Do you want to know how to transform a blank website template into an eye-catching landing page?
Keep reading.
Creating a compelling landing page isn't just about filling space—it's about building a design that captures attention and encourages action. A well-designed landing page is what you need to convert visitors into leads or customers.
If you've got a blank template that's stressing you out, don't worry. We've got you.
We've put together an easy-to-follow step-by-step tutorial on how to develop an impressive landing page from a blank template, so you can engage your audience effectively and boost your conversion rates.
Building From Scratch Doesn't Have to Be Difficult
A lot of small business owners and entrepreneurs stress over the technical details and design needed to create a landing page that grabs attention and converts visitors into leads.
There's often a fear that starting from scratch requires deep expertise in both graphic design and marketing to get professional results. Thankfully, with today’s easy-to-use web design tools that come with simple drag-and-drop features, these challenges become much more manageable.
One of the great things about starting with a blank template is how much control and customization you have over your own website.
Especially when using the right no-code website builder.
There’s nothing there that doesn’t fit your brand or meet your goals—you get to make all those decisions yourself. You choose your fonts, page layouts, contact form placement, and more. All website design decisions go through you.
Using the right tools and a clear plan, you can transform a blank canvas into a high-converting marketing asset that not only looks good but works hard too. The trick is to focus on elements that make your website layout easy to follow and engage with, like catchy headlines, clear navigation, strong call-to-action buttons, and great visuals. These can all be tailored perfectly to meet—and even exceed—your marketing goals.
Let’s dive into how to pick these elements and craft a landing page from scratch that really draws people in and gets them interested.
How to Customize a Blank Page Template from Scratch (Step-By-Step)
After you’ve purchased a custom domain and set up WordPress, it’s time to build your first landing page.
This tutorial shows you how to create a stunning page with one powerful tool.
1. Download & Install Thrive Architect
Thrive Architect is the tool you need to create high-quality, landing pages that make people want to read, scroll, engage, opt-in, and buy.
This landing page builder makes building (pages) from scratch easy – really easy. Saving you time in learning so you can focus on generating leads and sales for your business.
This plugin gives you access to hundreds of customizable templates to create stunning webpages that leave your audience going “Wow. I want to learn more about this business”.
Landing page template sets in Thrive Architect
Every page template was built with conversion generation in mind, so you’ll find all the crucial elements you need to guide your site visitors to buy or sign up.
Want to make changes to a template or build a page from scratch? No problem. And no need to know HTML or CSS.
Ideal for WordPress beginners, the Thrive Architect editor comes drag-and-drop functionality and a large selection of block templates and design elements you can easily add to your pages to create a custom design. Web development made easy.
A selection of block templates from Thrive Architect
Like we said – easy building.
All our templates are also tailored to create a responsive design, so your audience can easily open, read, and engage with your pages from any device.
In terms of integrations, this plugin works seamlessly with most Google analytics plugins and the best SEO tools to help you track your metrics and optimize your content for search engines.
You can also connect your pages to your checkout tool of choice if you run an eCommerce website.
Thrive Architect doesn’t have a free version, but this pro plugin offers a 30-day money-back guarantee — allowing you to give this tool a try, risk-free.
Think of it as a free landing page builder trial.
But for now, get the tool, and continue with this tutorial to learn how to make pages that actually generate conversions.
2. Create a New Page in WordPress
In the WordPress Dashboard, select the "+ New" button at the top of the page and select "Page" from the dropdown menu.
When taken to the next screen, name your page and select the bright green "Launch Thrive Architect" button.
3. Select a New Landing Page Template
After you launch Thrive Architect, a menu will pop up with four options:
1. Normal Page
2. Blank Page with Header and Footer
3. Completely Blank Page
4. Pre-built Landing Pages
Usually, we’d recommend choosing the "Pre-built Landing Page" option since it’s the faster option. You get to choose from hundreds of professionally designed templates that are designed to convert.
Since we’re building from a blank template, you have two options to choose from:
A blank template that includes your site’s header and footer (perfect for homepages or other core site pages)
A completely blank template that doesn’t have any headers, footers, etc – this is better suited for landing pages that aren’t connected to your site (sales pages, lead-gen pages, etc.)
We’re choosing option 2 because we’d like our page to have the header and footer included.
Let’s carry on.
4. Add a Hero Section to Create a Great First Impression…
“Building from scratch” doesn’t have to mean using code, or piecing one individual design element after the other.
Remember, you’re here to build fast and save time without compromising on quality. And that’s why we created block templates.
These building blocks (pun intended) help you create your own landing page templates that you can customize and use over and over again.
To get started, just hit the “Block” button on the blank page.
In the block template library, search for the “Hero tab” and scroll through your options until you find the perfect hero section that’ll grab your audience’s attention and keep them scrolling.
Add an attention-grabbing headline to address your target audience’s pain point – or pique their interest –and use the supporting headline to briefly mention your solution the problem.
For your CTA button, avoid using generic prompts like “Click Here” or “Buy”. Use power phrases like “Sign Me Up”, “Tell Me More”, or “Join the VIPs” to compel your visitors to convert.
Also, make sure that you use a high-quality visual for your hero image.
5. Next, Add a Testimonial Section to Immediately Build Trust
You’ve got your audience’s attention, now you need to show them they can trust you.
Testimonials are a great way to show your potential customers that your products or services are the ones to use.
6. Guide Your Audience with a Compelling Story
Right after that initial "hello" from the hero section, a your landing page needs to keep the conversation going with a compelling story.
This is where your page really starts to speak to your prospects, heart to heart. Build a connection by addressing your target audience’s pain points to show them you understand their struggle.
You don’t have to be too fancy here. A multi-purpose text block works quite well. See below:
Use the pre-placed subheadings and text boxes to add your copy and build that connection.
7. Features & Benefits Section to Showcase the Value of Your Services
Use this section to paint a picture of how your product can make your potential customer’s life better.
In your landing page copy, don’t just tell them what your product entails, describe how each feature will help improve your reader’s situation.
8. Include an About Section to Share Who You Are
Adding an “About Us” to your homepage helps your audience get to know you better.
This is the place to mention who you are.
Include details that add to your credibility – certifications, work experience, academic achievements, awards.
You should also add a high-quality photo of yourself (and your team members) to further build trust.
9. Don’t Forget Your Call to Action Sections to Prompt Conversions
The goal of your landing page is to get your audience to take a specific action.
If you have a primary service you offer, you should have a CTA section that prompts your site visitors to buy it.
Thrive Architect also provides conversion-focused design elements like pricing tables, countdown timers, widget areas, and lead-generation forms.
Just click on your element of choice and drag-and-drop it onto your page template.
10. Connect Your Landing Page to an Email Marketing Service
If your landing page requires your visitors to sign up to a mailing list, you’ll need to connect your opt-in forms to your chosen email marketing service.
Next, you’ll need to connect your email service through API. You will only need to do this once for the first opt-in form you set up.
You can find tutorials for all major email providers here, including MailChimp, ConvertKit, ActiveCampaign, and Drip.
11. Test and Publish Your Landing Page
Once you’ve finished customizing your landing page, be sure to test it on different screens (desktop and mobile devices).
Hit “Publish” and start sharing links to your page.
We also recommend running regular A/B tests on your landing page, to ensure you’re presenting the most conversion-optimized version possible.
Next Steps: Start Driving Traffic to Your New Landing Page
Building an effective landing page is one step. Getting it in front of the right eyes is the next.
Here are 4 free resources/tutorials to help you drive the right traffic to your website and increase your conversion rates:
- How to Create SEO-Friendly Blog Posts Users and Bots Will Love (14 Tips)
- 8 Content Marketing Hacks to Grow Your Online Business
- 7 Keyword Research Tips for the Busy Entrepreneur
- How to Get Your Business Noticed and Grow Your Audience
Build a Stunning Website that Generates Conversions
Now that you know what a landing page is – and how to build one – it’s time to make sure that the rest of your website is just as impressive (and conversion-focused).
Thrive Architect is your go-to for creating hassle-free pages that are designed to convert visitors into quality leads and customers – helping you grow your business.
This tool simplifies the technical side of things, freeing you up to concentrate on what you do best: connecting with your audience and delivering standout content that drives your business forward.
So if you’re ready to level up and create funnels that boost your conversion rates — and snag more potential customers — you know what to do.
