30 Lead Magnets that are extremely effective (With examples)

Apr 27, 2022

These lead magnet ideas and examples will help give your target audience a valuable source to help them resolve a problem (in exchange for an email address.)

If your inbox has been full to the brim, you might sympathize with your readers - who would want to share their email address only to get many more emails?

It's a belief that is shared by an increasing amount of people, and is one of the major problems facing today's marketers.

A list of email addresses is among the best and longest-lasting assets a business can have however, to get an email address of possible customers, you must offer them something to exchange.

Here we'll take a look at a method to accomplish this: making use of lead magnets made from high-quality.

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What exactly is a lead magnet?

A lead magnet is something you provide to someone for their contact details typically an email address.

The purpose of an email lead magnet is to give the people you want to reach a tool that will help them to solve an issue, and which they are willing to give their email to.

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What are the characteristics of a successful Lead magnet?

All lead magnets are not created equal. While it can be tempting to convert any blog post into PDF and use it as the lead magnet, you need to be a little bit better than the other lead magnets.

These are the essential elements to make a great prospectus:

  It is the solution to a particular issue.  

To entice your target audience to sign up for your lead magnet, you need provide them with a solution to a problem they are grappling with. This could be as straightforward like not being sure what you should serve for dinner, or even as complicated as wanting to take on a significant job change.

Find out your people's issues and then create lead magnets that address these. On your lead magnet landing page, be sure to highlight those pain points and guide your readers to your lead magnet for a solution.

If you're creating a lead magnet, try to create it as clear as is possible. Ideally, you want to include a different lead magnet for every item you publish. This allows you to tailor your content to meet the requirements of different audiences who visit your website.

If you create multiple focused lead magnets you can drive more traffic to your website and make leads. Be sure that your content is working to your advantage!

  It is easy to access  

If you've had to download a resource and was waiting for it and then wait for it to download, you'll see that lead magnets are required to be accessible. Your audience doesn't want to be left twitching their fingers. You must ensure that your lead-generator is ready to download and does precisely what you say it will.

This also implies getting right to the point in any lead magnet. Don't waste your audience's time with pages of lengthy introductions. The lead magnet you choose to use should draw the attention of your readers as soon as they open the page, so cut right straight to the point.

  It showcases your expertise  

Lead magnets are also brilliant tools for establishing your expertise within your industry or field. With the right lead magnets you'll be able to build trust and confidence among your customers and show you're the best business to do your task.

One thing that makes lead magnets so useful is their capability to make you an authority within your field. If you create the right resources, you can quickly establish yourself as a leader in your field.

  It provides real value  

Ultimately, your lead magnets will only be able be effective if they can give your readers something of real worth. Each lead magnet must provide both perceived value as well as actual value. That means you need to offer a truly useful service that any potential customers will be grateful for.

If you've figured out what makes a good lead magnet, now it's time to explore the lead magnets ideas as well as examples.

30 ideas for lead magnets with examples

Do you want to develop lead magnets to promote your business? Here are some lead magnet concepts and some examples.

    Cheatsheet    

If you're looking to assist your audience members resolve a challenge then why not make the lead-in sheet? If you're in search of simple lead magnets it's a great starting point. Cheat sheets provide your customers with the opportunity to use - potentially daily - and is the best way to keep your name in the forefront of their minds.

The Corporate Finance Institute has created an excel cheat sheet to be used in conjunction with their blog posts on this subject. Try this lead magnet concept for your business?

    Checklist    

Checklists are a super useful lead magnet suggestion. The checklist is perfect for startups and small companies as it's easy to create and does not require lots of time or resources. Just condense the knowledge you have on an area into a series of bullet points and make it into a pdf. Done.

Make checklists for instructional videos, blogs, recipes, and more. There's no limit to what you can do using this lead magnet concept!

    Ebook    

A different lead magnet concept is to convert your experience in an ebook. You can find countless examples of this lead magnet idea online. It's a really popular choice for content creators. Why? Because it's endlessly adaptable depending on the area you're in.

If you're able to come up with a topic, you can probably write an ebook on it. Essentially an ebook is just an extended blog article that is formatted to appear attractive, ideally including some interesting design elements like boxes, quotes and diagrams.

However, be aware that ebooks don't appeal to all. They can be heavy and time-consuming to get through. If you're planning to create an ebook, be sure you're writing about a subject which your intended audience is engaged with.

Ebook Lead Magnet Example

    Audiobook    

Much like an ebook or audiobook, audiobooks can be an effective lead magnet. It's just that your customers receive the option of downloading an audio track instead of reading the book. It can be a fascinating lead magnet , offering your customers something more unique than your competition. If you're comfortable talking and doing voice-overs for your online courses, you should find it easy to make audiobooks to use as lead magnets.

    Podcast    

If you're in search of ways to make a closer connection with your followers and to introduce them to your image, consider creating a podcast. Podcasts make effective lead magnets as they're adaptable and perfect for people who are constantly on the move.

By speaking on podcasts, you'll build your reputation as an authority within your field while also giving your business a more personable and friendly appearance. It is also possible to provide a PDF transcript of your show as an extra lead magnet that listeners can download. Be sure to bring others from similar businesses and experts in as podcast hosts to broaden the appeal of your show.

    Quiz    

Depending on your niche the quiz could make a great lead-generation idea. Quizzes help to gamify learning and could be used to teach a range of different topics.

For the first step in designing a quiz lead magnet you should brainstorm some possible themes and then figure out which ones would be the most interesting for the people you want to reach. It is possible to use a program such as Typeform to design your quiz easily and hey presto you've got a lead magnet!

Neil Patel uses a quiz to create a lead-generating tool on his website to provide readers with insights on how to improve their SEO strategies. Here's this lead magnet idea working:

Quiz Lead Magnet Example

    Survey or Survey or    

Have your readers give their opinions on a topic by conducting a poll or survey. Surveys and polls can easily transform into lead magnets simply by soliciting users to provide an email address in order to participate or see the results.

Like a quiz, surveys and polls are useful lead-generating tools because they're easy to make and highly adaptable depending on your industry. They can also be used to give customers an insight into popular opinions and current trends related to your niche.

    Templates    

One of the most common and well-liked lead magnet ideas is the classic downloadable template. Templates let your customers implement what they've learned into use by providing a template that allows them to build their own materials. Don't underestimate the power of a template to engage your audience and aid them on their learning journey.

Download this Audience Research template from Neil Patel's free Webinar course to help you identify the people who will be interested in your lead magnets, marketing and many more!

     (... Do you see what we did there? )  

    Spreadsheets    

The use of a spreadsheet is simple and fast to add value for your target audience. Though a spreadsheet might seem as a basic lead-generation concept, most people don't have the knowledge or time to create a spreadsheet for their own. Do not underestimate the value of it can be!

A spreadsheet is something that your target audience will potentially be using for a long time, so it's also a great option to maintain your brand on their mind for the long term - and they'll thank you for making their life easier.

    Scripts    

If you hear the term script, you might think about movies or the theatre but scripts can be efficient lead-generating tools to a variety of different companies. If the target market you are targeting has situations in which they require to communicate - think speeches, videos, presentations or calls - the script is an extremely valuable source.

If you'd like an alternative, consider using this lead magnet idea like template. Make a simple script, and then offer your audience the option of modifying it. With the right script, you can create an online resource that your clients will use every day.

    Workbooks    

A lead-in to a workbook is a downloadable resource that people can download to solve an issue that they're struggling with. It usually includes the steps that people need to go through, along with tips of advice, suggestions and other information. If you only have only a single page workbook, then it's typically referred to as a worksheet. Use worksheets and workbooks to reinforce your students' knowledge and help them set assignments.

If you've got a lot of workbook or worksheet lead magnets, you can create an online resource library. This idea for a lead magnet could help to increase the use of the lead magnets you have by giving your audience access to them all at once.

Speaking of workbooks! Download the absolutely free Business Brand Workbook to evaluate what your business's situation is now and create your customer avatar

    Desktop wallpaper    

Get creative using a desktop wallpaper that you can download! This lead magnet is great for artists, photographers as well as designers. If you're in a company that is already creating many high-quality images, you can turn the content into a lead magnet easily.

This is a fun method to provide your fans with more value and also help keep your name in their minds. Every when they turn on their laptop they'll think of your company!

Course creator Kathleen Rietz offers subscribers free smartphone wallpaper to accompany her Romantic Roses painting course:

Desktop Wallpaper Lead Magnet Example

    Calendars    

If you're seeking interesting lead magnets for your business, a downloadable calendar is a creative way to get clients interested in your company. Design a calendar to assist people remember important dates, follow a program or learn some new information. The sky's the limit with this lead magnet idea!

Later created this useful downloadable social media calendar for marketers and creators with the scheduling of themed media. This is their download page:

Calendar Lead Magnet Examples

    Sites for membership    

If you're trying to build a community around your brand, a free membership site can be a really valuable lead magnet. These sites can be a fantastic option to stay in contact with your customers - even after they've finished your course - giving you an opportunity to update them on new products, publicize promotions and provide the resources.

The membership options allow potential customers and clients to communicate with one another. This creates the impression of an exclusive, inviting club that can be big boost for your image. If you provide complimentary sign-ups on your site for members it is also possible to capture leads for potential customers before they make a purchase.

    Secure content    

Like a membership website using gated content on your site can be a powerful lead-generation tool. The concept behind gated content is that you cover certain content on your site by displaying a pop-up window that requires the use of an email address. This creates an air of exclusivity that improves the quality of your site's contents.

Numerous news organizations are making use of gated content as a lead attraction to make money from their content. Here's an instance taken from The New York Times:

The New York Times believes in the excellence of its content, and the readers are willing to sign up using your email address to get access to more articles.

Gated Content Lead Magnet Example

    Challenges    

Everyone loves challenges, right? If you want to take your lead magnet game up a notch, set up a contest to help your audience to learn something new, establish better habits and gain an achievement that is new.

They are effective lead magnets because they gamify the learning process. Rather than making your way through a class or module instead, you're presented with a task to take on instead.

To see a fantastic illustration of the lead magnet concept that is actually being implemented you can look over Morning Brew's Money Scoop challenge to budget and Investing:

Morning Brew is also a good idea to recruit an  accountability buddy to assist you in completing the task, effectively increasing the lead magnet's potential through encouraging referrals.

Challenge Lead Magnet Example

    Case studies    

A really effective lead magnet idea is a case study for your company. Case studies provide potential clients an insight into how your brand can help clients while also serving as an effective lead-generating tool.

If you're planning to try producing a case study lead magnets, here are some tips:

  • Storytelling with characters and conflict
  • As specific as possible
  • Incorporate quotes from your client
  • Give it a good conclusion
Case Study Lead Magnet Example

    Video training    

One of the strongest lead magnets is to use videos as a form of content. Videos are easy to digest and will draw your viewers' attention instantly. On social media, video content gets more engagement than other posts so they're easily promoted also. Just upload short clips of the video you've created to your social accounts and watch the leads pour in.

The most effective video-based training lead magnets transform a hard-to-grasp concept into a straightforward and entertaining video. If you're able to include animated elements, images and other interesting features, you can create a lead magnet that introduces potential customers to the best aspects of your business and keeps them engaged long after they've finished watching.

    Webinar    

If you're in search of lead magnets that offer an appealing value to your audience webinars are an excellent method to follow. Create a dedicated landing page, include the sign-up form, and then give participants access to your complimentary webinar as a lead magnet.

If you're a course creator webinars, specifically evergreen webinars, are an effective way of convincing users to take part in a full paid course too. They offer them a preview of your style of teaching and the benefits they can expect when they become a student.

Below is an instance for creator of the course John Lee Dumas for his podcast Masterclass :

Webinar Lead Magnet Example

    Email course    

If you're a course designer you might consider creating a small email course that can be a lead magnet for your business. The email course offers you the opportunity to gather the email addresses of potential leads, while giving users a preview of what your courses that are paid for will work.

Thanks to automation tools, you can deliver your course via email easily and with very little input from you. Furthermore, you are able to also convince people to forward your email course to friends and colleagues, which will extend the reach of your course. Add sharing links in order to make this step so easy.

Mini Course Lead Magnet Example

    Whitepaper    

Supported by research and citations, a whitepaper is ideal lead magnet when you've got a ton of data to present to your readers. Whitepapers that are of the highest quality contain a lot of detail and require the reader in a deeper dive into the subject that is important to your target audience.

Although whitepapers can be more academic than guides or blogs, this doesn't mean they have to be boring. Create a whitepaper that is engaging and visually interesting to get the most value from this lead-generating tool.

    State-of-the-industry report    

If you've got expertise in your industry and the data to back it up, why not try writing a state-of-the-industry report? You can use research as well as expert interviews and surveys to create your research. Examine your industry now and predict the near future.

Turning industry data into a lead magnet that can be downloaded is a simple method to demonstrate your credibility in your field and capture emails in return. State-of-the-industry reports and predictions can also help to build confidence in your brand. Through this lead magnet strategy, you can make your brand appear as a trusted source of assistance to guide potential customers through any future shifts or changes within your field.

Michael Page uses state-of-the-industry reports and predictions as effective lead magnets to provide information to their target audience. Here's a 2021 example:

Industry Report Lead Magnet Example

    Chapter sample    

If you're going through the effort of creating your book, do you wish readers to take the time to read it, right? Get the most value from your high quality content by providing a sample chapter to attract customers. It serves as a teaser to entice potential buyers into making a purchase. You can type in your email address to get a sneak peek inside the book.

Using a sample chapter as a lead source will also provide you with an idea of the people to target with any future promotional material and subjects related to your book.

    Mobile app    

If you have an application that's mobile, this is a really straightforward lead magnet idea to implement. In order for users to access the app's content, request users to sign-up with an email address and create an account.

As far as lead magnets are concerned, this is a good alternative since people are familiar with giving their email address whenever they start using the app. Others have set the stage for you, so for your target audience entering their email addresses is an easy choice.

Mobile App Lead Magnet Example

    Waitlists    

If your product has a coming out, use this lead magnet idea - a waiting list! Much like the queue outside of your favourite bar, club or coffee shop waiting lists can give customers an impression that your item or service is highly in demand. It's also an excellent way to build your email list while giving customers access to the product or service they want.

The concept of waiting lists is particularly effective when you have limited time offers or products that are limited in release. A waiting list lead-generator lets people know that you're serious about loyalty to your customers and that you're invested in helping them access your product or services.

    Free consultation    

If you're looking to reach a less discerning audience, you might like to consider a no-cost consultation to promote your lead concept. It's not a good idea for solo-minded entrepreneurs who have large followings, however when you're in a position to do it and resources, it could be a really valuable lead magnet.

Free consultations give you the opportunity to show off your expertise and give your brand a friendly face. If you're a course designer Free consultations are a great way to build a strong connection with the community of your course and increase brand loyalty. It is also possible to use a spin selling script [LINK] that converts potential customers into buyers.

instructor MyTutor utilizes an online tutor matching service for free that helps potential customers find the perfect tutor to meet their needs:

Free Consultation Lead Magnet Example

The also comes with a short survey to learn more about their customer's goals and kick-start the selling funnel.

    Coupons and giveaways    

The lead magnet idea could also include giving potential customers the incentive to purchase the product. The use of lead magnets such as coupons works well for convincing people to buy. These are effective since customers can associate their sign up with an actual monetary value. You get X to exchange their email address.

Coupons and giveaways are really popular with retailers, but creators of courses can also benefit from these. The course creator Miss Excel uses discount codes to identify milestones of her company. This helps followers to feel part of the community while encouraging them to make an additional purchase.

Here's an example of a promotion from her Instagram:

Coupon Give Away Lead Magnet Example

    Discount    

As with coupons, discounts are also great lead magnets for encouraging buyers to make the decision and purchase. They are usually employed as 'bottom of the funnel' lead magnet idea after you've provided prospective buyers with information about your brand and your product range.

In this stage, the clients have an understanding of what you do and the ways you can assist the customer, all they have to do is to take the final step. A discount code is a nice way to entice the customer to make that purchase. It doesn't need to be an enormous amount. As little as 5-10% will do.

    Free trial    

If you're a provider of a subscription product, giving a free trial is an effective lead-generation strategy to keep to your side. The free trial gives your customers access to your service for a limited time only so they are able to take a peek at what it's as if they were a consumer.

A free trial doesn't have to offer all the functions of your complete product. It's just enough to entice your customers. The trial could also be an opportunity to gather feedback from your target audience. If they don't change their trial to a paid subscription, give your customers the choice of filling out surveys to let you know why.

    Product demos    

Are you aware of the time you go buying perfume and the salesperson puts a few samples in your purse? The similar method as an opportunity to attract customers on your site. Product samples or demo provides a peek at your offerings. You can use product demos with audio and video content by offering a clip to your customers as a lead-generator.

Workable uses a product demo opportunity to draw in potential customers. The sign-up form offers an option of receiving additional details and invites to events via emails, while leaving an open door for the creation of new lead magnets. This is their landing page

Product Demo Lead Magnet Example

Put these lead magnet ideas into practice...

With the abundance of lead magnet ideas out there All you have to choose is the ones that are right for the audience you want to reach and the type of content you've created. From video training to trial offers to webinars, you can get really creative in your lead magnet ideas to help your company's brand.

For information about lead magnets and list creation, sign up for Neil Patel's webinar sales funnel training course.

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