You've probably noticed that most sales pages and squeeze
pages are centered on the screen and only take up around
70% of the screen width.
There's a reason for this!
People have trouble keeping track of their place in the
text if the columns are too wide. If they can't easily read
your copy they'll simply click away to another ad.
Break your text up into short paragraphs. If the text
comes in long paragraphs it looks daunting and possibly
even threatening. Most people don't like to tackle complex
material so if your copy gives that impression you'll lose
your reader.
It's also a good idea to keep your screen background color
white and just put a simple box around your text. A
completely white page is very welcoming and gives off a
nice clean fresh vibe. Readers find this welcoming.
On the other hand a black background may be more dramatic
but it comes off as dark and foreboding… the black forest
and the wicked witch syndrome1
And only use graphics or images if they really add to your
message. Perhaps a picture of yourself or your product will
add credibility… but then again, perhaps not. If you're in
doubt… leave them out. Unnecessary distractions on your
page will just take attention away from
your sales message. Same goes for animation, audio and
video.
If you really want to include a particular graphic or
effect then run some tests, with and without, and see which
brings the best results.
People don't care whether you're an amazing graphic
designer or not. They want to visit a website that looks
like something they're used to… something they can trust.
There's a great sense of comfort in getting what we expect.
Give your visitors what they're used to and it's your first
step toward winning their trust.
Learn the "3 Surefire Ways to make Money Online"
http://homebasedbusinessontheweb.com/cap/
Jim Keayes is an expert Internet Marketer. He teaches people
to be successful online.
Friday, July 20, 2007
Critical Steps to Online Success-How to Make your Squeeze Page Sell- Don't Confuse Your Visitors!
Don't make your visitors guess what they're supposed to do
on your site. You must give them a strong call to action
and tell them exactly what they need to do to get the
benefits you outline! That's what a squeeze page is all
about.
Next to having a powerful headline your call to action is
the most critical element of your sales page. There's no
point getting visitors to your site if they don't know what
to do. If your visitor is confused about what action you
want them to take, they will get lost in the confusion and
leave.
Layout the benefits for them in a way that will be easy
for them to understand. This isn't a contest where you
demonstrate your superior knowledge. Tell your visitor
"what's in it for them" in plain simple language.
It's a simple formula. You state the feature, follow it
with the benefit statement and then make the call to action.
Let's say you sell a stress-relief product. Your copy
might say something like this:
"After doing research and testing, I found a set of really
fabulous relaxation CD's that solved my recurring migraine
problems, improved my sleep, and increased my energy
levels-all in just a few days!
"Click here now to learn how these CD's can soothe your
troubles away and lead you to a more healthy and happy
life."
As simple as that!
Remember that your visitors came to your website because
they were searching for something on the web and it looked
like you could provide it. They are wondering whether what
you have to offer will fill their need.
So make sure your copy is easy to read! I can't stress
this enough.
As far as fonts go my research tells me this: stick with
Verdana font in full strength colors for your text wherever
possible. Verdana is considered the best font for reading
online and even the very basic video cards can display it.
Times New Roman may be the default Microsoft Font but on
screen Verdana is easier to read.
Remember: You're not trying to amuse or entertain with
your site. Your goal is to sell! Give your visitors great
sales copy that's easy to read, tell them exactly how to
access your product and you're half way there.
Learn the "3 Surefire Ways to make Money Online"
http://homebasedbusinessontheweb.com/cap/
Jim Keayes is an expert Internet Marketer. He teaches people
to be successful online.
on your site. You must give them a strong call to action
and tell them exactly what they need to do to get the
benefits you outline! That's what a squeeze page is all
about.
Next to having a powerful headline your call to action is
the most critical element of your sales page. There's no
point getting visitors to your site if they don't know what
to do. If your visitor is confused about what action you
want them to take, they will get lost in the confusion and
leave.
Layout the benefits for them in a way that will be easy
for them to understand. This isn't a contest where you
demonstrate your superior knowledge. Tell your visitor
"what's in it for them" in plain simple language.
It's a simple formula. You state the feature, follow it
with the benefit statement and then make the call to action.
Let's say you sell a stress-relief product. Your copy
might say something like this:
"After doing research and testing, I found a set of really
fabulous relaxation CD's that solved my recurring migraine
problems, improved my sleep, and increased my energy
levels-all in just a few days!
"Click here now to learn how these CD's can soothe your
troubles away and lead you to a more healthy and happy
life."
As simple as that!
Remember that your visitors came to your website because
they were searching for something on the web and it looked
like you could provide it. They are wondering whether what
you have to offer will fill their need.
So make sure your copy is easy to read! I can't stress
this enough.
As far as fonts go my research tells me this: stick with
Verdana font in full strength colors for your text wherever
possible. Verdana is considered the best font for reading
online and even the very basic video cards can display it.
Times New Roman may be the default Microsoft Font but on
screen Verdana is easier to read.
Remember: You're not trying to amuse or entertain with
your site. Your goal is to sell! Give your visitors great
sales copy that's easy to read, tell them exactly how to
access your product and you're half way there.
Learn the "3 Surefire Ways to make Money Online"
http://homebasedbusinessontheweb.com/cap/
Jim Keayes is an expert Internet Marketer. He teaches people
to be successful online.
Critical Steps to Online Success-How to Make your Squeeze Page Sell-Create a Strong Call to Action
What exactly is a "Call to Action"?
If not the single most important element on your sales
page, then it's right up there with having a powerful
headline. There's no point getting visitors to your site if
they don't know what to do. If your visitor is confused
about what action you want them to take, they will get lost
in the confusion and leave.
Your sales copy must compel your visitors to action! And
it should be the action you desire. That's the whole
purpose of your sales page.
You don't get to have any personal interaction with your
potential buyers; you can't answer their questions and
handle their objections on the web. Your sales copy needs
to stand in for you… take your place; it has to do that job
on your behalf.
It's a vital role!
Your sales copy needs to tell your visitors what you have
to offer (your "feature" statement); it has to explain how
using your product will improve your visitors lives (your
"benefit" statement) and it has to create "value" in the
minds of your potential buyer. They have to feel that what
they will be getting is a bargain. If you can create strong
emotion around this…even better.
If your visitor can sense that you have their best
interests at heart, you have won half the battle. If your
sales copy is too slick and pushy you will turn them off.
Ninety-five percent of humans don't like to be sold. And
the five percent left are other sales people.
So speak directly to your visitor; let them know you
understand their needs. Let them know that providing
service and value is important to you.
You know the difference between "Features" and "Benefits"?
Features tell the reader what you have to offer. Benefits
are much more powerful… they tell them how your offer will
create a positive change in their lives.
A feature-benefit statement would go something like this:
"This car has a smooth ride, but not too smooth. You won't
feel the bumps in the road but you'll still get the benefit
of great cornering!"
Let your sales copy tell your visitors how your product or
service will be of benefit to them… and be sincere… no
smoke and mirrors! Make sure that what you are offering
will in fact live up to your promises or there won't be any
repeat business.
Learn the "3 Surefire Ways to make Money Online"
http://homebasedbusinessontheweb.com/cap/
Jim Keayes is an expert Internet Marketer. He teaches people
to be successful online.
If not the single most important element on your sales
page, then it's right up there with having a powerful
headline. There's no point getting visitors to your site if
they don't know what to do. If your visitor is confused
about what action you want them to take, they will get lost
in the confusion and leave.
Your sales copy must compel your visitors to action! And
it should be the action you desire. That's the whole
purpose of your sales page.
You don't get to have any personal interaction with your
potential buyers; you can't answer their questions and
handle their objections on the web. Your sales copy needs
to stand in for you… take your place; it has to do that job
on your behalf.
It's a vital role!
Your sales copy needs to tell your visitors what you have
to offer (your "feature" statement); it has to explain how
using your product will improve your visitors lives (your
"benefit" statement) and it has to create "value" in the
minds of your potential buyer. They have to feel that what
they will be getting is a bargain. If you can create strong
emotion around this…even better.
If your visitor can sense that you have their best
interests at heart, you have won half the battle. If your
sales copy is too slick and pushy you will turn them off.
Ninety-five percent of humans don't like to be sold. And
the five percent left are other sales people.
So speak directly to your visitor; let them know you
understand their needs. Let them know that providing
service and value is important to you.
You know the difference between "Features" and "Benefits"?
Features tell the reader what you have to offer. Benefits
are much more powerful… they tell them how your offer will
create a positive change in their lives.
A feature-benefit statement would go something like this:
"This car has a smooth ride, but not too smooth. You won't
feel the bumps in the road but you'll still get the benefit
of great cornering!"
Let your sales copy tell your visitors how your product or
service will be of benefit to them… and be sincere… no
smoke and mirrors! Make sure that what you are offering
will in fact live up to your promises or there won't be any
repeat business.
Learn the "3 Surefire Ways to make Money Online"
http://homebasedbusinessontheweb.com/cap/
Jim Keayes is an expert Internet Marketer. He teaches people
to be successful online.
Critical Steps to Online Success-How to Make your Squeeze Page Sell-Create a Strong Headline
Having a Squeeze Page up and hosted is one thing; driving
traffic to the page is a different challenge all together.
But how do you get your visitors to take action and opt-in
to your offer?
Here is the most important thing you can do.! It's pretty
simple but it will greatly improve your site conversion
figures… guaranteed!
Write a powerful attention-grabbing headline:
Your headline far and away is the most critical copy on
your web page!
Your headline should be right at the very top center of
your page. It needs to be in a large font size and
experiment has proven that "red" is the best color.
You must grab your visitor's attention and you have 7
seconds to do it… well maybe 10 seconds! You want them to
see that you've got the perfect solution to their problem.
Your headline needs to be "benefit rich". It needs to tell
them exactly how what you have to offer will be of value to
them.
You know the difference between "Features" and "Benefits"?
Features tell the reader what you have to offer. Benefits
are much more powerful… they tell them how your offer will
create a positive change in their lives.
You want your headline to let your visitors know exactly
how your site will make their lives easier... save them
money... save them time... increase their income... or
simply make them feel better.
Use formatting variations like bold fonts, underling,
italics etc to give your benefits more presence… you want
them to hit the visitor in the eye and rivet their
attention.
But be sparing… don't get too fancy. You don't want to
come off as an amateur.
Learn the "3 Surefire Ways to make Money Online"
http://homebasedbusinessontheweb.com/cap/
Jim Keayes is an expert Internet Marketer. He teaches people
to be successful online.
traffic to the page is a different challenge all together.
But how do you get your visitors to take action and opt-in
to your offer?
Here is the most important thing you can do.! It's pretty
simple but it will greatly improve your site conversion
figures… guaranteed!
Write a powerful attention-grabbing headline:
Your headline far and away is the most critical copy on
your web page!
Your headline should be right at the very top center of
your page. It needs to be in a large font size and
experiment has proven that "red" is the best color.
You must grab your visitor's attention and you have 7
seconds to do it… well maybe 10 seconds! You want them to
see that you've got the perfect solution to their problem.
Your headline needs to be "benefit rich". It needs to tell
them exactly how what you have to offer will be of value to
them.
You know the difference between "Features" and "Benefits"?
Features tell the reader what you have to offer. Benefits
are much more powerful… they tell them how your offer will
create a positive change in their lives.
You want your headline to let your visitors know exactly
how your site will make their lives easier... save them
money... save them time... increase their income... or
simply make them feel better.
Use formatting variations like bold fonts, underling,
italics etc to give your benefits more presence… you want
them to hit the visitor in the eye and rivet their
attention.
But be sparing… don't get too fancy. You don't want to
come off as an amateur.
Learn the "3 Surefire Ways to make Money Online"
http://homebasedbusinessontheweb.com/cap/
Jim Keayes is an expert Internet Marketer. He teaches people
to be successful online.
Critical Steps to Online Success-How to Make your Squeeze Page Sell - Make your Webpage Easy to Read
The most important person to see your sales page is the
visitor who has a need and is motivated to purchase
something to fill that need.
Your only job is to help your visitor find what they are
looking for. That's the real job of a professional sales
person. To give enough service and information to allow the
customer to make an informed decision as to whether your
product offers good value, is affordable to them and is
appropriate for their needs.
I see so many websites where the designer has gone off on
a wonderfully self gratifying, graphic design adventure and
completely forgotten about the needs of the reader.
The only purpose of your sales page is to communicate your
information to your visitor in a way that makes it truly
easy for them to reach the decision you desire; i.e. to
purchase your product or service or opt-in to your list if
it is truly a good solution for them. Everything else is
irrelevant ego gratification or just plain poor design.
And another thing!
Not everyone has amazing eyesight, so take this into
account too. I'm getting more and more long sighted. That
means I can't focus close up so I need to move my reading
material further and further away to be able to focus on
it. I like to wear reading glasses that allow me to focus
clearly on the screen from about three feet away. That's
about the standard distance for someone using a keyboard on
a slide out keyboard tray.
So what did you say… deal with it?
Well here's the thing: If you serve up text that is too
small or is in pale shades of grey or blue or green or,
heaven forbid, pink… people like me (and there's lots of
us) struggle to read it. We'll just close your page and
move on.
Don't make anything difficult for your reader. Don't do
anything to cause your visitor to leave your page before
they have had a chance to evaluate your offer.
Learn the "3 Surefire Ways to make Money Online"
http://homebasedbusinessontheweb.com/cap/
Jim Keayes is an expert Internet Marketer. He teaches people
to be successful online.
visitor who has a need and is motivated to purchase
something to fill that need.
Your only job is to help your visitor find what they are
looking for. That's the real job of a professional sales
person. To give enough service and information to allow the
customer to make an informed decision as to whether your
product offers good value, is affordable to them and is
appropriate for their needs.
I see so many websites where the designer has gone off on
a wonderfully self gratifying, graphic design adventure and
completely forgotten about the needs of the reader.
The only purpose of your sales page is to communicate your
information to your visitor in a way that makes it truly
easy for them to reach the decision you desire; i.e. to
purchase your product or service or opt-in to your list if
it is truly a good solution for them. Everything else is
irrelevant ego gratification or just plain poor design.
And another thing!
Not everyone has amazing eyesight, so take this into
account too. I'm getting more and more long sighted. That
means I can't focus close up so I need to move my reading
material further and further away to be able to focus on
it. I like to wear reading glasses that allow me to focus
clearly on the screen from about three feet away. That's
about the standard distance for someone using a keyboard on
a slide out keyboard tray.
So what did you say… deal with it?
Well here's the thing: If you serve up text that is too
small or is in pale shades of grey or blue or green or,
heaven forbid, pink… people like me (and there's lots of
us) struggle to read it. We'll just close your page and
move on.
Don't make anything difficult for your reader. Don't do
anything to cause your visitor to leave your page before
they have had a chance to evaluate your offer.
Learn the "3 Surefire Ways to make Money Online"
http://homebasedbusinessontheweb.com/cap/
Jim Keayes is an expert Internet Marketer. He teaches people
to be successful online.
Critical Steps to Online Success-How to Make your Squeeze Page Sell-Don't get too Fancy with the Design.
Besides looking amateurish, a fussy site design will
confuse your visitor.
You've seen those sites with all sorts of graphics on the
background and lots of flash videos going off all over the
place. They demonstrate that the site designer knows their
stuff but the visitor has no idea what you want them to do;
and often the background graphics obscure your content so
it can't be easily read.
Keep it simple!
Choose one or two, maybe three colors and a couple of
fonts and stick with that design. Nothing looks worse than
a jumbled array of colors, fonts and styles. And absolutely
don't add textures or dark colored backgrounds; the test
becomes too difficult to read.
People like to get what they expect… what they're used to;
we don't really like surprises. Your visitors are used to
reading dark print on a light background… so give it to
them.
Don't use more than three colors plus maybe some yellow
for highlighting; and make sure your colors are web safe.
Lot's of internet users are still working with computers
that have very basic video cards. If you go throwing
sophisticated color shades and tints at them you'll
completely lose the dramatic effect you were trying to
generate by the time a very basic VGA video card gets to
interpret it on the screen.
What are web safe colors?
Basically they're the original 16 colors that came with
Dos. If you just stick with your basic black, red, blue,
dark blue and yellow you'll never get into trouble with
font colors.
Your visitors came to your website because they were
searching for something on the web. They clicked on your
site listing in the search engine page. They really hope
you can fill their need.
Give them great sales copy that's easy to read and you're
half way there!
Learn the "3 Surefire Ways to make Money Online"
http://homebasedbusinessontheweb.com/cap/
Jim Keayes is an expert Internet Marketer. He teaches people
to be successful online.
confuse your visitor.
You've seen those sites with all sorts of graphics on the
background and lots of flash videos going off all over the
place. They demonstrate that the site designer knows their
stuff but the visitor has no idea what you want them to do;
and often the background graphics obscure your content so
it can't be easily read.
Keep it simple!
Choose one or two, maybe three colors and a couple of
fonts and stick with that design. Nothing looks worse than
a jumbled array of colors, fonts and styles. And absolutely
don't add textures or dark colored backgrounds; the test
becomes too difficult to read.
People like to get what they expect… what they're used to;
we don't really like surprises. Your visitors are used to
reading dark print on a light background… so give it to
them.
Don't use more than three colors plus maybe some yellow
for highlighting; and make sure your colors are web safe.
Lot's of internet users are still working with computers
that have very basic video cards. If you go throwing
sophisticated color shades and tints at them you'll
completely lose the dramatic effect you were trying to
generate by the time a very basic VGA video card gets to
interpret it on the screen.
What are web safe colors?
Basically they're the original 16 colors that came with
Dos. If you just stick with your basic black, red, blue,
dark blue and yellow you'll never get into trouble with
font colors.
Your visitors came to your website because they were
searching for something on the web. They clicked on your
site listing in the search engine page. They really hope
you can fill their need.
Give them great sales copy that's easy to read and you're
half way there!
Learn the "3 Surefire Ways to make Money Online"
http://homebasedbusinessontheweb.com/cap/
Jim Keayes is an expert Internet Marketer. He teaches people
to be successful online.
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