plugins from WordPress.org or purchase a premium plugin of your choice. Here are a few things to consider when choosing a WordPress plugin:
- The number of active installations
- Ratings
- Compatibility with your version of WordPress
- If it has all the features you need.
After you install the plugin, follow the setup instructions in the WordPress dashboard or check out the plugin developer's documentation to create and customize the page.