Email providers are now offering more web-based pages. This week I was asked whether it was a good idea to use them. The real answer is “It depends” which is not very satisfying. However it is worth having a look at any new developments offered by your email provider. We are all often tempted by new exciting software and it can be helpful to first check out what your existing suppliers offer.
A landing page already connected to your email list cuts down one piece of software integration. This can save lots of time if you don’t enjoy playing around with software.
Your potential customers may be on social media which is an attractive place to be. It is the equivalent of a fantastic party, but of course you are having fun in someone else’s home. Or garden, or castle, exotic location or magnificent view. Think of those parties in The Great Gatsby – all drama and excitement.
All over the world we have been stuck in our own homes during Covid and although we are longing to get out, home does have benefits. Your website and your email are part of your own territory. You own them, and nobody can suddenly ban you or change the rules.
Landing page
A landing page is a brief distraction-free page focussing on one activity only and is very clear about the required action. You offer something for free – or for a low cost – in return for their name on your email list. The thing you offer is often called a lead magnet. The idea is that it draws them like a magnet to you.
Leadpages is one of the well-respected providers of landing pages. They have many templates and all you have to do is to adapt your images and copy to suit your business. There are now many alternatives as software developments happen almost continuously.
The advantage of a landing page from an email provider
Email providers now offer this service as it cuts down the need to connect the page to your email list. The integration happens smoothly. If you are rather impatient (like many business owners!) or simply want to get the job done with minimum hassle take a look.
As it is always a good idea to try things out and see how they work I tried Mailchimp’s new landing page function.
It was for the International Women’s Day challenge over on Attract Readers. You simply enter your own words and images on to a selected template. That’s all. It then connects automatically to the email list which made it very easy.
This landing page was only going to be used for a short time, and I certainly wanted it to be a very straightforward easy activity. Which it was.
The other benefit was that we were only releasing this information to people already on our email list and so weren’t looking for new website traffic.
Landing Page on your own site.
The RollsRoyce version of a landing page is probably on your own site. Many web themes now have a template landing page, which makes this easier to do. The advantage of having it on your own site is that it means web visitors are knocking on your own front door by visiting the page. This is good for you especially if they sign up and of course any human website visitor is a bonus. Google takes notice, so you are building a stronger foundation for your business.
If you are already using an email provider who offers landing pages I suggest you give it a try. It could be such a simple operation.
Good luck!