So, you’re a gaming startup with an awesome idea. You’ve built a beta version of your game, and now it’s time to show it to the world. But wait — you need a landing page! A place where gamers can sign up, get excited, and spread the word. Don’t worry. You don’t need to be a coding wizard to make it happen.
TL;DR
Website builders are perfect tools for gaming startups launching beta tests. They’re fast, simple, and don’t require coding skills. Pick one that fits your style and budget, and focus on making your landing page fun, bold, and clear. Add game visuals, a sign-up form, and start gathering your first players!
What’s a Landing Page, Anyway?
A landing page is a single web page designed to focus on one thing — in your case, getting people to sign up for your game’s beta. Think of it as the digital version of a game booth at a convention. Eye-catching, informative, and straight to the point.
Why You Need One
- Gather Leads: Collect emails from interested gamers.
- Build Hype: Show off your game art, story, and uniqueness.
- Feedback: Get players into your beta for testing and early feedback.
It’s the first impression of your game. You want it to pop!
Why Use a Website Builder?
You’re a startup. You’re probably juggling a dozen tasks already. Designing and building a site from scratch takes time (and maybe money). Website builders do the heavy lifting so you can focus on what really matters: your game.
Top Reasons to Choose a Builder:
- No code needed: Drag, drop, done!
- Fast setup: A basic landing page can be ready in an afternoon.
- Customizable: Add your logo, game art, and colors easily.
- Budget-friendly: Many offer free plans with enough tools to get started.
The Best Website Builders for Gaming Startups
1. Carrd
Simple, fast, one-page perfection. Carrd is made for landing pages, and it shows. You can choose a cool template, drop in your content, and publish—boom, you’re live. Great for quick beta sign-ups.
Free version available, Pro starts at $19/year.
2. Webflow
Design freedom with a learning curve. Webflow is more powerful than Carrd but a bit more complex. It’s good if you want cool animations or a more advanced design without digging into too much code.
Free plan offers basic hosting.
3. Wix
Friendly and versatile. Wix gives you tons of templates, including ones for games. It has drag-and-drop tools and even a logo maker. Plus, it’s got extra features if you want to expand the site later.
Free plan available with Wix ads.
4. Squarespace
Stylish and polished. If your game has jaw-dropping visuals, show them off with Squarespace. It’s built for beauty and works well on mobile. But it’s a little more expensive than the others.
Starts at $16/month (no free plan, but offers free trial).
5. Notion + Super
Quick and nerdy-cool. If you already use Notion, you can turn a Notion page into a website using Super (super.so). It’s fast and feels fun — plus, lots of indie devs use it!
Not free, but Super’s plans start around $12/month.
What Should Go on Your Landing Page?
Your landing page doesn’t need to be long. Just include the right stuff to keep players hooked.
- Game Logo: Let your brand shine.
- Short Description: What’s your game about – in 1–2 sentences?
- Screenshots or GIFs: Eye candy for your audience.
- Beta Sign-Up Form: This is the goal! Make it easy and fun to join.
- Call-to-Action (CTA): Use buttons like “Join the Beta” or “Play Early.”
- Social Links: Where can people follow dev updates?
Tips to Make It Awesome
1. Keep It Simple
No need to explain the entire game universe just yet. Give a teaser. Pique curiosity. Save the lore dump for later!
2. Make It Visual
Gamers love to see. Add concept art, early gameplay, or character designs. Even a short trailer can hook people fast.
3. Speed is Life
No one likes waiting. Make sure images are optimized, and the page loads quickly. Builders like Carrd and Webflow help with that out of the box.
4. Add a Personal Touch
Talk about why you’re making this game. Let people feel like they’re part of something special. Indie devs thrive on community.
Launch, Test, Improve
Once it’s live, share the link everywhere. Twitter (er, X), Reddit, Discord servers, IndieDB, and game dev forums. Ask for feedback — not just about the game but also the landing page itself.
Use any sign-up service like Mailchimp or ConvertKit to collect emails. They often have easy integrations with website builders.
Next Steps
After you’ve got your page, here’s what you can do:
- Send updates: Keep prospective players engaged.
- Build a waitlist: Add newsletters or reward early sign-ups.
- Use feedback: Update your page based on what works (or doesn’t).
What to Avoid
Some common mistakes to dodge:
- Too much text: Keep things light and clear.
- No mobile support: Always check how it looks on phones!
- Broken links: Test your email form and social links.
- Forgetting the CTA: Always have a next step for the visitor.
Bonus Tools for Spice
Here are some extra tools you can add to your landing page:
- Lottie Animations: Light animated graphics
- Typeform: Fun, interactive forms for sign-ups
- Fathom or Plausible: Simple, privacy-friendly analytics
- EmailOctopus: Free and easy email list manager
That’s a Wrap!
Launching your game beta is a big step. A landing page makes it real. It gives players a place to land, get hyped, and sign up. Thanks to website builders, this step is easier — and more fun — than ever.
So go ahead. Fire up your favorite builder. Drop in your art. Write a killer call to action. And start growing your player base today!
Your game deserves the spotlight. Build the page that puts it there.
