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So you’ve started dreaming about (or maybe even working on) your online business.
You want to build something that gives you flexibility, purpose, and income — without taking you away from your family.
But here's the problem: you’re posting on Instagram, you’re maybe dabbling with Pinterest, you’ve told a few friends what you’re doing . . . but nothing’s really happening yet.
If that’s you, I want you to know you’re not doing it all wrong.
You’re just missing one powerful piece in your online business. And that's a lead magnet.
Wait, What’s a Lead Magnet?
Think of a lead magnet as a conversation starter.
It’s a simple free resource — like a checklist, a guide, or a printable — that you offer in exchange for someone’s email address. It's a way to attract your ideal customers and bring them into your little corner of the universe.
It’s your way of saying, “Hey, I see you. I made this for you.”
And for your ideal audience (whether they’re other moms, homeschoolers, creatives, or someone else), it’s a way to get a quick win and start building trust in you, your business, and your offers. And why is this important? Because it helps you build your email list.
Why You Need a Lead Magnet to Grow Your Business
Without a lead magnet, you’re basically hoping that strangers on the internet:
✔️ Find you
✔️ Instantly trust you
✔️ Purchase from a stranger
✔️ Come back again . . . all on their own
That’s a lot to ask.
But with a lead magnet, you:
✔️ Grow your email list (a place where you get to show up, not the algorithm)
✔️ Start a relationship with someone who already wants what you offer
✔️ Gently lead people toward the paid offers or services God is calling you to create
And here’s the truth: Your email list is one of the most valuable parts of your online business — especially if you want to build something meaningful and profitable.
With an email list, you can keep in touch with your ideal customers or clients for years. And sometimes, it takes that long before someone is ready to make a purchase. A friend of mine just told me someone enrolled in her course after being on her email list for 6 years. 6 years! Let that sink in for a moment.
Don't worry, it's not always going to take that long! Some people might find so much value in your free lead magnet that they'll pull out their credit cards every time you make an offer.
Your Lead Magnet Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated
If the word “lead magnet” sounds techy or overwhelming, take a deep breath.
You’re not building a 30-page eBook or filming a whole course (not yet, anyway).
Your lead magnet can be something super simple (that you create it in a couple of hours or less):
✔️ A checklist to get started
✔️ A 1-page printable or planner
✔️ A mini-guide to solve one specific problem your audience has been struggling with
The best lead magnets are short, clear, and immediately useful.
Here are some examples from a variety of
businesses:
1. Christian Product Seller (Devotionals, Apparel, Mugs, etc.)
Freebie Idea: “5 Verses to Speak Over Your Business (Plus Free Printable Wall Art)”
Why It Works: Feels meaningful and gift-like, introduces your brand
Delivery Format: Digital download (PDF or PNG)
2. Virtual Assistant or Service-Based Business
Freebie Idea: “5 Things Every Busy Entrepreneur Should Delegate (And How to Know When You're Ready”
Why It Works: Positions you as a helper and expert, primes leads for your services
Delivery Format: Mini-guide or checklist in PDF or Google Doc Format
3. Coaching (Life coach, ADHD coach, fitness coach, business coach, etc.)
Freebie Idea: “7 Powerful Exercises to Help You Increase Shoulder Mobility”
Why It Works: Gives immediate value and builds credibility
Delivery Format: 7-day email course
4. Meal Planning Business
Freebie Idea: “3 No-Prep Meals to Get Dinner on the Table in Under 20 Minutes”
Why It Works: Offers immediate help and showcases your system
Delivery Format: Downloadable PDF or recipe cards
But What If You’re Feeling Stuck?
Most of the moms I talk to say things like:
❓“I don’t know what to create.”
❓“I’m not a designer.”
❓“What if no one wants it?”
Mama, I get it. I was right there too — trying to do everything perfectly, wondering if any of it would ever pay off. Your first lead magnet may not create a lot of interest. Don't be afraid to keep experimenting until you find one that resonates with your audience and gains traction for your business.
If you're still not sure, this might help . . .
If you’ve felt overwhelmed or unsure of where to start, you’re not alone.
So many moms feel called to start an online business, but they don’t always have the tools or confidence to get going.
If you know it’s time to grow your audience — but the tech, the design, or the what-do-I-even-make? questions are keeping you stuck — I created something that will help.
👉 Create a High-Value Lead Magnet in Canva — and Connect with the People You're Meant to Serve is my value-packed mini course designed for Christian mamapreneurs just like you.
In it, you'll find:
✔️ Lead magnet explanations and examples
✔️ Info about how your lead magnet fits into your overall sales funnel
✔️ Copywriting tips to help your lead magnet resonate with your audience
✔️ Step-by-step Canva design instructions so you can create something beautiful even if you're not a designer
✔️ Ways to get your new lead magnet out into the world and start building real connections
You don’t need fancy tech skills or a giant email list.
You just need a simple next step — and the willingness to take it.
These two courses provided everything I needed to start an online business. Both also have affiliate programs which can help you earn while you learn — but that's not why I promote them. Here's why I do:
1. Digital Creators in Christ Faith-Based Course and Community: In DCC, you'll learn how to build a purposeful and profitable online business with God at the center. This course will teach you how to align your ideas with God's purposes, build a stellar brand, create winning offers, and market your business effectively.
2. Roadmap Exclusive: RE is an incredible comprehensive business development course. You'll learn the foundations of building, branding, and promoting your business, whether it's online or bricks-and-mortar. This one isn't faith-based, but is very thorough.
Both of these courses will guide you through the ins and outs of creating a business, promoting your products, and getting the most out of all the technology. Both courses really helped me figure out who my audience is and how to reach them, how to set up the back end tech to make online sales, and how to create offers that actually meet a need.