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ConvertKit Review: What’s New for 2020

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ConvertKit brands itself as email marketing for professional bloggers.

This popular email marketing software application was built by bloggers for bloggers.

That being said, ConvertKit is a sound investment for any organization that uses email marketing (ten praiseworthy features are outlined below in this ConvertKit Review).

If you have (or plan to have) an email list for your business (and every business should have an email list), ConvertKit is worth at least trying out for free via this ConvertKit 30 Day Trial – for up to 1000 subscribers.

But if you already have over 1000 subscribers (or you know ConvertKit is right for you), you can lock in two months of ConvertKit for free today by selecting the Pricing tab on the ConvertKit website and then click on the Yearly Billing button:

Then click TRY IT FOR FREE in the column that fits your subscriber list size.

The features of this popular software application in this quick ConvertKit Review are praiseworthy, but what merits special attention is what’s new for 2018 and 2019.

ConvertKit Review – 10 Praiseworthy Features

ConvertKit’s user interface is almost too simple to be a powerful resource to segment and tag your email mailing list subscribers for strategic growth. But when you immerse yourself in complexity for so long, you expect things to be difficult to be good.

But ConvertKit is different.

Here are ten features included in this ConvertKit Review that you will discover too when you start using ConvertKit:

  1. Visual Automation Tool (Introduced in 2018)

    ConvertKit’s email automation tool lets you easily create visual funnels for your subscribers. An email funnel is a fancy marketing term for the process flow a subscriber will go through when they take certain actions as a subscriber to your email list.

    For example, if one of your subscribers clicks on a specific link in an email you send from ConvertKit, you can instruct ConvertKit to then send targeted content to just that subscriber.  This is a great way to develop a business relationship with a lead for your business. You are only sending extra information to leads who request it.

    ConvertKit also offers this capability through built-in “if this, then that” workflow rules, but now ConvertKit makes the setup of the funnel (also called a customer journey) even simpler because the process flows are visually designed by you in your ConvertKit account.  Here is a visual example:

  2. Only One List 

    Unlike email marketing services likes AWeber and MailChimp that charge you per email per list (even if it is the same email address), ConvertKit only charges you once per email because there is only one list. All subscribers to your mailing list have their unique profile where you can tag and segment them with ease. You will discover how much easier it makes email marketing to a specific segment of your list.

  3. Multiple Send From Email Addresses

    Do you have more than one custom domain or business? No worries. ConvertKit lets you send messages from different email addresses at no extra cost. You only need one ConvertKit email account to drive communication for all your websites!

  4. Nice Looking Opt-in Forms  

    One of the biggest frustrations with other email services is that their opt-in forms are well unattractive out of the box and difficult to configure.  Yes, you can customize them if you know what you’re doing (or use an opt-in designer tool like OptinMonster), but ConvertKit lets you set up simple and attractive opt-in forms when you are starting out.

  5. Built-in Landing Page Templates

    This is a very nice and unexpected benefit of ConvertKit.  Landing page templates allow you to create an entire page dedicated to your opt-in. This is a feature you can pay separately for with a more robust landing page software designer like LeadPages.  But ConvertKit lets you set up a simple landing page at no extra cost through the ConvertKit plugin for WordPress (so the landing page is on your domain).  NEW for 2020: ConvertKit offers more robust landing page designs within the tool.

  6. Easy-to-Follow Autoresponder Sequences

    Autoresponders are a term for automated sequences of emails you can send out to your subscribers. ConvertKit makes the process intuitive by displaying all of your email messages in one view in your account dashboard. You can even drag and drop your messages to change the sequence.

  7. Broadcasting While Excluding

    Broadcast emails are one-time messages that can be written and distributed at any time to your subscriber list.  Since you only have one list, ConvertKit makes it easy to send a broadcast while excluding certain segments of your list. For example, you want to send out a notice about a sale on one of your products, but you don’t want to send it to customers who have already purchased the product.

  8. Tagging Based on Your Subscribers’ Activity

    ConvertKit lets you tag (and then segment) potential leads in your subscriber list based on their activity on your website or through your email message. As mentioned as an example, you may include a link in one of your ConvertKit emails to assess interest in a new product. If one of your subscribers clicks on the link, ConvertKit can automatically tag that person as being interested.

  9. Easy to Understand Analytics

    When you log in to your ConvertKit account, you will see an easy-to-understand subscriber graph that shows you by the day which forms are growing your subscriber list.

  10. Integration with Other Software Applications

    ConvertKit integrates directly with other software apps like LeadPages, OptinMonster, and Shopify (plus it integrates with countless other apps like Typeform and Acuity Scheduling through Zapier). ConvertKit is also one of only a handful of email marketing services that have been selected to integrate directly with the Rainmaker Platform.

ConvertKit Review – What’s New for 2020

In addition to more landing page design templates, ConvertKit also introduced a new ConvertKit Free Account to its offerings.

But what exactly is a ConvertKit Free Account and how does it compare to a ConvertKit Free Trial?

ConvertKit Free Account

In short, the ConvertKit Free Account gives you unlimited (no expiration) access to most – but not all – product features for up to 100 subscribers. To unlock all features (most prominently the ability to create automatic email sequences – often call autoresponders), you will need to get on a paid plan.

The ConvertKit Free Account does let you create landing pages and forms.

Important Note: The public ConvertKit Free Account via the ConvertKit website does not permit any broadcast or message capabilities until you refer another active user. This ConvertKit Free Account referral link will let you get started with broadcasts for up to 100 subscribers – without any referral requirement.)

ConvertKit Free Trial

The ConvertKit Free Trial, in comparison, gives you limited (e.g. 30-Day ConvertKit Free Trial) access to all product features for up to 1000 subscribers.

If you already have over 1000 email subscribers, this direct link to ConvertKit will also get you started.

(Important Note: The public ConvertKit Free Trial via the ConvertKit website is for 14 days. This One Month ConvertKit Free Trial lets you test-drive all ConvertKit features for an additional 16 days.)

ConvertKit Free Trial vs ConvertKit Free Account

So which ConvertKit offer is better?

If you are not comfortable referring other people or businesses to use a particular type software like ConvertKit, the ConvertKit Free Trial is probably the way to go.

If you already have over 1000 email subscribers (or likely to have over 1000 email subscribers), the ConvertKit Free Trial is probably the way to go.

If you like to test out all software features before buying, the ConvertKit Free Trial is probably the way to go.

But if you are concerned about going to a paid plan ($29/month for up to 1000 subscribers) after one month and then canceling, the ConvertKit Free Account is probably the way to go.

ConvertKit Discount: Free Month or More

If you are now ready to try out this powerful yet affordable software after reading this ConvertKit Review, here again are three ways to save money with a ConvertKit discount:

  1. If you use this ConvertKit promotional link, you can fully test out ConvertKit free of charge for up to one month.
  2. Then set up an annual plan to get two more months free of charge over the next year via the additional ConvertKit discount available to customers – just ask for the annual plan discount after your free trial period ends.
  3. Sign up for a ConvertKit annual plan today and start saving by selecting the Pricing tab on the ConvertKit website and then click on the Yearly Billing button for two months free.

ConvertKit Review: Full Transparency

Graceful Resources has an affiliate relationship with ConvertKit so if you decide to invest in ConvertKit via this ConvertKit free month promo link or the direct ConvertKit setup link, this website is eligible for a nominal commission from the good folks in Idaho at ConvertKit if you decide to pay for the service. There is no extra cost to you.

If you start using ConvertKit, you are encouraged to set up an affiliate relationship with them as well.  You’ll want to spread the word too.  The software is that good, and I would use and recommend ConvertKit even if there was no affiliate program.

 

I hope this article has helped in your decision making.

ConvertKit Discount: Free Month or More (Plus 8 Benefits)

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ConvertKit brands itself as email marketing for professional bloggers.

As a former user of Constant Contact, AWeber, MailChimp, and GetResponse, it’s a valid statement.

But ConvertKit is more than just email marketing for professional bloggers. It’s a sound professional choice for any entrepreneur who has something to say or sell online (including the fulfillment of physical goods or services).

At $29/month for your first 1000 subscribers, ConvertKit exceeds the user and cost-friendliness of MailChimp with a lot of the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) capabilities of InfusionSoft.

ConvertKit Discount: Free Month or More

If you are ready to try out ConvertKit (awesome! – you won’t regret it), here are two ways to save money:

  1. If you use this ConvertKit promotional link (current as of 11/1/19), you can fully test out ConvertKit free of charge for the first month (up to 1000 subscribers).
  2. After your account setup, you can prepay for a full year of ConvertKit and get 12 months for the price of 10 months.  Simply contact ConvertKit customer service to take advantage of the annual plan – once you set up a ConvertKit account.

If you are just starting out (with less than 1000 subscribers to import or none at all), click here for a ConvertKit Free Month Discount.  After 30 days, set up an annual plan to get two more free months over the next year. Or you can pay for ConvertKit on a monthly basis.

If you already have over 1000 subscribers (or you know ConvertKit is right for you), you can lock in two months of ConvertKit for free today by selecting the Pricing tab on the ConvertKit website and then click on the Annual Billing button:

Then click TRY IT FOR FREE in the column that fits your subscriber list size.

If you are not sure yet if ConvertKit is the right choice for you, no worries.  Eight benefits of using ConvertKit are outlined for your quick reference below.

8 Benefits of ConvertKit

ConvertKit’s user interface is almost too simple to be a powerful resource to segment and tag your email mailing list subscribers for strategic growth. But when you immerse yourself in complexity for so long, you expect things to be difficult to be good.

But ConvertKit is different.

Here are eight benefits of ConvertKit you will discover when you start using the service:

  1. Only One List 

    Unlike email marketing services likes AWeber and MailChimp that charge you per email per list (even if it is the same email address), ConvertKit only charges you once per email because there is only one list. All subscribers to your mailing list have their unique profile where you can tag and segment them with ease.

  2. Nice Looking Opt-in Forms  

    One of the biggest frustrations with other email services is that their opt-in forms are well unattractive out of the box and difficult to configure.  Yes, you can customize them if you know what you’re doing (or use an opt-in designer tool like OptinMonster), but ConvertKit lets you set up simple and attractive opt-in forms when you are starting out.

  3. Built-in Landing Page Templates

    This is a very nice and unexpected benefit of ConvertKit.  Landing page templates allow you to create an entire page dedicated to your opt-in. This is a feature you can pay separately for with a more robust landing page software designer like LeadPages.  But ConvertKit lets you set up a simple landing page at no extra cost.

  4. Easy-to-Follow Autoresponder Sequences

    Autoresponders are a term for automated sequences of emails you can send out to your subscribers. ConvertKit makes the process intuitive by displaying all of your email messages in one view in your account dashboard. You can even drag and drop your messages to change the sequence. 

  5. Broadcasting While Excluding

    Broadcast emails are one-time messages that can be written and distributed at any time to your subscriber list.  Since you only have one list, ConvertKit makes it easy to send a broadcast while excluding certain segments of your list. For example, you may want to send out a notice about a sale on one of your products, but you don’t want to send it to customers who have already purchased the product.

  6. Tagging Based on Your Subscribers’ Activity

    ConvertKit lets you tag (and then segment) potential leads in your subscriber list based on their activity on your website or through your email message. For example, you may include a link in one of your ConvertKit emails to assess interest in a new product. If one of your subscribers clicks on the link, ConvertKit can automatically tag that person as being interested.

  7. Easy to Understand Analytics

    When you log in to your ConvertKit account, you will see an easy-to-understand subscriber graph that shows you by the day which forms are growing your subscriber list.

  8. Integration with Other Software Applications (including the Rainmaker Platform)

    ConvertKit integrates directly with other software apps like LeadPages, OptinMonster, Acuity, and Shopify (plus it integrates with countless other apps like Typeform through Zapier). ConvertKit is also one of only a handful of email marketing services that have been selected to integrate directly with the Rainmaker Platform.

    If you are planning to create, share, and sell content online through a blog, podcast, course, and/or membership site, ConvertKit coupled with Rainmaker is a powerful combination (and Rainmaker is the foundation for this website – here’s why).  If you want to maximize email opt-ins on your website, OptinMonster is a great addition to your toolkit (here’s why).

ConvertKit Discount: Free Month or More

If you are now ready to try out ConvertKit, here again are two ways to save money with a ConvertKit discount:

  1. If you use this ConvertKit promotional link, you can fully test out ConvertKit free of charge for up to one month. You’ll be asked to answer some setup questions first.
  2. Then set up an annual plan to get two more months free of charge over the next year via the additional ConvertKit discount available to customers – just ask for the annual plan discount after you become a customer!

Full Transparency

Graceful Resources has an affiliate relationship with ConvertKit so if you decide to invest in ConvertKit via this ConvertKit free month promo link or the direct ConvertKit setup link, this website is eligible for a nominal commission from the good folks in Idaho at ConvertKit if you decide to pay for the service. There is no extra cost to you.

If you start using ConvertKit, you are encouraged to set up an affiliate relationship with them as well.  You’ll want to spread the word too.  The software is that good, and I would use and recommend ConvertKit even if there was no affiliate program.

What other questions do you have about ConvertKit?

Please feel free to reach out via the Graceful Resources contact form.

If you need assistance migrating to ConvertKit (or getting started with a strategic lead magnet tied to ConvertKit), we assist clients with ConvertKit-related projects every month.

Cheering for your online success – one project step at a time!

Brent

ConvertKit Black Friday Deal – Plus Other Cyber Monday Sales

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Special deals on website resources (like a ConvertKit Discount) vary throughout the year and extra savings on technology – especially around Thanksgiving – allow you to save money while expanding your business reach online throughout the year. 

So included for your quick use below is a ConvertKit Black Friday / ConvertKit Cyber Monday Deal available through Tuesday 11/27 (along with a ConvertKit 30 Day Free Trial – available for use year-round) plus current discounts on five other website resources used and recommended by this website.

ConvertKit Black Friday / ConvertKit Cyber Monday Deal

Are you just starting out (or starting over) with your email marketing?

This year the ConvertKit Black Friday deal (also recognized as a ConvertKit Cyber Monday Deal) is a Starter Kit valued at $1400 on sale for $289.

The ConvertKit Starter Kit includes:

  1. 12 months of ConvertKit for up to 1000 subscribers
  2. Creator Pass Pro – a suite of education and resources for creators
  3. 90 day trial of the Teachable course platform
  4. Six plug-and-play visual automation templates that can be copied directly into a ConvertKit account
  5. Ebook of Authority: A step-by-step guide to self publishing written by Nathan Barry, CEO and Founder of ConvertKit
  6. I Am A Blogger coffee table book (a physical copy) – link to book

This is the first time ConvertKit has offered a promotion like this, and it is worth checking out if you are seeking a more comprehensive starter kit for your online business.

ConvertKit Black Friday Deal (expired 11/27/18)

ConvertKit 30 Day Trial

As you already know, ConvertKit is a feature-rich (and easy-to-learn) email marketing service that is used by this website and it is recommended for any online entrepreneur – even if you are not a blogger.

It’s definitely worth trying out for free.

You can take advantage of a ConvertKit 30 Day Trial for up to 1000 subscribers via this ConvertKit link:

ConvertKit 30 Day Trial

If you already have over 1000 subscribers (or you know ConvertKit is right for you), you can lock in two months of ConvertKit for free today by selecting the Pricing tab on the ConvertKit website and then click on the Annual Billing button:

Then click TRY IT FOR FREE in the ConvertKit column that fits your subscriber list size.

If you are not sure yet whether ConvertKit is right for you, no worries. Here’s a ConvertKit Review for your quick reference.

5 Other Discounts on Website Resources

Good website resources are not free, but thankfully the cost to get started is nominal.

Special offers from these companies make the resources even more attractive.

  1. WP Engine

    1. Resource Summary:  WP Engine is the largest fully managed WordPress (WP) platform provider in the world. Tech support is available 24×7 and all staff are subject matter experts in WordPress installations.
    2. Resource Review:  Why I Switched from Bluehost to GoDaddy to WP Engine
    3. Promotion: Get 5 months free with WP Engine’s Cyber Weekend Special
    4. Promotional Link: WP Engine Discount
    5. Pro Tip: Sign up for an annual subscription with the WP Engine discount link to get the extra savings when you pre-pay for the first year!

  2. StudioPress

    1. Resource Summary: The award-winning Genesis Framework for WordPress (WP) powers the professionally designed StudioPress WP child themes. Genesis is fully customizable with proven security and performance, and it is now available as a packed WordPress hosted solution.
    2. Resource Review:  10 Reasons StudioPress Offers the Best WordPress Themes
    3. Promotion:  20% of  all themes
    4. Sponsorship Link: StudioPress Themes
    5. Pro Tip: Sign up for a StudioPress Pro Plus Pack with the StudioPress link to lock in access to all current and future themes for life!

  3. OptinMonster

    1. Resource Summary: OptinMonster is a premium lead generation software that seamlessly integrates email opt-in forms into your website so that you can grow your email marketing list with site visitors.
    2. Resource Review:  10 Reasons OptinMonster is the Best Lead Generation Software
    3. Promotion:  35% off entire OptinMonster purchase
    4. Promotional Link: OptinMonster Discount
    5. Pro Tip:  Sign up for the OptinMonster Pro Plan with the OptinMonster discount link to lock in bigger savings on the feature-rich pro license – includes exit-intent technology.

  4. WPForms

    1. Resource Summary: WPForms is a premium form creator plugin for WordPress and it is branded as the most beginner friendly WordPress contact form plugin in the market. But it can do a lot more than contact forms.
    2. Resource Review:  WP Forms Review (and a WPForms Discount)
    3. Promotion:  60% off new plans
    4. Promotional Link: WPForms Discount (wait 5 seconds for promo to appear at top of pricing page)
    5. Pro Tip: Sign up for the WPForms Pro Plan with the WPForms discount link to lock in bigger savings on the feature-rich pro license – includes integration with PayPal and Stripe to accept online payments without your forms.

  5. Typeform

    1. Resource Summary: Typeform is a professional online form design tool that allows you to connect with page visitors via engaging and conversational online forms, surveys, quizzes, and landing pages.
    2. Resource Review:  8 Typeform Examples and a Typeform Discount
    3. Promotion:  New customers get 10% off Typeform subscriptions.
    4. Promotional Link: Typeform Discount
    5. Pro Tip: Sign up for the Typeform annual pro plan via the Typeform discount link to lock in 10% off plus two months for free.

*

Full Transparency about Recommended Website and Email Resources

Promotional links on this page are sponsorship (affiliate) links. There is no extra cost to you.  If you start using any of these website resources, you are encouraged to become affiliates for them as well. You’ll want to spread the word too. These website resources are that good, and I would use and recommend them even if there were no affiliate programs.

Thanks!

Brent

3 Occasions Email List Building is a Poor Use of Your Time

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Many online entrepreneurs have an obsession with email list building.

Thousands of websites (this one included) strive to inspire you to submit your email address to a mailing list – often with an email opt-in incentive – also called a lead magnet (see what is a lead magnet).

Depending on your surfing habits, your Facebook feed may already be inundated with sponsored ads to sell you a course to teach you the secrets of email list building.

FYI: Did you know when you keep Facebook open in a browser tab, Facebook tracks the pages you visit on other tabs (to then share this information with its advertisers)?

While this site does not pay for Facebook sponsored ads at this time, it did throw a lead magnet project into the mix of email list building schemes.

LeadMagnetProject

Email List Building isn’t Necessarily Bad

Email list building is a legitimate online business strategy – and with good search engine optimized content on your site, email list building can be on autopilot to a degree.

As the old adage goes, it’s a numbers game.

The more people you add to your email list, the greater chance you have to sell your products or services to people on your email list.

But what if email list building is the wrong current strategy for your online business?

Here are three notable occasions email list building may not be your best marketing strategy.

3 Occasions Email List Building is a Poor Use of Your Time

1. Client Work to Do

The most valuable form of marketing you will ever have is word of mouth.

You have probably heard this adage too: People prefer to do business with people they know, like, and trust.

If someone doesn’t already know about your business, they will lean on the advice of a friend they do know, like, and trust.

That friend may be your client.

Before you invest more time in email list building schemes, don’t overlook the marketing power of an existing client.

But that marketing influence is lost if you do not follow through on agreed-upon commitments to that client.

2. Your Service is High-End Work

If your market niche is more service-oriented (e.g. consulting, project management, technical design) for only a few clients at a time, you don’t need to focus on building a big email mailing list.

You need to focus on attracting your target client through lead generation forms on your website.

Two lead generation forms used and recommended by this site are Typeform (see 8 Typeform Examples and a Typeform Discount) and WP Forms (see WP Forms and a WPForms Discount).

These two lead generation web tools allow you to create customized experiences for your site visitors.

After all, if you can make online forms or surveys kind of cool, you stand a good chance of getting a response from your target client.

3. You Have Products or Services to Create

It’s a catch-22 with email list building if the purpose of your email list building is to sell a product or service that you don’t yet have available to sell.

You need an email list to help communicate your product or service, but you need to actually create a product or service. Your offering doesn’t have to be perfect, but it has to be at least as good as the expectations you are setting.

In the end, email list building takes time.

Blogging is a sound strategy to generate organic traffic to your site, but the results happen through repetition not one-time inspiration.

If you find yourself focusing more of your available time on your email list building and not on your unfinished product, email list building is a poor use of your time.

 

Resources for Email List Building (if email list building is a good use of your time)

  1. Lead Magnet Guide (5 essential characteristics of a lead magnet)
  2. Lead Magnet Survey (share your own opinion about email sign up incentives and discover what other entrepreneurs recommend)
  3. Lead Magnet Project (an interactive online project for professionals building email lists)
  4. Lead Magnet Examples (Graceful Resources email subscribers can add their own web address for free)
  5. Recommended Website and Email Software Resources (you’ll also discover why these resources are recommended)

Cheering for your online success – one project step at a time!

Brent

One of the Best Lead Generation Ideas

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Generating online leads for your business or non-profit cause requires some creativity.

There are countless lead generation ideas and it takes time to figure out the best strategy.

If your goal is to build an email list, you need to inspire people to sign up for your list (here are 10 different opt-in email marketing offers to help you decide on a creative lead magnet).  Once leads are on your email list, you can then guide them through a journey of new discoveries and resources.

If your goal is to inspire your website visitors to directly inquire about your products or services, you need a creative lead generation form (the next post on this site will add a second form software product review to the Graceful Resources recommended website resources to help you out).

The Story of Notch, the Rescued Dolphin

Martina S. Wing is a manta ray and marine life advocate, educator, author, and underwater photographer.

Her work is based on the Kona coast on the big island of Hawaii.

MartinaWing

In January 2013, she recorded underwater the true story of a wild dolphin in need and the humans who helped it.

Here’s the spectacular video itself of the dolphin (named Notch) rescue:

If you would like to watch the complete (10 minute) film festival edit of Notch’s rescue and opt-in for free to Martina Wing’s mailing list, you can do so via this film festival video landing page.

Martina is a very gifted storyteller and educator, and her email newsletter is an absolute treat to read every other Sunday.

You can sign up for her email list via this same video landing page.

One of the Best Lead Generation Ideas

Inspired by her video with over 30 million YouTube views, Martina is now sharing the amazing story of the rescued dolphin Notch with children around the world through a new children’s book (planned release later this year).

To build her email list in support of the book and all of her inspirational work, Martina’s free lead magnet is a downloadable coloring book.

The coloring book is one of the best lead generation ideas you will encounter. This lead generation idea aligns with her children’s book project, and the coloring book is just as popular with adults as it is with kids.

To date, her active email list is now over 1,600 subscribers.

Free Lead Magnet Guide

Martina is a client of Graceful Resources, and you can preview the Marine Life Coloring Book via this link.

If you are equally inspired by her team’s work, you are encouraged to directly opt-in to her list and coloring book via this book announcement landing page as well.

For more information on her children’s book project – which recently exceeded its Kickstarter campaign goal by 20% – please reference the following video and campaign-funding link.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/martinawing/notch-the-rescued-dolphin

What are the Best Lead Generation Ideas?

As Martina Wing’s lead magnet demonstrates, the best lead generation ideas don’t have to be the most sophisticated.

But lead generation ideas do have to be creative.

And when in doubt for your next lead generation ideas, never forget that we are all kids at heart.

That’s where inspiration begins!

Other Resources for Your Lead Generation Ideas

  1. Lead Magnet Guide (5 essential characteristics of a lead magnet)
  2. Lead Magnet Survey (share your own opinion about email sign up incentives and discover what other entrepreneurs recommend)
  3. Lead Magnet Project (an interactive online project for professionals building email lists)
  4. Lead Magnet Examples (Graceful Resources email subscribers can add their own web address for free)
  5. Recommended Website and Email Software Resources (you’ll also discover why these resources are recommended)

Cheering for your online success – one project step at a time!

Brent