How to Create a Lead Generator That Actually Works

by | Aug 18, 2025 | Email Marketing, Lead Generation, Marketing Tips, Strategic Planning

If you’re working on growing your email list or increasing leads for your business, creating a lead generator is a powerful way to attract your ideal customers. It also happens to be our favorite way! But with so much digital clutter floating around on the internet, how do you make sure your lead generator stands out?


Here are some best practices to help you create a lead generator that not only gets downloads but also builds trust and drives sales.

1. Give People What They Want (Not Just What They Need)

When choosing your lead generator topic, focus on what your audience wants to learn, not necessarily what you think they should know.

Yes, you may know your customers need to start budgeting, but if what they’re actively searching for is “how to start a college fund for my kid” or “how to save up for a Disney trip,” meet them where they are. Once they’re on your email list, you’ll have plenty of time to help them see what they need.

If you need a little help, consider what your client’s aspirational identity is. Why do they want to be as it relates to your offer? How can you help them get one step closer?

2. Put Thought Into the Title

This one might surprise you, but the title of your lead magnet can make or break how well it performs. 

A generic title like “5 Ways to Improve Your Parenting” might not turn heads, but something like “5 Ways to Stop Tantrums Before They Start” instantly feels more tangible and urgent. It’s the same content with better packaging. This is your chance to make your content hook people.

Pro tip: Tools like ChatGPT are great for brainstorming high-converting titles. Run a few variations and see what stands out!

3. Don’t Be Afraid to Give Away the Good Stuff

Many business owners worry about giving away too much in their lead generator. But here’s the truth: generously giving shows your audience that you know what you’re doing. It builds trust.

Think about it… just because someone has the recipe doesn’t mean they want to cook the meal themselves. If your lead magnet delivers real value, many people will come back and hire you to do the full job. If they decide to do it themselves and your lead generator helped them, they’ll tell others about you and become inadvertent brand ambassadors.

4. Let Them Sample the Goods

One smart way to create a lead magnet is to give people a small taste of your paid offer. For example, if you sell an online course, offer the first module for free. If you’re a coach, provide a mini-workbook or a sneak peek at your framework.

This strategy does double duty: it adds value while helping potential clients feel more confident about investing in your paid offer because they got a preview of what to expect.

5. Always Include a Clear Call to Action

Your lead magnet should make it easy for people to take the next step with you. From booking a call to visiting your website or checking out your product, include a call to action (CTA) and a direct link.

Remember, people might not be ready to buy the second they download your lead generator, but when they are ready, make sure they know where to find you.

6. Plan the Follow-Up

Creating a great lead generator is just the beginning. What happens after someone downloads it?

Make sure you write a follow-up email sequence to nurture the relationship. This could be a series of emails that gives more info on what they downloaded, answers common questions, or offers them a next step, like scheduling a call or making a purchase.


Your lead generator doesn’t have to be long, complex, or flashy. Your priority should be to make it useful and connected to the next step you want your customers to take. These tips are the key to growing an email list with potential customers genuinely interested in what you offer.

Now it’s time for you to create something great, and don’t forget to give it a killer title!

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