Maybe you’ve seen it or even downloaded it…a free guide with 18 tips on how to attract more clients.
The guide was created with the help of members of the Marketing Trailblazers Community to celebrate the community’s third anniversary. I wanted to feature members of the community and give away something of value that may entice people to join.
The jargon to describe the document is “user generated lead magnet.” That’s a mouthful!
I’m frequently asked how I do the stuff I do so here’s where I answer that question…
Several people who have downloaded the 18 Tips guide have asked what tools I used to design it.
Let me get this out of the way first…I am graphically challenged!
And, I put together the guide all by myself. I didn’t hire a graphic designer.
As mentioned in the introduction of the guide, all the photos are from my adventures over the past few years, from several trips to Peru to India, Nepal, Morroco, and many of my favorite places around California and the U.S. All photos were taken on Samsung Galaxy smartphones over the years.
Use the best tools
Being graphically challenged, I invested in ebook templates from Biz Template Babe, designed specifically for use on Canva (more on that later). The exact template kit I bought is this one called Ebook and Lead Magnet Bundle.
Sarah, the Biz Template Babe, does an outstanding job showing you exactly how to use the templates on Canva.
I’ve been using Canva, the online design tool for years, since it launched because it solved a huge problem for me…how to create great-looking graphic images to use on social media, without being a graphic designer. They have hundreds of templates for just about anything you would ever want to create.
If you’re not already using Canva, you can get started here with a free account.
To collect the content from Trailblazers, I created a form in Google docs, asking for name, tip and URL to include with the person’s tip. The spreadsheet that’s generated by Google forms makes it easy to collect and manage the content.
Once I had put together the tips with the images I had gathered and added a bio page and call to action at the end, I exported the document as a pdf. I was also able, in Canva, to export each page as an image to share on social media (I believe is a feature you get when you upgrade to a Pro account).
That’s it. There’s a learning curve to import and using templates, and once you’ve done it once or twice, it’s easy.
Share your lead magnet and invite others to help you
This is an important tip…when you have content from others, make it easy for them to share. In this case, I offered all the contributors a copy of the completed guide, images of their own, and other’s tips in two sizes (square and portrait), along with a set of hashtags they could use on social media. If you want people to help you promote, you must make it super easy for them to do so. They’ll appreciate it and you’ll get more participation in the promotion. 🥰
Once all the visual assets have been created, then I queued them up to drip out over a few weeks on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin. I use Social Bee to schedule and drip evergreen content.
If you have more questions about how you can do this too, book a quick Ask Me Anything consult and I’ll be happy to help you and work out the steps with you.
Recommended Reading
Lead Generation – 5 Easy Steps That Will Grow Your Prospect List
How To Promote Your New Lead Generation Offer
FREE Guide Reveals 18 Ways You Can Quickly Attract More Clients
Discover and Duplicate What the Brilliant Minds of the Marketing Trailblazers Community are Using Right Now in their Own Successful Businesses…
Images on this page are California (from the air), Rancho Mirage, CA, and Pikillacta, Peru.
*Some or all links on this page may be affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you make any purchases based on my recommendations.
Hi Denise,
I haven’t heard of Social Bee, that is one I will have to check out. I’m looking for something to schedule RSS feeds automatically today.
I love Canva and can’t imagine doing all I do without that tool. I have the premium and love it! Thanks for the tips here Denise.
Hi Lisa,
You can set up RSS feed campaigns on Social Bee. I have my blog posts set up to distribute via RSS when a new one is published.
Thanks for stopping by!
Your blog article is informative, and I love that you mentioned the “use of the best tools.” Marketing automation is one of the best ways to maximize one’s business and propel growth. And using lead magnets is a fantastic way to gather consumer details for further marketing. But you realize that many (particularly newbies shy away from investing in tools. Such a mindset is hurting businesses and results in fewer ROIs. Moreover, while the free version of such tools may offer some interesting features, you cannot compare those with a premium. I also like your idea of inviting others to promote your lead magnet to a broader audience.
Hi Moss, thanks for stopping by and sharing your perspective. You’re right, many newbies don’t invest in tools, and I think that’s OK. I advise my clients to start with a free version, use it, and then decide if it’s the right tool for their business. If that’s a “yes” then it’s time to invest in the full feature version.
Hi Denise,
You’re right about that. It’s best to start with the freemium and upgrade later, that is, if the user finds the software/tool helpful.
Thank you for bringing out that point.
The joy I experience from learning what others are creating is immeasurable. Thank you so much for this, Denise.
I appreciate your contribution and helping get the word out, Connie!
This was so much fun to do. I think this is a great story that should give every marketer some inspiration to do the same. I was super delighted to be part of it and hope it encourages others to join the Marketing Trailblazers group that put it together (https://marketingtrailblazers.co).
Thanks so much, Jan. Your support is always and greatly appreciated.