Have you ever visited a website only to find a “Coming Soon” or “Maintenance Mode” page staring back at you? These pages might seem simple, but they play a huge role in letting visitors know what’s happening with your website.
Whether you’re just getting started with a new site or updating your current one, adding a well-crafted coming soon or maintenance page can help you keep visitors informed and engaged.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to add a coming soon or maintenance page to your WordPress site, explain why these pages are essential, and provide tips on creating an effective one that enhances user experience and even benefits your SEO.
How to Set Up a Coming Soon or Maintenance Page in WordPress
Now that we’ve covered the essentials, let’s get into the step-by-step process of adding a coming soon or maintenance page to your WordPress site. There are two main ways to add a coming soon or maintenance page in WordPress: using a plugin (easy!) or with a bit of custom code (for those who like to get hands-on).
Method 1: Using a WordPress Plugin
Plugins are the simplest way to add a coming soon or maintenance page. Here are some popular options:
- SeedProd: SeedProd is a versatile plugin for creating coming soon and maintenance pages. It’s beginner-friendly, drag-and-drop functionality makes designing pages easy, and it offers plenty of templates to choose from.
- WP Maintenance Mode: WP Maintenance Mode is another solid option. It’s free, customizable, and you can add elements like countdown timers, subscription forms, and social media icons.
- Under Construction: The Under Construction plugin is a great choice for setting up temporary pages. It has customizable templates and integrates with Google Analytics, so you can track visitors even while your site is down.
Steps to Set Up a Coming Soon Page with a Plugin:
- Go to your WordPress dashboard, then navigate to Plugins > Add New.
- In the search bar, type in the name of the plugin.
- Install your desired plugin from the options.
- Once installed, click Activate.
- Navigate to the plugin settings and choose a template for your coming soon or maintenance page.
- Customize the page by adding text, images, a sign-up form, and other features.
- Save your settings, and enable the page to go live.
Method 2: Creating a Maintenance Page with Code
If you’re comfortable with a bit of coding, you can add a maintenance page without a plugin. Here’s how:
- Access Your Theme Files: In your WordPress dashboard, go to Appearance > Theme Editor. On the right, find and select the functions. php file.
- Add the Maintenance Mode Code: Copy and paste the following code at the end of the file:
This code will display a simple maintenance message for visitors while allowing logged-in users to access the site as usual.
- Save the File: After pasting the code, click Update File. Your site will now display the maintenance message for all visitors who aren’t logged in.
Tip: You can customize the message inside wp_die() to fit your needs.
Some Handy Tips for Coming Soon and Maintenance Pages
Keep it Simple and Branded
Don’t overload your page with too much text. Get your message across in a few short sentences. If you’re in maintenance mode, simply say what’s happening and when you’ll be back.
Also, make sure your page is aligned with your brand colors and style. A simple design is usually best, as it keeps the focus on your message.
Optimize for SEO
Use keywords like “coming soon” or “website under construction” naturally in your content. Add meta descriptions and titles to help search engines understand what your site is about, even before it’s fully launched.
Mobile-Friendly Design
Many visitors may access your site on mobile devices, so ensure your page looks good on smaller screens. Most plugins have responsive templates, so be sure to preview your page on both desktop and mobile.
Update Regularly
If your maintenance is expected to last a while, keep your message updated. This helps build trust with users, showing them you’re actively working on getting the site back up.
Use Google Analytics
If you’re using a plugin that integrates with Google Analytics, take advantage of it. It allows you to monitor the number of visitors to your page and can give you valuable data for when you launch.
Include Your Contact Info
If visitors need to get in touch, offer them a way to do so. You can include an email address, a contact form, or even a link to your social media profiles where they can reach you.
Why Do You Need a Coming Soon or Maintenance Page?
Before we dive into the how-to, let’s talk about the why. Setting up a coming soon or maintenance page isn’t just about plugging a hole while you work on your site – it’s about keeping your visitors engaged, informed, and maybe even a little intrigued. Here’s why these pages are a big deal:
First Impressions Matter
Imagine you’re opening a new café, but instead of having a sign that says “Opening Soon,” you’ve got construction tools and paint buckets lying around.
That’s what it’s like when people visit a site that’s under construction without a proper page to guide them. A coming soon page lets you control that first impression, making your site look polished, even if you’re not quite ready for visitors yet.
Build Anticipation for a New Site
If you’re launching a new website, a coming soon page can generate excitement and build anticipation among visitors. It can also capture visitor emails so you can notify them as soon as your site goes live.
Professionalism During Updates
When you’re working on your website – maybe doing a redesign or performing technical maintenance – you don’t want visitors stumbling upon a half-finished page. A maintenance mode page keeps things professional and lets users know you’ll be back soon.
Keep Visitors in the Loop
If you’re performing updates or redesigning your site, a maintenance page reassures visitors that your website hasn’t disappeared into the internet void. It’s a nice way to say, “Hey, we’re still here – just making things better for you.”
SEO Benefits
By setting up a coming soon or maintenance page, you can add meta descriptions, keywords, and other SEO features that tell search engines what your site is about. This helps you get indexed and can boost your visibility once your site is ready for the public. Plus, having a well-optimized page can prevent those annoying “404 Not Found” errors from affecting your search rankings.
Build Your Audience Before You Launch
If your new site will include a blog, eCommerce, or any type of membership, you can start building an audience even before your site is fully live. Many coming soon plugins allow you to add sign-up forms, so you can collect email addresses and notify people when you launch.
Key Features of an Effective Coming Soon or Maintenance Page
So what makes an effective page? It’s not just about putting up a “coming soon” sign; it’s about creating something that serves your visitors and represents your brand. Here are a few elements that your coming soon or maintenance page should include:
Clear Messaging
The text on your page should be straightforward and let people know exactly what’s happening. For instance, you could say, “We’re launching soon! Stay tuned!” or “We’re undergoing maintenance and will be back shortly.”
Engagement Elements
A great way to engage users is to include a call-to-action (CTA) like a sign-up form. You could say, “Be the first to know when we’re back by joining our mailing list!”
Social Media Links
While visitors are waiting, give them a way to connect with you on social media. Adding links to your profiles allows them to stay engaged with your brand.
Countdown Timer
If you’re launching soon, a countdown timer can create excitement. It’s a visual way to show visitors exactly when your site will be live.
Contact Information
Some people might still want to get in touch, so providing a contact form or email link can be very helpful, especially if you’re in maintenance mode for an extended period.
Final Thoughts
Adding a coming soon or maintenance page to your WordPress site is a simple yet powerful way to keep visitors informed and engaged. Whether you’re building anticipation for a new site or maintaining professionalism during updates, these pages can make a positive impression on your visitors.
Plus, with the right approach, you can even improve your SEO and grow your email list while your site is under construction. If you’re using a plugin, setup is quick and easy. But if you like a bit of coding, you can create a maintenance mode page yourself.
Remember, keep your page branded, update it as needed, and optimize it for mobile to create the best user experience.
Ready to add a coming soon page? Start with a plugin or get coding – and keep your audience excited about what’s to come!
