Another great lead magnet you can use to build your subscriber list is free software.
Now, if you’re like many people, you might immediately jump to the conclusion that “this is not for me”. You probably know little about software development, and may not even know the simplest html coding.
To be quite honest, I know practically nothing about software development. But I do know that free software is an incredibly powerful way to build a list, and I do know that anybody can do it, regardless of their technical skills and know-how.
Here’s how I teach this strategy.
Planning Your Software
Review the software you already use. It could be link-tracking software, a WP plugin for backing up your data, or a website theme for setting up e-commerce sites. It really doesn’t matter what the software is. But unless you’re a whiz developer (and this post is not for whiz developers), then your best understanding of how a certain software works will be by using it.
Next, think of what you do not like about the software or WP plugin you are using. How could it be improved? Just ONE little improvement will do.
Better yet, think of what features your readers and visitors would find really valuable.
Again, think simple. You’re not redesigning the internet, just finding one tiny little piece of the puzzle that could be made better.
Developing Your Software
Now, all you have to do is “develop” the new, improved piece of software you want to offer as a lead magnet.
How do you do that?
I have no idea. I barely know html editing. Barely.
But I do know how you can get your software developed. Hire someone to do it. That simple.
Put out a request for a developer to make a simple software or plugin to do what you want. Write up concise specs. That means, “When the user pushes the install button, this will happen;” “When the user wants to change the background color, this is how they do it.” You get the idea. A detailed list of things you want your software to do.
Where do you go to find developers?
Any sites where developers offer their services. For instance, Odesk, Elance, Fiverr, to name a few. There are so many.
Hang out in Facebook groups where developers talk about what they do. Private message a few that you’ve built a bit of a relationship with and ask them to consider developing a piece of software for you.
Once you start getting bids for the job, make contact with a few of the developers who seem good and who have good references and customer reviews/ratings. Are they responsive, do you have a nice working relationship with them, and is their price reasonable? Give it a try.
Delivering Your Software
After your software is ready to go public, make it available to your blog or website visitors in exchange for their opt-in.
It’s really that simple.
Now, For The Bad News
Software developers cost money.
Probably nowhere near what you think, though.
This is why, for a free lead magnet software, I stress to make it simple. You don’t want to spend a whole lot of money, but you will need to spend some.
The other bad news is support.
A lot of people will have trouble understanding EXACTLY how to use the software, no matter how clearly you explain it.
So you will need to spend time supporting the software, answering questions, maybe even doing some webinars or teleseminars.
But Wait… Here’s the Good News
While it does cost money to have software developed, there is nothing more appealing to your visitors than a piece of software or a WP plugin.
Everyone wants a push-button solution to their problems.
If you can make your visitors’ lives just a little easier by solving JUST ONE little problem with one little piece of software, you can quickly build a truly responsive list of subscribers.
And speaking of responsive, let’s get back to the support issue.
While you will have to spend some time responding to people’s questions about how to best use the software, it’s an excellent opportunity for people to get used to talking with you, attending your webinars, catching you on Skype, and yes, opening your emails!
What do you think of offering your visitors some software or a WP plugin for a lead magnet? I hope you see it’s not as difficult to do as you might have thought before reading this article.
I appreciate you sharing this post on your social sites, and I would love to hear what you think in the comment section below.