So, You’ve Created a Freebie, Now What? Lead Magnet Setup Checklist for Solopreneurs and Small Biz

If you’re a solopreneur or small business owner, you know how important it is to grow your email list and attract new leads. One of the most effective ways to do this is by offering a lead magnet—a free resource, like an ebook, checklist, or guide, that provides value in exchange for someone’s email address. 

But what happens after you’ve created your freebie? Setting up a lead magnet involves more than just designing a PDF and putting it online. There are several crucial steps to ensure it reaches the right audience and ultimately helps grow your business.

In this post, I’ll walk you through the key steps to successfully setting up and promoting your lead magnet, and share a checklist to ensure you’ve covered everything. If you’re ready to take your freebie from idea to lead-generating machine, keep reading!

What Is a Lead Magnet and Why Do You Need One?

Before diving into the checklist, let's quickly cover why a lead magnet is essential. A lead magnet helps you capture the contact information of potential clients who are already interested in what you offer. By offering them something valuable (like a free guide, worksheet, or template), you build trust and start a relationship. It’s a critical piece of your email marketing strategy, and when done right, it can help you grow your list and, ultimately, your business.

Lead Magnet Checklist: Setting Up and Promoting Your Freebie

1. Create the Freebie

First, you’ll need to design your freebie. If you’re creating a checklist, guide, or ebook, tools like Canva are perfect for designing eye-catching and professional PDFs. Make sure your freebie solves a pain point for your target audience and is something they can quickly consume and apply.

Tip: A well-designed freebie will stand out and give the impression of professionalism, so don’t rush through this step.

2. Set Up the Opt-In Page

Next, you need a landing page where people can sign up for your freebie. This page should include a catchy headline, clear benefits, and a strong call-to-action (CTA) like ‘Download Now or ‘Get Instant Access’. A simple, clean design with minimal distractions will help keep the focus on converting visitors into leads.

As a Virtual Assistant, I help clients create high-converting landing pages, so if this step feels overwhelming, outsourcing this task can ensure it’s done right.

3. Write an Email Series

When someone signs up for your freebie, don’t just send them the download and move on. A well-thought-out email series can nurture your leads, offering them more valuable content and eventually leading them toward purchasing your products or services. For example:

• Email 1: Welcome email with the freebie link.

• Email 2: Share a useful tip related to the freebie.

• Email 3: Introduce a product or service that complements the freebie.

• Email 4: Include a testimonial or case study.

Each email should provide value and lead them toward taking the next step with your business.

4. Create a Blog Post to Promote the Freebie

A blog post is a subtle yet powerful way to promote your freebie. Write a post around the topic of your lead magnet, highlighting the value it offers. Then, include a CTA directing readers to download your freebie at the end of the post. 

This not only brings more attention to your lead magnet but also provides SEO benefits by helping your content rank in search engines for related keywords.

I can help you create blog posts that align with your lead magnet, saving you time and ensuring your content is optimised for maximum reach.

5. Add a Link to Your Website

Your lead magnet needs to be visible on your website, not hidden away. Consider adding a banner or pop-up that encourages visitors to sign up. You can also place a link in your website’s header, sidebar, or footer to increase visibility. 

If you have a Resources or Freebies page, this is a perfect place to showcase your lead magnet.

6. Include It in Your Linktree (or Similar Page)

If you use a Linktree or a similar tool to link multiple resources on social media, be sure to add your freebie here. It’s an easy way to drive traffic to your landing page from platforms like Instagram or X.

7. Promote on Social Media

Social media is a fantastic tool for spreading the word about your freebie. Create a series of posts that not only promote the freebie but also provide value. For example, you could write a post about why your lead magnet solves a common pain point, or you could share tips related to the topic of your freebie and include a CTA to download it. 

You can also promote the blog post you’ve written, which can softly introduce your lead magnet to followers without being too salesy.

If managing all these steps sounds like too much to juggle, outsourcing your social media content creation and scheduling can free up your time while ensuring consistent promotion.

Why Outsource Your Lead Magnet Setup?

Creating and promoting a lead magnet can be a time-consuming process, but when done correctly, it can be a game-changer for your business. If you’re a busy solopreneur or small business owner who doesn’t have the time to manage all these moving parts, a Virtual Assistant like myself can handle the entire process for you.

From designing your freebie in Canva to setting up your landing page, creating your email series and social media posts, I can help you at every stage—saving you time and ensuring everything is optimised to grow your email list and business. 

Ready to get started? Let’s talk about how I can help you with your lead magnet setup. Let's bring your lead magnet to life and boost your online presence!

Learn More About Lead Magnets

Discover what makes a lead magnet effective and how to create one that grows your email list and boosts your business: How to Create a Lead Magnet That Converts: A Guide for Solopreneurs and Small Businesses

Learn how to turn your lead magnet into a powerful tool that nurtures leads and converts them into loyal customers: How to Integrate Your Lead Magnet Into a Sales Funnel: A Complete Guide to Nurturing Leads