Get your landing page wrong, and you can lose a ton of money. But get it right and you can be well on your way to the lifestyle you want. Let’s get rollin’…

Mistake #1: Having a confusing design.

What do people like more? “Ugly” pages or “beautiful” ones? It’s not a question of beauty. It’s a question of simplicity, clarity and usability. Simple sells. Most “ugly” websites tend to be very simplistic (which is good). That’s where “ugly sells” came from.

Avoid having distracting links above the fold - put them at the bottom of the page instead. What you want is “eye-pleasing but dead simple.” Which brings us to…

Mistake #2: Not using “eye candy.”

A picture equals a 1000 words. Just having text can be simple (as it should) - but it’s also boring. People are short on time and they make decisions within nanoseconds. A picture (also known as a “hero shot”) can convey the message and the “good feelings.”

Examples may include: Smiling people, beautiful women, earning screenshots, product covers etc. The picture should promise the end result your prospect is hoping for: A set of six pack abs, a tropical paradise, “fun times” etc.

Similarly, use eye candy at the point where your visitor needs to take an action. Don’t use just links to point to the merchant you promote. Use graphical buttons, submit buttons, site screenshots, product images etc.

Mistake #3: No Call To Action above the fold.

Many times, when we create landing pages, we tend to be inside our heads. We think that the visitors will see everything the way we see it. “Hey, they will come to my page and then my hypnotic words that go on for 3 pages will convince them to buy what I promote.”

Yes, some people are readers, scrollers and “fact gatherers.” But you’ll be surprised how many are eager to “just click something” and take an action that someone else tells them.

Have your call to action above the fold. For example, a big green button that says “Start Today.” Feel free to “make your case” with text - but respect the fact that people are short on time and patience too.

Mistake #4: Not building credibility.

You may believe in the product you promote or in your own “goodness” - but your prospects don’t (yet). Build as much credibility as possible, but without appearing like you “try too hard.”

Have one-two good, short and to-the-point testimonials. Have some seals of approval like “as seen on CNN, TV, etc.” This is “borrowed” credibility (”if it was shown on TV it MUST be good”). Show “awards” like “voted top choice by consumers.” Use pictures of checks.

Mistake #5: Not using a compelling headline.

All the other crap can wait. Make sure you have a strong headline at the very top of your landing page. Make it stand out with bigger font, and make it bolded.

Do you want a “formula” for a headline that works like gangbusters? “Tell people what they want to hear while still being believable.”

NOT “Lose 50 pounds in 5 days doing nothing” but “Lose 9 lbs in 12 days by enjoying good food.” (Which overweight person wouldn’t want to lose 9 lbs in 12 days while EATING.) Don’t promise the moon but be “optimistic” in your promises (assuming that the product you promote can deliver them, if used properly).

Later…