How to build your email list

May 11, 2021

Get the top 10 lead magnet ideas we have found work best from our 12+ years building websites

You will see examples and recommendations for each.

Email marketing is a great way to stay in touch with your audience and keep them updated on new products and services. 64% of small businesses use email marketing to reach customers. And, did you know that email marketing returns the highest ROI of any marketing channel?  

Are you trying to build your email list from your website but not having much luck? 

There are many different strategies for building your email list, but across them all you need to provide enough value to people who visit your site so they are happy to give you their email address.

One of the best ways of doing this is by providing a 'lead magnet', or something of value that your ideal prospect wants, and also gives them a quick win.  

What is a lead magnet?

A lead magnet is any piece of content that offers something of value to potential customers in exchange for an email address. People love free stuff, and it’s a chance for them to “try before they buy” from you.  

And no - signing up for your newsletter is not going to cut it. Very few people want to add more clutter to their inbox right? They will part with their email only if you make it worth their while.

Here’s what you want your lead magnet to do:

  • Help your prospect get a fast result as it applies to their problem
  • Allow them to sample what you do - so make sure to give them some of your best stuff!
  • Be specific about who it is for and who it helps so you pre-qualify someone upfront
  • "Seed what you sell" so someone knows what they can do next with you
build your email list

Here’s list of our 10 best lead magnet ideas:

How To Build Your Email List

Where do you offer these freebies to grow your email list? You want to make sure your opt-in forms are everywhere on your website! Then link to them everywhere - across your website, on social media and in your ads. 

Once you get that opt-in, they are now interested in what you have to say.  Make sure the very next step you send them to shares what else they can do with you.  If you want to learn more of what to do with someone once they opt-in for your lead magnet, check out What do you put in a thank you page?

Once you've decided on a lead magnet, you'll need to measure its success. This will help you determine whether or not it's worth continuing to make it available to your visitors. For example, if you're offering a free download, are people taking the next step with you once they get it?  How many downloads do you get each month? Versus if you offer a quiz or masterclass, are results better from those?  

Lead magnets are powerful marketing tools that help organically grow your email lists. This is because they have the potential to convert prospects into loyal customers.

Get the top 10 lead magnet ideas we have found work best from our 12+ years building websites

You will see examples and recommendations for each.