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Many people want to know how to create a lead magnet, thinking it will grow their audience. 

But this is only partially true.

A lead magnet won’t grow your audience unless it’s done right, promoted well, and aligns with your brand. 

Too many businesses throw together a freebie that no one actually wants, and then wonder why their email list isn’t growing. A great lead magnet delivers real value, builds trust, and gets people excited about hearing from you again. Here’s how to create one that actually works.

A Real Client Example of How to Create a Lead Magnet

smiling photo of Sydney as we share how to create a lead magnet

Start With Your Audience’s Biggest Pain Point

A lead magnet only works if it helps solve or recognize a problem your audience genuinely cares about.

Instead of asking “what can I give away?”, ask “what’s stopping my ideal client from taking the next step?”

Sydney noticed that the majority of her clients, or ideal clients, were suffering some form of imposter syndrome. So we decided to use that as the foundational “pain point” for our focus. 

Create a Lead Magnet Format That Fits Your Audience

Lead magnets don’t have to be complicated. Pick a format that matches how your audience likes to learn. Some of the most effective formats include:

People love learning about themselves, so quizzes are one of the most popular and effective formats. Plus, they can be fun!

Sydney’s audience, mostly women, are also a popular demographic for quizzes. So, we decided to do an imposter syndrome quiz. Bonus points: It also ranked well for SEO, so we were able to do a series of accompanying blog articles

Make It High Value, But Not Overwhelming

Your lead magnet should feel like a quick win.

If it’s too light, it won’t feel worth handing over an email address. But if it’s too heavy, people won’t read it…or they’ll save it to “read later” and never get around to it. 

The sweet spot? Solve one problem really well. That builds trust and curiosity for what you can help them achieve next.

And remember: the best lead magnets are quick and digestible, something people can use right away. 

Of course, there isn’t any single way to “solve” imposter syndrome. So in Sydney’s case, we gave people three possible levels of imposter syndrome they might be experiencing, how it might be impacting their lives, and different tips and strategies tailored to each level.

Here’s part of one of the results pages as an example below:

 

How to Create a Lead Magnet Landing Page 

Your lead magnet deserves its own spotlight!

While you can have small sections or banners on your site mentioning it, it’s great to have a proper page you can link to if you’re promoting it in any way. 

That means a simple, clear landing page with:

  • A headline that highlights the benefits.
  • Bullet points that explain what they’ll get.
  • An obvious call-to-action…ideally high up enough on the page that they don’t need to scroll down to get to the first option to click it.
  • Include pictures or screenshots of the lead magnet if possible, this also tends to increase the number of people who actually use the lead magnet.
  • Share a bit about you or your organization somewhere, they don’t need a full bio, but a short blurb about why you’re an expert.

The page we made for Sydney’s imposter syndrome lead magnet is empathetic but still light-hearted, has strong SEO, and looks great! 

Deliver Your Lead Magnet Seamlessly

Don’t leave people waiting. Use your email platform to send the magnet immediately.

Better yet, set up a welcome sequence that builds on the magnet:

  • Introduce yourself.
  • Share a bit more value.
  • Show how you can help beyond the freebie.

This turns one download into the beginning of a relationship.

In Sydney’s case, we gave people immediate access to the quiz, and sent a follow up welcome email with the quiz as well. The email also shared they would be added to her weekly-ish emails. 

Promote It Across Your Channels

Your lead magnet won’t do much if no one sees it. Promote it on your:

  • Homepage (it can have its own small section, a banner ad, etc)
  • Relevant pages of your website
  • Blog posts
  • Social media
  • Email signature

Sydney promoted the lead magnet as a banner on her website and on her social media. She also has a podcast, and she even created two episodes specifically around imposter syndrome. This added value for people, and was a very natural fit to promote the quiz.

Mastering How to Create a Lead Magnet

A lead magnet isn’t about giving away something random for free. It’s about creating real value that builds trust and positions you as the obvious next step when your audience is ready for more.

Want someone on your team who already knows how to create a lead magnet? 

I’d love to help you create a lead magnet that attracts the right people and offers to your good work.

Get in touch or explore my copywriting services today! 

Many people want to know how to create a lead magnet, thinking it will grow their audience. 

But this is only partially true.

A lead magnet won’t grow your audience unless it’s done right, promoted well, and aligns with your brand. 

Too many businesses throw together a freebie that no one actually wants, and then wonder why their email list isn’t growing. A great lead magnet delivers real value, builds trust, and gets people excited about hearing from you again. Here’s how to create one that actually works.

A Real Client Example of How to Create a Lead Magnet

smiling photo of Sydney as we share how to create a lead magnet

Start With Your Audience’s Biggest Pain Point

A lead magnet only works if it helps solve or recognize a problem your audience genuinely cares about.

Instead of asking “what can I give away?”, ask “what’s stopping my ideal client from taking the next step?”

Sydney noticed that the majority of her clients, or ideal clients, were suffering some form of imposter syndrome. So we decided to use that as the foundational “pain point” for our focus. 

Create a Lead Magnet Format That Fits Your Audience

Lead magnets don’t have to be complicated. Pick a format that matches how your audience likes to learn. Some of the most effective formats include:

People love learning about themselves, so quizzes are one of the most popular and effective formats. Plus, they can be fun!

Sydney’s audience, mostly women, are also a popular demographic for quizzes. So, we decided to do an imposter syndrome quiz. Bonus points: It also ranked well for SEO, so we were able to do a series of accompanying blog articles

Make It High Value, But Not Overwhelming

Your lead magnet should feel like a quick win.

If it’s too light, it won’t feel worth handing over an email address. But if it’s too heavy, people won’t read it…or they’ll save it to “read later” and never get around to it. 

The sweet spot? Solve one problem really well. That builds trust and curiosity for what you can help them achieve next.

And remember: the best lead magnets are quick and digestible, something people can use right away. 

Of course, there isn’t any single way to “solve” imposter syndrome. So in Sydney’s case, we gave people three possible levels of imposter syndrome they might be experiencing, how it might be impacting their lives, and different tips and strategies tailored to each level.

Here’s part of one of the results pages as an example below:

 

How to Create a Lead Magnet Landing Page 

Your lead magnet deserves its own spotlight!

While you can have small sections or banners on your site mentioning it, it’s great to have a proper page you can link to if you’re promoting it in any way. 

That means a simple, clear landing page with:

  • A headline that highlights the benefits.
  • Bullet points that explain what they’ll get.
  • An obvious call-to-action…ideally high up enough on the page that they don’t need to scroll down to get to the first option to click it.
  • Include pictures or screenshots of the lead magnet if possible, this also tends to increase the number of people who actually use the lead magnet.
  • Share a bit about you or your organization somewhere, they don’t need a full bio, but a short blurb about why you’re an expert in this area!

The page we made for Sydney’s imposter syndrome lead magnet is empathetic but still light-hearted, has strong SEO, and looks great! 

Deliver Your Lead Magnet Seamlessly

Don’t leave people waiting. Use your email platform to send the magnet immediately.

Better yet, set up a welcome sequence that builds on the magnet:

  • Introduce yourself.
  • Share a bit more value.
  • Show how you can help beyond the freebie.

This turns one download into the beginning of a relationship.

In Sydney’s case, we gave people immediate access to the quiz, and sent a follow up welcome email with the quiz as well. The email also shared they would be added to her weekly-ish emails. 

Promote It Across Your Channels

Your lead magnet won’t do much if no one sees it. Promote it on your:

  • Homepage (it can have its own small section, a banner ad, etc)
  • Blog posts
  • Social media
  • Email signature

Sydney promoted the lead magnet as a banner on her website and on her social media. She also has a podcast, and she even created two episodes specifically around imposter syndrome. This added value for people, and was a very natural fit to promote the quiz.

Mastering How to Create a Lead Magnet

A lead magnet isn’t about giving away something random for free. It’s about creating real value that builds trust and positions you as the obvious next step when your audience is ready for more.

Want someone on your team who already knows how to create a lead magnet? 

I’d love to help you create a lead magnet that attracts the right people and offers to your good work.

Get in touch or explore my copywriting services today! 

VIP Copywriting Services

Author VIP Copywriting Services

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