Not all lead magnets are built to do the same job. Some are meant to grow your list, others to warm leads before a launch, and others to help you sell directly.
The trick isn’t just creating a freebie – it’s choosing the right one for your current business goal. Let’s explore the three types of freebies you should have in your ecosystem and when to use each.
Freebie Type 1: For List Growth
Purpose: To build and segment your email list with relevant, low-lift value.
What It Looks Like: These are short, useful, and hyper-relevant resources – think checklists, templates, or mini-guides. They’re often used alongside other content like podcasts, YouTube videos, or blog posts to capture new subscribers quickly.
Examples:
- Little Quick Hitters – Short guides that extend content from podcasts or videos.
- Example: Amy Porterfield’s PDF guides tied to podcast episodes.
- Supplemental Resources — Episode notes, blog post templates, or condensed summaries.
- Example: YouTubers offering free “video notes” to download.
- Value Bombs – High-value mini courses or trainings to build serious goodwill.
- Example: James Wedmore’s “Your First 100 Leads” mini-course.
- General Interest Downloads – Widely appealing tools that attract a variety of entry points.
- Example: Jasmine Star’s Mindset Makeover or Productivity Planner PDFs.
When to Use: When your priority is list growth, or you’re nurturing a general audience before a launch. Great for creating initial engagement and setting the stage for deeper segmentation.
Freebie Type 2: For Launching and Funnel Sales
Purpose: To warm up your audience in a more immersive way and lead them toward a specific offer.
What It Looks Like: These are journey-based freebies like quizzes, private podcasts, or 3–5 day series that educate and indoctrinate.
Examples from our launches:
- Make It Online Launch:
- Strategy: Private podcast (WTF is Happening in the Online Space?!) > Live Masterclass (Define Your Unique Sales Edge) > Application + early cart > Public cart open
- Purpose: Educate leads on the Signature Offer Business Model, then convert with a trusted event.
- Honorable Mention: Both of these launch assets later became our evergreen funnel detonators.
When to Use: When you’re preparing for a launch, or creating an evergreen funnel. These longer-form freebies build trust and help your leads understand why your offer is their best next step.
Freebie Type 3: For Selling Directly and Consistently
Purpose: To convert leads consistently, without relying on big launches.
What It Looks Like: Resources that closely align with your offer’s core pillars. These freebies offer a mini transformation and create direct paths into a sales conversation.
Examples:
Let’s use my signature offer, Make It Online, as an example.
Freebie Ideas:
- “Why Your Signature Offer is the Secret to a Six-Figure Business”
- “How to Craft a Signature Offer That Practically Sells Itself”
- “Create Magnetic Content That Attracts Buyers (Without Burning Out on Reels)”
- “Access Our Soft-Selling System That Converts Premium Clients”
Want help with this? Check out our companion blog: How to Craft a Free Resource That Turns Browsers Into Buyers
Tip: Within the freebie, link to additional pillar-based content and end with a CTA to apply, book a call, or DM you. Keep the sales path simple and actionable.
When to Use: When you want to sell without launching. These types of freebies keep new leads coming in and drive sales on a rolling basis.
Why You Need a Freebie Ecosystem
Most entrepreneurs stop at one freebie. But to truly grow, you need a few different options that align with different goals:
- Something to welcome and segment general leads
- A few launch-specific freebies to nurture and convert
- At least one evergreen freebie that sells your signature offer on a rolling basis
Think of your freebie ecosystem as a long-term sales strategy.
Where to Start
- Start with Your Signature Offer
- Everything should point back to this. It’s your business’s core.
- Plan Launches for the Year
- Build launch-specific freebies that warm your audience up for those offers.
- Use Quick Hitters in Between
- Keep your list growing with short, value-driven lead magnets.
Choosing the Right Freebie Format:
For List Growth:
- Checklists, Cheatsheets
- Templates, Scripts
- Content Upgrades
For Launching & Funnel Sales:
- Quizzes
- Private Podcasts
- Masterclasses
- Challenges & Video Series
For Direct Sales:
- Blueprints, Roadmaps
- Case Studies
- Free Workshops or Webinars
Want help creating a freebie that connects the dots between your genius and your signature offer?
👉 Watch Define Your Unique Sales Edge – my free masterclass that will help you clarify your differentiator and build a freebie that actually moves people to buy.
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