Top Lead Magnet Ideas For Blogs For Quickly Growing Your Email Newsletter List

You know you have to start an email newsletter list for your blog, but the question is: how do you get people to sign up for it? What are freebies for opt-ins that you can create? To help you, I’ve pulled together a list of 10 lead magnet ideas for blogs to inspire you!

Lead magnets – or freebies for opt-ins as some call them – entice your readers to subscribe to your newsletter.

It’s something of value, that they want to get, and are willingly open to signing up to get it via email.

They are the first step to attracting new subscribers that you’ll eventually nurture into potential customers with a welcome email series.

Newsletters are one of the best tools aside from your website for monetizing your blog.

The question that always arises is, what makes for a great lead magnet for a blog?

The best lead magnets make life easier.

This post will give you some insights on how to choose the right lead magnet for your audience, and what lead magnet types you should consider.

DISCLOSURE: This post contains affiliate links, meaning if you click on a product or service, and decide to purchase it, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. All recommended products and services are based on my positive experience with them. For more information, please read my Disclaimer.

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What Is A Lead Magnet For A Blog?

Before we look at the types of lead magnets, first you need to know what is a lead magnet.

Many call them “freebies” for newsletter opt-ins. The official marketing term is “lead magnet”.

Let’s look at the first word – lead.

A lead is a sales term that speaks to an interested person, who you have already attracted by some sort of valuable offer.

The magnet part of the word is self-explanatory. It’s something that attracts people.

This is a brief lead magnet definition:

Your Email Newsletter List Is A Source Of Blog Traffic & Sales

Getting the lead magnet right is a priority. You want to make a great impression on the person who is signing up because you want them to stick around for your weekly newsletter.

There are many reasons why you would want to start an email list, but the two that are probably the most important for bloggers are:

• A way to boost blog traffic – by sharing the latest or relevant blog posts
• Sales generation – by promoting your products/services and affiliate links

So how do you find the right lead magnet?

For Successful Lead Magnets, Know Your Audience’s Pain Point First

You can produce a printable or an e-book, and it may look fantastic to you.

However, if it doesn’t provide a quick transformation or a solution to a common problem your reading audience has, you’ll never get sign-ups.

Sorry, that’s the truth!

What you think may be an awesome lead magnet, may fall flat with your key audience.

So, these are the questions to ask yourself first:

• What is my audience struggling with when it comes to this niche topic?
• What is a common problem most of my readers face?
• Now that I have a common problem, can it be easily and quickly solved by sharing information or digital content?
• Which format best suits sharing the solution? What is the easiest way for my audience to access the info?

Once you’ve figured out what you’ll help solve, that last question leads us to a list of possibilities.

More Ways To Determine The Best Freebies For Newsletter Opt-Ins

There are other key ways to figure out the topic for your lead magnet:

• Look at your most popular content: what cluster of blog post topics are getting the most blog traffic? I’m asking specifically about clusters, and I’ll let you know why in just a moment.
• Ask your social media followers or others in your Facebook groups: find out what topics would be of most interest to them
• Do competitive research: what are others in your niche offering as a free lead magnet?

Once you have an idea of your top lead magnet idea, the next question is, what kind of format will be best for sharing it?

Elements of A Successful Lead Magnet

What do the best lead magnets have?

We tackled the number one and two reasons: it’s for a specific audience that has a specific problem.

Successful lead magnets should also have:

• Remember to include a disclaimer and copyright. Legally protect yourself.

• Make sure the visuals and tone of voice are on-brand design-wise. Keep consistent with your blog branding (ultimately your personal branding), as well as key elements such as your logo, and URL.

• Make it personal – it’s coming from you! Include an intro and photo of yourself. Add your social media contact details.

• In the end, finish it off with a call to action if they need more help, etc. If you can, include a button with a link to your contact page. Or add your social media links.

Different Types Of Lead Magnet Ideas For Blogs

Now we’re on to the stage where you’re designing the actual lead magnet. So the next question is, what are the different lead magnet types for blogs that get the most sign-ups?

It all depends on the topic, information or purpose of the lead magnet that you’re sharing.

Here’s a list of lead magnet ideas for you to consider:

1. Templates

Templates make life easier by skipping steps or helping somebody get more organized.

There are several types of templates you can create: templates that walk somebody through a process, or give them easy designs to create in Canva, Elementor, Thrivecart other programs.

Some of the most popular templates are social media templates that help others quickly design posts or videos for Instagram, TikTok, etc.

Here are a few template ideas:

• Social media, lead magnet templates
• Email or pitch templates
• Legal doc templates
• E-book templates
• Course outline templates

So many more!

An example of a template with Canva is my opt-in for 10 Free Pinterest pin templates:

2. Printables

Printables are an easy way to attract interest and sign-ups. They are what the word is – something that’s printed.

Consider the following:

• Checklists – for grocery shopping, travel packing, giving birth, etc.
• Planners – daily, weekly and monthly, for any niche and goal (e.g. financial, blogger, parent, home organization etc.)
• Colouring pages (for kids and adults)
• Kid’s learning pages, or colour pages
• Artwork: a simple print for a wall is a printable
• Cheatsheets: easy lists or reference notes (e.g. keto foods list)

Anything that is easily printed out at home on a printer can be a printable.

3. Swipe Files

One of the most useful lead magnet ideas for blogs is swipe files: content that can be adapted to be used in social media, newsletters, promotions, etc.

Think of it as “copy and paste” content.

It plays on the convenience and time-saving factors many are seeking.

They are perfect for any blog niches or businesses that help others with creating content.

4. E-books & Workbooks

There are so many topics that can be delivered as ebooks or workbooks!

E-books are a very good way to attract sign-ups. They have the perception of being something valuable.

I don’t know about you, but I love the idea of getting a free e-book! This is one of my top lead magnet ideas for blogs.

It can be a mini-ebook or guide. It doesn’t have to be 50+ pages. Consider creating something that is a maximum of 25 pages.

It can even be one chapter of a full ebook that you’ve written.

Here are some best practices for short ebooks:

• Remember that many people will read it online. I always advise that the font sizes (16+) need to be larger with easy-to-read fonts (sans serif).
• You may be tempted to write a part of your memoir or a personal story, but remember, your reader wants information that will help solve a problem. Focus on the task at hand!
• Always have a copyright and disclaimer at the beginning.
• Add your social media channels to the introduction page and encourage people to follow you.
• If you offer services, the last page should be a mention of this with a URL link to a contact form.

The best type of lead magnet e-book is a ”how-to” guide or a workbook.

Consider creating a workbook that takes your reader on a transformation journey. Or something that helps them achieve a goal.

5. Webinars, Masterclasses, Training Videos & Workshops

Next on our list of best lead magnet ideas for blogs is something that some may shy away from. It’s not the easiest for introverts, but it can make a great impact on your readers.

I’m talking about a lead magnet that’s a video. Consider using a webinar, masterclass or workshop you previously recorded as a free offer.

You can also create one that helps your readers, with either a strategy or something they can learn.

This is a great way to promote your personal brand as well! By doing a video with you in it, you’re putting yourself out there to connect with your readers.

They’re more likely to trust you when they see the real person that’s behind the blog.

A GREAT EXAMPLE: I love how Gemma Bonham-Carter does her workshop webinars. You can sign up or watch a pre-recorded version of her Course Creators free training for anybody starting out with courses.

TIP: Hype up your video! If you have an exclusive video series that you can share access to, that’s not public anywhere else, it’s a great way to attract people to sign up. For example, if you have a series of tutorials for organizing your home, package them together for more impact.

TIP 2: Store your videos on YouTube as unlisted videos, which makes them private unless you provide access to them with links.

6. Toolkits & Bundles

Do you have several great items that when put together would make a great toolkit or themed bundle?

It’s one of the best lead magnets for blogs, as the perception that’s created is one of receiving great value. For example, I’ve pulled together essential templates and workbooks together for my free Start A Blog course.

It works in providing my readers with everything they need to go through the steps of starting and launching their blog.

Speaking of courses…

7. Mini-Courses

Another way to attract subscribers to your newsletter list is through mini-courses. These are pared down from your full courses.

You’re offering a taste of what your full course is like.

It can be one part of a full course or a generalized, simple course that teaches something valuable or helps with a quick solution.

Mini-courses come in many formats. You can use an online course platform such as Podia (my favourite where I have all of my courses stored), or create an automated email series with your email marketing platform (I use Mailerlite because it’s so easy to use and set up your automation emails).

Here’s an SEO mini-course I created using a series of emails:

TIP: When somebody “purchases” your free course like my Launch It: Start A Blog course, they sign into Podia. There’s the option for them to opt-in for the newsletter. They automatically get an email I’ve pre-written, welcoming them to my community and the course itself.

| RELATED: How To Create Your Own Online Course To Sell

8. Quizzes

People LOVE doing quizzes. This is not only a great way for you to add people to your newsletter subscriber list, but also to do market research.

This is why it’s in my top 10 of lead magnet ideas for blogs.

Find out who your readers are by learning more about their interests.

Interact quizzes are great for this. Create a beautifully designed quiz that helps you determine exactly what your readers are seeking from your site. You can add it as a pop-up or an embed in your post, header or footer, etc.

Since Interact integrates with your email list provider, you have an easy email list generator, set on auto-pilot.

EXAMPLE: Check out this SEO quiz from She Knows SEO – I love how it flows and works to determine the level of SEO knowledge. This is great for segmenting your newsletter subscribers based on experience level.

9. Spreadsheets

Also included on my list of best lead magnets for bloggers are spreadsheets.

Using Google Sheets, create an attractive spreadsheet that can help your readers keep track of information, manage their projects, or even do calculations.

If you can make their lives easier, they’ll love you for it.

Remember the fine details, such as colour-coding cells, formulas etc. Include a “how to” instruction manual so that if something isn’t clear in the spreadsheet itself, the information is there.

Note: Always share your Google Sheets spreadsheets as a shareable template, that others can use without affecting the original version.

10. Stock Photos & Video

My final addition to the best lead magnets for blogs is all about visuals!

Handy with a camera? If you’re a photographer or can pull together some visually appealing images or video files, you’ve got a great opportunity.

Free stock photo and video files are super popular with bloggers. Consider what we need for Pinterest or social media content. We’re always on the lookout for new visuals.

TIP: Store them in Dropbox or Google Drive, sharing the link with anybody who signs up to receive them. Remember to have something about how they can be used with a license page.

Lead Magnet Ideas For Top Niches

I’ve brainstormed a few top lead magnet ideas for popular lifestyle niches, to help you get started. You can always adapt these ideas to work with your specific niche.

All of these ideas solve a common problem that people will have in each niche.

House & Home Lead Magnet Ideas

Consider using an ebook, mini-course, or my favourite exclusive video series with tips & tricks and walk-through steps.

1. How To Organize Your Close Like A Pro
2. Easy Hacks For Keeping Your Kitchen Clean & Tidy All The Time (& FAST)
3. Easy Ways To Transition To A Sustainable Home
4. 10 Home Decorating Secrets You’d Wish You’d Known
5. How To Make Small Rooms Look Bigger
6. The Ultimate Guide To Painting Your Home Like A Pro Decorator
7. How To Decorate Your Home Like A Professional Interior Designer – Decor Do’s And Don’ts
8. The Easiest Decluttering Hacks For A Beautiful Home
9. Housecleaning Hacks For Cleaning Your Home Fast
10. How To Style Your Bed Like A Pro

Food & Drink Lead Magnet Ideas

Consider checklists (grocery shopping), meal planning printables, mini-ebooks (recipes), mini-courses (how to do something), or an exclusive video series showing people your tips & tricks, recipes etc.

1. The Top 10 Cocktail Recipes Every Hostess Should Know How To Make
2. 20-Minute Recipes For Busy Families That Kids Will Love (modify to work with your niche)
3. 10 Easy Comfort Food Recipes (promote with winter recipes)
4. 10 Easy Summer “Cool Food” Recipes (promote with summer recipes)
5. A grocery list printable that follows the typical grocery store layout
6. Must have pantry essentials cheat sheet
7. How To Stock Up And Save – A Guide To Saving Money And Getting Organized
8. How To Eat Without Wasting Food: A Guide To Meal Planning And Leftovers
9. Fast Vegetarian Dinner Recipes
10. The Best Kitchen Hacks: How To Make Meals Faster And Better

Fashion & Style Lead Magnet Ideas

Create checklists, mini-ebook guides, video how-to’s or a quiz.

1. How To Create A Capsule Wardrobe
2. The Secret Guide To Looking Your Best: Style Tips For Any Body Type
3. Super Easy Hair Styles For Everyday Looks
4. The Ultimate Guide To Looking Amazing On A Budget
5. Fashion Tips & Tricks For Always Looking Your Best
6. How To Find Your Signature Style
7. How To Look Younger: Clothing Do’s & Don’ts
8. Looking Expensive On A Shoestring Budget
9. A Lookbook Of The Stunning Everyday Outfits
10. Style Hacks That Save You Thousands Of Dollars

Parenting Lead Magnet Ideas

This is a fun category because there’s so much you can do! From courses to printables and templates… The sky’s the limit!

1. The Ultimate Checklist For Expecting Moms
2. Packing List Printable For Giving Birth
3. A Guide To What You REALLY Need When You Have A New Baby
4. Templates For The First Year Of Baby’s Life (for scrapbooks, photos, etc.)
5. A Bucketlist Of Family Experiences (according to age ranges – with toddlers, little kids, older kids, etc.)
6. How To Find 10 Minutes Of Peace: Smart Strategies To Keep Your Sanity
7. An Ultimate Guide To New Parent Hacks: How To Do Things Better, Easier & Faster
8. How To Save Money With Your Kids: Tips & Tricks To Keep To A Budget But Give Them All They Need (with a few wants 🙂 ).
9. The Easiest Recipes To Make With Your Kids
10. A Guide To Making Cool, Fun DIY Kid Projects

Travel & Adventure Lead Magnet Ideas

This is guide heaven! Easy-to-read PDFs with information and printable itineraries are awesome for lead magnets.

1. The Ultimate Packing List For International Travel (printable checklist or mini-guide + checklist)
2. Packing Hacks: Video Series On How To Pack Smartly
3. Travel itinerary templates
4. A Travel Guide For XYZ (choose your destination)
5. A Guide To Roadtripping Like A Pro Across XYZ
6. How To Travel Like A Pro On A Budget
7. Travel Hacks: Tips & Tricks That’ll Make Your Next Trip AMAZING
8. Best places to eat & drink in XYZ
9. Ultimate Guide To Hiking: What To Pack & Keep Safe On Trails
10. Bundle: All Of The Best Places To See In XYZ Country (a bundle of different guides)

Self-Care & Personal Growth Lead Magnet Ideas

This is a super popular niche that works extremely well with lead magnets. Consider how popular self-help and personal growth books are, and you’ll understand why these kinds of lead magnets do well.

Consider doing mini-ebooks, guides, planners, printables, templates and a course. Workbooks do very well, as you guide your reader through a transformation.

Here are some idea starters:

1. A 30-Day Social Media Detox Guide
2. An Ultimate Guide To Letting Go Of The Little Things
3. How To Be Irresistible: A Guide To Being The Most Attractive You
4. Cheatsheet for how to simplify your life
5. 365 Daily Journal Prompts
6. Self-care challenge checklist
7. How To Create Your Personal Growth Plan (worksheets)
8. Workbook: 50 Questions To Ask Yourself To Find Your Best Self
9. 30-Day Personal Growth Challenge
10. Printable of daily affirmations

Tips For Creating Your Lead Magnet

If you’re creating anything that’s a printable, ebook or workbook, use pre-existing templates.

I have my Classic Workbook Lead Magnet Template, and my Minimalist Workbook And Checklist Template that I designed to help speed up the process.

The Classic Lead Magnet Template

The Minimalist Template Pack

The ease of use with a pre-designed template can save hours. Save it as a PDF and you’re all set.

What if you’re planning to create your own templates to promote as a lead magnet?

Remember, with Canva you can’t use its native templates from their library and position them as your own.

You can use the free elements and assets on Canva to create your very own templates. This way you won’t be breaking any rules.

As I’ve listed above, there are many other considerations for lead magnet creation tools. Choose the ones that best deliver your lead magnet to your audience.

Where To Store Your Lead Magnet

This question often arises, especially with printables, ebooks and workbooks.

You can store lead magnets that are in PDF format in your:

• Google Drive
• Dropbox
• Your media folder for your blog (if you’re self-hosted on WordPress)

If you have an online course and digital selling platform such as Podia, you can store it there as well.

For videos, YouTube or Vimeo are great options.

Where To Add Your Lead Magnet Opt-Ins

The key thing to remember is to be in front of your audience with your opt-in, but make it an easy and seamless process. Avoid pop-ups if you can!

I’ve written a complete blog post on how to grow your email list with free lead magnet opt-ins on your site.

| READ MORE: How To Grow Your Email List With Free Lead Magnet Opt-Ins

Choose The Best Lead Magnet For Your Blog… And Create It!

Now that you have some ideas about the types of lead magnets you can create, it’s time to start researching and planning.

Once again, find out what would be the best thing to focus on with your lead magnet. Next, determine the best format for it.

In the meantime, you can check out my popular free About Me Page workbook and printable template, to see how I’ve made it super useful for other bloggers!

QUESTION: What’s your greatest struggle in figuring out your free lead magnet for your blog?

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