Are Freebies Dead? Let’s Talk About What’s Working in Lead Generation Today

If you’re a speaker, coach, or entrepreneur who’s been in the online business world for a while, chances are you’ve created at least one freebie. You know, those lead magnets, downloads, checklists, or video trainings we offer in exchange for someone’s email address?

But lately, I’ve been asking myself (and now you):
Are freebies dead?

I was reading a friend’s post just yesterday that sparked this exact question—and I loved the shift in perspective she offered.

Here’s the reality:
We put out great free content hoping to attract aligned clients. But more and more, it seems like the people grabbing the freebies aren’t necessarily ready—or willing—to invest in real solutions. They’re often just looking for something free. (No offense if that’s how you found your way into my world! I still appreciate you. 😄

But this got me thinking…

Are your lead magnets converting into paying clients?
Or are they just filling your email list with people who’ll never open their wallets?

Now, don’t get me wrong—I don’t think freebies are totally obsolete. I was just on a speaking summit recently and had some great conversations with attendees. At least a third of them were serious about doing what it takes to grow and scale. They were ready to invest—not just gather info.

And there are still high-quality communities where lead magnets work because the members are highly invested business owners who value support.

BUT—what if we flipped the model?

My friend suggested this:
Instead of a freebie, offer a tiny offer—something super valuable that solves a real problem for $17, $27, maybe even $47.

💡 The goal? Attract buyers instead of just freebie seekers.

Sure, you might get fewer opt-ins overall.
But the people who do raise their hands? They’re already invested.

And let’s be real…
Wouldn’t you rather speak to fewer serious buyers than more unqualified leads?

Honestly, I’ve even started snapping up more of these tiny offers myself—anywhere from $20 to $200—just to test out new systems, strategies, or teachers before diving deeper. I know I’m not alone in this!

And here’s the kicker:
I’ve been teaching “Easy Yes Offers” for years—those low-barrier offers that make people say “YES!” quickly—but I still meet so many entrepreneurs who don’t even have one!

So let me ask you:

👉 What could your tiny offer be?
👉 What’s one small, powerful solution you could package up and sell to get more aligned buyers into your world?

Here’s a few places you can join me in the next few weeks!

• WEEKLY Coffee Chats, every Tuesday at 9am PST – anyone can come network, share what you do, we talk about business, books, and all the things that come with being entrepreneurs. It’s intimate and personal, you have to come on video. Zoom link is here.
• Monthly Author Brainstorming Power Hours, every 4th Thursday at Noon PST –Anyone is welcome to come if you are thinking about writing a book, currently writing one or want to know ways to best utilize the books you do have to build your business, authority and to get clients. Please register here. 
• REPLAY of the LIVE broadcast with my friend Andrea Stenberg on: All Things Video: How Entrepreneurs Can Leverage Video to Boost Marketing, Website Engagement, and Social Media Presence. Review on LinkedIn here. **Please comment REPLAY if you go watch, so I know! Thanks
• April 25, Friday for lunch. If you’re local to me – come attend our Polka Dot Powerhouse Lunch Connect Meeting! It’s from 11:30-1:30 at Casa del Lago in Granite Bay. You will meet up to 30 members and guests and get to share what you do, plus, learn about how our Polka Dot sisterhood could very well be the group that you’ve been longing for. Learn more and register here!
• April 30, May 1 & 2 – Results Unleashed Virtual Event with Julie Miller Davis. Julie was a speaker at my January event in person here in CA. She is hosting her annual event virtually, and it’s all about getting you more clear, unstuck and productive so that you can see more profits faster! She is a master of helping people manage their time, calendars, to dos and mindset around it all. I know Julie, and I’m excited to be there too, to share some nuggets from the virtual stage. JOIN ME!!  Register here.
• May 6 – The Women’s Conference (in person) hosted by the Sacramento BBB – I’m speaking about how to utilize and connect with clients and more through networking and communities – ticket prices keep increasing. Use my code SWC50 to get a discount and get your ticket today!
• May 8-10 – If you’re in or want to travel to Scottsdale, Arizona, come join me for Big Money Stages in person with Debbie Allen! At this event you’ll learn how to host or speak on small to large stages and make offers that people buy. Only a few seats left. Learn more here. I’m speaking about how to use a book to get speaking gigs and grow your business.
• May 13th – If you’re in or near Las Vegas, come join me for the Polka Dot Chapter Meetings there – I’m speaking about Maximizing Your Sales! Register Here.
• June 11th – Mark your calendar for the Virtual Summit About Hosting Summits (all day PST) – I’m speaking!

Wishing you a productive and impactful week!

I know how to show you how to tweak what you’re doing to get really BIG RESULTS in the next year! Book a 1on1 clarity session with me here now! Here’s to creating and enjoying a life full of lots of Love & Money!

Katrina Sawa, The Jumpstart Your Biz Coach