The Freebie Trap (and Why So Many Get Stuck)

You’ve probably heard that the best way to grow your audience is by offering a freebie. So, you create something lovely — a free yoga video, a calming breathwork session, a PDF guide — and share it on social media. A few people sign up. You grow your email list a bit.

But then… crickets.

No sales. No new clients. Just a list of people you’re not quite sure what to do with.

Here’s the truth: freebies can work — but only if there’s a clear path behind them.

If you stop at the freebie, you’re essentially building a list of cold leads and hoping they’ll buy from you someday. What you need instead is a funnel.

Start Here: Set Up a Simple Email Welcome Sequence

The first piece of that funnel is something many people skip: an automated welcome sequence.

This doesn’t have to be complicated. Just 3–5 emails that go out after someone signs up for your freebie. These emails should:

• Introduce who you are and what you do

• Share your approach and how you help

• Gently guide readers toward your paid offer

Think of it as inviting someone into your online yoga studio and showing them around. It builds connection and trust — and it leads to action.

This post on how to write your welcome email sequence is a great place to start.

Why a Low-Ticket Offer Is a Game-Changer

Here’s where most people get stuck: they go from a freebie straight to selling a $1,000+ program. That’s a big leap, especially for someone who just discovered you.

A low-ticket offer — think a $27 or $37 product — acts as a bridge. It gives potential students a low-risk way to invest, experience your teaching style, and take a small, clear step forward.

It works because:

• It filters out the “freebie hunters”

• It builds trust and commitment

• It positions you as someone with real value to offer

And when done right, it sets the stage for your bigger offers — your group program, your online course, or even your retreat.

Real Talk: Why Memberships Are Harder to Sell

At this point, you might be wondering: “Why not just start a membership?”

I’ve been there. A few years ago, I grew my $27/month membership to over 100 members. But even with special offers and ongoing promotion, I was only making around $2,000/month — and constantly working just to maintain it.

Here’s what most people don’t tell you: memberships are harder to sell, especially if you have a small audience.

That’s because a membership feels like an ongoing commitment. Even at a low price point, your potential students are asking:

• Will I be able to keep up?

• Will I get my money’s worth?

• Am I ready to commit to this month after month?

In contrast, a low-ticket one-time offer is easier to say yes to. It feels like a complete win — with no long-term pressure.

In this post I dive deeper into membership vs low-ticket offers.

What Your Funnel Might Look Like

Let’s bring this to life with an example:

You teach gentle yoga for women in midlife. Instead of another free challenge, you create a low-ticket offer called:

“Breathe to Heal: A 7-Day Journey Through Breath and Stillness”
($37, simple and beautiful)

Inside, you guide students through short daily breathwork and grounding practices.

You run a few Facebook ads or share it with your audience. People buy it. They feel calmer, more connected, more confident. And then, inside your follow-up emails, you invite them to join your 8-week signature program — a deeper transformation.

That’s how a simple funnel works.
That’s how you grow a business — not just an email list.

Want to Learn How to Do This?

If you’re thinking “This sounds amazing, but I wouldn’t even know where to start” — that’s exactly what I teach in Low-Ticket Mojo.

It’s my step-by-step course where I walk you through how to:

• Choose your low-ticket offer idea

• Write your sales page

• Set up the emails and tech

• Launch and start selling (even if you don’t have a big audience)

And it’s just $37.

I even added a full Systeme.io tech tutorial and done-for-you sales page template so you can build your funnel quickly and confidently — with no tech drama.

👉 Click here to check it out

Final Thoughts: Build With Intention

You don’t have to give everything away for free to grow your business.
You don’t have to burn out creating more content that leads nowhere.

You can build a system that feels aligned, soul-led, and supportive — for you and your students.

Start simple. Lead with value. Create a path that guides people forward.

You’ve got this.