Why You’d Be Nuts Not to Use a Lead Magnet in Your Business
(and How to Build One That Actually Sells)
If you’re running a business in 2025 and you’re not using a lead magnet, you’re basically turning customers away with a polite little “no thanks” sign. You might as well write “I hate money” on your forehead.
Ok that was dramatic, but now I have your attention…
Lead magnets are a no-brainer. Full stop. They’re like handing out the first hit for free—because once people get a taste of your value, they’ll come back for more (and pay for it).
Your lead magnet isn’t just some fluffy freebie to “build trust” although that’s a bonus. It’s a strategic, seductive, money-making marketing tool designed to get people into your world and walk them—gracefully or aggressively—toward a paid offer.
Let me break it down.
What Even Is a Lead Magnet?
A lead magnet is something juicy, helpful, and irresistibly clickable that you give away for free in exchange for an email address (or whatever contact info you need). It's like the starter pack for your brand—designed to reel your dream clients in and show them you're the real deal.
Think:
A spicy checklist
A one-page cheat sheet
A value-packed mini training
A quiz that makes them feel seen
A “what not to do” guide that rips apart common myths
But Here’s Where Most People Go Wrong
They make the lead magnet first.
Like Vivane said… Big mistake. HUGE
Your lead magnet is not the main event.
It’s the opening act—the first breadcrumb on the trail that leads people to your offer. So if you don’t know where that trail is going, you’re just handing out snacks with no dinner to follow.
You need to reverse-engineer that baby.
Here's how:
1. Start With the Offer
Before you design anything, ask:
What am I selling?
What do I want people to buy after they download this?
Got that? Good. Now we can reverse engineer.
2. Pinpoint the ‘Pre’ Problem
Ask yourself: what’s the mini problem my ideal customer has before they’re ready to buy?
If your offer is a branding course, maybe the pre-problem is “I don’t even know what makes my brand unique.”
Boom—your lead magnet could be a “Find Your Brand Vibe” quiz.
If you sell coaching for busy mums, the pre-problem might be “I don’t have time to think, let alone plan meals.”
Boom—lead magnet = 5 Lazy Girl Dinner Hacks (That Still Make You Feel Like a Goddess).
3. Make It Sexy AND Useful
You want your lead magnet to feel like a gift, not a glorified brochure.
So make it:
Visually appealing
Easy to consume in 5–10 mins
Genuinely helpful
Branded to the eyeballs so they remember YOU
This is where Canva, Notion templates, and screen recording magic come in.
4. Drop a CTA—Because This Isn’t Just a Freebie
Your lead magnet should include a clear next step.
“Hey, if you loved this, here’s where to get the real transformation.”
This can be:
A low-ticket offer
A waitlist
A 1:1 call link
A discount code for your online shop
Follow me on Instagram for more hot hacks
Don’t just thank them and dip out. Hook them in further.
Where to Share Your Lead Magnet
You don’t need to hide it behind six pop-ups and a secret knock.
Get it out there:
Add it to your Instagram bio
Drop it in your email footer
Use it as the CTA in your Reels and Posts
Slide it into DMs when someone’s picking your brain (👀)
Here’s My Final Thoughts
If you’re still not using a lead magnet, you’re leaving money—and impact—on the table. It’s not about giving away your best stuff for free. It’s about leading with value so people want to pay you to go deeper.
Stop winging it. Know your offer. Solve the pre-problem. Build the magnet. Watch the leads roll in.
Then turn that funnel into a money machine with a little personality and a load of strategy.
Need help turning your idea into words that sell?
That’s where this copy cowgirl comes in. 🤠
Want me to help you build out a juicy lead magnet with an email sequence?
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