I have had a few small problems with this blog, and thought that moving it to a Linux based hosting plan might resolve them. Since this involves “changing the DNS servers” — the blog might drop offline for a little while.

If that happens (fingers crossed that it won’t), please check back in a day or so. The hosting company assures me it will be quick.

When I return, we will start on the capture page topic (there are several planned). In the meantime, here is a video to help you understand HTML (enough to read it at least)… this is something you should do before we get deep into them.

Full Sized Version: Basic HTML (For MySpace, Websites and Comments)

Embedded Version: (If this isn’t clear - please use the link above to watch the full sized version)

Basic HTML - More amazing video clips are a click away

Before you can build a capture page, you have to have a place to “park it”. In an earlier lesson, we talked about domain name’s. Remember, the domain name is the human readable “name” of your website. Examples include Google.com, AWeber.com, and Nussentials.com. The domain name is registered with the folks that keep track of every domain name in the world (there are billions so that is a big job), so it knows where to “point to” when someone types in the name.

The DNS Server might be located a thousand miles from where your website is hosted. It doesn’t matter. The DNS servers know where to “read” the files when someone types your web address in the address bar of a browser.

Since location isn’t a factor when chosing a hosting account, you are free to look for price, features, technical support and other more important factors.

I have tried a few hosting companies in my career, and they are not all created equal. Depending on what is important to you, there are a lot of options. I would suggest you read more about hosting plans and services on your own, but I will make a recommendation. The company I use is called IX Web Hosting. They offer great “plans”, both Windows or Linux operating systems, a multitude of database options and most of the popular “features”. They also have Online - Live Chat, a 24/7 Help Desk, and boast a knowledgable and professional staff.

If you are only planning on one domain, you can get the smallest package or plan and pay only $4.95 a month. You can’t have a shopping cart or any type of eCommerce with this option though. The middle plan (the one I was on for 3 years) does allow shopping features, unlimited domain’s, unlimited web space (for your files, MP3, PDF’s and video’s) and is only $7.95 a month. I believe their site says this is the most popular option.

I recently had to upgrade my account to the top plan because the number of domains I managed exceeded the limits on the middle plan (in term of dedicated IP addresses, there were only 8). I pay $12.95 a month. It’s worth it.

Assignment:
Either research and locate a hosting company you like, or just save yourself some time and head on over to IX Web Hosting and sign up for a hosting account. Spend a few minutes exploring the “back office” and features available. Most won’t make sense yet, and that’s okay. It will still be helpful if you had some idea what’s back there.

The simple answer is… A lead capture page is a small one page website that allows your visitor to enter their contact information to request more information on your product or opportunity. It can also offer a free report, in exchange for their info, but it’s one major goal is to “capture” the web surfer’s contact info.

There are three main reasons you need a capture page. They are:

1. It’s the only way to build your list.
2. It establishes your online identity and makes your first impression for you.
3. It pre-sorts the people that come by, allowing the tire kickers to keep moving.

Your List Is Your Most Important Asset In Business

In the event of fire at your home office, grab the kids, your husband or wife, and your list. Not necessarily in that order.

Seriously.

Your list is your most important business asset whether you are in network marketing, Internet marketing or retail marketing. Your list is made up of the people who - at one time or another - raised their hand and said “I am interested in what you have to say”.

Your list will become your personal warm market, even if you never meet them in person.

In order for people to “raise their hand” and let you know they want more info, you have to have a place for them to enter their info. A capture page will have a “form” that the surfer will complete, providing you with both the means to contact them, and permission to do so.

Since a capture page is also the very first “impression” of you and your services/products, it needs to look good, work right and intrigue them. Although it’s important to make a good impression on your capture page, don’t overly obsess about what it looks like in the beginning. You will refine it over time. Your prospects/customers will tell you what is working and what isn’t. No, they won’t dial the phone and tell you outright, but they will tell you just the same. It will be in the number of “opt-in’s” you get with a new headline verses the old one or when you add bullet points.

Your Capture Page Is The Gate-Keeper

Let’s say you are offering a free eBook in exchange for someone’s contact info. The capture page will explain the offer, and ask for their info. If they aren’t willing to provide it, there is nothing else they can see or do on your site, so they move on. Don’t add any other links to your capture page, other than the “Get More Info” or “Send My Report” link or button. That should be ALL they can do. Opt-In or move on. Period.

Listen, it takes time to build up trust. Your best friend didn’t become your best friend overnight, and your prospects will need time to warm up as well. Your list gives you the time to build a relationship with them. Show them you are someone they can trust. Someone worth listening to.

And the only way to build a list is with a capture page.

Assignment:
Decide now what you will offer on your capture page. Remember, you are asking them for personal information, so it better be “darn good”. A free report. A sample of your product. A coupon for 1 hour of coaching time. Something good.

I had promised a hard look and step by step instructions on how to create your own capture pages, auto responder lists and “offers” that will help you promote your business opportunity, but there have been delays. I am sorry about that.

My business has taken off and I find myself in the (almost unheard of) situation of having more ideas than time. I say almost unheard of because in network marketing, it often takes a long time to really get some momentum going. Not using the techniques taught in MLM Traffic Formula!

Imagine my surprise when I started using the techniques that Mike teaches, and instead of months to build up a head of steam, it was only weeks. Imagine getting 2-3 calls a week from my prospects. Please note I said they were calling ME, not the other way around.

So, I have to apologize to you my dear readers. You are the one’s that were left “hanging”. I have brought in some help so I can focus more on the areas that really appeal to me (like this blog) and will be getting back into the “saddle” this week.

This week, we will start in on the “Capture Pages” topic. How to create one, use it to reach your prospects and capture their contact info, or borrow one that is already converting well and use it to build your business WHILE you create your own. So, stay tuned, and if you haven’t already, use the link to subscribe to this blog and have it delivered via email, each time there is a new post.

More REAL Soon…

Cenay’

PS: If you would like to know more about MLM Traffic Formula, please click the link to visit and find out how YOU TOO can have prospects calling you.

http://www.CenayNailor.com/MLM-Traffic-Formula

I get this question a lot.

In fact, in trying to explain it, I often find myself at a loss. I guess I am a child of the Internet, in the truest sense of the word. It’s hard for me to relate to people who view the Internet as only a vehicle for “email”, but I was forced to organize my thoughts recently when my Dad (in his 70’s) posed this question to me.

After drafting a 10 page letter and sending it off, proud of the explanation I had crafted… I received a call from my Dad. “What the bleep is a blog?” was his question. Hmmm. Back to the drawing board. Then I found a really good explanation, online. In a blog of course. Since I am still getting the question from downline members, prospects and business associates, I decided to share it with you.

It’s a YouTUBE video (another powerful method of communicating ideas) and shows in plain English (no geek-speak) exactly what a Blog is.