With the massive amount of information available online, how do you grab the attention of potential customers? With a lead magnet! As the name implies, this digital marketing tool is a way to attract consumers and hold their attention. The long-term goal is to convert these viewers to sales, but first, you have to reel them in. What is a lead magnet? Here’s everything you need to know to get started.
What a Lead Magnet Is
A lead magnet is a free product or service that is offered in exchange for contact details. A visitor to your site opts in to receive something by agreeing to share their email address or other contact info with you. It’s a win-win for both parties! Potential customers receive an item that has value to them, and you gather names, email addresses, and phone numbers to facilitate future communication.
Why Your Business Needs One
Do you give up your phone number or e-mail address easily to a stranger? Probably not! Consumers are understandably reluctant to give up their personal information because no one likes e-mail spam. They will, however, offer up that information in exchange for something they feel is of value to them personally. Think of it as an ice breaker at a social gathering. You wouldn’t just walk up to someone and start talking about yourself! Instead, you introduce yourself, build a rapport by asking about the other person, and start a conversation from there.
What’s in a Great Lead Magnet?
So what can you do to stop people from scrolling away and grab your audience’s attention? Successful lead magnets should:
- Give value to the consumer. Some popular options are discount codes, free gifts, guides, and checklists.
- Offer immediacy. Whatever you deliver, make sure it is immediately available and easily digestible. The lead magnet should land in their inboxes right away, be concise, and easily accessible.
- Position you as the expert. If you offer content as a lead magnet, make sure it showcases your expertise so that the consumer will see you as a valuable, trusted resource.
Examples
The lead magnet you choose to go with will vary depending on the products or services you offer. It’s important to know who your target audience is and what their pain points are. You can then use this information to deliver a lead magnet that will be of value to them. Some examples of lead magnets are:
- Samples
- Free Trials
- Templates
- Personalized Results
- Guides
- Educational Resources
- Discounts
- Free Video Course
- E-books
Once you have developed a lead magnet, you will need a great opt-in on your website. We share 10 Examples of Opt-Ins That Work to get viewers to sign up for your e-mails.
Does the thought of creating an opt-in seem daunting? Let us help you figure out who your ideal customer is and how you can reach them! Our Online Impact Audit provides you with the key information you need to attract consumers to your website.