Beacon is a tool built specifically for creating lead magnets, and it offers a free plan that is very appealing for beginners. With Beacon, you can create professional-looking ebooks, resource guides, checklists, and more in a fraction of the time. It comes with a variety of ready-made lead magnet templates and a drag-and-drop editor.
Key features: Beacon stands out because it streamlines the whole process of making a lead magnet. You can choose from templates designed for different types of freebies (checklists, resource guides, worksheets, etc.), then simply swap in your content. It even has a content library feature, allowing you to bundle multiple pieces into a “resource library” or series if you want to offer a multi-part magnet. Beacon also integrates lead capture forms if you choose to use it as a landing page, though many will use it just for content creation.
Free plan limitations: Beacon’s free plan lets you create lead magnets with their templates and editor for free, and you can export your work. The main limitation is a small Beacon watermark on the exported PDF and fewer export format options. However, the free option is perfect for testing the tool’s capabilities. Users report that even with the watermark, Beacon’s templates are clean and attractive, so it’s not a deal-breaker if you’re just starting out.
Why it’s great for lead magnets: Because Beacon was made for lead magnets, it’s incredibly practical. One user noted, “It’s not the flashiest tool, but it’s practical – especially as free lead magnet software. I’ve used it to create downloadable checklists, quick guides, and even full mini eBooks — all without opening Canva or Google Docs”. If design isn’t your strong suit, Beacon handles the heavy lifting. It ensures your lead magnet has a professional layout and even helps with elements like table of contents, page numbers, and consistent styling. For anyone who finds themselves procrastinating the design phase, Beacon can be a game-changer.