An entry page, sometimes called a squeeze page or a landing page, is a powerful tool in building a list in your niche. Not only does an entry page help you gather names for your list but it helps you establish a web presence and provides you with an easy way to start working with the people in your niche.

What is it?

An entry page is a page where to sole purpose is to collect your visitors’ name and e-mail address in exchange for a special report or course. Normally, no products are being sold on the page and there isn’t any other content besides a short sales page and the opt in box.

When visitors land on the entry page, they are prompted to enter their name and e-mail address in the opt in box. After they’ve entered the information, they’ll receive their free gift via e-mail or they may be directed to it automatically. Without having an opt in, most people would read the special report or course and then forget about it entirely. By capturing their information (with their permission of course), you can contact them in a few days to follow up on the report and begin to build your relationship with them. Your entry page is the first step in your sales funnel that eventually leads to the list members buying from you or buying an affiliate product that you recommend.

What are three keys to doing it successfully?

1. Desire.

First up, offer them something of value. Something that is desirable to your visitor. When you set up your entry page, your goal is to get people to opt in. They won’t want to give away their information if all you are giving is a recycled PLR eBook or a report that doesn’t fit their needs. You need to create something of value so they will be willing to opt into your list and receive your gift. If you can’t create something yourself, outsource the writing. You can offer a report, a course or a free audio/video presentation. Make sure that it really speaks to your niche and you’ll get more opt ins.

2. Description.

You have to convince your visitors as to "why" they should opt-in. Many marketers simply place the opt in box and a headline on the page and then drive traffic to the page. Even though your entry page is only for a free gift you should flex your copywriting muscles an convince the reader that they should opt in. You should build up the value so much that they are surprised that it is free.

3. Delivery.

Finally, use a trusted email marketing system. Gathering e-mail addresses is only part of the process. The purpose of your entry page is to build your list. Your e-mail marketing provider should be easy to use so you can get the most out of your list.

Can you show me an example?

If you are promoting an eBook on dog care as an affiliate, you can create an entry page to give away a report entitled "5 Overlooked Dog Health Problems." The people who opt into your report will receive the report via e-mail. You have an opportunity to market to your list in the future and send them to the sales page for the dog care eBook, as well as other products they may find interesting.