How to create a value-packed lead magnet in under 30 minutes

Have you ever pulled up to the coffee shop drive-through window and learned that the car in front of you paid for your order? Getting something for free, especially something as valuable as that early-morning cup of joe, can make your whole day feel brighter.

Your audience also likes getting things for free, and your impact can go far beyond a caffeine buzz. Giving a helpful free resource to your followers can lead to positive customer relationships, more sales, and feelings of trust and appreciation toward your business.

The best way to do this is with a lead magnet.

What is a lead magnet?

A lead magnet is a piece of content like an ebook, video training, mini-course, printable, or checklist that you offer in exchange for your followers’ contact information. It acts as an incentive to attract target audience members, and the ultimate goal is to build an email list of potential customers who love your work.

Lead magnets should help your audience do something specific. The most effective lead magnets are actionable and show someone the answer to a problem they can solve in the next few minutes.

Essentially, they’re bite-sized wins that leave the viewer wondering what else you could teach them.

Lead magnets are…

• Action-oriented: They help the reader do something specific and make progress toward a goal.
• Concise: The viewer should be able to consume the content in a short period of time and walk away feeling accomplished.
• Related to your niche: You want to attract your specific target audience, not everyone and the kitchen sink.
• Things people want: You only have a few seconds to pique someone’s interest. Go for quick, juicy wins over big-picture solutions.

Lead magnets are not…

• Vague and general: You don’t want your resource to come across as a generic copy-and-paste job that leaves readers saying, “Tell me something I don’t know.”
• Elaborate and extensive: Overly complex lead magnets can create overwhelm, causing the viewer to give up before they even start.
• Unrelated to your niche: A lead magnet that draws in a list of random people isn’t valuable to your business. Choose something more specific, even if it means there’s a smaller pool of subscribers.
• Things people need: You can educate people about what they need to achieve their long-term goals later after you’ve had time to build a relationship.

Why should I make a lead magnet?

Sitting down to create anything takes work, and you may be wondering if it’s really worth it to make a product that you’ll give away for free.

Even though lead magnets won’t put money in your pocket today, they can be incredibly lucrative for your business in the long run.

1. First, a lead magnet can help you establish credibility with your followers. By showcasing your expertise and providing something of value for free, you can position yourself as an authority in your field. When followers need information related to your niche, you’ll be the one they turn to.
2. Second, a lead magnet is a fast way to build your email list. With an email list, you have a direct and reliable way to communicate with your audience, promote your digital products, and nurture relationships over time. Curious about email lists? This article covers why all creative businesses, including yours, should have one.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to make a lead magnet that attracts the right people, provides value, and stays true to your brand.

In Podia’s step-by-step website guide, I set up a site for my road trip planning business, Your Best Road Trip. Now, I want to grow my email list by creating a helpful free lead magnet.

Throughout this lead magnet guide, I’ll give you a front-row seat to my creative process so you can see exactly what I’m doing at each step of the way. If you’d like to follow along, grab your free Podia account now.

You don’t have to spend weeks on your lead magnet to make a big impact. In fact, you may be able to set one up in as little as half an hour. Let’s get started.