You’ve got something big in the works—a brand-new website, product, or business that’s almost ready for its grand debut. But just because you’re not all set to go live doesn’t mean you can’t start drumming up some excitement. That’s where a coming soon page comes in. It’s a way to roll out the welcome mat, build a bit of curiosity, and start connecting with your future fans before the big launch day arrives.

In this guide, we’ll cover what makes a coming soon page effective, what to include, and how to create one that’s buzzworthy (and all without looking like a construction zone). Plus, we’ll share the best examples as well as actionable tips to help you get inspired.

What Is a Coming Soon Page?

A coming soon page is a placeholder web page that appears before your website or page is officially launched. It typically includes a short message announcing that something exciting is on the way—whether that’s a new brand, product, service, or full website. 

But if you scratch the surface, it’s more than just a basic message. Instead of showing a blank screen or a “site under construction” message, a coming soon page gives people a sneak peek and a reason to stick around. Beyond just a basic message, it could include a countdown timer, or a form for visitors to sign up to receive updates. So it’s already working hard for you, even if the big event is yet to come. 

Why Do You Need a Coming Soon Page?

Short answer: because first impressions matter—and silence is rarely exciting. With that in mind, a coming soon landing page helps you show up with confidence, even before your full site is live. It’s a pre-launch landing page that turns awkward in-between time into a chance to connect with your audience and start generating momentum.

Here are a handful of the best reasons why it’s worth your time to give your coming soon page some extra thought:

• Create buzz. Tease your launch and get people curious about what’s coming. Doing so will create excitement, and prime people for your actual launch. 
• Start building your brand. Even a simple logo, color scheme, or tagline can make a lasting impression.
• Get found online. While you won’t rank overnight, having a live page helps search engines begin indexing your site, which can give you a slight head start in organic search. It’s also a chance to include a short meta description or page title that reflects your niche or keywords, giving Google something to work with from the beginning.
• Keep things polished. A coming soon page looks a lot better than a blank screen, broken layout, or default “404 error.” Even if you’re still working behind the scenes, you can show the world that you’re professional, thoughtful, and intentional about the experience you’re creating. That extra bit of polish can make a lasting first impression—and encourage visitors to come back when the full site goes live.
• Grow your email list early. Building an email list is an absolutely critical part of email marketing. And the beauty of a coming soon landing page is that you can include a signup form and start adding to your email list now. Just be sure to create a segment for these sign-ups so that you can send them targeted messages and email automations in the future. 

Key Elements of a Coming Soon Page + Examples

Your coming soon page doesn’t need to be complicated—but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give it much thought. A little strategy goes a long way when it comes to grabbing attention, collecting leads, and building excitement. So here are the best elements to include (plus a few bonus tips to help your page really hit the mark).

1. Use a Clear Headline and CTA

Let visitors know what’s coming with a headline that’s short, bold, and to the point. It could be as simple as “Something Awesome is Coming” or more specific like “Our New Online Store Launches Soon.”

Follow it up with a clear call to action (CTA)—something like “Sign up for updates,” “Get early access,” or “Be the first to know.” Whatever you choose, make it obvious what you want visitors to do next.

The above coming soon page example makes the message very clear with an unmissable headline, supporting headlines, and a call to action that precisely articulates how to get updates. It’s simple, captivating, and gives visitors an opportunity to follow along.

2. Include an Email Capture Form

A coming soon page is the perfect pre-launch opportunity to start building your email list. Include a simple form where visitors can leave their email address to get updates or early access. (If you’re using WordPress, you can easily add an email sign-up form.)

Pro tip: Sweeten the deal with a small incentive—early bird perks, exclusive content, or a pre-launch discount. And, as mentioned before, don’t forget to create an email segment for these sign-ups!

This coming soon page example combines a strong headline and branding, with a clear next step to subscribe in order to be the first to know and get a discount. 

3. Make It Visually Impactful

Design matters, even for a one-page preview. Use strong visuals—whether it’s a bold background image, your brand colors, or an illustration that reflects your vibe. Don’t miss this first impression opportunity to really set the vibe. Make your page feel like a glimpse of what’s coming, not just a placeholder.

The above coming soon page exemplifies the use of an evocative image that really sets the stage. It gets the key points across, but it’s really the image that does most of the talking. 

4. Add Social Media Links

Give people a way to follow along while they wait. Link to your social media accounts so visitors can connect with you, see behind-the-scenes updates, and stay in the loop. It’s also another great way to grow your following before launch.

This coming soon page example keeps it simple, but goes the extra mile by including social media icons to keep interested followers engaged.

5. Create Excitement with a Countdown Timer

Few things build anticipation like a ticking clock. A countdown timer adds urgency and gives visitors a reason to check back. If you know your launch date, use it! If not, you can skip this one—or tease “Coming Soon” without a specific time.

This example puts the countdown front and center, along with other effective coming soon page elements such as branding, social icons, and a smart “notify me” call to action that makes the purpose extra clear. 

6. Consider Adding Social Proof

If you already have customers, press mentions, or a growing community, let people know! Just as on a landing page, you have only a brief amount of time and space to transmit value. As such, a short quote, testimonial, or mention of media coverage can build trust and show that others are already excited about what you’re doing. Something as simple as “Join 1,500+ early subscribers” can add credibility by showing there’s already interest.

In this coming soon page example, Grover builds credibility with a “seen on” list of high-profile publications. The brand has also combined this with a countdown timer, along with a “request access” registration that adds an air of exclusivity. 

Final Thoughts on Your Coming Soon Page

A coming soon page might seem unimportant, but it can make a big first impression. It’s your chance to start creating momentum, collect leads, and let your future fans know something noteworthy is on the way. You might be hyping up a product launch, introducing a new brand, or simply looking for a polished placeholder while you finish your site—no matter your goal, a coming soon page can set the tone for everything that follows.

And if you’re looking for a fast, easy way to create your own coming soon page (without wrestling with code or complicated tools), the SiteGround Website Builder has you covered. It makes it extra easy for you to get your coming soon page—and your site—up and running in no time.

FAQs

How Long Should a Coming Soon Page Be?

Short and sweet is the way to go. A coming soon page is meant to tease, not explain everything. Aim for a punchy headline, a one-liner about what’s coming, and a call to action (like an email sign-up). Keep it all above the fold—no scrolling required. If you’re feeling fancy, you can add a countdown timer, social proof, or visuals—but even then, keep things streamlined.

What is a Good Call to Action for a Coming Soon Page?

A strong CTA is clear, specific, and action-oriented—just like the most effective email marketing calls to action and others across your marketing channels. Here are a few examples:

• “Notify Me When It Launches”
• “Get Early Access”
• “Join the Waitlist”
• “Sign Up for Launch Updates”

Even better if you can get creative and make your CTA match your tone of voice. So if your brand is fun and cheeky, a CTA like “Don’t miss the magic” might be a perfect fit.

How Should I Track Results for a Coming Soon Page?

Good question—because what gets measured gets improved. Here are a few ways to track performance:

• Google Analytics – Track digital marketing metrics to see how many people visit your page and where they’re coming from.
• Email Signups – Track how many visitors convert into subscribers. Then, once you start sending emails, track your email marketing metrics to make sure you’re sending messages that land.
• Click-through Rates – If your page includes links to social media or a preview video, monitor which ones get clicked most.
• Heatmaps (like Hotjar or Crazy Egg) – Get insight into what people are clicking and how they interact with the page.

How Do I Create a Coming Soon Page in WordPress?

There are a few easy ways:

• Use a plugin – This is the quickest method. Many have drag-and-drop functionality making it extra easy.  
• Use a page builder theme – If your theme comes with a page builder, create a standalone “coming soon” page and set it as your homepage.
• Enable maintenance mode – WordPress settings or plugins can show a coming soon page while your real site is hidden from the public.

How Do I Remove a Coming Soon Page in WordPress?

Ready to go live? Here’s how to make the switch:

• If you’re using a plugin, go to the plugin’s settings and disable the coming soon mode.
• If you set it manually through your homepage settings, just change your homepage back to your main site or publish your homepage content.