An opt-in – or lead magnet – is important for all businesses to grow visibility. The magnet is a downloadable file or link to content that attracts ideal customers.
These prospective customers are willing to exchange their email, and possibly a small fee, in exchange for content they believe is highly valuable.
THE IRRESISTIBLE ATTRACTION OF LEAD MAGNETS
No opt-in yet? No problem.
Opt-ins are a foundational component of creating a database of precisely the people you believe are your ideal customers. This attractive content is in your core competency area, and is highly valuable, condensed content. It makes you potential customers’ lives easier or more productive. When they trade their contact information for your content, it is the beginning of a relationship you now can begin to nurture.
Even if you already know what a lead magnet is, and have downloaded a few yourself, the process of creating your own can be frustrating and mystifying if you don’t have a marketing degree.
Most first-time lead magnet creators have similar questions like these:
What sort of content should you create?
How much do you give away for free?
Where should you place the lead magnet?
How can you create it without spending a fortune on designers?
We will address these questions so you can begin building your irresistible lead magnet and growing your brand.
10 OPT-IN MUST-HAVE’S
Before you dive into creating your perfect opt-in, be certain you have covered your bases with these important “musts”:
Solve a Real Problem You know what customers need, but they may not. Address their current desires first. They are already over-saturated with content. If you don’t solve an immediate problem, your opt-in won’t work.
Deliver a Quick Win Not only should you solve a problem, it is important to provide a simple, easy to achieve solution. When it comes to opt-ins, speed is everything.
Keep Content Targeted Stick to one actionable idea. Opt-in’s are not the platform to be general or comprehensive. For broader topics, provide a series of individual opt-ins or build a paid class.
Provide Extreme Value Opt-in’s should over-deliver beyond expectations because you are in the early stages of building a trust relationship with your client. You want them to be amazed by free stuff so they pay for more.
Showcase Your Best Talents You are an expert in your field, and you know what captures the engagement of your customers. Don’t try use this as research. Go with what works.
Give It A Juicy Name Now is not the time to be bashful about being too “salesy”. Be confident in what you can deliver with your opt-in. Use “power” words (from my blog post) to grab attention.
Show a Preview Of What is Included Showing the cover of your opt-in is rarely enough to entice anyone to opt in. Let them get a sneak peek of what they can expect, including a compelling description.
Create A Call to Action How would you like your new connection to take action to further your relationship? Is there a higher ticket product or service you offer that they might be interested in? Do you want them to reach out to you? Join a class or Facebook Group? Make that clear.
Be In Lots of Places Opt-ins don’t work as well when they are in just one spot. Like everything else, people are more likely to engage after repeated exposure. So put in in several places – even inside one blog post.
Have A Nurturing Email Plan The #1 mistake with opt-ins is not following up, while they remember who you are, and providing additional value in an email sequence. A list of email providers and content sources is in the resources page.
WHAT TYPE OF OPT-IN IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
The type of opt-in content you can provide is almost limitless. Here are some of the most popular and successful approaches. You can use some, one or all of them.
Checklist
Cheat sheet
Examples
Template
Ideas Swipe File
Toolkit
Free Script
Resource List
Calendar
Plan or Planner Pages
Worksheet
Printable Template
Inspiration List
Idea Generator
Spreadsheet Template
Recipes
Calculators
Challenge
Membership (Site/Forum)
Quiz
Survey
Giveaway
List of Quotes
Mobile App/Game
Manifesto
Free Quote
Free Service
Free Trial
Case Studies
Road Maps
Workbook
BUDGET FRIENDLY RESOURCES
You don’t need to be a trained graphic designer or a tech nerd to create a killer opt-in that converts. Here are the best free or low-cost tools to take you from idea to income in almost no time.
CANVA: Canva is a free, online, open source design resource that includes templates for print and social media, free photos, fonts, video and graphics. You can easily DIY. [CHECK IT OUT]
CONVERTKIT: This email platform has easy-to-use templates, and provides the best automated email sequence for opt-ins. The cost is $29/mo. for 1000 contacts. [CHECK IT OUT]
CREATIVE MARKET: For $18-$40 you can select from scores of gorgeous lead magnet/opt-in templates, many of which are available in Canva. Check the file formats before you buy! [CHECK IT OUT]
LEAD PAGES: You don’t need to be a trained graphic designer or a tech nerd to create a killer opt-in that converts. Here are the best free or low-cost tools to take you from idea to income in almost no time. [CHECK IT OUT]
MAIL CHIMP: This email platform is highly intuitive, and free for up to 1,500 contacts, however automated nurturing sequences are only available on the paid plan. [CHECK IT OUT]
EXAMPLES OF HIGH-VALUE OPT-INS:
While you consider what opt-in is right for you and your ideal customer, here are some recent successful opt-ins we have developed for a wide array of clients.
QUIZ: BRAND PERSONALITY: You can deliver your quiz easily via online tools such as tryinteract.com or leadquizzes.com. Quizzes can be for entertainment, or spark interest in how to take advantage of what is learned.
ROADMAP: CULTURAL TRANSFORMATION: Roadmaps show important steps in a more complex process. It is not necessary to go into great depth, but rather, to build awareness and understanding.
WHITE PAPER: CONVENTION TRANSPARENCY: So long as the white paper is brief and focused, it can be a highly effective business lead magnet. This especially true with more complex content.
What’s Next?
We can’t wait to see the stunning opt-ins you create to grow your business. Please share on the Inside Out Marketing Facebook page.
If you have any questions or decide you need expert support building your next opt-in, email us at hello@insideoutsmart.com for a free 30-minute consultation.