Main Types Of Web Site Lead Capture Mechanisms:
- Passive Opt-In – email only opt-in form. A passive point within a website for visitors to enter the contact details. This could be on a separate page within the website or as a small opt-in box on the home page.
- Landing Page Opt-In – This is a move up from the passive opt-in as you drive traffic directly to a web page that only purpose is get the visitor to sign up. Currently the most effective method is to have a Video presenting an offer where the visitor can get more information or some other “goodie” like some free software.
- Active Opt-in – This is where a “Pop-Up”, “Pop-Under” or other type of opt-in box appears on a web site, they require a visitor to do something before they can proceed. Either they enter in their email details to receive updates or a newsletter or some other “bribe” or they can click cancel or a close button and proceed into the website. Active opt-in’s can be triggerd either when a new visitor arives or after a few seconds into their visit. You can also configure them to be triggerd when the visitor tries to leave the web page or web site.
- Additional ways to capture leads would be to have a “Social” element like a help forum or blog where visitors have to register to add a comment or ask a question or gain access to a knowledgebase. You can take this further by offering a “Members Only” section to your website that offer Members Only Discounts or Priority Service or some other extra not available to casual browsers.
When considering the type of internet lead capture mechanism, it is impotent to view the whole lead capture life cycle.
- You have to drive the right traffic to the point of capture
- You have to offer something that will be if interest/use and be desirable for your target visitors.
- You have to have a follow-up plan where your keeping in contact with them