Why your freebie lead magnet isn't working (and how to create one that works)

You created a freebie. You shared it. You added it to your link in bio. Maybe people even downloaded it… but then?

Crickets. No clicks, no buyers, no growth.

If you’re wondering why your lead magnet isn’t converting, you’re not alone.

This is one of the biggest pain points I see with new and experienced coaches alike, freebies that get lost in the noise, or worse, bring in the wrong people.

In this post, I’ll show you exactly:

• Why your freebie might be falling flat

• The three most common mistakes holding you back

• How to fix your lead magnet so it grows your list and leads people to your offer

Let’s clear something up: a lead magnet is not just a free PDF.

It’s the first intentional step in your sales funnel — the moment your dream client goes from passive scroller to engaged audience member.
That could be:

• A checklist or cheat sheet

• A workbook or guided journal

• A mini course, video training, or audio lesson

What makes it work?

✨ It solves a clear, specific problem your audience is facing

✨ It leads naturally to your paid offer

✨ It builds trust and connection right from the start

Here’s what might be happening behind the scenes if your freebie isn’t converting:

✨ It’s too broad: Your audience can’t see how it solves a specific problem.

✨ It’s disconnected: There’s no clear next step that leads to your paid offer.

✨ It feels like a “checklist task” instead of a real relationship starter.

👉 Did you miss my last blog post?

Check out Why Your Funnel Isn’t Converting (And the Simple Fix to Turn It Around) for the bigger picture on funnel strategy.

Mistake #1: No Clear Problem

If your lead magnet is vague or generic, it won’t spark urgency. Your dream client needs to see themselves in the problem right away.

Mistake #2: No Natural Next Step

A lead magnet without a clear path to your paid work is just a nice freebie — not a funnel.

Mistake #3: No Personal Connection

If your lead magnet feels overly polished, robotic, or generic, it won’t create the trust needed for a sale down the line.

The good news?

These are all fixable with a few strategic tweaks

Here’s how to design a lead magnet that works with your funnel, not against it:

✅ Solve one specific, urgent problem

Think micro-transformation. What’s the small but valuable win you can help your audience achieve quickly?

✅ Make it the first step toward your offer

Reverse-engineer your paid offer and ask: “What would my ideal client need to believe or understand first?”

✅ Speak like a human, not a headline

This is the start of a relationship. Write like you’re talking to one real person who you’d love to work with.

💡 Pro Tip: Your freebie doesn’t need to be fancy, it just needs to be focused, helpful, and relevant.

Inside Funnels: Simplified, I teach my clients the SIMPLE Framework, a step-by-step path for building funnels that actually convert.

And the “I”? It stands for Irresistible Freebie.

An irresistible lead magnet is:

• Focused: Solves a specific problem your audience knows they have

• Connected: Directly ties into your paid offer

• Human: Sounds like you, not a funnel factory

When this part is done well, the rest of your funnel flows with ease.

👉 Would you like help creating your own irresistible freebie?

Join Funnels: Simplified here and I’ll show you how to build yours step by step.

One of my clients had a beautiful lead magnet.

Designed well, full of value… but it wasn’t converting.

When we reviewed it together, we realised:

• The problem it solved wasn’t urgent enough

• It didn’t connect clearly to her core offer

We changed the title, rewrote the intro, and reframed it to solve one specific challenge her audience actually cared about.

The result?

A 40% jump in conversions, with just a few simple tweaks.

👉 Sometimes, it’s not about doing more, it’s about doing what works.

When your lead magnet is truly aligned, you’ll know. It feels like:

✅ A generous invitation into your world
✅ A preview of the transformation you help people create
✅ Something you’re proud to share, not just something you felt like you had to make

When it feels good to you, it will feel good to your audience. That’s when conversions start to climb without the push or pressure.

Not sure where your freebie stands? Ask yourself:

• Is this solving one clear, specific, and urgent problem?

• Does it directly lead to my paid offer, or is it a random side topic?

• Does it sound like me? Would someone feel connected after reading / watching it?

If the answer isn’t a solid yes to all three, it’s time for a tweak and I’m here to help.

If you’ve been thinking, “That’s exactly what’s happening with my funnel,” here’s what to do:

✅ Audit your lead magnet – Is it solving a clear, urgent problem?
✅ Trace the path – Does it naturally lead to your paid offer?
✅ Tweak the tone – Does it feel like you’re starting a conversation?

Your lead magnet isn’t just about growing your list, it’s about growing the right list, full of people who are perfectly aligned to work with you.

👉 Are you ready to fix your funnel and start seeing real results?

Join Funnels: Simplified today.

Your lead magnet doesn’t need to be perfect, but it does need to be clear, connected, and human.

When it is, it becomes more than a download.

It becomes the start of a relationship.

The beginning of a funnel that feels aligned and actually sells.

👉 Grab access to Lead Magnet Makeover and in half an hour, you'll have your lead magnet optimised and ready to convert! Click below to grab your copy for just £11...