Apr

20

Okay, you have a hosting account, you bought a really cool domain name and now it’s time to put up a capture page and start building your list. What’s first?

Capture page sample screen shotThis article will cover some capture page basics. It’s not meant to be the be-all-end-all reference, but should be enough to get you started. Please note that like ANYTHING you do online, you need to test and track how it works. Only if you are testing and tracking your results will you know if it is working, and what needs improvement.

First, let’s discuss the “elements” that make up a successful capture page. While there are some exceptions to these rules, for the most part, a good capture page contains all of these elements.

The Pre-Head

This is the smallish text at the very top of the capture page. It is used to help identify your target market. For example, if you are promoting a weight loss product, a sample pre-head might be “Have you tried everything and nothing works?” or “Looking for an easy way to lose weight while you sleep”?

The pre-head is often called the pre-qualifier. If someone lands on your web page who ISN’T looking for a weight loss product, the pre-head quickly “qualifies” them, or rather UN qualifies them. They can move on in other words.

The Headline

Also called the “Ad” for your page, this should show them in easy to understand language the exact benefit they can expect if they continue reading and purchase your product or download your ebook/whitepaper — whatever your offer is.

Please note I said benefit, not feature. They didn’t surf to your page to find out about features, they are surfing because they have a “pain”, a problem they want to solve. They aren’t looking to spend $40 a month, they are looking for a solution. They will pay $40 a month to get that, but you have to sell them on the benefit of your product first.

I think it was Perry Marshall who said it best. (I am paraphrasing here…)

People searching for a drill, aren’t really looking for a drill, they are looking for a way to make a hole. The drill doesn’t matter, it’s the hole they care about. So, don’t advertise the horse power, amps and length of the cord, show them exactly how it will make the hole they want in less time with less effort.

The headline is the short answer to that. If the headline grabs them, and shows them a possible solution to their problem might be found if they would only continue reading, then they will.

The Sub-Head

A continuation of the Headline, the Sub-head allows you to add detail, ask a question, suggest an answer or just expand on what the headline is saying. This one is optional, but works well if the message supports the headline.

The Body

The body is where the benefits are listed (usually in “bullet” form), the call to action is located and a story is told. I say a story, because if you engage them in a story then they are more likely to get emotionally involved in the outcome. A story also “slips past” the automatic defense most people have when surfing the web… I call this the “Ad Blindness Defense”. If the story is good, and the reader can related to it, then you move from a “salesman” to an “advisor” in short order.

The body should ALSO contain bullet points. These are the short, easy to understand benefits they can expect if they buy your product/service or download your free ebook. These should also be benefits, not features. Remember, a feature is something that excites you as a business owner but does nothing for the reader.

Let me give you an example.

Let’s say your company is 12 years old and debt free. These are “features”. Why should the surfer care? He won’t, unless you can show him the benefit that a 12 year old company offers him, such as being there for years more to come so he can continue to get said wonder-product.

The Opt-In Box

Clearly, the most important element on a capture page. This element should be “above the fold” and clearly visible. By Above the Fold, I mean in the first 700 to 800 “pixels” of the web page. You don’t want the surfer to have to scroll to see this element, ever.

The Opt-In box should recap the reason for them to provide their name and email address. This should be a compelling reason. Privacy is a major concern for everyone these days and our “inboxes” are stuffed full daily by spam, offers and junk. No one wants more junk, including your reader.

So, the “offer” should be compelling. A reason for them to give up their name and email address.

I have read many “guru’s” on the subject of the “voice” to use on the opt-in box, and I think that most agree that while the web page itself is written in your voice, the opt-in box should be written in the readers voice.

In other words, something like “Yes Cenay, please send me this free report on how I can protect myself from the danger side effect of drugs used to treat my arthritis pain. Here’s my name and email address, please send that right away”.

The idea here is that the opt-in box is a way for your reader to acknowledge the benefits, “buy into” you sending him info and saying that he trusts you enough to handle that simple task.

The Submit Button

The last element we are going to talk about today is the submit button. This is the button they click to say “Let’s Go”. Again, this should be in the “voice” of the reader, not yours. For example, it should say something like “Send My Free Report Now”, or “Give Me Instant Access!”.

Most web surfers recognize a web button on sight, so don’t make it look exceptionally different, you don’t want them to miss it. The only thing you should be changing in the text.

Remember, you have to provide a compelling reason for each step of your reader going through your capture page. In the event of a long capture page (you shouldn’t but if you do…) be sure to use “sub-headlines” throughout your text. Most readers will quickly scan these large font “subheads” to see if the information warrants their time. They will scan first, and if you convince them, then read the content.

One last thing. Don’t expect them to read every word. It’s a rare web surfer that has that much time and it’s a rare capture page that is that well written. Put the important elements into bolded or headlined areas for the “scanners”.

Apr

12

You have probably heard your upline say this to you if you have been in network marketing for more than a month. There are several variations, but the basic statement is “Keep the main thing, the main thing”.

What they fail to mention is that the *Main Thing* is different for everyone.

Since the *Main Thing* is working for them, they assume it will work for you. It’s what they teach, it’s what they preach and it’s what they ask you to do 100 times a day. But what if your *Main Thing* is focusing on product customers (as opposed to sponsoring new teammates)? Will their *Main Thing* work for you?

Or what if you are focused on one specific type of product customer, say … Arthritis Sufferers. Are the techniques they are asking you to use going to work for that *market*? Probably not.

So, while you should keep the *Main Thing*, the *Main Thing*, yours might be different. And that’s okay.

So, “Keep the Main Thing, the Main Thing, and make it your Main Thing”

Success is a direct product of focused action towards a specific goal. That “focused action” is your *Main Thing*. It’s something you should be doing daily. It’s something you should be improving upon, refining, and expanding.

And it should be uniquely yours.

Find what works for you and stick with it. And for heaven’s sake, don’t force your new team mates to use your *Main Thing*. Let them develop their own. Your job is merely to point them in the right direction and give them the tools to accomplish what they want to.

You can’t force a square peg in a round hole, so don’t even try.

Feb

14

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.

Domain Name Server does not have to be in the same place as the hosting account
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.

Feb

13

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.

Dec

5

Or “Pick A Domain Name”

Since your domain name is the very first thing an online prospect sees about you, let’s revisit this topic briefly.

Owning your own domain name is the fastest, easiest, and cheapest way to increase the professionalism of you and your business, virtually over-night. Using a free service like Yahoo or Hotmail for email just sends the wrong message. Remember, this is almost the very first thing they see about you. You want this to make an impact. You want to set yourself apart from the dozens or hundreds of email’s that land in their inbox each day.

Understand that in network marketing, or any business for that matter, you are selling yourself.

In actuality, people are much more concerned with YOU, than they are about your business opportunity. I don’t care if you have the greatest business in the world. If you don’t successfully position yourself as a leader in the eyes of your prospects, you will go no where.

With this in mind, understand that you are constantly being judged… Sized up, measured, and compared to other potential upline partners. People want to work with winners. They are attracted to leaders. It’s a survival instinct that is hardwired into our DNA. You cannot escape it.

So what does all of this have to do with registering a little domain name?

Well it’s simple… It’s all about professionalism. If you don’t even know how to register a simple domain name, how can you possibly expect other people follow you to “financial freedom?”

Okay, enough of the soap-box speaches, let’s get busy.

You know your “purpose”, right? You spent the time necessary to find the “niche” you want to talk to, right? You know the “name” of who you want to talk to, right? So, who is it?

Jot down the name (niche). Go to Google.com and type that name in the search bar. What are the top five sites that come up? And I don’t mean the Squidoo articles, or blogs… what are the real domain names? (Remember, a domain name is the part that follows http://www). Got any ideas? No?

Okay, review the video I made about using Register.com’s advanced domain name search feature. Did any good names come up? Remember your goals.

  • Professional appearance
  • Domain name “speaks” to your prospect before they read a word you have to say
  • It’s easy to remember (or short).

Here is something else you want to factor in. Do you plan to market more than one product or service? If so, you need something that is a little generic. For example, MLMSurvivalGuide.com has only one purpose. I can’t use it to sell vitamins, right? But something like 7StarLLC.com can be used for anything. However, it doesn’t really “further” the message I am trying to convey. You are looking for something with a good balance.

One side note here. Domain name’s are cheap. If you buy one and discover later that it won’t work for the message you are trying to present, don’t sweat it. Go get one that will. Don’t “vapor-lock” on this process.

Assignment:
Choose a domain name (that is available). Buy it. Go to http://www.GoDaddy.com to save some money.

Nov

5

If you haven’t read Part 1 and Part 2, please do yourself a favor and do so before digging into this article.

Let’s recap this topic so far… we have the 10,000 foot overview of

  • Build a website
  • Drive Traffic (surfers) to it
  • Capture Contact Info
  • Build a Relationship (trust) with them

We also discussed some common terms, covered selecting your domain name and a hosting account. Now, what do you do with all that?

Well, let’s remember the goal. You want to capture the names and email addresses of those people who have searched the web and found you. (we will cover keyword research and targeted traffic in an upcoming article). These are people who want something that you have (presumably).

There are a number of ways you can grab this info, but all of them have to offer something of value to the web surfer. Remember, the typical surfer has a short attention span and has an internal dialog playing constantly… “What’s In It For Me?” If you can keep this in mind, you can meet those needs and get a list of people who are actively seeking something. (A diet pill, extra money, more time with their family…something).

For this lesson, I am going to assume we choose www.ArthritisPainRelief.com (it’s already taken, I checked) as our domain and we are trying to sell products geared towards that market.

So, what are some ideas for products and free information we can offer them that will be of interest to them?

  • A free eBook that discusses the dangers of prescription drugs
  • A free eBook that discusses the benefits of glucosamine or chondroitin
  • Exercises that help eliminate pain (followed by a suggestion for supplements)
  • Tips on choosing supplements to help
  • Tips on what to ask their doctor

Once you have something of value to offer them, build your message on your capture page around it. Remember, they searched for something and found you don’t waste this valuable contact with boring copy.

This introduces another topic, which I am not going to cover here, other than to say invest in your skills. Learn copywriting. This is a skill you will use in EVERY aspect of your business. Let me give you some ideas where exactly:

  • Lead/Capture page
  • Sales letter
  • Email autoresponder messages
  • Follow up messages
  • Direct sales marketing
  • Many more…

Building Your Message

Decide what information you are going to offer in exchange for their contact info. Spend some time researching the market place, your target market and what other information is out there. You want to stand out in the crowd. Remember, they are getting “ads” throw at them 170 times a day, every single day.

Back to our example, we are trying to educate and sell our target market of arthritis pain suffers with a free eBook called Arthritis Pain Relief Shouldn’t Be Deadly, which details the adverse effects of over the counter and prescription drugs. Our message is that supplements that support joint health are an excellent way to get relief without the negative side effects associated with chemical drugs. Once the eBook is ready, create a capture page that talks about the free eBook, and offers it in exchange for their contact info.

As a Nussentials representative, I am doing exactly this. In fact, click the Arthritis Pain Relief Shouldn’t Be Deadly link to see the eBook I am giving away to potential customers. You can also see the capture page I am using to get their contact info at the Arthritis Pain Relief capture page. Take a look at both the capture page, and the free eBook to get an idea exactly what we are talking about. Remember that this is only one of the many ways we are going to make the Internet our personal warm market.

Yes, I know I there are no directions on how to create a capture page so far, but fear not, it’s coming. Before you need a capture page though, you need to know what you will offer. Before you know what you will offer, you need to know what the marketplace will accept, what the potential customers are searching for and what else is out there. That sounds difficult I know, but really, it’s not. We will start with exactly how to research the marketplace, and see what customers are searching for in the next lesson.

Assignment:
Go to http://www.Google.com and search for different words or phrases. Look at the ad’s that come up for each one (those entries listed on the right side are the paid ad’s. Entries on the left are the free listsings) and click on a few to see what they are doing. It’s time to do a little research.

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