Your marketplace’s landing page is the first thing visitors see when they arrive on your site. A well-designed and structured page…
makes a strong first impression.
sets the right tone and expectations for your audience.
guides your audience toward key actions, such as creating an account, browsing listings, or starting a transaction.
You can edit your marketplace landing page using the Pages feature in Console → Content.
You can learn how to configure and edit your landing page in practice following these step-by-step instructions.
In this article, we share tips, approaches and basic design principles on how to create a good-looking landing page for your marketplace.
Create a captivating hero section
If the landing page is the first thing visitors see, the hero section is the first thing they notice. A "hero" on a website is a large, prominent section at the top of a page that serves as the first impression for visitors. Ideally, it should include:
a compelling headline or title
a subheadline or description
a call-to-action,
a high-quality image as background.
The hero section’s main purpose is to communicate what the site is about, establish the brand's tone, and guide users toward a specific next step.
When configuring your landing page’s hero section, it’s useful keep in mind the following three main goals:
Communicate what your site is about (clear headline)
Establish a tone that fits your brand (imagery and mood)
Prompt action to guide users toward a specific next step (such as “browsing listing or signing up for an account”
With Pages, you can configure your Hero section by using the Hero section template.
Choose the right Hero image
You need to add an image to your Hero section. This hero image should serve as a visual backdrop, not the main attraction. Its purpose is to complement and enhance your headline (more on this below), not compete with it. To achieve this, you’ll want to:
Use an image that is simple, focused, and uncluttered. Avoid images with too many objects, clashing colours, or text embedded within the image.
Use an image with negative space (empty or blurred areas) where your headline, description and call action texts can sit comfortably.
Ensure there’s enough contrast between the background and your text for easy readability.
You can apply a dark overlay to the hero section background image to increase the contrast and make the text easier to read.
Tip: When selecting a Hero image, make sure it looks good on both desktop and mobile screens. Mobile screens use a portrait layout, which means the sides of a wide image may be cropped. Therefore, you should choose an image where the main subject or key elements are centered, not placed too close to the edges.
Write a clear and impactful title
Your title or headline should quickly tell users what your marketplace is about. It should be concise, clear, and act as the focal point. You can then add a supporting description or subheadline that expands on the title: for example, it can emphasize trust, community, or the benefits of using your marketplace.
Together, the title, description, and CTA form the core of your hero section, guiding users smoothly from awareness to action.
Tip: when writing a headline description, focus on the unique value proposition of your marketplace. Learn how to communicate your marketplace value proposition.
Add a Clear Call-to-Action (CTA)
Your CTA (call-to-action) is what should turn attention into action. Once visitors understand what your marketplace is about and its value proposition, they should immediately know what they should do next.
You should keep your CTA short, specific, and action-oriented. Think of the most important actions your users should take as the first step towards using your marketplace.
If you want users to start browsing listings first thing, a great option is to use Search as the CTA as your main call to action.
If you have a reverse marketplace, where customers post projects for providers to bid on, the main CTA could be "Post your project". And if you're still in pre-launch mode, you can prompt people to create an account with a "Join now" button.
Link to results in different categories and locations
Adding redirect links to search pages with results from different listing categories helps users find what they need faster while making your landing page more structured and visually engaging. These quick links are shortcuts that lead visitors directly to specific groups or categories of listings, improving navigation and creating a better first impression.
If location is an important part of your marketplace, you can also include links to key cities or regions where your marketplace operates. This setup enhances user experience, encourages visitors to stay and browse longer, and gives your landing page a more dynamic look.
Learn more about how to generate custom redirect links and create multiple search pages.
Use custom background colors and images
The background colors and images you add to different sections on your landing page set the overall tone of your marketplace and help visitors quickly connect with your brand. When used thoughtfully, they make your landing page feel cohesive, professional, and easy to navigate.
Pick a simple, complementary color palette
When using a custom background color, choose two or three shades that complement each other and reflect your brand’s personality. Start with one main color and add one or two contrasting tones for balance.
Avoid overly bright or clashing colors that make text hard to read. Aim for combinations that feel harmonious and consistent across your site.
Tip: You can use tools like Canva Color Wheel or Coolors to help you find color combinations that work well together and help you create a cohesive color palette.
Alternate background and text colors for readability
Once you have determined your marketplace and brand's color palette, consider alternating lighter and darker background sections helps create a natural visual flow and separates different types of content. This approach makes pages easier to read and visually more structured. So when designing your sections:
Use contrasting text and background colors. Apply dark text on light backgrounds and light text on dark backgrounds to maintain readability.
Keep enough white or neutral space. Space around text and elements helps each section feel balanced and easy to scan.
Check color contrast for accessibility. Make sure your chosen colors meet accessibility standards so content remains legible on all devices and screen types.
Using light and dark background sections effectively can make your layout look more professional while improving both readability and user experience.
Use background images that support your message
Consider using background images that support your message and help make your landing pages or sections more polished and visually appealing, while keeping the focus on your content.
When choosing background images:
Match your brand tone and color palette. Select visuals that reflect your brand’s style and mood. Avoid busy or high-contrast images.
Keep enough negative space. Choose images with empty or softly blurred areas so text, buttons, and other elements remain clear.
Maintain a consistent visual style. Use similar colors, tone, and mood across all images to create a cohesive look.
Create simple custom backgrounds. Tools like Canva make it easy to design subtle shapes or patterns that fit your brand’s colors and overall aesthetic.
Tip: Consider how your landing page adapts to different screen sizes. Layout, spacing, and visual balance will change based on the available display area, so preview your design across multiple devices to ensure it stays clean, readable, and consistent on multiple screen sizes.