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The Best Content For Generating Leads
Helpful tools outperform any other content type in lead generation.
Hi reader,
Think about the last time you actually used a freebie that you downloaded online. Like seriously used it (not just opened it once.)
Most lead magnets are just fluff – the “Ultimate Guide to XYZ” or a generic checklist, sloppily thrown together in an attempt to get your email address. Today, I'm going to show you why building tools for your audience is the smartest way to grow your list and build trust.
Today’s advice to grow your business
Build useful tools your audience will love, and use them to generate leads.
The world doesn’t need another generic ebook. They're a dime a dozen, and most end up unread. What people do need are tools that make their lives easier. If you offer something that genuinely helps your audience overcome a challenge, they'll appreciate it and remember you. This builds trust way more effectively than any "ultimate guide" ever could.
Here’s how this will benefit you
Tools generate more leads than any other type of content.
Take a look at this research from Neil Patel – he looked at 113 companies and found that tools and interactive content generate more leads than any other content type. And as an added bonus, he also found that they tend to be higher quality leads as well.

It makes sense if you think about it. People are actively searching for solutions to their problems. Someone struggling with budgeting is way more likely to hand over their email for a budgeting calculator than yet another article on "10 Tips for Saving Money."
Providing useful tools positions your brand as helpful, rather than salesy.
The internet is polluted with gated content that feels more like a trap than a treat. Offering real value upfront makes you stand out. When you genuinely try to help your audience, they notice. They see you as a brand that cares about their needs, not just their wallets.
This builds trust, which is the foundation of any strong customer relationship. People are far more likely to buy from a brand they trust and respect, and creating helpful tools is a great way to earn that trust.
Your first step
Identify the single biggest problem your ideal customer faces.
Really dig deep here. What's the one thing that keeps them up at night? What's the challenge they're constantly searching for solutions to? Talk to your customers, read their comments and reviews, and analyze the questions they ask.
Once you've pinpointed that core problem, the next step is to brainstorm how you can turn that problem into a tool…
Could you create a calculator that helps them quantify their problem or track their progress?
Could you build a quiz that diagnoses their specific needs?
Could you offer a template or a generator that simplifies a complex process?
Here’s a real example: I noticed that a lot of my ideal customers struggle to wrap their heads around the price of investing in a new website. The problem here is that they aren’t sure how to quantify the return they’ll get on that investment. So I created a Website ROI Calculator, which gives people an actual dollar amount that they can expect to justify their investment and make a confident decision.
This is a process, and you'll likely learn a lot along the way. Don't be afraid to experiment and see what resonates with your audience.
And if you need any help, like always, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Best,
Jono
P.S. Know any other business owners hungry for growth? Pass this email along and tell them to subscribe for more actionable advice.
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