25 Irresistible Opt In Freebies To Grow Your Mailing List

If you’re running an online business, then you know that growing your mailing list is key to your success. But getting people to sign up can be tricky – especially if you’re not offering anything enticing in return.

That’s where opt-in freebies come in!

These goodies are so tempting, people will sign up for your mailing list just to get their hands on them! So if you’re looking for a way to boost your subscriber numbers, keep reading for some irresistible opt in freebies to grow your mailing list.

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What is an email mailing list

If you’ve ever wondered what an email mailing list is, or why someone would want to sign up for one, you’re not alone!

A mailing list is simply a group of people who have chosen to receive emails from a certain sender (that’s you!) on a regular basis.

Typically, people sign up for mailing lists because they’re interested in receiving updates or notifications from that sender. Or because you’ve offered them…. you guessed it – a freebie!

By offering something of value in exchange for someone’s contact information, you can quickly grow your mailing list and reach more potential customers.

Email marketing is one of the most effective ways to connect with your audience and promote your business – so it’s definitely worth putting in the effort to grow your list.

Why do you need a mailing list

There are lots of reasons why you might want to start building a mailing list for your business.

For one, it’s a great way to keep in touch with your customers and followers. You can use your mailing list to send out updates about your business, new posts, special offers, and more.

Email marketing is also an extremely effective way to make more sales and generate leads.

Let’s say you have a crochet blog and you launch a new course teaching people how to crochet. You could send an email to your mailing list letting them know about the course, and you’re more likely to get people signing up if they’re already on your list!

If you’ve used a new product you love and it’s related to your niche, you can include an affiliate link to the product in your newsletter to your subscribers and potentially earn money.

In short, a mailing list is a valuable asset for any online business. And opt-in freebies are how you can grow your list quickly and easily.

What is an opt in freebie

An opt-in freebie is a sort of a ‘bribe’ you offer to potential customers in order to get them to sign up for your mailing list. It’s an irresistible incentive that’s so tempting, people can’t resist signing up!

The reason opt-in freebies are so popular is because they’re an effective way to get people to take action. When someone is offered something for free, they’re much more likely to take the desired action than if they weren’t offered anything at all.

Additionally, opt-in freebies can be extremely valuable to the person receiving them. For example, if you’re offering an informative ebook for signing up for a newsletter, that’s valuable information that they probably wouldn’t have otherwise had access to.

The key is to make sure that your opt in freebie is high quality and relevant to your niche. Otherwise, people will simply unsubscribe from your list once they receive it.

How to get started with an opt in freebie

Before you create your freebie, you’ll need to sign up for an email service provider, like Convertkit. They offer a free plan for up to 300 subscribers.

Convertkit basically links with your opt-in freebie so people can sign up for your mailing list and receive the freebie automatically with instant access. It’s a super easy way to start building your list without any hassle.

Now that you have an email service provider, it’s time to start brainstorming opt in freebie ideas.

25 opt in freebies to grow your mailing list

1. Checklist

A checklist is a great opt-in freebie because it’s simple and easy to create. Plus, it’s an extremely valuable resource that your subscribers can refer back to again and again.

Examples: If you have a blog about organisation, you could create a checklist of ways to declutter your home. Or if you blog about fitness, you could create a checklist of simple exercises to do every day.

2. Cheat sheet

A cheat sheet is similar to a checklist, but it’s usually shorter and more concise. It’s basically a list of the most important information on a certain topic.

Examples: If you blog about social media marketing, you could create a cheat sheet of the best times to post on each platform. Or if you have a blog about blogging, you could create a cheat sheet of the most important SEO tips.

3. Challenge

Everyone loves a challenge, especially if there’s a prize involved! A challenge engages your audience and gets them excited about your brand. It also gets them thinking about your products or services and how they can be used to solve a problem.

Examples: If you have a fashion blog, you could create a style challenge where participants have to put together an outfit based on a certain theme. Or if you blog about fitness, you could create a 30-day squat challenge.

4. Planner

A planner is an essential tool for anyone who wants to be organised and productive. And it makes a great opt-in freebie! It’s also sooo easy to create a planner, especially if you use Planify.

Examples: If you blog about time management, you could create a daily planner with space for to-do lists and appointments. Or if you have a travel blog, you could create a packing planner with packing lists and space for notes.

5. PDF guide

I’m sure you’ve heard of a ‘how to guide’ before. This is pretty much what a PDF guide will be as you’ll be delivering it to your new subscriber in PDF format.

Examples: If you’re a photographer, you could create a PDF guide on how to take better photos. Or if you have a food blog, you could create a PDF guide on how to cook healthy meals on a budget.

6. Toolkit

A toolkit is a great opt-in freebie for anyone who wants to start their own business or blog. It’s basically a collection of resources, templates, and workbooks that will help them get started.

Examples: If you’re a web designer, you could create a toolkit with website templates and graphics. Or if you’re a freelance writer, you could create a toolkit with writing samples and templates.

7. Resource library

This is one of the most valuable opt in freebie ideas on this list! A resource library is basically a collection of all the best resources on a certain topic. Your subscribers will love having everything in one place. Many bloggers choose to have their resources under a password protected page to make it all the more exclusive.

Examples: If you’re a parenting blogger, you could create a resource library with all the best articles and products for new parents. Or if you have a business coaching blog, you could create a resource library for online business owners with all your best posts and marketing tools you use.

Don’t forget to check out my Resource Library!

8. Case study

The proof is in the pudding! A case study is a great way to show your subscribers that you know what you’re talking about. And it doesn’t have to be long or complicated. Just showcase one of your recent successes.

Examples: If you manage social media accounts, you could write a case study on the results you got for one of your clients. Or if you’re a writer, you could write a case study on the project you recently completed.

9. Social media templates

Social media can be time-consuming, but it doesn’t have to be! With social media templates, you can save yourself hours of work each week. Simply fill in the blanks and post away! That’s why social media templates are always a great freebie for email subscribers.

Examples: Instagram reel and story templates, Pinterest templates, Twitter templates.

10. Secret podcast

A secret podcast is a great opt-in freebie because it’s exclusive and only available to your subscribers. And who doesn’t love a good podcast? They’re full of information and entertainment!

Examples: If you’re a business coach, you could create a secret podcast with interviews of successful entrepreneurs. Or if you’re a travel blogger, you could create a secret podcast with tips on how to travel the world on a budget.

11. Video training

With a video training, you can show your subscribers exactly how to do something. And it’s a great way to put a face to your name! Video trainings can be delivered as a free email course or through a membership site.

Examples: If you’re a makeup artist, you could create a video tutorial on how to apply makeup like a pro. Or if you’re a web designer, you could create a video course on how to design a website from scratch.

12. Exclusive group

An exclusive group is the best opt in freebie to build relationships with your subscribers and offer them value that they can’t get anywhere else. It’s also useful to build a community of like-minded people.

Examples: If you’re a business coach, you could create an exclusive Facebook group for your subscribers to network and collaborate. Or if you have a blog about motherhood, you could create an exclusive group for moms to support and encourage each other.

13. Audio training

Like a video training, an audio training is how you can show your subscribers how to do something of value. But it’s even easier to consume! Audio trainings can be delivered as an email right to your subscribers’ mailboxes.

Examples: If you’re a life coach, you could create an audio course on how to goal setting. Or if you’re a fitness coach, you could create an audio workout to help your subscribers stay motivated.

14. eBooks

eBooks are always popular opt-in freebies! They’re easy to produce and since they’re digital, there’s no need to worry about shipping costs!

Examples: If you’re a health coach, you could write a short ebook on healthy recipes. Or if you’re a business coach, you could write an ebook on how to start a business.

Have you checked out my free ebook on How to Start An Etsy Shop?

15. Masterclass

A free masterclass is a great way to reel in subscribers. They’re usually jam-packed with information and are led by an expert in the field. The best thing about a masterclass is that at the end of the class, while people are still in awe of what they’ve just learned, you can offer a paid course as the next step.

Examples: If you’re a business coach, you could create a masterclass on how to start a business. Or if you’re an expert in SEO, you could create a masterclass on how to rank higher in Google.

Want to know how I learned SEO and rank on the first page of Google for many posts? I took this free masterclass!

16. Mini course

A mini course offers excellent value to your subscribers without overwhelming them. They’re usually shorter than an eCourse and focus on one specific topic.

Examples: If you’re a social media expert, you could create a mini course on how to get more followers on Instagram. Or if you’re a fitness coach, you could create a free mini course on how to lose weight.

17. Assessment quiz or survey

A fun way to engage your subscribers is to offer a quiz or survey. They’re usually quick and easy to take, and they give you valuable insights into what your subscribers want and need.

Examples: If you have a blog about parenting, you could create a quiz on which parenting style suits you best. Or if you blog about travel, you could create a survey to find out where your subscribers want to travel next.

18. Swipe files

What are swipe files, you may ask? A swipe file is a collection of resources that your subscribers can use to help them with a specific task. They’re usually in the form of templates, checklists, or cheat sheets.

Examples: If you have a blog about email marketing, you could create a swipe file of email templates. Or if you blog about social media, you could create a swipe file of social media post ideas.

19. Design patterns

Design patterns are a good opt in freebie to show your subscribers how to create something.

Examples: If you have a crochet blog, you could create a design pattern for a baby blanket. Or if you have a knitting blog, you could create a design pattern for a scarf.

20. Free access

Giving your subscribers a taste of what they can expect from your paid offerings by way of free access is a clever move. You can show off your expertise and get people interested in what you have to offer, lining them up for future sales.

Examples: If you have a paid course on how to start a blog, you could offer free access to the first lesson. Or if you have a paid e-book on how to lose weight, you could offer a chapter for free.

21. eCourse

An eCourse is a another popular way to deliver value to your subscribers. And it’s a great way for you to show off your expertise! Many who create an ecourse deliver them on a daily basis (like my 5-Day How to Start a Profitable Blog: The Right Way email course).

Examples: If you’re a web designer, you could create an eCourse on how to design a website from scratch. Or if you’re a photographer, you could create an eCourse on how to take great photos.

22. Coaching call

A coaching call is a way you can connect with your subscribers and offer them valuable insights. They’re usually about 20 minutes long, and they give you a chance to answer questions and help people one-on-one. They also leave the door open to your subscriber wanting to book a paid coaching call with you in the future.

Examples: If you’re a business coach, you could offer a free 20-minute coaching call to get your clients started with their business. Or if you’re a relationship coach, you could offer a free 20-minute coaching call to help people with their love life.

23. Tracker

A tracker will help your subscribers stay organised and on track of their lives. They’re usually in the form of a spreadsheet or PDF, and they can be used to track anything from fitness goals to blog post ideas to monthly spending.

Example: If you have a fitness blog, you could make a tracker for people to use to track their workout progress.

24. Stock photos

I’m always on the lookout for new and unique stock photos, so this is one of my favourite opt-in freebies!

Examples: If you have a blog about food, you could offer a pack of stock photos that your subscribers can use. Or if you have a travel blog, you could offer a pack of stock photos from your recent trip.

25. eCommerce coupon or discount code

Everybody loves a discount so offering a coupon or discount will entice your subscribers to buy from your online store if you have one. And it’s a great way to get them viewing your products!

Example: If you have an Etsy store that sells clothes, you could offer a 10% off discount code.

How to design an opt in freebie

When you’ve chosen what opt in you want to give away to your audience, head over to Canva to make it. If you don’t already have an account, you can sign up for a free account here (note: you do get more features with the pro-account).

Once you’re in Canva, you can choose from any of the templates they offer. Change the fonts, colours and images – basically customise it to your own branding – viola!

If you want to create planners, sign up for a PlanifyPro account here and you can find a ton of ready-made templates to customise as your own.

How to promote an opt in freebie

There are a few ways you can promote your opt in freebie to your audience:

1. Add it to your Blog

The first and most obvious place to promote your opt in freebie is on your own website. You can add it to your sidebar, footer or even create a dedicated blog post for it. And don’t forget to add it to existing blog posts too.

2. Create a landing page for it

A landing page is a standalone website page that’s designed to promote one thing – in this case, your opt in freebie. It lets you capture leads and get people signing up for your mailing list. You can create landing pages using Convertkit if you’re using them as your email service provider.

3. Social media

You can also promote your opt in freebie on social media. Share it on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram – anywhere you think your target audience will see it. You could even run a paid ad for it if you want to reach more people.

4. Email marketing

If you have an email list already, you can promote your opt in freebie to them too. Send out a broadcast email letting them know about it, and be sure to include a link so they can sign up.

5. Forums and groups

If you’re active in any forums or groups related to your niche, you can promote your opt in freebie there too. Just be sure not to spam the group – no one likes that!

6. Pinterest

Pinterest is a great place to promote opt in freebies. You can create a pin for it, and then add it to relevant boards. And be sure to include a link back to your website so people can sign up.

PIN FOR LATER!

Final words

List building is essential for any online business, and opt in freebies are the best way to grow your mailing list quickly and easily.

By offering something of value in exchange for someone’s contact information, you can increase the size of your mailing list and reach more potential customers.

If you’re not currently offering an opt in freebie to grow your mailing list, you’re missing out on a huge opportunity to connect with potential customers.

Be sure to check out the freebie ideas we’ve shared in this post and get started creating your own free offer today.