In less than 3 seconds, most people have decided whether they’re going to spend more time on your page or move onto another website.

By optimizing your landing pages, you increase conversion rates and ultimately sell more. Here are 10 ideas for you:

#1 – Understand your visitors. When you know what your target audience is looking for when they arrive on your website, you can provide that information quickly and easily. You’ll be able to develop a message that resonates with the visitor and encourages them to take action.

#2 – Match landing pages with promotional creative as much as possible. Establishing a link between the advertisement that someone sees, and then the first page they see on your website is very important for consistency and reducing confusion.

#3 – Use persuasive images. A recent study showed something very interesting: When a face in stock photography looks away from your copy, people are likely to look away as well. Make sure that all elements of your website — including the visual ones — focus on your sales message.

#4 – Give visitors what they’re looking for… quickly. Provide easy access to the information promised. Prioritize page elements according to their importance. Don’t emphasize something that is not very important.

#5 – Focus on the content: the offer itself. Avoid getting carried away by the latest and greatest new media if it doesn’t contribute to website goals. In nearly all sales situations a focus on the written text – the copy – is what sells and brings you money.

#6 – Understand the concept of “the fold.” The fold is the portion of your webpage that people can see without scrolling. Your most important information must be placed here. Put less important information below the fold… visitors will scroll down to read it if they’re interested.

#7 – Understand eye motion behavior. Usability expert Jakob Nielsen teaches the concept of the “F-shaped” eye path. Put most important info in the top left corner.

#8 – Test to avoid technical errors. Your website must function flawlessly in multiple browsers, screen resolutions, and operating systems.

#9 – Stay focused. Stick with one message or theme for each landing page. This is the strongest difference between a landing page and the other pages on your website. It must be intentionally simple.

#10 – Include a strong call to action. What is the next step a visitor should take after viewing your landing page? Make this abundantly clear every way you can.

[Photo credit: Tatters, Valueclick Media]