Are Squeeze Pages Dishonest?

While surfing the internet, I am sure you have come across a website (or 2 dozen) where the landing page is nothing more than a simple: “Receive a free eBook - Simply fill out the form below!” The form below usually asks for a name and an email address. Once you type this information in, you will usually be redirected to a download page or the download details will be sent to your email.

Is this a scam?

I honestly do not think so! Some claim that these “squeeze” pages are nothing more than SPAM traps. So the first thing you should always do before signing up for one of the squeezes is to check the website’s privacy statement, and in many cases, it is located on the landing page itself underneath the “Submit” button. Does it say something like “We will not sell or lease your email address to any third party?” By law, a webmaster CANNOT place a statement like this on their website if they plan on using your email address for lead brokering. Furthermore, you also may look for a statement such as “You may opt-out of the mailing list at any time”. This is stating that if you choose to no longer be on this mailing list, there are simple methods of removal (in most cases, emails from these newsletters have opt-out links at the bottom of the letter). So from a Spam and legal standpoint, you are probably not putting yourself in harms way. Still, I always check to make sure that a privacy policy about their email list exists. If it does not, it is better to move on.

Was this a sneaky way of getting your email address?

I do not think so, either. Most opt-ins (especially on squeeze pages) offers some type of product for free (whether it is an eBook, an eCourse, a transcript, etc.). Essentially, the price of this product is your email address. It is quite a bargain, in fact, and many of us online marketers are willing to give you quite a bit of information for this small amount (which, in dollar signs is nothing).

But what about my INTENT with the email?

My intent, as with most marketers, is not to spam or inundate you with frivolous emails and sales pitches. Personally, I want people to stay interested in my website and the products that I either promote or sell. If you come to my website and like it, but then leave, you are more than likely not going to return in the future. I spent way too much time keeping my websites up-to-date and current. The fact that someone has come to my website and chooses to opt-in shows a genuine interest from that visitor. Opt-ins are an excellent way of providing your visitors with exactly what they are looking for (and not just once, but over a period of time!).

- Matthew Bredel