Lead magnets have long been an effective tactic for generating more leads and growing an email list.
Popular in the marketing industry, lead magnets can also be used by independent business owners to attract more clients and build online authority.
This is also true for law firms, which often rely on their content to build trust, increase traffic, and generate more leads.
However, law firms face unique challenges given the complexity of their subject matter and the restrictions regarding soliciting new clients.
That’s why we are sharing some of the most creative (and effective) lead magnet ideas law firms can use to grow their email lists and get more leads.
1. Educational Ebooks
The legal process can be confusing for many clients. They might venture to Google in search of resources, information, services, and tips for their case.
What better way to build your authority and draw in potential clients than to share educational content via ebooks?
Ebooks are generally in-depth guides or reports that cover a particular topic in detail. For law firms, ebooks can provide beginner-friendly insights, case studies, and/or step-by-step guidance regarding legal issues.
Not a designer? No problem! There are tons of free tools you can use to create ebooks. One of the most popular options is Canva.
Here’s how to create an ebook using Canva:
- Select a template: Canva offers a variety of ebook templates for different styles and themes. You can view and decide which pages to keep, discard, or edit to suit your needs.
- Customize the design: Use Canva’s stock photos, illustrations, icons, and graphics, or upload your own images to personalize your ebook. Experiment with colors, backgrounds, fonts, and photo effects.
- Add content: Fill in your design with helpful content. Add a descriptive title. Consider linking to supporting resources, including eye-catching images, adding “bonus tips,” and more to make your ebook engaging.
- Publish and share: Once the ebook is finalized, you can download and save it as a JPEG or PNG. Then, you can upload it to your website and put it behind a subscription wall.
2. Free Legal Templates
Templates are predesigned forms that make it easy for users to create, edit, and save their own documents. Templates can be used to create wills, lease agreements, contracts, non-disclosure agreements, parenting plans, and more.
As an attorney, you have the legal know-how to help clients create detailed and accurate legal documents.
While there are limitations – you should recommend users get their documents reviewed by an attorney – providing templates can help people head in the right direction.
When clients download the template, they can provide their email addresses, allowing your firm to follow up and offer to assist them in completing or reviewing the document.
Some other legal template ideas include:
- Power of attorney.
- Advance healthcare directives.
- Employment contracts.
- Business formation documents.
- Partnership agreements.
- Service agreements.
- Release or waiver forms.
- Prenuptial agreements.
- Intellectual property assignments.
- Demand letters.
- Cease and desist letters.
- Settlement agreements.
- Complaints or petitions.
- Loan agreements.
- Promissory notes.
3. Exclusive Webinars And Interviews
Live or pre-recorded webinars are another great way to offer value to potential clients. People love the interactive nature of live webinars and the ability to re-watch informational videos.
You can host online seminars, interviews, or sessions regarding important legal topics, helping your audience know what steps to take during the legal process.
For example, you can talk about how to navigate the divorce process, how to get started with a will, or what to know about real estate law.
Here are a few examples of titles you can use for your webinar:
- “Understanding Your Rights: [Legal Topic] Explained.”
- “Navigating [Legal Issue]: Your Step-by-Step Guide.”
- “Legal Essentials: How to Protect Your [Assets/Business/Family].”
- “How to Avoid Legal Pitfalls in [Scenario/Situation].”
- “[Legal Topic]: A Lawyer’s Tips for Success.”
- “Legal Questions Answered: [Topic] Q&A Session.”
- “What Every [Entrepreneur/Parent/Homeowner] Should Know About [Legal Topic].”
- “What Every [Person/Business Owner] Should Know About [Legal Topic].”
Once you have your idea for your webinar or interview, you can promote your session on social media, your website, or via your email list.
Then, people can register for the webinar by providing their contact information and expressing their interest in the topic.
This will allow you to follow up with them after the session, opening the door to them becoming new clients.
4. Downloadable Checklists
Simplify complex legal topics and processes with easy-to-follow checklists.
Checklists help prospective clients organize their tasks, prepare for their cases, and remember important details regarding legal proceedings.
Checklists provide a ton of value, making them a smart pick for a potential lead magnet.
Say, for example, that you’re a will and probate attorney. You could create a checklist titled “X-Step Checklist for Estate Planning.”
You could design this document to include helpful resources, tasks, and graphics that support people navigating the estate planning process.
Some steps on this type of checklist might include:
- Download our free Estate Plan Template.
- Create a list of your family members and other beneficiaries.
- Take inventory of your assets, such as real estate, bank accounts, and investments.
- Take inventory of your liabilities, such as debts, mortgages, and loans.
- Record the information from your insurance policies (life, health, and property).
- Choose your power of attorney designation.
- Hire a will and probate attorney to help you draft your last will and testament.
- Schedule for reviewing and updating the estate plan.
You can offer checklists as downloadable content in exchange for contact information, which will help you build a database of potential clients.
Plus, a necessary step in the checklist could be for someone to contact an attorney (i.e., you) for more support; you can then provide your direct contact information.
5. Actionable Worksheets
Similar to checklists, worksheets are interactive tools that help potential clients understand the legal process, assess their situation, prepare for a legal consultation, and even calculate estimated attorney costs.
Worksheets can be particularly helpful if you are used to getting new clients who don’t yet have their information or documents in order.
People can opt into using the worksheet, which provides value to them and makes them a better client for you!
You could even have people fill out the worksheets in exchange for personalized feedback or consultation offers, creating an opportunity for you to engage with them directly.
6. Tools And Resource Lists
If you have the technical skills to create web applications (or the resources to hire someone to do this for you), digital tools are a great way to garner user interest and generate leads.
Resource lists are perhaps the simplest version of this. You can design and publish a list of relevant resources someone might need and then host this list on your website.
For example, some resources might include document templates, links to government websites, links to case studies, and links to helpful videos.
Another approach is to create online tools such as calculators or apps. Some ideas include:
- As an interactive “checkup” tool that evaluates users’ legal needs.
- A cost calculator that estimates the costs for certain proceedings (like starting a business, filing for divorce, hiring an attorney, etc.) based on the user’s specifications.
- An e-document generator, which creates basic legal documents like non-disclosure agreements or letters of intent.
- Visual timeline “maps” that show the typical timeline of various legal processes.
- Case studies, where users can input different variables to see the possible legal outcomes for their situation.
There may be many more ideas that we haven’t been able to think of here, so get creative and consider what might be most relevant to your audience!
Remember that the key is to capture users’ information so you can follow up with them later as a possible lead.
7. Video Tutorials
Unlike webinars, video tutorials are usually pre-recorded videos in which you instruct users on a particular process from start to finish. This usually includes detailed steps and examples instead of interviews or sound bites.
Consider some scenarios in which clients might need help navigating a task, such as filing a small claims case or trademarking their logo.
Then, create an outline for your video, detailing the steps you want people to take.
Finally, record your video, edit the content, and then host the video – likely as a private video on YouTube (which can be sent to subscribers via email) or behind an opt-in wall on your website.
8. Legal Case Studies
Case studies are common lead magnets for the legal industry. This is because potential clients want to see examples of when you have succeeded in a case and what the outcome was for your client.
Case studies can build trust and convince people that you are the attorney to work with.
In your case study, explain the problem the client was facing, how the case was handled, what the outcome was, and (ideally) your client’s review of your services.
Highlight the benefits of your client working with an attorney to get the guidance and support they need to navigate this stressful and challenging situation.
You can put these case studies behind an opt-in wall or have them express interest via social media, with you sending them the case study in exchange for their email address.
Interested readers can then request more information or a consultation, becoming a potential lead!
9. Interactive Quizzes
Quizzes are usually used to prompt users to answer questions and receive a “score.”
But in their application to the legal field, quizzes can be used to help people assess their legal situation and receive answers, next steps, or considerations from a trusted legal professional.
These “answers” could be auto-generated based on certain criteria or (most effectively) crafted by your legal team and sent to the recipient via email.
The user receives their personalized assessment, with recommendations and/or precautions for their case, and you generate a potential new lead.
Keep in mind that there are limits to what degree you can provide legal counsel to someone who is not yet a client. Your “answers” might need to include more general advice and a recommendation to seek out legal counsel.
10. Mini-Courses
Similar to tutorials, courses can be used to help people understand their rights, learn how to navigate the legal process, or know the steps they need to take to hire an attorney.
A course does not necessarily need to be on video but could consist of an email series, downloadable PDF, or a series of worksheets.
Course hosting platforms like Teachable and Kajabi make it easy to publish your course materials, drive sign-ups, and even follow up with your subscribers.
You can publish mini course videos, add “homework,” link to related resources, and so much more.
Remember that creating a course is often more involved than just a single tutorial. That’s why we recommend creating a “mini” course that provides just enough value to get people interested in your services.
Here are some example course topics you could use:
- Legal Fundamentals: X Steps to Understanding Your Rights.
- Navigating Contracts: What You Need to Know Before Signing.
- Estate Planning Basics: How to Plan Your Legacy.
- Small Business Law: Protect Your Company the Right Way.
- Intellectual Property 101: How to Safeguard Your Ideas.
- Mini-Course: How to Buy and Sell Property (Tips From a Real Estate Attorney).
- Employment Law for Employees: Know Your Workplace Rights.
11. Trend Reports
Trends reports offer analysis, findings, and opinions regarding trending legal topics or stories.
If there’s a hot topic in your industry – and people are searching for it – it could be an interesting idea to publish your very own trends report.
For example, say you are a real estate attorney. A common trending topic is the real estate market: is it going up or down?
You could host a “market watch” report summarizing your findings and connecting the market to what buyers/sellers need to know about real estate law.
You can advertise your specialized report and grow your email list by enticing users to opt into your report or newsletter.
Then, you can notify your audience of special events, promotions, blog posts on your website, upcoming webinars, and so much more. That way, you have a growing list of potential leads!
12. Facebook Groups
People are constantly searching for information — on Google, on social media, and yes, even in Facebook Groups. If you have knowledge to share, creating a Facebook Group could be a way to generate more leads.
When you create a Facebook Group, you are able to prompt new members to answer questions when they sign up.
These can be questions like, “Why are you interested in [legal topic]?” “Would you like to provide your email address to receive more information?” or “What other topics are you interested in?”
These questions can help you not only grow your list but also come up with more topic ideas for your group.
For example, you could create a Facebook Group called “Real Estate Watch” if you are a real estate attorney, “Small Business Tips” as a business attorney, or “Contracts 101” as a contracts attorney.
While you can’t give out personalized legal advice, you can point people in the right direction if they have questions about complex legal matters.
Think Of Your Own Creative Lead Magnet Ideas
When it comes to lead generation, the possibilities aren’t only limited to this list!
You know your audience the best, so you might have your own ideas for how to engage with them and what content they might be interested in.
Don’t hesitate to think outside the box to come up with your own lead magnet ideas.
Lead magnets can be an effective tool for increasing engagement, growing your audience, and attracting new leads. Law firm marketing doesn’t have to be boring.
Try to think of new ways to reach your audience and get them excited to work with you.
More resources:
- Website Organization Best Practices For Law Firms
- 12 Tactics For Law Firm Content Marketing Success
- A Guide To Content Marketing For Law Firms
Featured Image: Andrey_Popov/Shutterstock
