Online business owners, content creators, and marketers frequently use free digital downloads—often called lead magnets or freebies—to grow their email marketing lists. These can include printable worksheets, eBooks, email courses, or guides. For those using ConvertKit, a popular email service provider, the platform offers specific methods to deliver these freebies to new subscribers, even on its free plan. This article explains the process based on available tutorials and guides, focusing on the technical steps required to set up and automate the delivery of free digital content.
Understanding ConvertKit's Incentive Email Feature
ConvertKit provides a built-in feature called the "Incentive Email" to deliver freebies. This is the primary method for sending a download or link when someone subscribes through a form. The incentive email serves a dual purpose: it confirms the subscription (a best practice to prevent spam) and provides the subscriber with access to the promised free content.
According to the provided sources, this method is available on the free ConvertKit plan. It does not require the use of the Automations feature, which is typically a paid feature. The incentive email is triggered automatically when a user submits a form and opts in to your list.
Step-by-Step Process for Delivering a Freebie
The process involves creating a form, customizing it, and configuring the incentive email to deliver the free download. The following steps are synthesized from the provided tutorials.
1. Create and Configure a Form
The first step is to create a form within ConvertKit. This form will be used to collect subscriber information on a website or landing page.
- Access the Dashboard: Log in to your ConvertKit account and navigate to the main dashboard.
- Navigate to Forms: Click on the "Grow" tab in the dashboard menu. From the dropdown, select "Landing Pages & Forms."
- Create a New Form: Click "Create Form." You will be given the option to create a landing page or an inline form. For embedding the form within a blog post or website page, an inline form is commonly used. There are typically several style options, such as "Naked," "Minimal," or "Modal."
- Customize the Form: Once the form is created, you can customize its appearance. This includes changing the text on the form, the button label, and the colors to match your brand. Many tutorials recommend using the "Naked" style for a seamless integration with an existing website design.
2. Set Up the Incentive Email
After creating the form, you need to configure the incentive email that will deliver the freebie.
- Access Form Settings: Click on the form you created to open its settings.
- Navigate to the Incentive Tab: Within the form settings, find and select the "Incentive" tab.
- Enable the Incentive Email: Turn on the "Send Incentive Email" option. This email is sent to the subscriber to confirm their subscription and provide the free download.
- Customize the Email Content: You can edit the subject line and the body text of the incentive email. A friendly subject line, such as "Your freebie is inside!" is suggested. The email should clearly guide the subscriber on how to access the free content.
- Configure the Delivery Method: ConvertKit provides two primary options for delivering the freebie through the incentive email:
- Direct Download: Upload a file (e.g., a PDF workbook, eBook, or printable) directly to ConvertKit. The system will provide a download link within the email. This is the most common method for delivering static digital files.
- Redirect to a URL: Instead of a file download, you can redirect the subscriber to a specific URL. This could be a private YouTube video, a dedicated thank-you page on your website, or a page containing a different type of resource.
3. Finalize and Embed the Form
Once the form and incentive email are configured, you need to save the settings and embed the form on your website.
- Save the Form: After all configurations are complete, save the form.
- Embed the Form Code: Click the "Embed" option. ConvertKit will generate an HTML code snippet. This code needs to be copied and pasted into the HTML or text editor of your website or blog post (e.g., in WordPress, you would paste it into the "Text" tab of the post editor).
- Test the Functionality: It is crucial to test the entire process using a different email address to ensure the form displays correctly, the incentive email is sent, and the free download link works as intended.
Important Considerations and Limitations
While the incentive email method is effective, there are some nuances and limitations to be aware of based on the provided information.
- Auto-Confirmation: ConvertKit allows you to enable "auto-confirm" for new subscribers. If turned on, subscribers are added to your list without needing to click a confirmation link in the incentive email. However, the standard practice is to require confirmation to verify the email address and reduce spam.
- Multiple Freebies: The sources indicate that it is possible to set up multiple freebies on the free plan. This can be done by creating separate forms for each freebie, each with its own configured incentive email. Alternatively, you can use the incentive email to direct subscribers to a page where they can choose their preferred download.
- File Size and Type: The sources do not specify any limitations on file size or type for direct downloads. However, it is a standard practice in digital delivery to use common formats like PDF for documents and to keep file sizes reasonable to ensure quick downloads.
- Integration with Sequences: The form settings also allow you to add subscribers to an email sequence (like a welcome sequence) immediately after they opt-in. This is separate from the incentive email but can be used to nurture the new subscriber further.
Conclusion
ConvertKit's free plan offers a straightforward and functional method for delivering digital freebies to new email subscribers through its incentive email feature. The process involves creating and customizing a form, enabling and configuring the incentive email, and embedding the form on a website. The key advantage is the ability to send a free download or redirect link automatically upon subscription without needing paid automation features. For creators and small businesses looking to grow their email list with lead magnets, this built-in functionality provides a reliable and user-friendly solution. As with any online tool, testing the entire subscription and delivery process is essential to ensure a smooth experience for subscribers.