LeadMagnetGeniusFormat: Free trial account, or a lite version of a software/tool, or a calculator widget
Why it attracts: Letting someone try out your actual product or a helpful tool for free can pull in very qualified leads. This is common for software companies (SaaS) – a free trial for X days in exchange for sign-up. But even if you’re not a software business, think about a free tool or calculator you can provide. Interactive tools give immediate utility and can be quite sticky.
Example: A SaaS example is something like Ahrefs (SEO tool) offering a free trial for 7 days for $0 (with email sign-up). A non-software example: a mortgage broker might have a “Home Affordability Calculator” on their site where users input their income, etc., and it calculates how much home they might afford. To get detailed results or have them emailed, the user enters their email. Another example: an HR consultancy might create a simple salary benchmarking tool – input role, experience, and see a salary range (with email capture to send full report).
Tips to execute: - If you have software, make the trial easy to start (minimal info needed) and highlight that no credit card is required (if that’s the case – it usually boosts sign-ups). - For creating a custom tool: you may need a developer or use certain platforms. But even a well-made spreadsheet could be offered as an online calculator (e.g., using Google Sheets templates). - Delivering value: Ensure that the trial or tool genuinely helps the user accomplish something meaningful, even in free mode. If it’s too limited, they won’t be impressed. For example, a design tool might allow 3 free designs before upgrading. - Follow up during/after the trial. Send tips on how to get the most out of the tool, and reminders (“2 days left in your trial – need more time? We can extend, just ask!” or a special offer to upgrade). If it’s a one-off tool (like a calculator), follow up with relevant info (“Your home affordability results are here… By the way, here’s a guide on next steps for mortgage pre-approval.”).
Free trials and tools work because they’re not just promises of value – they demonstrate value. The user sees with their own eyes how your product/service can help them. Even outside of software, interactive content is on the rise; people love to input their info and get personalized outputs (think of all those calculators and AI chatbots). It feels tailored to them, which makes it more compelling.