The Squeeze Page

A "squeeze page" is essentially a web page that offers something of value in exchange for a visitors contact information. In most cases, the offer is something that is free. The best type of offer is something that can be obtained immediately as a download, however a coupon to a local business may also be promoted.

The formula for a good squeeze page pitch is to identify the customer's problem. Talk about how terrible this problem is. Give graphic examples of the pain and suffering this problem causes. Then offer your solution. Talk about how your breakthrough solution will not only make the problem go away, but will solve many other problems as well. Then offer part of the solution for free. Be sure to sell them on how they'll never be truly happy until they buy the entire solution from you.

An empty claim or promise is weak; tell a story of how this solution worked for you, Betty,  Bob, and Alice. If you can demonstrate this in any way, do so because it will only help convince your audience that you're legit.

The next thing you need to do is become a real person to your customer. If you want to hide behind the anonymity of the web, you're doomed because people will think you have something to hide, and people who have something to hide are usually scammers. So, use a photograph of yourself, (or someone else's photo) and put your real name to your blog. 

An opt-in form is necessary to make the squeeze page work. The opt-in form might offer access to a download, or it could be a link to another part of the site that is only accessible when the required fields are filled out.  To prevent people from entering false information, an email is usually sent with a self-expiring, encrypted link. You can also get an opt-in form as part of your account with an AWeber account. 

The purpose for collecting contact information is to built a marketing list. Since many interested shoppers do not buy the first time around, initiating repeat contact with valuable, time-sensitive offers increases the likelihood that those qualified leads will convert in the future.

Some squeeze pages may only entice people with text, but the most effective ones I've seen trigger a video which launches automatically.  I've currently found an amazing tool online that is a real gem. You can download a free version of this opt-in tool, but like most online offers, the full-blown version is more desirable and cost money. For WordPress users, check out Opt-In Pop.  To illustrate how this works, check out my new site: C4Depot to see it in action. This WordPress plugin puts your opt-in form in front of your visitors as a pop-up window so it cannot be ignored. 

Another great WordPress plugin I've found which includes an opt-in squeeze form as part of a more comprehebnsive e-commerce package is WP eStore, probably the best software value I've ever bought for under $50. 

Cheers!

James Steidl