A freebie, or an opt-in, or a lead magnet or… Yes, it has many different names. What it does is to provide value in exchange for an email address in order to build your email list.
As this often is your first step when starting to build an email list, it makes the whole thing feel so overwhelming.
But it doesn’t have too.
Let this post help you.
You will find ideas for creating your first Opt-in for some specific industries but even if it’s not your specific one, I’m sure your thoughts will be pointing in the right direction and find it easy to figure out the best opt-in for you.
Where to start when creating your opt-in
So, the focus you need to have while figuring out what you will create is “What are my clients struggle with?”
And yes, that can be very difficult…
I can give examples of my own opt-in.
For Designs by Josephine I have Free Canva Templates for Instagram.
As I sell template collections I give away some designs in order for both having people to sign up to my list and also to understand how awesome Canva Templates are.
I also have a photography business where I photograph maternity. Which means that my target audience are expecting mamas.
And how can I serve a mother-to-be with something that is related to my business?
– A checklist of 40 pictures to take on your newborn baby.
Two completely different freebies but also two completely different businesses.
What typ of opt-in should you create?
Your opt-in can come in so many different forms.
A pdf of 1-4 pages is the most common and easiest format.
But it can also be a webinar, a checklist, an email course, access to a recourse library, a workbook, discount code, a tutorial, printable planners, free sample of what you offer…
The sky’s the limit.
But remember, one thing.
Don’t underpromise.
You know how annoying it is when you sign up for something that has promised you something really interesting and it’s not even close to what you expected it to be.
Yeah, your subscribers should not experience that feeling.
Examples of ideas for creating your first Opt-in
The thing is that we have a habit of often doing things more complicated than they are. Even if growing your email list should be one of the most important thing in your business, don’t turn it into a mega project.
Often is the most simples thing what’s appreciated the most.
Here below you can find ideas for creating your first Opt-in, categorized by different industries.
WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
- A checklist of vendors and wedding planners, florists etc in your area.
- List of things to bring to the detail shoot
- List of the best Wedding Planner apps
FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER
- How to prepare the kids before a session
- Everyday pictures to take on your children
- How to print and frame photos from the phone
FLORIST
- How to make your fresh flower last longer
- Different flowers for different interior styles
- What to avoid in your Bridal Bouquet
WELLNESS COACH
- How to create a morning routine
- Guide to start meditation
- A morning yoga sequence
LIFESTYLE BLOGGER
- How to take care of your make-up brushes
- A travel guide
- How to organize your wardrobe
MAMA BLOGGER
- Things that entertain the children while you drink your coffee in peace.
- Green recipes that your children will love
- Packing checklist
Feel free to copy the ideas for creating your first Opt-in or just find them as inspiration so that you can continue to brainstorm what’s the best for just your audience.
Don’t be scared of failure
I have created opt-ins that I thought should be amazing and people should run after, and when they were launched it turned out to be the opposite.
But I would also see this as something positive because it will give you valuable information about your audience.
And make the work easier when figuring out what the next opt-in should be about.
So just start with one easy idea and go from there, once it’s up and running you can go for other ideas and tweak what you already have done.
I wish you good luck with your email list building and if you have any thoughts, leave them in the comments field and I will answer you!
wanna read more?
- Read about how you can show your Instagram post more than once for your followers here
- Learn how a use of Stock Photos puts a magical touch on everything you do!
- And why Canva is the best for your Instagram Stories here
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I haven’t tried an opt-in yet but I need to. Thanks for the info.
You’re welcome. I hope that you find the post helpful!
Thank you for this! I have been in the process of creating a good opt-in for my website and have been creatively stuck! I think I am going to mock up some different ones based off of some of your examples.
Oh I feel you! I have been there, and you are not the only one in the same situation. Figuring our what your opt-in should be is the biggest and most difficult parts of having your email list set up. I hope that you find the examples helpful! And GOOD LUCK! I know you can do it! 🙂
This was helpful. I’m starting to see more of this. I’m still a newer blogger, so it’s all kinda intimidating but I am going to make this my goal for 2021. Thanks!
You have the right focus! An email list is important. To be honest, I had an email list for this business even before I had this website up and running. It’s THAT important! If you have any questions along your way, feel free to contact me and I will help you!
Awesome ideas and practical examples, thanks for recommending..
You’re welcome! I hope it will help your list building!
Thanks for the valuable tips. I have not created opt ins yet but your tips would be of great help in future.
I’m glad to hear you think so! And good luck with your creation of opt-in 🙂
This is great information! I just recently tried my first opt-in, so we will see how it goes. Trying to be more focused on my email list this year.
You go girl!!! That is the perfect focus to have! And huge good luck with your first opt-in! *clapping my hands*
I was so excited to read this blog. I have been looking for tips and tricks in regards to opt in stuff. Great information. Thank you
Oh I’m so glad that you liked it. When I first started out with email list building I would loved to have a post like this as it’s so difficult to come up with ideas.