You’ve probably already seen freebies that websites offer their subscribers. It can be an eBook, a free yoga video or a guide. Basically a freebie is something that you give your visitors in exchange for their email. It’s also called opt-in freebie or a lead magnet – because your subscribers have to opt-in to your email list to get it.

Why you need an opt-in freebie

One of the biggest mistakes you can make on your website, is to simply say “sign up for my newsletter”. I have to admit that I did this too before I knew better – and it didn’t work. At. All.

Instead you need to offer your visitors something in return for their email address. They are giving you permission to their inbox, and you better give them something useful and worthwhile in exchange.

An opt-in freebie is just that. Something free that you give your users in return for signing up to your list.

What makes your freebie irresistible?

Today everyone who knows just a little bit about websites offers opt-in freebies. It’s not something special anymore.

Offering a simple PDF document with some tips and a logo splashed on it is not enough. You want to offer a truly irresistible freebie. Something that gets your audience truly excited.

Your irresistible opt-in freebie should include something actionable and useful to your desired audience and in the best case solve a problem for them.

It should be your best content in very high quality. You want them to wonder: if this is how good the free stuff is already, how amazing will be her paid products and services?

The secret to an irresistible freebie: know your audience

Your freebie should be attractive and valuable to your audience – but not necessary to everyone.

You don’t want every single person from the internet on your email list. You want people who genuinely want to support you, look forward to your content, and will become your customers over time.

Your freebie should attract the same people who would also love your services. It should be for the same audience, speak the same language, and directly lead to your services and products.

Here’s an example:

If you are offering yoga retreats for beginners, an advanced yoga tutorial video will probably not attract the right audience. A detailed packing list for a yoga retreat might be more successful.

Think of your freebie as a way to wet the appetite of your audience before pitching your services to them. So, your freebie should share the beginning steps or tools that someone would need in order to feel comfortable buying your paid products or services.

Ideas for irresistible opt-in freebies

• Is there a tricky process that your audience encounters? Break it down for them in a PDF or video tutorial.
• Offer free monthly calls or exclusive subscriber-only workshops.
• Offer access to a resource library full of relevant information about your topic.
• Create a mini-course on a topic that you are an expert it.

The format doesn’t necessarily matter, though certain formats like a resource library or a free email course have a higher perceived value.

Whatever idea you come up with – make sure it’s an amazing opt-in freebie.

A bad freebie is worse than no freebie at all.

Make sure that what you offer is valuable. It should be something you’d be proud to sell, but you’re giving it away for something JUST as valuable as cash – an email address.