Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Building Landing Pages That Convert - 4 Key Aspects For Designing Capture Pages

Building landing pages that convert is your primary goal when designing your capture page. The page must be focusing on one singular offer or idea. Instruct the reader what to do by means of a call to action. The action that you state defines the conversions. Any conversion means a lead of a prospective buyer to call, or even better, a sale. You will also want to do be able to measure the performance of your landing page.

Building Landing Pages That Convert - 4 Key Aspect For Designing Capture Pages

1. Design & Layout

Statistics are showing that the simple 'ugly duckling' pages convert at a much higher rate than the fancy looking colourful pages. Designing capture pages that are 'single columned' and without navigational elements work best. The only option available to the visitor should be to enter and proceed the sales funnel process.

When building landing pages that convert, you must have all key elements of your page above the fold. What does that mean? Above the fold, is the top of the page which people see on their screen when visiting. The visible elements above the fold are critical. An image of your product works best when placed to the left of the body text. A capture form works best when placed to the right of text or image. Just make sure it's all above the fold and compelling. Research has shown that visitors decide to stay or leave a page within 8 seconds!

2. Sales Copy

Writing good sales copy is an important aspect of building landing pages that convert. It's a key element for designing capture pages. The headline should deliver on the PPC ad, banner or other advertising campaign. Through the headline you let visitors know that they have landed on the right page, providing them with the info they are looking for.

Include some compelling subheads. Include the benefits to the reader - why should they buy from you? What's in it for the user. It's a fact that most internet surfers scan a page first, before deciding to read the sales copy. When you are designing capture pages, you should do the same. Scroll through your page, read the title and the subheads. Does it tell you a story? Would you want to read the page? Are you compelled?

3. Capture Forms and Buttons

Building landing pages that convert include a capture form that is short and simple. Don't ask for more info than absolutely needed. People don't usually like to give out personal information and details. I personally only ask visitors for their name and email. The phone number is optional but never required. It also helps to put some sort of privacy policy below the form that you commit and adhere to.

The buttons are another key element for designing capture pages. Words like 'submit' or 'enter' are simply not attractive nor are they compelling to the reader. Try using words such as 'Show Me The Biz', 'Buy Now' or 'Download Special Report'. Whatever you choose, use words or short phrases that exactly describes what happens when the user clicks that particular button.

4. Testing

Extremely important! I personally use the Google Website Optimizer but there are other tools available on the internet. What you want to measure is the effectiveness of all the different elements on your page and if they have the capability of converting. Success is achieved by cross testing. Try different things and improve on certain elements in your pages to increase conversions. Here is a list of all the elements you should be tweaking and testing:

- The headline

- Subheads

- Call to action

- Body text

- Button text

- Capture form design

- Graphics

It is my personal experience that through trial and error you can really double the number of your conversions, if not triple them! It is well worth your time and effort.

Designing capture pages that work is something everybody can learn, just like all the other marketing methods and techniques to promote and brand your business online to max out on profits.. Click now learn building landing pages that convert and see what is arguably named the best online internet marketing program available to date, teaching you how to market virtually and product or business, online and offline. Just fill out the form and watch the video on the next page. Just for visiting you also have the option to claim a free website.

Mike Heesen is a home business owner that is, just like you, earning a living to support his family, pay for the mortgage or rent, utilities, needs and other desires. He is a member of the world's largest online mentoring and marketing program. His main activities are helping and showing people how to learn and master the power and potential of the internet to create financial freedom. Over the last year, Mike and his team have made significant marks on the internet. You can be part of his team too. Learn effective online marketing! Go now to http://2wealth-2freedom.com.