Article Marketing Help needed - Best Resource box possible! | Warrior Forum - The #1 Digital Marketing Forum & Marketplace

PolicyMaker

11 years ago

Hope this helps...
https://www.google.co.uk/#hl=en&outp...w=1280&bih=697

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Beatrice 11 years ago

Originally Posted by PolicyMaker

Hope this helps...
https://www.google.co.uk/#hl=en&outp...w=1280&bih=697

Brillant!!! Thank you very much PolicyMaker
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dvduval

11 years ago

Make friends with important bloggers and forget a majority of the stuff you see promoted, as that is what "everybody" is doing, yet it doesn't work!

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It is okay to contact me! I have been developing software since 1999, creating many popular products like phpLD.

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Beatrice

11 years ago

Originally Posted by dvduval

Make friends with important bloggers and forget a majority of the stuff you see promoted, as that is what "everybody" is doing, yet it doesn't work!

Who are the important bloggers and where do I find them? Stuff being promoted where? On the Warrior Forum. Can you explain a bit more please :confused:

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JohnMcCabe

11 years ago

When someone chooses to spend time reading one of your articles, they do so anticipating a positive experience. Assuming you deliver the aforementioned positive experience (you can't please everybody), the reader will want to extend that positive experience.

Your resource box should make that offer. You want them to click that link and arrive at your site still anticipating a positive experience.

Your landing page should fulfill the promise made in the resource box. Will a standard squeeze page do that? Better question - will your squeeze page do that?

Articles, resource boxes, and landing pages are all part of a continuum - a flow from one to the next to next, leading to further steps along the path after they opt in. You can't consider individual elements by themselves.

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fin 11 years ago

Your best resource box is a kick-ass article in front of the right audience.
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Beatrice

11 years ago

Originally Posted by JohnMcCabe

Your landing page should fulfill the promise made in the resource box. Will a standard squeeze page do that? Better question - will your squeeze page do that?

I understand and agree with your comments about the continuity, but if you're not using a squeeze page, what do you use instead? :confused:

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tpw

11 years ago

Your article title needs to attract the attention of the reader to get your article opened.

Your article body should carry the reader from the beginning of your article to its very end.

The resource box should maintain the interest of the reader so that you will get the chance to pitch your offer to the reader.

The resource box should offer the reader a compelling reason to visit your website and provide the mechanism for the reader to do so.

For your consideration, I have written a 35-page guide just on getting the most value you can get from your resource box:
Writing Guides: Resource Box Essentials | WritingPuzzle.com

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Beatrice

11 years ago

Originally Posted by tpw

The resource box should maintain the interest of the reader so that you will get the chance to pitch your offer to the reader.

Hello!

Thanks for your reply.

What happens after the resource box? On a previous post JohnMcCabe mentioned that a squeeze page might not be the best option.

Once people have clicked on the resource box link where do you send them to? I think that I am NOT ready to pitch but want them to sign on my list.

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iwowwe4you 11 years ago

Resource Box should be like a candy at the end of the article, it is true, so the people would not miss it...
I am usually redirecting to the video that provides additional details and after it is finishes, people are automatically redirected to selling page, that is like the final cake at the end of excitement.
Also I think it is important to keep articles positive and even to put a smile on the readers faces, so add a bit of jokes (not too much).
I would be able to give more specific advice, but I don't know what you are selling.
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Alexa Smith

Banned 11 years ago

Originally Posted by Beatrice

Once people have clicked on the resource box link where do you send them to?

Your landing page, where you build your list.

Whether your landing page is a squeeze page or just a page with an opt-in on a content-filled page of a content-filled site is something we each decide for ourselves. The "normal"/"common" thing to do is to use a squeeze page, and clearly this works well for some people. (I don't use them myself, for the reasons explained in this post.)

Originally Posted by Beatrice

I think that I am NOT ready to pitch but want them to sign on my list.

Yes. I don't disagree at all. But this still leaves you the decision of whether to build your list from a squeeze page or an opt-in that isn't a squeeze page. You will build a bigger list, typically, from a squeeze page. Even with "article marketing traffic". But, paradoxically, that still doesn't necessarily make it the right decision. Then again, it's a little harder to get articles syndicated if you link to a squeeze page (some people "just don't like it" and won't print the article on that basis).

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Beatrice

11 years ago

Originally Posted by Alexa Smith

... You will build a bigger list, typically, from a squeeze page. Even with "article marketing traffic". But, paradoxically, that still doesn't necessarily make it the right decision. .

Thank you so much for your reply Alexa

I think that for the time being I will send my readers to a squeeze page. Once I get more confident with the whole process (article writing and syndication) I will then gradually implement some changes.

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tpw

11 years ago

Originally Posted by JohnMcCabe

When someone chooses to spend time reading one of your articles, they do so anticipating a positive experience. Assuming you deliver the aforementioned positive experience (you can't please everybody), the reader will want to extend that positive experience.

Your resource box should make that offer. You want them to click that link and arrive at your site still anticipating a positive experience.

Your landing page should fulfill the promise made in the resource box. Will a standard squeeze page do that? Better question - will your squeeze page do that?

Articles, resource boxes, and landing pages are all part of a continuum - a flow from one to the next to next, leading to further steps along the path after they opt in. You can't consider individual elements by themselves.

Originally Posted by Beatrice

Hello!

Thanks for your reply.

What happens after the resource box? On a previous post JohnMcCabe mentioned that a squeeze page might not be the best option.

Once people have clicked on the resource box link where do you send them to? I think that I am NOT ready to pitch but want them to sign on my list.

It all begins with the question of "what action do you want readers to take, when they have finished reading your article."

Your landing page should be dictated by what you would like to see happen.

Maybe the squeeze page is the right answer or an information page. I generally use two links: one to the home page (information page) and one to a sales page (here is what I want you to do).

Since you have said that you are looking for opt-ins, maybe the right answer for you is a "long-copy squeeze page", which is kind of a combination between the standard opt-in squeeze page and the sales page.

You may have to test your squeeze page and try different things to figure out the best answer to this problem.

Bottom line: the article is a tool to convince people to read your resource box and take the action you want them to take.

People don't give a hoot what you own, who you are or what you have done in your past. What people do care about most is "what you can do for them."

Your article sets the stage for letting people know what you can do for them, then the resource box gives them an option to learn more specifically what you will do for them.

Never use your resource box to sell your gig. Instead, use your resource box to "entice" your reader to look at your landing page. When they reach your landing page, then you can start selling what you do, or more specifically, what you can do for them and why they should want what you have.

You say that you are not ready to start selling anything to them, and while I understand that you may not be looking for the cash sale immediately, please understand that in order to get their email address, you will have to "sell them" on what you can do for them and why they should care.

We all sell ourselves daily in everything that we do.

When you are applying for a job or trying to get your best friend to go to the store with you, you are selling yourself or your activity.

Don't let the thought of "selling" intimidate you, because it is the honest truth that we all have loads of experience selling stuff. It is just that most of us never realize it.

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Beatrice

11 years ago

Originally Posted by tpw

Since you have said that you are looking for opt-ins, maybe the right answer for you is a "long-copy squeeze page", which is kind of a combination between the standard opt-in squeeze page and the sales page

Hello!

Thanks for your reply. I don't think I have come across a long-copy squeeze page before, would be so kind as to show me an example?

Thanks

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tpw 11 years ago

Originally Posted by Beatrice

Hello!

Thanks for your reply. I don't think I have come across a long-copy squeeze page before, would be so kind as to show me an example?

Thanks

This is a long-copy squeeze page:
billsguides.com

Keep in mind that if you visit this web page, this is not yet ready for public release. It is a campaign I am building, and the freebie for subscription is not yet finished.
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MartinPlatt

11 years ago

You need to 'sell them' to take action...

So that should be something probably that creates a bit of curiosity, and is benefit driven...

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armix

11 years ago

Why don't you use the main keyword and put a hyperlink on it. I have tried this method and it all works.

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tpw

11 years ago

Originally Posted by armix

Why don't you use the main keyword and put a hyperlink on it. I have tried this method and it all works.

It helps when you read the original post for understanding.

Originally Posted by Beatrice

Hello!

I have spent some time reading Alexa Smith threads/posts on this Forum and realised that I was completely "barking up the wrong tree" regarding article marketing (boy was I wrong spinning and firing articles on all cylinders by following the wrong advice)... well we live and learn....

I am now writing for potential readers and NOT for Google (which is a lot more fun).

As the purpose of my articles is now to be syndicated, what is the best thing to put in the resource box? I used to put a "click here" and send visitors to a squeeze page.

Thanks for your replies

NB: Sorry if this question has already been answered, I am slowing working my way through the posts/threads

Previously, she wrote articles for the search engines. But now she has awoke to the very real power of targeting readers instead of focusing on search engines.

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JohnMcCabe

11 years ago

Originally Posted by Beatrice

I understand and agree with your comments about the continuity, but if you're not using a squeeze page, what do you use instead? :confused:

The right squeeze page could be exactly right, if it fulfills the promise in the resource box.

A lot of people try to build their funnel around the "Chinese Menu" model - one from column A, two from column B (the reference is to an old comedy routine). They write an article, then look for the one magic resource box, and the 'best' squeeze page, all whether any of the parts fit together.

I tend to use a 'modified squeeze page' on the home page of a blog. It has the usual bits that go with a blog - header, menu, etc. At the top of the center column is what would normally go on a squeeze page - headline, copy and/or video, opt-in box. Last, some handpicked snippets of 'posts', which are really just longer bullets. If someone clicks on the post, they go to a page with a short excerpt from my opt-in freebie and another chance to opt-in for the whole thing.

That works for my style. It may or may not for you. As Bill said, you just have to keep trying things until you find your own 'sweet spot'...

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Beatrice

11 years ago

Originally Posted by JohnMcCabe

I tend to use a 'modified squeeze page' on the home page of a blog. It has the usual bits that go with a blog - header, menu, etc. At the top of the center column is what would normally go on a squeeze page - headline, copy and/or video, opt-in box. Last, some handpicked snippets of 'posts', which are really just longer bullets.

.. so far, so good

If someone clicks on the post, they go to a page with a short excerpt from my opt-in freebie and another chance to opt-in for the whole thing.

You've lost me here.:confused:

1. Someone reads an article (on my blog or hopefully if syndicated another blog)
2. Clicks on the hyperlink in the "resource box"
3. The hyperlink sent the reader to another page on my blog (which is in effect a detailed squeeze page)
4. If someone clicks on the detailed squeeze page, he/she is being sent to another page with excerpts from the free gift and can opt-in again

I can understand that it works for you, but it seems a bit "long-winded" :confused:

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JohnMcCabe

11 years ago

[QUOTE=Beatrice;7941893You've lost me here.:confused:

1. Someone reads an article (on my blog or hopefully if syndicated another blog)
2. Clicks on the hyperlink in the "resource box"
3. The hyperlink sent the reader to another page on my blog (which is in effect a detailed squeeze page)
4. If someone clicks on the detailed squeeze page, he/she is being sent to another page with excerpts from the free gift and can opt-in again

I can understand that it works for you, but it seems a bit "long-winded" :confused:[/QUOTE]

Sorry, let me expand a bit.

1, 2 and 3 are fine. #4 is mainly for those who are interested, but not quite ready to opt in. The posts linked from the squeeze are meant to further pre-sell my freebie. The easiest way to think of it might be to consider it a multi-page sales letter selling the opt-in.

One benefit I didn't mention is that if one of those posts gets a lot more clicks than the others, I know I have a point I can make better in the original offer. By watching my logs, I can do a kind of 'stealth survey' to improve my offers.

One thing to keep in mind - no one has ever accused me of being "short-winded"...:p

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Beatrice

11 years ago

Originally Posted by JohnMcCabe

The easiest way to think of it might be to consider it a multi-page sales letter selling the opt-in.

Thanks very much for your reply John.

I now realise that this method won't work for me as I am not selling anything until someone has opt in (and the selling will in fact happen way down the line)

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tpw

11 years ago

Originally Posted by Beatrice

Thanks very much for your reply John.

I now realise that this method won't work for me as I am not selling anything until someone has opt in (and the selling will in fact happen way down the line)

I think you are still missing a bigger point...

If you want people to opt-in to your list, you must sell them on the value of your list!!

Frank Kern once said that the people landing on your sales page will fit into one of three groups:

1. People who skim the page looking for the value points of an offer;

2. People who read only the bold text and the highlights on the offer page to determine if the offer will deliver the value they want; and

3. People who read every single word on the page to see if they feel certain that the offer will give them the value they seek. These people will typically read every word on the offer page, every FAQ, and every page on the website, in the process of making their decision about the value of an offer.

Kern suggested that we should put together our sales pages to address the needs of all three types of readers.

What John has outlined is a method to answer Frank Kern's challenge of putting something on the sales page for everyone.

* Some people will simply watch the video, then opt-in.

* Some people will simply read the text call-to-action, then opt-in.

* Some will read the entire front page, then opt-in.

* And still others will want to read every bit of text they can find, before they make the decision to opt-in. That is why they will click the links on the snippets, and go to internal pages of the site, where they will be given more information and another chance to opt-in.

There is one more point that I would like to make with you. And, this is important!

As I said in my previous post, we all sell ourselves and our ideas every single day.

Yet, you appear to remain intimidated by the idea of "selling". It is not a bad thing. Many people feel as you do. Most are intimidated by the idea of selling, simply because they don't want to be viewed by others as a "used car salesman" type.

But the best sales people in the world are NOT the "used car salesman" type.

A good sales person will not try to force the sale. Instead, they will help the consumer make a good decision.

The person who is trying to force the sale is someone who is broadcasting that they care more about what they will get, than they care about what the consumer will receive.

But the person who is willing to "inform the consumer" and "help the consumer make a good decision" has set aside their personal needs, in favor of helping their customers get what their customers want.

Do you see the difference between the two approaches?

People hate "used car salesmen", because that salesman doesn't care whether the customer gets the right car for their needs. The "used car salesman" only cares that he is getting paid today.

But, if you are willing to take the step back from your own needs to make money, and instead become an advisor to the consumer, then the consumer will feel a lot more comfortable in your presence.

People don't want to be sold. They want to buy.

If you can master this distinction, then you will not feel as if you are taking advantage of anyone, and they will not feel as if you are trying to take advantage of them!!

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Beatrice

11 years ago

Originally Posted by tpw

Yet, you appear to remain intimidated by the idea of "selling". It is not a bad thing. Many people feel as you do. Most are intimidated by the idea of selling, simply because they don't want to be viewed by others as a "used car salesman" type

What you are saying makes a lot of sense I just didn't see it this way.

I thought that people who landed on the squeeze page after reading an article would only be after the FREE GIFT and be turned off by other offers. After all why not monetising the very page they land on? Some will take the bite and other won't. Nothing lost here!

I am truly amazed by the dedication of some warriors on this forum to educate people like me who "can't see the forest for the trees"

Much appreciated

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tpw

11 years ago

Originally Posted by Beatrice

I thought that people who landed on the squeeze page after reading an article would only be after the FREE GIFT and be turned off by other offers. After all why not monetising the very page they land on? Some will take the bite and other won't. Nothing lost here!

Some people believe it is better to send them to an opt-in page, so that you can talk to them for years.

I have always been kind of a bonehead on that count, because I have always sent people to a sales page, and never to an opt-in page. :p

I have made a lot of money doing that, but one must ask themselves if I would have been more successful to get them onto a list, before I started trying to sell them something specific.

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Beatrice 11 years ago

Originally Posted by tpw

Some people believe it is better to send them to an opt-in page, so that you can talk to them for years

That was entirely my point, I just couldn't formulate it CLEARLY enough!

Building a relationship with my potential customer seems more important to me than a quick sale.
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solomprince

11 years ago

My best expert when it comes to Article Marketing is Jeff Herring
you can google him

I learned from him that you have to "Weave" your resource box by the end of your article
Never put "Conclusion" to make the next logic step is your resource box

here is his best advices for resource box
TEMPLATE TUESDAY
Resource Box Secrets
Article Submission Tip of the Week – Your Resource Box Made Easy