Writing Effective Detail Page Instructions #
Detail page instructions appear below the animal profile and guide visitors through your adoption (or lost/found) process. Well-written instructions reduce phone calls, set expectations, and increase completed applications.
What to Include #
For adoption pages:
- Step-by-step adoption process (“1. Submit application, 2. Meet the animal, 3. Complete adoption”)
- Adoption fees and what’s included (spay/neuter, vaccines, microchip)
- Shelter hours and location
- Required documents or ID
- How long the process typically takes
For lost/found pages:
- What to do if you recognize the animal
- How to report a sighting
- Contact information and hours
- What proof of ownership is needed for claims
Tone and Length #
- Be warm but clear. Visitors are emotionally invested – don’t be bureaucratic, but don’t leave steps ambiguous.
- Keep it scannable. Use short paragraphs or numbered steps. Walls of text get skipped.
- 3-5 sentences is ideal. Enough to set expectations, short enough to read.
Configuring Instructions #
Instructions are configured per method type in admin settings (General > Instructions). Each method type (adopt, lost, found) can have its own instruction text.
The instruction section’s appearance (title and text colors, background, border) is customizable in the Colors tab, and font sizes are controllable in the Fonts tab.
Examples #
Good adoption instruction:
Ready to adopt? Click “Adoption Application” above to get started. Applications are typically reviewed within 24 hours. Adoption fees include spay/neuter, vaccinations, and microchip. Visit us during shelter hours (Mon-Sat, 10am-5pm) to meet your new family member.
Good lost animal instruction:
If you recognize this animal, please contact us immediately using the Email or Call buttons above. Please have a description of the animal and any proof of ownership ready. Found animals are held for a minimum of 5 business days.
Tips #
- End with a clear call to action that matches your buttons (“Click Adoption Application above”)
- Include hours and contact info even if it’s on other pages – visitors may not navigate there
- Review instructions seasonally – update hours, fees, or event information
- Instructions are a Preferred tier feature
Next Steps #
- Button Configuration for Conversion — Optimize your action buttons
- Font Size Customization — Adjust instruction title and text sizes
- Color Customization — Style the instruction section
