“If you approach your lead magnet with the idea of helping start your client on the journey to solving a problem, they will be more likely to want to work with you than if your intention is to sell them a product or service.” ~ Kat Milner
Introduction:
As a business owner, one of the most common pieces of advice you hear is to use a Lead Magnet to attract potential clients and build your email list. Then they tell you to nurture your list.
But HOW do you do it?
Let's break it down...
Often a Lead Magnet is a potential client's first real exposure to you, and what you offer. It is an excellent opportunity for you to show them you are an expert in your niche, and allows them a small taste of what it would be like to work with you.
In addition to showing you to them, a Lead Magnet allows you to:
Attract potential clients who are interested in your services
Build your email list, so you can continue to market to people who are interested in what you do
Allows you to build and nurture relationships - providing ongoing value, as well as building trust and rapport
The Lead Magnet is free. All you ask from the interested potential client is their name and email (sometimes phone, but I'd personally leave that for later).
Your Lead Magnet should contain valuable content, and give the consumer a taste of the kind of value they would expect from working with you. The key is to give them a taste - don't give them everything they need for the transformation you offer, because then they won't have a reason to work with you.
Because the prospective client was willing to exchange their name and email address, they expect you contact them with more information.
The secret is not to jump straight to the sell. You know those kiosk people at the mall? The ones that if you make eye contact, you know they'll try to keep you there for 30 minutes to sell you roller shutters or something? Going straight to the sell is the equivalent of being one of those people.
Instead, continue to offer value. Ask for their opinion of the Lead Magnet - did they find it helpful?
Tell them how often they can expect to hear from you - and keep your word. Then, about every 4-5 emails, you can offer to tell them more about something you have coming up, or your services.
If you've built the trust and rapport, they should want to know more about your "work with me" offer.
An effective Lead Magnet addresses specific needs and pain points for your target audience. It should resonate with the issues they have and the outcome they want.
The best Lead Magnets offer immediate value. The reader should feel they are getting a benefit they can implement immediately, to get a result - a small win. This will encourage them to engage with your content further, and want to learn about your services.
For example, let's say you are a health and wellness coach. Perhaps your Lead Magnet is "5 Tips to Staying Healthy While Eating Out". You include your 5 best tips and tricks to have a healthy meal when going out socially. Maybe you include bonus tips for "How to say NO when offered things that will tank your progress".
These are easy-to-implement tips that will give your readers and easy win. When they see how easy it can be to get results with you, they will want to know more.
Don't try to have your Lead Magnet be all things to all people. Even if you offer multiple services, your lead magnet should address one specific challenge, to one specific client.
If you want to attract multiple types of clients - you will be better off to create multiple lead magnets and market them separately.
That said, you will get better results if you choose ONE target audience, and ONE Lead Magnet. Work on marketing it until it is successful (at least 3-6 months, including tweaks), then consider moving on to another.
Clarity. Your lead magnet should be clear and straightforward. Readers should immediately understand what they are getting, and how it will help them.
Simplicity. Mom always said, use a KISS (Keep It Simple Sweetheart). Don't overload your reader with too much information. Focus on one specific topic or challenge, and provide a concise, actionable solution.
Actionability. Make sure the information in your Lead Magnet is actionable. Provide steps, tips, or advice that your readers can implement right away and see a result.
The honest answer is - it depends. It depends on what kind of content you want to create, and you think your target client would enjoy.
E-books are a popular Lead Magnet because they allow you to delve deeply into a topic and can provide substantial value. A well-crafted e-book can help you really stand out as an authority in your niche.
Checklists are highly actionable and easy to digest, making them a favourite for consumers. they provide a step-by-step guide that helps readers achieve a specific outcome. Additionally, your readers can use them repeatedly, which makes them even more valuable.
Webinars allow you to connect with your target audience in real time and provide valuable insights. They are one of the best ways to demonstrate your expertise and engage with your audience directly. And webinars are the fastest way to build a personal connection with your audience.
Free Trial/Sample - offering a free sample of your coaching gives your prospect a taste of what you offer in a very personal, risk-free way. It allows them to experience the benefits of your Coaching firsthand, and builds trust quickly. It also increases the likelihood they will become paying clients. The challenge for you is to not do too much - if you solve the prospect's problems, they won't have a reason to work with you.
These are just a few examples of Lead Magnets, and how they can work for you.
If you are not using a Lead Magnet, you are missing a great opportunity to connect with potential clients, and build trust and relationships.