After several inquiries concerning creating a lead generating landing page, I decided to use this week's email to give you a four-step process with step-by-step instructions for creating one using Constant Contact.
Everything you need to build the foundation for your landing page is in this email. But you will still need to create the content and images specific to your brand, along with the lead magnet (free ebook, PDF, video, etc.) you will be giving your landing page visitors in exchange for their email address.
Let's get started...
Step 1 - Create a new list
1. Go to constantcontact.com to login to your account. If you do not have a Constant Contact account, you can click here to get started with a free 30-day trial account.
2. In the menu on the left side of the page, click Contacts > Lists.
3. Click on the Create List button at the top of the page.
4. Type in the name of the list you want to create and click Save.
Write down the list name. You will need this when you go to Step 2 to create your standalone sign-up form.
Step 2 - Create a sign-up form and thank you page
1. In the menu on the left side of the page, click Audience Growth > Sign-up forms.
2. Click the + Create a sign-up form button in the upper right corner of the Landing pages dashboard.
3. In the create sign-up form popup menu, select Sign-up Landing Page.
4. Click anywhere in the landing page name where you see "Untitled Campaign…" in the upper left corner of the page and enter a name for your landing page into the Campaign name field. This name is to help you recognize the landing page within your Constant Contact account. Your contacts never see it.
5. Click Save.
6. Click on the First Name field in the Sign-up form block. On the left side of the page, under Default Lists, click on Select Lists and select the list you created in Step 1.
7. You can add fields or delete fields in the Sign-up Form block. To delete a field, just hover over it and click the trash can icon. To add a field, drag the field from the Standard Fields List on the left side of the page wherever you want it placed in your form. There is also an option to add a custom field.
8. Use the Build, Images and Design tabs to customize the branding and content for your sign-up form.
9. Once you have customized your signup form, click DONE.
10. Click on the Thank You menu item at the top of the page. Anyone entering their information into your sign-up form will automatically be redirected to the Thank You Page. You can customize this page using the Build, Images and Design tabs the same way you edited your sign-up form.
11. Click the blue Continue button in the top right corner of the page and fill in your Page Settings.
12. Click on the blue Continue button, then click on the Activate button to activate your form. Don’t worry about making a mistake. You can easily make changes to your form after it has been activated by going to Dashboard > Marketing Channels > Sign-up Forms. Click on the 3 dots (...) next to the Details button to the right of your sign-up form and select Deactivate.
Step 3 – Create a custom landing page.
1. In the menu on the left side of the page, click Audience Growth > Landing pages.
2. Click the + Create a landing page button in the upper right side of the page of the Landing pages dashboard.
3. Select the Custom Landing Page option.
4. Hover your cursor over one of the templates. You an either select the template or preview it. The template I recommend using is the Product Launch template. Most of what you need for an effective landing page is already in this template.
5. Click on “Untitled Campaign…” in the top left corner and name your landing page.
6. Use the Build, Images and Design tabs to customize the branding and content for your sign-up form. It's a simple drag and drop process to add fields and images. Use the Design tab to change colors, fonts and buttons.
7. When you are finished customizing your landing page, click DONE.
Step 4 – Connect your signup form to your landing page.
1. Click on the Dashboard icon at the top of the left side of the page. (You can hover over an icon to see the function of each one.)
2. Click on Audience Growth > Sign-up Forms.
3. Click on the Details button to the right of your sign-up form.
4. Copy the Landing Page URL and paste it into a Word or text document.
5. Click on Audience Growth > Landing Pages.
6. Find your Landing Page in the list and click the Edit button to the right of your landing page. If you have already activated your Landing Page, you will need to deactivate it by clicking on the three dots (…) to the right of the landing page you want to edit.
7. Click on the blue button at the bottom of your landing page. (If you did not use the Product launch page template, you may need to add a button to your landing page by dragging the button icon onto your page.)
8. Click on Add Link in the left column. Type in the text you want to display on your button, paste the sign-up form URL and click Insert.
9. Click on the Preview button at the top of the page and test it to make sure your button is working properly and activate your landing page.
If you have a custom domain name you want to use, it's a simple process to connect your domain to your landing page. It just requires a little technical expertise.
Final Thoughts
Creating a lead generating landing page using Constant Contact is a great option for someone starting a business who needs a simple, cost-effective web presence to promote their product or service.
Creating a landing page is just the tip of the iceberg for creating a lead generation system for your business. There is so much more you can do, but I will address that in an upcoming email.
Let me know if you would like help building your landing page or designing content for your landing page (copy, layout, CTA ideas)?
Best,
Mike Coleman