Last updated on June 27th, 2022

There are so many ways to build a list and it’s actually a lot simpler than a lot of people make it.

You don’t need a 30-day challenge or a huge e-course that, when written out, is 36 pages long. (Yep, I’ve done both!)

I’m definitely not saying DON’T do these things, of course. My e-course conversion rates are great.

But, I think people underestimate the value of simple printables. Or maybe, they just don’t know the best way to get people to opt-in to them.

Building an email list through printable lead magnets

First, let’s talk about the different types of printables.

Your printable freebie should offer your reader value (that you haven’t already given away in the blog post). I think this is where people go wrong.

They make a printable with only the info in the blog post, which your reader just read for free.

Some people may opt-in because the post is a great resource and they would love to have a quick reference (like a checklist) that they can reuse.

An example of this would be blog post checklists or webinar checklists that the reader can laminate and reuse.

But the printable lead magnets should generally contain new info that you are NOT giving up on the blog post itself. These are your best-kept secrets but instead of charging money for them, all you want is an email address in return.

Side note: Here’s a list of 17 awesome content upgrades that keep your reader coming back for more!

A lot of people aren’t willing to spend too much money on a printable, but they ARE willing to give up their email for a resource that makes their life easier.

And once they are on your email list, you can monetize with tripwires, upsells, and non-salesy promotions. SO remember, just because you are giving something away for free doesn’t mean you won’t make money from it!

Here are some ideas for printable lead magnets to get your wheels turning:

1. Checklists
2. Resource lists
3. Guides
4. Workbooks
5. Worksheets
6. Art
7. Motivational quotes
8. Journals

Not only can these printables be a good resource, but they can offer motivation and help your reader turn your theories into actionable advice. Learn how to make a killer printable with our FREE worksheet templates, created just for you! 

You want your reader to take action. Free printables will help them do that.

Offering a free resource library

Have you heard of this email marketing course?  It’s a list-building course with a totally different technique than I had heard before. Her use of a resource library was amazing and totally made me say “I can’t believe I never thought of doing that!!”

Enroll in that program if you are ready to grow your list by 1000+ new subscribers per month, and then actually sell offers consistently via email marketing.

I’m not going to give away all her secrets, but I will talk a little about resource libraries.

I have done resource libraries right (thanks to the course) and I have done them very wrong. And most of the libraries I’ve seen are done wrong.

Here’s what NOT to do with a resource library:

• Make a resource library with all the printables you have already created that your readers likely already have because they took your e-course. (talking from experience, guys!)
• Make one form and stick it in your sidebar and expect it to convert.
• Put lame printables in your library that your readers don’t really want (again, talking from experience!)
• Have a resource in your library and then never tell anyone about it or promote it.
• Fill it with a bunch of printables that relate to several different topics without a way to find out what your reader is downloading (you will never be able to target and segment your audience that way)

Here’s what you DO want to do:

• Give your readers what they really want, and don’t give away everything in your blog posts. They need to actually opt-in to get your secrets.
• Tell your readers about the freebies you have in your library!
• Track what people are downloading in your library
• Promote it on social media, blog, newsletter, etc.

If you decide to make a resource library, seriously consider taking the course. 

If you decide not to make a resource library, you can still grow your list with printable lead magnets.

For each blog post (or at least, most blog posts) make a printable resource. You can even make a printable first, and create the blog post around it. Then, make a new form and sequence (for CovertKit users) and add it to the blog post as a content upgrade.

Tools to make and deliver your free printable lead magnets

Next, let’s talk about how to make a printable lead magnet, along with how to deliver it.

I use Canva. While I’m trained and fluent in Adobe products, I love the simplicity of Canva. Seriously, I could make something equally as awesome in half the amount of time it would take me in Illustrator.

Even though I’ve been using Illustrator for 13 years.

When I started blogging, I hadn’t done anything with graphic design in a few years. My Adobe Suite was old and wouldn’t work on my computer (yep, so old that it was actual discs, not “cloud” based).

I got the free trial and started working on some products but then my trial ended and I went to buy and my heart sunk.

We were struggling financially and I was trying to work from home. I wanted so badly to make “working from home” work so that I could be a stay-at-home mom. I couldn’t afford the price, especially now that it was recurring monthly charges! So I looked all over the internet for some kind of free solution.

And then I found Canva.

I started designing and I had a BIG blogger find my site and ask me if I did my graphics myself and if I did, would I do them for her.

I let her know I didn’t have any fancy programs, only Canva. She didn’t care. I started making money doing graphic design and upgraded to Canva Pro.

At this point, I probably could have afforded adobe but I was rocking Canva and had no reason to switch it up. With Canva at Work (and some of my creative tricks), I could do pretty much everything Adobe could do for much cheaper and faster.

Time is money, my friend.

Want to know some of my creative tricks? I have tutorials in my free design resource library, which you can get access to at the bottom of this post

I urge you to use Canva For Work, if you can’t afford the $12/month, just start with the free version. As soon as you’re making at least $12/month in your business, upgrade. It’s worth every penny and has been my greatest return on investment other than CovertKit.

Templates

Lead magnets and printables are a must-have for blogging (in my opinion).

They help you grow your email list, nurture your current subscribers, and you can also turn them into digital products to help you monetize your blog. Win-win-win, right?

So what happens when you just simply struggle with design (or don’t have time to try to figure it out).

A lead magnet shouldn’t take an hour to create, which is why I think templates are the holy grail of design-for-blogger-hacks.

You can actually find a pack of TEN lead magnet Canva templates in my design library (get access to the library at the end of this post).

My templates are professionally designed and give you a great jumping-off point to start from. Simply add your content and adjust the colors and fonts to match your brand.

You can also learn more about how templates can grow your blog here.

Here’s a sneak peek of my free Opt-in Template Pack located in our design library:

The next tool I use is Thrive.

I use Thrive Themes to make all my opt-in forms. It connects with CovertKit and I just pick which sequence I want my reader to be added to.

I tried to just use the forms that came with Convertkit and while I really do love CovertKit, their forms are just not pretty enough for me!

And for my landing pages, I use Elementor and LeadPages.

Design is a big part of blogging now. Basic-looking websites and products might’ve been ok 10 years ago when blogging wasn’t so big. But now there are literally millions of bloggers all fighting for attention and if your stuff doesn’t stand out, then it’s going to be a lot harder to succeed.

“Pinterest pretty” is so important. Thrive helps me accomplish my Pinterest pretty forms.

Lastly, Convertkit.

I waited a while to make the jump to CovertKit, but I’m glad I did. I love being able to tag and segment my readers based on what freebies they opt-in for.

The only problem with Convertkit is that they are expensive. If you are looking for a cheaper option, I highly suggest FloDesk. They have most of the same features, they are easy to use, and they are about half the cost.

Either way, you need some kind of email service that delivers your freebie. Set up the first email of your welcome sequence to be delivered immediately when your reader subscribes.

The email will have a link to download your freebie. This is the best way to avoid people putting in fake email addresses to get your freebie.

Add tagging to increase conversions

You probably heard me mention this a couple of times by now, let me elaborate.

You can skyrocket your email list by offering awesome printable resources. But, if you’re throwing everyone into one big pot it can be hard to monetize that list, especially if you blog about different topics.

If you tag your reader when they opt-in for a specific freebie, you can tailor your content or promote certain affiliates or products to that reader.

In CovertKit, you just add an automation. When the reader subscribes to a form, they subscribe to a sequence and they get a tag. You can have as many tags as you want.

Then, when you want to tell your readers about an awesome meal planning program, you can promote it to the people that opted in for your printable meal planner and you will be amazed at the conversion.

Not only will those people likely buy, but you also don’t have to worry about “bugging” the rest of your list with a product that they aren’t interested in.

You will see click-through go up, and unsubscribes go down. Engagement will also increase because people will feel like you are really talking to them.

Designing a lead magnet doesn’t have to be hard

With the right tools, and a little creativity you can make some awesome stuff that your readers are just dying for.

Are there limitations to Canva? Sure.

That’s why I have so many tools and tricks in our design library. I use these tools myself to make my job a little easier. At the end of the day, it’s just faster for me to use the templates I’ve created for my brand and my other design tricks– time matters when you got two little ones!

But again, Canva has been my biggest return on investment. I have been able to grow an amazing email list quickly, I am able to nurture my list and increase click-through with freebies. And even more importantly, I’m able to make products for next to nothing and sell them for recurring passive income.

Not only does this help me afford to stay home with my kiddos but I’ve also been able to redecorate my living room (yassssss!) and most importantly, reinvest in my business to help it grow.

So what’s your next step? Get the FREE Canva Templates now!!

Download our free Opt-in Template Pack. In addition, I also have a Worksheet Template Pack located in the design library as well. Use both of those Canva template sets to create killer lead magnets that will jumpstart your email list.

There’s also a video tutorial to help you through editing. Just fill out the form below to be added to our email list and I’ll send you the password to free design library. ⬇⬇

This template is available in our FREE Design Library! Fill out the form below to get access!

When you sign up to our email list you'll get instant access to this canva template, PLUS you'll get access to all of our tutorials and tools in our design library as well!

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Last updated on April 16th, 2018

I was on a video call with a fellow blogger when we got talking about click-through rate on our emails. She asked me what mine was.

I responded “Uhhhhh… 3%, what’s yours?”

She literally blew me out of the water when she said 50-60%!! I couldn’t believe it!!

Now her strategy is quite detailed and has a lot to do with funnels and a very segmented and targeted email list.

But I was missing another piece too…

Why you need to increase click-through

Why does click-through matter? Unlike pageviews or the number of followers (also referred to as “vanity metrics”) click-through actually does matter. This article goes over the general concepts of increasing CTR but I’m specifically talking email list, here. Email is where the money is at.

Here’s why click-through matters: if people aren’t clicking, people aren’t buying.

Unlike social media platforms that you have no control over, your email list is different. You have full control. You can drive tons of traffic and tons of sales if your list is warm, nurtured, and trained to click.

But there’s a lot of competition in the inbox nowadays.

You need to stand out. You need to get your readers expecting your email, looking forward to see your content.

A great way to do that? Printables.  

How printables can increase click-through and conversions

First of all, free printables build trust. You are giving, not asking. You aren’t expecting them to buy, you are letting them know that it’s more important to you to give them what they need than it is to make money off them.

Next, it adds value to your content. You want your content to be actionable. Motivate your reader to take the next step, do something. A printable can walk them through that and help them make that step.

Say you want them to start meal planning, they may or may not be into this. If they are anything like me, they think it’s a great idea and would love to do it. But they are also kind of lazy and think it sounds like a lot of work. BUT you have an awesome printable meal planner that helps them keep their meals organized. So, maybe I will give it a shot, I mean the planner is right there. Click! 

Or maybe you want them to start saving for Christmas but they are super disorganized and have no idea where to start. BUT you have a challenge worksheet for them with goal amounts to save and dates to save it by and they think “Yes, this is exactly what I need”! 

You get the idea.

So they start clicking on your printables.

Then they start clicking on your blog article links.

Then they click on your affiliate links. They know that when they click, they get value. That’s the goal, after all. The fact that you also get money for it is what makes blogging the best job in the world.

PS: Learn to make your own amazing printable with our FREE worksheet templates! Did I mention they’re completely editable so you can customize them to bring that amazing printable idea to life!

What happens when readers click-through

A lot of things happen when your readers start to click. First, you start driving traffic to your site.

I once heard a saying that it’s easier to get repeat customers than it is to always be looking for new ones. It’s SO true when it comes to your email list. It’s so much easier to get the same people that already like your blog to go back to it. And it’s easier to get people that know you and trust you to buy what you are offering.

Speaking of which; SALES happen when your readers click through. Remember, if they aren’t clicking then they aren’t buying. Obviously.

Not only does it making selling your own products easier, but also your affiliate products. And affiliates are easy, you just talk about how much you love something and people want to check it out too. In other words, you don’t have to be so salesy about it.

Designing printables

First, identify the printable that will convert the best for your audience. Some audiences love planners, while others can’t get enough worksheets. (You can find 17 amazing content upgrade ideas here.) 

Try different types out and see which ones do best (BTW, this is called A/B testing). Then once you have identified a printable that converts well, do more of those!

Then, decide on your color palette and overall design. Choose some design elements (I personally love banners and arrows!)

Start designing. Start with a background- minimal and not overpowering, but pretty! Then add a killer heading.

P.S. Guys, I have done some work for you! I actually have a template of 5 headings that can be edited in Canva available in my design resource library! I also have a design element cheatsheet with the search terms to find my favorite elements. Both are available in the free library and you can get access to it at the end of this post!

Add the meat of your content and finish off with a logo and disclaimer. I usually add something along the lines of “COPYRIGHT 2017 [YOURBLOGNAME] DO NOT COPY, SHARE, OR SELL. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED WWW.YOURBLOGNAME.COM”

All that’s left is adding them to your emails. I do this by adding the file to my wordpress media library and then grabbing the URL and linking to it in my email. The nice part is that it’s additional pageviews when they click it, the downside is that it takes up space on your server. You can also use programs like dropbox to host your printables on an outside service.

Bonus points if you repurpose these in your old (related) blog posts and create opt-in freebies.

Intimidated by the thought of creating an amazing printable for your audience? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered right here!

Increase click-through like a flippin’ pro

Training your audience to click is very important to monetizing your email list. Bloggers are tempted to sell printables as a way to make money but ironically, giving them away for free can result in so much more income.

You will be surprised that when you start giving WAY more than asking, you will actually start to see that click-through rate go up, up, up. (Kinda like mine did!)

So it’s your turn. Start by signing up for our free resource library by filling out the form below. Grab our free template of 5 headings and our design element cheatsheet. Then head over to canva and start designing. What is your next newsletter scheduled to be about? How can you make that more actionable for your audience?

HAVE YOU CHECKED OUT OUR RESOURCE LIBRARY? GET OUR HEADINGS TEMPLATE (AND OTHER DONE-FOR-YOU TEMPLATES) ALONG WITH OUR DESIGN CHEATSHEETS FOR FREE!

Fill out this form to get access now! ⬇⬇

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Last updated on April 16th, 2018

The very first digital product I ever purchased was after I signed up for a free webinar.

I had no intention of buying a product, I just wanted to consume the free information.

I sat through the whole thing, the info was excellent but the upsell was even better.

3 years later I have learned a lot. I have attended some awesome webinars with fantastic info and some okay webinars that were pretty basic.

The thing is, webinars have the potential to convert like crazy. If you are selling ANYTHING online, you need to consider a webinar.

I know it can seem a little intimidating, especially to put yourself out there in a live way where people can comment and ask questions. But trust me, it can be so rewarding.

First of all, what is a webinar?

A webinar is an online conference in which you teach something to a group of people that sign up ahead of time. It is usually live and can contain some awesome info. You won’t want to give all your info away for free though because most webinars have an upsell at the end that leads to the sale of your main product.

This article goes over the basics of setting up a webinar for free (without those crazy expensive webinar programs)

Generally, people attending the webinar are able to interact via comments and they are able to ask questions. This is a great way to sell your product because you can directly address any concerns your potential customers may have.

This also allows you to make an offer they can’t refuse.

So how do you nail your first webinar?

Here are 6 key elements to create a webinar that converts:

(Keep an eye out for the webinar checklist at the bottom of the post!)

1. The topic

Your topic is going to want to relate in some way to your product. If you are selling an ebook about sleep training techniques then you are going to want your webinar to be like “3 steps to getting your baby to sleep through the night”

That way, you can refer to your product throughout the webinar to get people excited about it and when it’s time for the upsell they are already sold.

2. The ads

You are really going to want to promote your webinar well. Generally about 1-2 weeks prior to your live webinar, set up a facebook or Pinterest ad that is targeted towards your ideal client.

Promote it in relevant groups and share threads. Post it on your Facebook page– really talk it up (but don’t spam people, of course). You can even promote it on your blog and through your email list.

Don’t be afraid to promote it through your newsletter. Just because those people are already on your list doesn’t mean they won’t become buyers or tell their friends about it. You can even offer a referral link and let them know if they have their friends sign up, they will be entered to win a prize (which can be anything from a free consult to a free product or gift card).

3. The presentation

The best webinars I’ve seen are mostly slide decks mixed in with some live video. I don’t like live video (although I know it’s totally necessary to grow my business). I think I look super awkward and nervous, which doesn’t come across great.

If you feel awkward on video, you will want to really make sure you nail your slide deck. Slide decks are basically slide shows that go along with the webinar content. Powerpoint is boring and basic. Using Canva can really bring your slide decks to the next level.

4. The worksheets

I can’t even tell you how much I love webinars with worksheets. Usually, the worksheets are fill-in-the-blank style and get the reader to pay extra close attention along with allowing them to take notes.

It gets them more engaged and involved in the training. These don’t take long to create and again, can be easily created in Canva. Taking this extra step will absolutely give your webinar a creative edge.

PS: Learn to make your very own worksheets for your webinar with our editable Worksheet Templates, available in our resource library! PS: Learn to make your very own worksheets for your webinar with our editable Worksheet Templates, available in our resource library! [

5. Questions and engagement

Really take the time to answer each and every question during your webinar. Answer them as you go but also set aside time at the end to answer questions. Do this after the upsell offer because this is likely when you will lose some people (plus this gives them the chance to ask questions about the actual product).

Don’t underestimate the importance of this step. This is where you get the chance to convince people that are on the fence that your product is exactly what they need.

6. The upsell

During the webinar, you will have already talked up your product, people are already going to be excited. Going back to the sleep training example, you can say something like:

Step one is transitioning from the swaddle. This is important because at a certain age the swaddle not only becomes a strong sleep assciation but once the child starts rolling it can become a saftey concern. However, many parents really struggle getting their kids to transition smoothly. I actually go into amazing detail about this in my ebook. I discovered this incredible technique that worked almost immediately on all three of my kids!

You are giving them the step and the reason why it’s important but leaving out the technique (but mentioning that you have the technique available in your ebook). Your potential client’s interest and curiosity are piqued. They are excited to learn your technique.

But you can take it a step further. Offer an incentive.

Remember that digital product I mentioned earlier? I purchased it because it was not just the membership site (offered at a lower rate if the entire year was purchased at once) but they also offered a free consult and website review to the first 5 buyers.

Make your offer irresistible. Offer a free 15-minute consult. Maybe a free workbook or some kind of content upgrade. (P.S. you can actually repurpose blog content into an ebook– quick, easy, and adds value)

You can do this. You can create a webinar that converts like crazy.

Your first webinar will be nerve-wracking, I’m not going to lie to you. But when you see those sales start rolling in, you’ll be hooked. Just remember the 6 key elements: The topic, targeted Facebook or Pinterest ads, a killer presentation, engaging worksheets, answering questions, and the irresistible upsell and bonus offer.

I actually have a free webinar checklist available in our design resource library! Here’s a sneak peek:

Print it off and laminate it (or put it in your blog binder). Use it each time you organize a webinar to really make sure you knock it out of the park! To get the password to our protected library, just fill out the form below!

Find this checklist in our FREE design resource library! 

Get access to this checklist, plus all of our free canva templates, tutorials, and design tools that will help you start rocking graphic design for your blog when you sign up for our email list! Sign up below and I'll send you the link + password!

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