10 Types of Freebie Downloads to Grow Your Email List
I bet you know by now that a great way to grow your email list is to offer up a freebie download! I’ve gone over the details about how to implement one before.
But what if you don’t know where to start or what kind of freebie to offer?
I’ve got you, boss! There are tons of different types of freebie downloads out there, so you don’t have to come up with an idea from scratch. Peruse this list, then decide which type of freebie download will give the people something that’s useful (that “has value,” as we say in the biz) and feels like a good fit for your services.
10 Types of Freebie Downloads to Grow Your Email List
1. Worksheet
I love a good worksheet. Don’t you? Your potential email list subscriber will, too.
A beautifully designed worksheet—that your subscriber can download, print, and fill out—is useful and engaging. Make sure it’s not fluff: Create something that guides your new subscriber toward a meaningful reflection or discovery. And include satisfying elements, such as check boxes, blank lines or boxes, and excellent prompts, so it’s fun to fill out.
2. E-Book
This might sound like a lot but don’t worry: We’re not talking about a 274-page thesis here. Make it less than 10 pages—and include lots of visuals.
Your e-book should be a quick-read that’s designed well (hi, Canva!), is laid out simply, and gives your subscriber something concrete they can do to make their situation better.
3. Checklist
A printable checklist is a great way to serve your potential clients and get your name + logo out into the world.
Are you a professional organizer? Make a checklist of 5 things to help people so they never lose something important again.
Therapist? Try a checklist of 3 things someone can do every morning to center themselves.
Home repair expert? Create a checklist of seasonal must-dos to make sure nothing breaks down unexpectedly.
(Notice how each checklist notes a benefit? Do that!)
4. Starter Kit
To offer something special for potential clients who may not be ready—or have the budget—to work with you yet, create a starter kit of PDFs that walk them through the first steps for creating a better space, self, or something else.
If you’re an interior designer, for instance, you could create a swipe file of favorite color palettes, a graph with basic instructions about how to draw a room you want to redecorate, and a resource list with your favorite design sites and products.
5. Resource List
Speaking of a resource lists, this can be a stand-alone type of freebie download!
Create a PDF of your very favorite resources with links to make them simple to engage with. You can include websites; names of your favorite influencers, consultants or instructors; free or paid courses; book titles; TED talks; podcasts; articles...use your imagination and make it a truly valuable list.
6. E-Course
This may sound like a lot, but it’s really not. You don’t have to give away tons of time-consuming content.
A simple e-course—say a 15-minute module or a brief webinar—can really help you connect with your audience and give them tons of value. And all they have to do is click + sign up!
A brief module can tease a longer course, which gives them something of value for joining your list and encourages them to sign up for the full course. A stand-alone webinar entices them to check out further educational options and proves your value before they ever buy a thing from you.
7. Spreadsheets
If you’re a left-brained person, plenty of people will appreciate a spreadsheet that’s already set up and ready to go.
Consider creating a ready-to-fill spreadsheet as a freebie download if you deliver data-based services, such as social media tracking or financial services. This shows your audience right from the start that you know your way around these detailed topics and are willing to share your knowledge so they can keep track of data that’s important for their business and life.
8. Video Tutorial
Video helps you connect with your audience right away. A simple how-to video with information your subscriber can use right away will endear you to them.
If you teach classes on keeping houseplants, for instance, maybe create a 5-minute video on how to re-pot your favorite plant. Break down the task into steps and show them in a 1-2-3 format exactly how to move an overgrown plant baby to a larger, comfier pot. End your video with suggestions about where they can find more free information from you (on your blog or IGTV channel) and invite them to connect with you about more services.
9. Private Community
Let people in on the fun with an exclusive invitation to a private community, such as a Facebook group or Slack channel membership. These subscriber-only groups create a sense of in-crowd exclusivity and give your subscriber the chance to join a like-minded community.
10. Content Upgrades
An extra freebie download is a great way to up your freebie downloadable game! In addition to the main freebie on your home page, create an extra-special or limited-time freebie if people sign up through a piece of content, like an Instagram Story or particular blog post.
Bonus content helps you grab the attention of people who may not have signed up yet through your signature freebie. To make sure you’re reaching different types of people within your niche, make your bonus freebie much different than your main one; if your main freebie is a checklist, make your bonus a how-to video, for example.
