What Comes After The Lead Magnet: Growing An Engaged Community

Yeah! Someone has downloaded your lead magnet! So exciting! That’s a huge step in your overall marketing strategy and shows that your content is resonating with your audience and doing the important work of growing your brand.

But what happens next? 

How do you move from a one-time download to building a vibrant community? 

We’re going to walk you through the most essential steps of nurturing your leads post-download and make sure that you not only keep their attention but build lasting relationships.

3 Steps From Lead Magnet To Growing A Community

Step #1 - Start With A ‘Sincere Thank You’

That initial communication after a lead magnet download is so important - it may be the first time someone is really coming into your world.

The ‘thank you’ page of your lead magnet should include a quick message, expressing your gratitude and welcoming them into your world! 

Step 2: Create A Welcome Sequence

The second most important piece of your lead magnet strategy is a focused and engaging automated email sequence.

The flow of that automated email sequence can look something like this:

• Email #1 - Acknowledge and Thank:
  A simple email, with the lead magnet link, thanking them again for their interest and reinforcing their decision to grab the free resource! Remind them what a great idea it was.

• Email #2 - Provide Value & Reinforcement:
  Share related content, resources or insights that complement and support the lead magnet they’ve accessed. Remind them why they downloaded it, the problem they’re trying to address or the goal they want to reach. Congratulate them on taking this step toward solving their problem!

• Email #3 - Share A Success Story:
  How has this freebie, or the info in it, helped someone else? Share testimonials or case studies about how your offerings have made a difference in someone else’s life.

• Email #4 - Invite Them Deeper Into Your World & Community:
  It’s time to bring them deeper into your world and share more about what you do, the community you serve and the transformations you offer.
  
  This email can be more personal, more conversational and really showcase your brand voice and personality. Tell them about your ‘Why’, a quick snapshot of your own transformation - make this a truly human to human email.

• Email #5 - A Small But Valuable Offer
  At this point, you can make an offer - either for time or money - of a highly valuable asset. It could be a mini-course, webinar or you can share a small paid offer that complements the topic of the lead magnet they downloaded.
  
  Present this in a way that’s supportive of their goals but doesn’t feel like too big of an investment for them. You’re still in the dating stage, remember, it’s too early to pop the question!

• Email #6 - Check In & Setting Expectations
  The last email in your sequence should be a check in - ask them about the lead magnet; How did they like it? How has it impacted their lives? What further questions do they have?
  
  Then share with them what they can expect from you.Talk about your email list - how often you email, the great content you share - and invite them to community events you host or discussion groups within your business.
  
  At this point, your new lead should have a very clear understanding of what you do, how you can help them and the community you offer. 

Step #2 - After The Warm Welcome

Now that your new leads have been brought into your world, have a plan for how you will consistently engage with them and help them become a part of your growing community. 

• Do you have a weekly or monthly email newsletter? 

• Do you offer valuable info and resources in your Facebook group? 

• Do you host monthly calls that focus on various valuable topics?

Part of growing a community is knowing how you will serve and support them!

Step #3: Plan For Consistency

However you plan to build your community and serve your audience, take time to decide on a plan that you can commit to. 

Consistency is the most important part of community building - when your audience knows what to expect, and that they can trust you to deliver on your promises, that is a huge part of your road to success! 

Answer a few questions to get you started: 

• How often do you want to communicate with your email list?
  Whether it’s a weekly newsletter, bi-weekly updates, or monthly in-depth articles, decide what you can commit to.

• What topics will you consistently cover in your emails, group or calls?

• How often do you plan to host calls/events or be active in your group?

• What can your audience always expect from you? 

Once you know how often you will communicate and the topics you’ll cover, take time to plan your content in advance. A content calendar helps maintain consistency and allows you to always have valuable content lined up

Bonus Step - Listen To Your Community 

The best way to know if you’re providing value and support to your community is to always be listening to them.

Encourage conversations by asking questions, requesting their feedback or inviting them to small group sessions. This kind of interaction not only further builds a sense of community but provides important information so you can continue to improve!  

When you’re building a business and growing a community, the lead magnet is only the start of the journey!

When you have a well thought out and strategic communication plan in place, you turn fleeting interactions into lasting relationships. 

How are you nurturing your leads and converting your prospects into community members? If you’re ready to do it through consistent and valuable content that meets their needs and invites them in, let us show you how we can help!

Book your Discovery Call with us and let Automation On A Mission help you build the community of your dreams!