Having a successful opt-in page means shifting your mindset a little bit. What’s the secret key?

Your opt-page is really a sales page; the difference is, you are selling something for free.

Your opt-in page should be designed with one – and only one – purpose in mind: proving to your website visitor that what you have to offer is worth giving you their name and email address to get.
Your opt-in page should sell something that they don’t have to pull out their wallet to get. It should make your prospect want what you’re offering so badly that they race to enter their information so they can get started immediately.

Here’s the seven keys to making that happen:

1. Use a headline that makes them take action NOW.
Your squeeze page must have a headline, that the most effective headline will create a sense of urgency in your visitor. Use words that generate fear that they’ll miss out if they don’t take immediate action. For example:

• For the next 10 subscribers only…
• You must read this free report if you want any chance to …
• What will you lose in the next 24 hours if you…

2. Ask for only what you need to know.
Unless you’re an advanced internet marketer, don’t ask for every piece of contact information on the first encounter with a visitor. Simply ask for their first name and primary e-mail address. It’s also ok to ask them what area they most need help with, but avoid asking for a lot of personal details. Asking for too much information when they have no idea who you are will likely scare them away.

3. Keep it simple.
Make your opt-in offer short and simple. Don’t confuse the visitor, or they will simply leave. Tell them what you want to give them and how they go about getting it. Period.

4. Emphasize the benefits.
Don’t describe the gift that you’re going to send the prospect. Describe instead how they’ll benefit from using the gift. Keep your focus on them and give them a real reason why they should give you their contact information.

5. Put your privacy policy where they will see it.
Immediately below the subscribe button on your opt-in form, place a small statement that tells your prospect that you won’t share their contact details with anyone. Privacy is very important to most people and you need to let them know that you’ll protect their personal information.

6. Use professional, high-quality graphics.
If your picture of the gift you’re going to give them looks like something a kindergartner drew, you’ll likely turn away your potential clients without them even seeing what it is you’re offering them. Use graphics that catch the eye (in a good way) and generate interest. This also applies if you’re using a graphical opt-in box on your squeeze page.

7. Test, test, test.
If your conversion rate is less than 100%, you can improve. Right? Consistently track your results and test different words, graphics, colors, fonts, layout, etc. on your squeeze page. This is something that should become a habit for you with all of your marketing messages.

Be sure to use all 7 of these techniques to build your list and keep it growing.

Setting up your squeeze pages to get the best results doesn’t have to be overwhelming.