Sure, you can ChatGPT some lame-o lead magnet with zero strategy or thought… but it won’t work.

Creating a lead magnet (aka: freebie) that actually grows your email list with aligned potential leads take a little more work than that. People MIGHT download a random PDF you slap together, but the goal isn’t more subscribers…

THE GOAL IS THE RIGHT SUBSCRIBERS.

The best lead magnets are intentional. They attract the right people, solve a problem, and position you as the go-to expert for the goods.

So before you high tail it to Etsy to snap up some overpriced (and underwhelming) lead magnet template, answer these 5 questions first.

01. WHAT DO I OFFER OR SELL?

And don’t answer with “travel!” because… duh. Dig deeper. Think about the unique aspects you come to the table with. The value you really provide alongside that expertly crafted itinerary. Think: time saved, overwhelm handled, budget maximization, and more. This is why people hire you, not because they can’t hit the ‘book now’ button on the Costco Travel website.

02. WHAT QUESTIONS DO MY CLIENTS FREQUENTLY ASK?

If you find the same question, misconception, or hesitation keeps coming up in your intake calls or on inquiry forms, it might be time to take a closer look at it. WHY does this keep coming up, and why do your clients feel confident in you knowing the answer?

03. WHAT PAIN POINTS OR PROBLEMS DO MY CLIENTS HAVE?

What frustrations drives them straight into the arms of your inquiry form? Hint, hint: this usually goes hand in hand with question #1.

04. DOES MY FREEBIE TOPIC ALIGN WITH MY EXPERTISE & BRAND?

For the love of all things holy, if you don’t sell safaris and your branding screams tropical beach-y getaways, don’t suddenly slap together a “How to Pack for Your Safari” guide and think it will magically grow your list. It will NOT land, it will NOT make sense, and it’s absolutely NOT strategic. Your freebie should naturally nestle into your service suite, not stick out like a sore thumb. Along with that, it should be a topic that you can speak confidently about.

05. HOW WILL MY AUDIENCE BENEFIT FROM THIS CONTENT?

Your lead magnet needs to provide a quick win or “ah-ha” moment for your audience. It should stand on its own without your involvement.. meaning, it should be valuable enough to be used by your audience without them needing to pay your planning fee or hop on a call with you. At the same time, it doesn’t need to be super detailed or spill all of your secrets, because it is FREE, after all. Balance, my friend. Balance.

STILL STUCK ON A FREEBIE?

If creating a freebie for your business makes you want to throw your laptop into the sea, this might help.