What is a Lead Magnet or Email Opt-in Incentive?

Have you ever heard the phrase “lead magnet” or “email opt-in incentive” and wondered what it means?

If so, this article is for you. Or, if you know what a lead magnet is but you’re not sure how to use one on your own blog or website, hopefully the rest of this post will be helpful for you as well.

WHAT IS A LEAD MAGNET?

A lead magnet or email opt-in incentive is a free offer that you present to your readers or audience online in exchange for their email address.

The goal or purpose of a lead magnet or email opt-in incentive is to collect email addresses so you can grow an email list to be able to maintain contact with your audience.

WHY SHOULD YOU HAVE AN EMAIL LIST?

Still wondering why you should have an email list in the first place? Read the related article linked below:

RELATED ARTICLE: 5 Reasons to Have an Email List as a Writer

WHERE SHOULD I USE MY LEAD MAGNET?

Lead magnets can be offered to your audience in a number of places and ways. You can share the offer within a blog post, as a “pop-up” or “slide-in” window on your website, in social media posts, in the bio of your social media profiles, or on a separate landing page, just to name a few ideas.

RELATED ARTICLE: What is a Landing Page and How Do I Create One?

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WHAT SHOULD I USE AS A LEAD MAGNET?

Now that you know what a landing page or email opt-in incentive is and where you can place it to attract your audience, what in the world should you use as a lead magnet on your own blog or website? Perhaps you’re wondering, What could I possibly have to offer?

As you consider what you might offer to your readers, start by asking yourself what they might need, appreciate, or benefit from. What problems does your reader face that you could help to solve? What discouragements or disappointments do they face that you could alleviate or provide encouragement for? Jot down a list of ideas as you brainstorm.

Find more questions to ask yourself in this related article:

RELATED ARTICLE: How Well Do You Know Your Target Audience?

Once you’ve determined some problem areas or pain points that your readers face and you’ve brainstormed some ideas for how you can solve those problems or alleviate their pain, how do you decide what format to deliver your solution?

Sign up below for a free list of lead magnet ideas for you to consider:

Visit www.fiveminutefriday.com/magnet
to download your free list of 12 lead magnet ideas.

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HOW DO I SET UP MY LEAD MAGNET?

I personally use ConvertKit as my email service provider, and I love it. They have a fantastic selection of options to use for lead magnets, including various pre-made forms and landing pages.

GET YOUR FREE TRIAL OF CONVERTKIT HERE

ConvertKit also offers a wide range of video and written tutorials in their library to walk you through the set-up of your list, opt-in forms, and lead magnets. I’ve been very impressed with their quick and helpful customer service whenever I have needed help as well.

Still have questions? Feel free to drop them in the comments!

What has worked well for you? What lead magnet ideas do you hope to try first? Share with us below!