You’ve heard it over and over again: “You need to build your email list.”
And yes—it’s true.
Most experts will tell you a lead magnet is the first step.
But here’s the real question:
📉 Are people actually opting in when you post yours?
📉 Is it attracting the right people—or just freebie seekers?
📉 Do you even know if it’s working?
If you’re not sure… you’re not alone.
But that’s exactly why we’re here.
You Don’t Need More Followers. You Need More Qualified Leads.
Let’s set the record straight:
🚫 A follower is not a lead.
🚫 A like is not a conversion.
🚫 A comment doesn’t tell you if someone’s ready to work with you.
Until someone opts in—until they raise their hand and say, “Yes, I want help with this”—you have no clue where they are in the buyer journey.
And if you’re just starting out, that might sound like a lot. But it doesn’t have to be complicated.
The Real Job of a Lead Magnet (And Why So Many Miss It)
Here’s where most people go wrong:
They focus on giving away content—not on creating a shift that leads to a decision.
Your lead magnet’s job isn’t to impress. It’s to filter.
It should speak to one pain point, offer a clear quick win, and position you as the person to help them solve the bigger problem.
But if you’re just tossing up a freebie and hoping it sticks… you’re missing the gold.
Wondering Where to Even Start With a Lead Magnet?
Let me guess…
You’ve heard everyone talk about lead magnets like they’re some kind of magical list-building machine.
But in your head, it sounds more like:
- “What am I even supposed to give away?”
- “Do I need a PDF? A checklist? A mini-course?”
- “How does this even connect to my actual offer?”
If that’s you—you’re not behind. You just need a clear plan and a smart place to start.
Most people skip this step and throw together a freebie that doesn’t actually do anything. It doesn’t filter leads, it doesn’t align with their offer, and it doesn’t get downloaded. Which leads to frustration… and silence in your inbox.
Before you burn out designing something random in Canva, start here:
👉 Lead Magnet Accelerator Kit
This quick-hit resource helps you:
- Uncover the topic your audience actually wants
- Choose the right format (not just what’s trendy)
- Align your lead magnet with your offer so it brings in qualified leads—not just freebie seekers
🎯 Yes, PDFs are still a great option.
🎯 Checklists and guides still work—if they’re aligned with what makes you unique.
🎯 You don’t need fancy tech. You just need clarity.
What If You’ve Already Got a Lead Magnet… But It’s Not Converting?
This is where a lot of business owners get stuck.
You’ve got a lead magnet. Maybe a few.
You post it on Instagram. You mention it in passing. And…crickets.
If no one’s opting in, it could be one of three things:
- The title isn’t landing
- The content isn’t compelling
- The connection to your offer is missing
Your lead magnet can’t live in isolation. It has to be part of your Power of 3 Offer Formula—that means:
- It leads to one of your paid offers
- It filters the right people
- It gives just enough value to build trust
Otherwise? You’re collecting email addresses that don’t convert… or worse, not collecting any at all.
My Turning Point: When a Coaching Call Changed Everything
I’ve created over 20 lead magnets over the years—everything from my Ultimate Lead Magnet Formula (still my #1 performer) to my LinkedIn All-Star Cheat Sheet, Visibility Playbook, and even bonus offers and opt-ins tied to specific email strategies.
Some live on landing pages. Others are used behind the scenes.
But they’ve all served a purpose.
So when I booked a coaching call with the founders of Hello Audio, I didn’t come in blank.
👉 I already used their platform to deliver private podcasts to my clients.
👉 I already knew I wanted to test an audio lead magnet.
👉 I figured I’d take one of my top-performing PDFs and record the content. Done and done.
But that’s not what happened.
Instead, we broke down my offers. We unpacked what was already working. And somewhere in that conversation, I mentioned something I’ve taught for years:
🎯 The Reticular Activating System—your brain’s internal filter.
It’s kind of like SEO for your subconscious. Or GPS for your goals.
It’s neuroscience—but in Layman’s terms (pun fully intended).
They’d never heard of it before. And when I explained how it helps my clients notice patterns, spot perfect-fit opportunities, and build the kind of visibility that feels aligned instead of exhausting?
It blew their minds.
More importantly, it reminded me why this method—my method—is so different from what most “visibility coaches” teach.
Because visibility isn’t just about posting on social. I teach my clients how to strategically build their lists by leveraging the right platforms and people. And the RAS? It’s the filter that makes that possible.
That’s when I realized…
This wasn’t just a coaching call. This was a clarity moment.
This needed to be my next lead magnet. A private podcast that introduced the real reason my visibility strategy works—so my audience could hear it in action.
What Type of Lead Magnet Should You Create?
Let’s talk options—because it’s not just audio or bust.
Here are a few strong formats depending on your stage and strategy:
✅ PDFs (great for beginners)
- Easy to create
- Low-tech barrier
- Familiar to your audience
- Just make sure it’s strategic, not random
✅ Video + Checklist Combo (builds fast connection)
- Helps your audience see and hear you
- Easy to record with tools like Loom, Zoom, or even your phone
- Breaks down a process visually while the checklist reinforces the action steps
- Builds trust quickly and positions you as the go-to expert
✅ Quizzes (perfect for personalization)
- Tools like Interact make them easy to build
- Position you as the expert
- Segment your list while capturing leads
✅ Private Audio Podcast (advanced strategy)
- Powerful for high-trust conversion
- Ideal if you speak, coach, or teach
- Best when your voice adds clarity and connection
- Bonus: Break it into 5–8 minute chunks for easier consumption
✅ Gated Audio on Your Website
- Not ready for Hello Audio yet?
- You can still record short audios and gate them with an opt-in form
- Just make sure you’re collecting emails and tracking metrics
Don’t Forget the One Thing Most People Skip: Metrics
You can create the most brilliant, beautiful, binge-worthy freebie… but if you’re not tracking what’s working?
You’re flying blind.
I use a tool like Switchy to customize and track links. That way I know:
- Where someone clicked from
- What lead magnet they opted into
- Which platform is bringing me the best leads
Because here’s the truth:
You have to test.
You have to tweak.
You have to know what’s actually moving people forward.
And that means you need more than one lead magnet.
(Yes. Even if you’re just starting.)
TL;DR: Your Lead Magnet Only Works If It’s…
✅ Aligned with your offer
✅ Connected to what makes you unique
✅ Strategic in format and messaging
✅ Easy to track and test
You don’t need 20. But you do need to be willing to test. Because the format that works for someone else? It might not be the one that works for you.
And the one that changed everything for me? It wasn’t the one I expected.
Want to See How This Works in Action?
If you’re curious what a strategic lead magnet sounds like—or you want to explore audio for yourself—start here:
🎧 Opt In to the RAS Private Podcast
Want to hear the lead magnet I created using everything you just read about?
Get short, punchy episodes that explain how to train your brain’s filter to spot the right people, platforms, and opportunities.
Already on my list? You won’t get added twice—you’ll just get access to the feed.
🎧 Try Hello Audio
If you’re ready to test out private podcasts as your next lead magnet format, Hello Audio makes it stupid simple to do.
And yes—this is my affiliate link because I actually use it.
🎧 Listen to the Hello Audio Coaching Call
Get the behind-the-scenes on how this lead magnet came to life. You’ll hear how we unpacked ideas, found my unique angle, and landed on a private podcast that actually converts.
LISTEN TO THE COACHING SESSION
Spoiler: The breakthrough came when I stopped assuming what my audience wanted—and started listening to what made me different.
💡 Final thought:
You don’t have to start with audio.
But you do need to start with intention.
Whether it’s a PDF, quiz, or private podcast…
Make it strategic. Make it trackable. And most of all—make it yours.
