11 Lead Magnet, Offer & Freebie Ideas to Grow Your Email List
One of your best business assets may be something you don’t suspect. It’s not your website or your super-secret trademarked process or even your brand recognition or goodwill. It’s your email list! And if you’re not using your website to actively build a list, you are leaving money on the table.
Like I’ve mentioned before, you can’t count on social media to connect with your audience, and done right people are not annoyed or bothered by getting emails. Here are some quick email marketing stats (all stats from here.):
72% of consumers say that email is their favorite method of communication with companies they do business with. '
81% of US online shoppers are more likely to make additional purchases, either online or in a store, as a result of emails based on previous shopping behaviors and preferences.
66% of consumers have made a purchase online as a direct result of an email marketing message
Why Email Works
If you’re running an online business or have something to sell (your products, your services, even your time!) - the chances are good that it’s going to take more than one contact with a potential customer to get them to fork over some cash. Do you know what odds aren’t good? Hoping that the client comes back to your site on their own to check you out multiple times. So, email gets you in front of people who have already expressed at least some moderate amount of interest in what you have to offer on a timeline you can control.
Here’s the secret: you’ve got to sweeten the deal
Sorry but no one is signing up to your list just because they’re hoping to get an email from you at some point. Email isn’t that magical. But people want to feel connected to brands they are interested in so let potential subscribers know that discounts and the VIP treatment awaits and they’ll be more than happy to sign up! And, of course, while this post is all about how to grow your email list don’t forget that email marketing success is really about sending consistent content that’s of high value to your subscribers. Just think of all the ways you can be a resource to your customers or how you can help them get the most out of their purchases from you. (Related post: 4 Post-Sale Emails Every eCommerce Site Needs)
Lead Magnet, Offer & Freebie Ideas
We’ve all seen the sign up boxes offering a discount off our first order and those are good but I want you to think about how you can set up a sign up box with a message that 1) aligns with your brand and 2) isn’t just about dishing out discounts left and right. I do think that a welcome discount code can be good so I’ll share with you exactly how to set that up below but remember the goal is to think of ways that you can give something of value to subscribers and start to build a relationship with them. We’re not just looking for one-time signups who will unsubscribe as soon as they get their coupon code here!
Offer a Free Gift with Purchase. I especially like this over a pure discount because it doesn’t de-value your products.
Offer a free gift with purchase by creating a coupon code for one of your smaller “add-on” type items. To prevent people from taking advantage of things, just set a dollar limit. (i.e. Free XYZ with any purchase of $$$ or more.)
Offer free shipping - but only for first-time customers who spend $X
Offer a discount code that only applies to certain shop categories like your best sellers to encourage people to try you for the first time
Offer a “digital gift card” instead of a coupon code - it feels more special!
Offer a companion guide to your products. For example, if you sell genuine Italian leather goods, offer a free guide on how to take care of leather accessories.
Send free samples. For example, if you sell candles pop a free wax melt in the mail so people can try out your scents!
If you sell services or digital goods:
Use a free Canva template to create a workbook, cheatsheet, checklist, or printable that aligns with your larger services.
Offer a teaser of what to expect from your larger offering i.e. just the first chapter of your ebook (with a link to buy the full one at the end, obviously)
Giveaway access to a “resource library” of files (ex: Grab my 10 favorite business checklists!)
Create an email “mini-course” that triggers upon signing up
Offer a free trial or way to engage with you at low/no risk for a limited period of time
Whatever you decide upon, you’re sure to start seeing new list signups start flowing in!
How to Set Up an Automated Welcome Offer
Create/set up your freebie. It doesn’t have to be fancy! (See below for ideas if you’re struggling to think of what to offer.)
Add a newsletter block or popup to your site. Most people throw their newsletter signups in the footer but, hey, go crazy and put them wherever! Don’t feel like you can’t pop a signup mid-page if it makes sense. Or, if you’ve got something cool you don’t want people to miss, use the popup feature!
Don’t ask for more info than you need to. Email address only or email + name, max. That’s it.
In your email marketing system, create an automatic “welcome” email that goes out to anyone who has just signed up for your list and includes the offer within the body of the email, or use a link/button to attach a download.
Not sure which email marketing software to go with? Check out Email Marketing Platform Showdown (ConvertKit vs. Flodesk vs. Squarespace Email Campaigns) for my recommendations!
