How to Host and Deliver Your Lead Magnet: A Simple, Step-by-Step Guide
Creating a lead magnet is a powerful way to grow your email list, but if you’re new to it, the technical setup can feel a bit overwhelming. The good news is you don’t need to be a technical wizard to make it work. In this post, I’ll walk you through the essentials on how to host, set up a form, and deliver your lead magnet from whatever platform you’re using. By taking things step by step, you’ll be able to map out your lead magnet strategy with confidence, PLUS I’ve created a downloadable worksheet to help you plan it all out!
Step 1: Hosting Your Lead Magnet File
The first step in sharing a lead magnet is finding a home for it where people can easily download it. Depending on the format of your lead magnet (such as PDF or video), you have a few different options:
Host it on Your Website: If you have a website, depending on the file type, you can upload it to your media library and generate a link to share it.
Use Cloud Storage: Services like Google Drive or Dropbox allow you to upload your file and create a shareable link. This is a good alternative if your website platform doesn’t support file hosting.
Built-In Storage (Certain Platforms): Platforms like Kit, Kajabi, and Systeme.io often provide file hosting and link generation specifically for lead magnets, streamlining the process for you.
Use Canva to share your file: If you created the file in Canva, using a public sharing link you can deliver a read only version of your document for the subscriber to read directly in their browser.
Step 2: Setting Up Your Opt-In Form
An opt-in form is where people enter their information to access your lead magnet. Here’s a high-level look at setting it up:
Choose Your Platform’s Form Builder: Whether you’re using Kit, Flodesk, Squarespace email, or another tool, go to the “Forms” or “Sign-Up” section in your platform to start creating your opt-in form.
Customize the Fields and Appearance: Add fields like name and email and design the form to match your brand. Keep it simple to encourage sign-ups and don’t ask for too much information right off the bat.
Add a Compelling CTA: Your call-to-action (CTA) button text should clearly indicate what subscribers will receive, like “Get the Free Guide” or “Access Your Checklist Now.”
Enable Double Opt-In (Optional): Some platforms offer a “double opt-in” feature where users confirm their subscription before receiving the lead magnet. While not always necessary, this can help reduce spam sign-ups.
Need extra help setting up your lead magnet ? Book a Power Hour and let me guide you through the process to get on track fast!
Step 3: Automating the Delivery of Your Lead Magnet
Once someone opts in, you’ll want to deliver the lead magnet right to their inbox without manual work. Here’s how to set up the automation:
Set Up a Welcome Email: Create an automated email that thanks new subscribers and includes a link to download the lead magnet. This can be done through the “Automations” or “Sequences” feature in most email marketing tools.
Insert the Download Link: Use the hosted file link (from Step 1) and add it to the welcome email. Make sure to test it to ensure the link works properly!
Add Personalisation: Personalising the email, such as greeting the reader by their first name, can make a great impression and establish a warm connection right from the start.
Create a Delivery Backup (Optional): Ideally you want the reader to get used to seeing your email in their inbox from the get go, but depending on your goals, you might consider adding a download link on the confirmation page that subscribers see after they sign up. That way, they can access the lead magnet even if they miss the welcome email.
Step 4: Mapping Out Your Lead Magnet Funnel
To make the process even smoother, map out the flow from start to finish. Here’s a lead magnet worksheet to help you organise each step, with guiding text fields and a checklist to help you get all your ducks in a row!
Final thoughts
Setting up a lead magnet doesn’t have to be complicated. Once you understand the key components of hosting, setting up the opt-in form, and automating the delivery, you’re ready to make your lead magnet live and start building your list! Use the worksheet to map out each step, and if you’re feeling stuck, book a Power Hour to work with me and get the help you need to complete your lead magnet setup and more!