A one-page checklist is one of the simplest lead magnets you can make, and one of the most useful for readers. It promises a quick win, it’s easy to skim, and you can create a solid one in an afternoon.
Here’s a simple process that works whether you start from scratch or from PLR content you own the rights to adapt.
1. Solve one small, specific problem
The best checklists do one job. “Website launch checklist” is broad; “Checklist: 12 things to test before you publish your first sales page” is specific and easy to act on. Choose a problem your ideal reader faces right before they’d need your paid product.
2. Draft the steps
Write down every step, then trim. Most good one-page checklists land somewhere between about 7 and 15 items. A few writing rules help:
- Start each item with an action verb: “Check,” “Write,” “Upload,” “Test.”
- Keep each item to one line where you can.
- Put the steps in the order people will actually do them.
- Group items under two or three short headings if the list runs long.
If you’re adapting PLR, use it for the raw ideas, then rewrite the items in your own voice and add at least one tip from your own experience.
3. Design it for printing and screens
Use whatever design tool you already know: a word processor, a slide app or an online design tool. Keep the layout simple:
- A clear title that repeats the promise
- Real checkboxes, with enough space to tick them by hand
- Your brand colors and logo, used lightly
- A short line at the bottom pointing to your next step, such as a related blog post or product
4. Export and test
Export to PDF, the format almost everyone can open. Then open the file on a phone and a computer, and print one copy. Check that nothing is cut off, the text is readable at normal size, and any links work.
Give the file a clear name, like sales-page-launch-checklist.pdf, rather than something generic like final2.pdf. People will see that name in their downloads folder.
5. Deliver it and follow up
Offer the checklist through your email marketing tool’s sign-up form and send the download link in a welcome email. Then plan two or three follow-up emails that help readers use it, which is where a checklist turns into a real relationship.
Once it’s live, watch how many people sign up and whether they open the follow-ups. If sign-ups are slow, test a sharper title before you redesign anything.
Featured image: Photo: rawpixel (CC0)