Online Marketing Business
How To Get Leads From Your Website
A website or blog is an essential business tool and it’s one that every business uses differently.
However, there is one thing that every business wants to accomplish with its website and that is leveraging it to create more growth by increasing leads, sales and revenue.
Luckily, there are several ways to do this and they are quick and easy to implement.
Before you get started you need to determine your current state of lead generation, so you can track your success and determine the areas where you most need improvement.
The first thing you can do is to work out where most of your online traffic comes from.
- Email Marketing: Any decent autoresponder will allow you to track clicks to your website when your prospects are reading, opening and clicking on links in your emails.
- Social Media: You may be getting traffic from people who engage in a campaign through one of your social media profiles; this could be free or paid, although paid is easier to track.
- Blog Posts: You may be getting some good organic traffic from your highest-performing blog posts.
So, here are 6 ways that you can get leads from your website, starting today!
1. Add Lead Generation Forms To The Posts/Pages That Get the Most Traffic
Now you know where your traffic is coming from and your best performing posts, you can add opt-in forms to your most popular blog posts. This could be offering a free report or eBook, but it MUST be related to the content they are interested in.
These can take many forms, such as a sign-up form on the side or top of the page, a form that slides in at a certain point in time, a pop up or lightbox and they can also be triggered by “exit intent” if a reader goes to leave the page.
There are numerous tools that can add opt-in forms to your website but my 2 favourite tools are Thrive Leads and Conversion Gorilla.
2. Make A Newsletter Sign Up
As well as opt-in forms that lead to landing pages, squeeze pages or sales pages, you can also have a form to sign up for updates on your blog as a newsletter style format. I would use a Thrive Leads widget to place a sign-up form on the side of the page.
This way, although someone may not want an ebook, report etc. they may be interested in the stuff you post so may sign up to be kept in the loop with new articles that you post.
3. Offer Content Upgrades
A content upgrade is where you can offer the reader something in return for consuming the blog post they are reading.
This could be as simple as offering a pdf version of the post that they can download for reading later (this works well with longer posts). But it could also be a checklist or audio/video version of the post too. The key is that it must be entirely congruent with the post they are reading.
There are a couple of tools that you can use to create mini pdfs of your blog posts and the best two are Designrr and Sqribble, but you don’t need them as you can also do it in MS Word. The software’s will give you some styling options to make your reports more stylish if that is what you want and this does help you to stand out from others just offering standard pdf reports.
You can also use Post Gopher which is a very handy tool as the reader can fill in the details in the form and Post Gopher will automatically create the pdf and email the link to the reader when it has been generated.
4. Always Have A Call To Action
Every piece of content you write should be designed with an end goal in mind. You should always be content marketing.
Your content should always provide great value and be useful to the reader and you should guide them to look for more information from you in the form of a free gift in exchange for their email address, or, better still, in the form of a paid product or service.
Once again, the key is congruency. If the offer is related to the content they are consuming, and the content is useful to them, they are much more likely to take you up on your call to action.
Use images to make your calls to action stand out. Use tools such as Canva or Youzign to create an eye-catching image, and you can use a Thrive Leads shortcode to create a clickable image that will allow them to opt-in.
5. Create An About Me Page
One of the most widely visited pages of any website is the “About Me” page.
A good About Me page should not just be a few words about who you are, but rather a mission statement and a subtle marketing message that garners authority and trust.
When done right, this can have an indirect effect on your opt-in rate as people will have an idea about who you are, what you stand for and are more likely to trust you and accept what you say.
This is probably one of the most overlooked pages on most websites but taking a little time to craft a good About Me page can really pay off, so it is really worth the effort.
6. Make Your Site Mobile-Friendly
Did you know that over three-quarters of all Americans 18 and older now own a smartphone, and nearly 20% of smartphone owners use their mobile devices exclusively to access the internet? And outside the US, the figures may be even higher, so this is a huge source of potential traffic.
By making your website mobile-friendly, you’ll capture leads from the lucrative and ever-growing mobile internet user market and this is only going to expand, so it pays to get in now.
It is also alleged that Google penalizes sites that are not mobile-friendly, so it is definitely something to consider.
OK, there are 6 ways that you can use to get more leads from your website.
While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to boosting website lead generation, by implementing these six simple tips you can transform a potentially under performing site into a strong, lead generating machine for your business.
Copywriting 101: 7 Things You Need To Know About Writing Great Copy
Well over a decade ago I bought and devoured an expensive course called “Hypnotic Writing” from Joe Vitale. If I remember correctly, it cost $1,000 and arrived in a heavy box with tons of CD’s and two thick manuals. And it was perhaps one of the best investments I ever made in learning not just good, but great copywriting that converts like crazy.
This morning I was cleaning out some old files, and ran across my handwritten notes from the course. In the notes I discovered a list of “The 7 Secret Principles of Hypnotic Copywriting.” They still stand the test of time today, so I thought I would share them with you here.
Please keep in mind, these aren’t so much a primer as a list of clues as to what Vitale’s “Hypnotic Writing” is. But from these clues you can discern enough valuable information to almost instantly improve your own writing, whether it’s blog posts, sales letters, emails or anything else.
1: Make it Personal
Hypnotic writing speaks to YOU, the reader. You’ll find words such as you, me, I, yours, etc. All of this makes you feel like the writing is speaking to your personally.
In fact, it is. The more personal, the more hypnotic. This is an incredibly powerful tool when used correctly.
2: Keep it Active
Hypnotic writing is active. You’ll find lots of verbs. You’ll find little passive writing. It’s the difference between saying, “The writing was hypnotic,” and saying, “Joe weaves hypnotic writing.” The first is passive, the second is active.
Don’t use over the top adverbs as this can scream BS, so use adverbs sparingly; your copy should be persuasive enough without resorting to over the top or outrageous claims that most readers would doubt or disbelieve. If in doubt, reign yourself in a bit.
3: Get Emotional
Hypnotic writing taps your emotions. You may find it doing so in a story format or in a direct narrative. Either way, the writing will pull at your heart strings. One of Joe’s most famous letters began, “I was nearly in tears…” That line engaged the emotions of readers. You had to read the letter to discover what the tears were for.
4: Be Sensual
Writing hypnotically involves your senses.
You’ll find descriptions of feeling, tasting, seeing, smelling and hearing.
All of this will help you become involved with the writing and therefore susceptible to what it commands.
5: Be Commanding
Hypnotic writing commands the reader to do something. As the reader, you might not detect the command as it may be embedded.
But there will always be one. Ask yourself, “What do I want to do after reading this?” What you do next may be a result of the hypnotic command.
6: Curiosity
Hypnotic writing plays on your curiosity. You may find it beginning a story – but not ending it until the end of the article.
You may find it promising to tell you how to do something, but it will only give you limited details, thereby urging you to order the product it’s promoting to get more information.
7: Hypnotic Writing is Hidden
You won’t find any obvious clues that signal, “Warning, hypnotic writing at work.” The writing will instead be smooth and personal, and the hypnotic aspect will sneak in below conscious awareness.
Now imagine if you actually had the power to influence your prospect’s subconscious mind.
Imagine if you could do it by using simple trigger words that activate involuntary reactions in their brains.
And imagine you can do it in writing and in speech.
You might not believe you can do this. But I’m going to tell you that you can, because over time we are all subtly hypnotized to accept certain suggestions. This process started when we were babies and has never stopped.
You wouldn’t even suspect these simple words of holding any special power. But when you use them correctly, they can dramatically improve your power of persuasion.
Yes, I’ve just given you a sample of ‘hypnotic writing.’ If you re-read the previous 5 paragraphs, and if you study it very carefully, you will notice I used three little words to great effect – “Imagine, you and because.”
If all you do is begin using these three words more often in your copy, you will experience an increase in the persuasiveness of your writing.
Try it out next time your write and see what happens.
Just remember that copywriting is a skill, and just like any other skill, it can be learned. Take the time to learn this critical skill and your business will thank you for it!
How To Write A Good Blog Post (How To Write The Perfect Blog Post That People Want To Read)
No matter what type of business you’re in online, you are going to have to do at least some writing. Whether you’re a blogger, a website builder, an indie book publisher, a freelance writer, or even an online shop owner, chances are you need to write content of some sort.
Note that this isn’t really about the way you write or at least that’s only a small part of the puzzle.
Instead, writing content that people will go out of their way to read is all about choosing exciting topics, giving them great titles and knowing what it is that makes people click.
Know Your Audience
It goes without saying that you must know who your audience is and what they are interested in before you even think about creating any type of content.
If you don’t know what your audience is feeling and the particular struggles that they face, then you really are shooting in the dark.
This doesn’t have to take long but is well worth the time and effort, but unfortunately this is one step that so many marketer and product creators skip. Yet if you do this you will definitely reap the rewards by targeting the right people at the right time which will result in more leads and (hopefully) sales for you.
Using Clickbait For Good!
One way to entice people to come to your blog and read your post is to use ‘clickbait’. Clickbait is basically any content that is designed to encourage clicks, even if it isn’t entirely honest in how it goes about that.
Normally clickbait titles are purposefully provocative or misleading and this gets people to click on them. Unfortunately this also gives them a rather bad reputation so you do need to be careful if/when using them.
For instance, you’ll see things like ’10 Tips to Transform Your Body – Number 4 Changed My Life!’ or ‘You’ll Never Believe What Happens to This Woman in This Shocking Video!’. For most people the curiosity/promise of the title will elicit a click.
There is no denying that clickbait does work and it generates plenty of hits for your website. The problem is that it can also be misleading and as such, it can damage your branding but of course that won’t be an issue for you as you will be using clickbait in a more honest and ethical manner 🙂
Choose Your Title Wisely
So let us ask ourselves: what is it about clickbait that makes it so successful?
The answer is that it looks different, it looks interesting and it promises something unique/that you haven’t seen before. It would be fine, if the actual content weren’t so lacking.
And clickbait is even more successful thanks to the sheer quantity of interesting content on the web. How many fitness sites have you been to where all the articles are on ’10 ways to get abs’ or ‘how to eat clean to lose weight’. This content is so derivative, we’ve all read it a thousand times!
For a fitness site, that could look something like this:
‘How my fitness addiction nearly ruined my relationship’
‘Cardio acceleration: a new type of cardio fitness that burns 300%+ more fat’
‘Why bodybuilders are stronger than powerlifters’
These sorts of titles are engaging and unique but what’s more is that they’re also meaty and give you the opportunity to write some really great stuff and they also have an air of mystery to entice viewers to click through and learn more. That’s how you get clicks and build fans!
OK, there are 3 quick tips to help you to create content that people actually want to read and hopefully this will result in more leads and sales for you and your business. Now where’s my pen…
How To Increase Conversions (3 Simple Tricks That Can Massively Increase Conversions)
As I have stated in numerous articles and videos, many people believe they have a problem with traffic, but I believe that the actual issue lies in converting that traffic.
Just think about this:-
If you have the same offer with the same amount of traffic but you double conversions, then you’ve effectively just doubled your sales and profits, too.
So, how do you do that you might ask?
Well, here are 3 simple tricks that can massively increase conversions:
1: What’s In A Name? Everything
You pour your heart and soul into a blog post, article – even an entire book – and nothing happens.
No one reads it. No one comments. No one shares it on social media. No one buys your book.
Yet the content is excellent, it’s well-written and it’s entertaining.
You know that people SHOULD be reading it.
So how do you fix it?
9 times out of 10 it’s as simple as changing the title.
That’s right – relaunch with another title and see if you don’t do a whole lot better.
I know of one fellow (retired now) who spent his career finding under-appreciated books, buying the rights and re-titling and re-releasing them.
He made a fortune doing this before the Internet blew up.
You just might just have a new best seller on your hands. This always comes down to testing and if you know that the content is good but it isn’t selling, start by doing this simple hack and see if the title sparks off a flood of sales; you may be surprised!
2: Stop Being So Bossy!!!
BUY THIS! DO THAT! DO IT NOW! CLICK HERE!
“This is the greatest so-in-so ever and you will fall in LOVE with it, even though you don’t even know what the heck it is yet…”
Let’s face it – in the name of brevity and enthusiasm we tend to tell our customers what they should be doing and how they should be doing it.
We have their best interests at heart – don’t they see that?
Actually, no they don’t. And that is a problem.
Imagine someone standing on the other side of the room from you.
They’re screaming at you that you should do what they say.
What’s your reaction?
My reaction isn’t fit to print, so I won’t but I’m sure you get the idea!
Now imagine that same person smiles at you across the room, walks over, extends their hand and introduces themselves.
Next, they start talking about this problem they have. That’s funny, it’s the same problem you have. And they sound just like you. They even have the same thoughts about the problem, the same worries and fears that you have.
How do you feel? Like you just met a kindred spirit perhaps? It’s a completely different experience for you, the “customer.”
They invite you to walk with them, and without even thinking, you are right there with them, side by side, going for a short walk.
By the end of the walk, they’ve shown you how they solved their problem. You’re elated. There is a solution! You ask if you can buy the solution and they graciously sell it to you.
What just happened?
Instead of feeling like someone was trying to command you to buy something, you voluntarily bought it because you wanted it.
All because they came over to where you were, talked to you in your own words and then walked with you to the solution.
That’s how truly great sales work. You don’t shout from the rooftops or across the room.
Instead, you go to where they are. You feel what they’re feeling, say what they’re thinking, and become a kindred spirit. Then you gently guide them to where you want them to go.
3: Go For The Big Ticket Sales
Why do you suppose you see so many $10 products, and so few $10,000 products?
It seems like it would be harder to sell a $10,000 product.
But what’s easier – selling 1000 $10 products, or just ONE $10,000 product?
The good thing about that means that there is less competition in the high-end marketplace.
And you will also find that somebody willing to invest that kind of money is a much better customer overall unlike many low value customers who nowadays seem to expect everything for $10!
Take a look at Jon Chow as an example. If you don’t know who John is, he is an extremely successful blogger.
John Chow opted to sell the big products and it paid off big time. In just 2 years, he grew his blog from $0 in revenue to more than $40,000 per MONTH.
To do this, he worked a whopping 2 hours per day.
And he didn’t even do his own selling. Instead, he licensed a phone team to sell big ticket items for him.
If you want to sell big ticket products, I would highly suggest hiring or licensing a professional phone team. They’re going to be able to convert prospects at a much higher rate than you can through online marketing.
Offer a free product that totally ROCKS to get the prospect’s information.
Work on building that relationship and let your phone team do the rest.
And in two years? If you follow in John’s footsteps, maybe you can be making $40,000 a month as well.
These are three very different methods that all have the same end goal – to increase your conversions on everything you sell. Use them wisely and the sky is the limit!
6 Little Known Ways To Increase Sales
We all want more sales in our business I’m sure you’ll agree. After all, why did many of us start a business in the first place if not to make money and gain financial freedom to have the time to do the things we want, when we want.
You will often read all about traffic and conversion rate and these are critical to your bottom line, so you need to ensure that your sales process is as optimised as it can possibly be.
Well, please read on to find out about 6 little know ways to increase sales. The good thing is that none of these take much time, but any one of them can add considerable sales to your bottom line. Or try all six, and see your sales explode.
Your Prospects Don’t Trust You
Provide your real contact information, including name, company name, snail mail address (physical is better than P.O.) and phone number.
Why? Because your prospects are afraid you are not who you say you are.
On your ‘about me’ page, provide all of this info again, along with photos of you, any employees you have and maybe even your location. Make it super easy to trust you and you’ll get more sales.
Elevate Your Prospects’ Status to Make More Sales
People want to prove they are better than others and have people look up to them. This isn’t bad, it’s just human nature. And you can use this tidbit of knowledge to make more sales, too.
Have Your Sales Message Come from A Peer
One of the ‘secrets’ to boosting response of your sales message is to have it come from a peer of your ideal prospect.
In other words, you want your message to come from someone of the same group you are selling to.
Are you selling to women in their 40’s? Have your message come from a woman in her 40’s. Selling to investors? Have your message come from another investor, and so forth.
You can likely take any promotion you are running right now, change the message to come from the prospect’s peer, and increase your response considerably.
This technique is even more important when you are selling to someone who is highly skeptical. Nothing melts resistance faster than hearing a message from someone you perceive to be very much like yourself.
Split test this and see the response – I think you’ll be shocked at the increase in sales you experience from this simple technique.
Focus On The Benefits Of The Benefits!
You already know how important benefits are to the selling process.
Features are great, but it’s the benefits that sell.
For example, that weight loss book is pretty, and it has 300 pages – those are features. The benefit is the reader will lose weight if they follow the plan laid out in the book.
But what are the benefits of the benefits?
In the above example, ask yourself what are the benefits to losing weight?
For example:
- Looking better
- Feeling better
- Becoming more attractive
- Living longer
- Fitting into clothes they already own
- More confidence
- Turning heads and getting dates
And so forth.
Talking about just the main benefit – in this case, losing weight – isn’t enough.
Tell Stories
Every product has a story buried somewhere – you just have to dig it out.
For example, look at this headline from John Carlton:
“Amazing Secret Discovered by One-Legged Golfer adds 50 Yards to Your Drives, Eliminates Hooks and Slices… And Can Slash up to 10 Strokes from Your Game Almost Overnight!”
I have zero interest in golf. None. Yet after reading this headline, I want to know about the one-legged golfer.
Now imagine if I did golf – and imagine what all the golfers who read this headline did. Yup – guaranteed, they couldn’t help but keep reading to find out about that one-legged golfer.
That’s the power of a good story.
Encourage Micro-Commitments
The more a person commits to something, the less likely they will change their mind.
For example, if you can get someone to opt-in to two or more of your lists, they are more committed to staying on your lists.
And get this… they are also more likely to make purchases, too.
For example, someone might say they are going to start running. But all they do is say it – they don’t do anything else – and within a week they’ve forgotten all about it.
But if that same person buys new running shoes and clothes, visits running websites, subscribes to a running magazine and joins a running club, then I can about guarantee they’re going to run.
It’s the same with your lists. If you can get subscribers to opt in to multiple lists, they become more committed to you and to the niche or topic itself.
So, let’s say your niche is dogs. You might ask your new subscribers to opt in to a special course on potty training, another course on bad behavior modification, another course just on their particular breed of dog and so forth.
By getting more of these micro-commitments from your readers, you greatly increase the odds they will become your customers and even purchase from you multiple times.
Now how great is that? Fantastic, I think you’ll agree!
OK, there you have it; 6 little know ways to increase sales. Which ones are you going to put into practice today to boost your sales? I hope you will try at least one, if not all 6.