We’re sharing with you a comprehensive list of what you can offer as content offers (or upgrades) which will boost the value of an entire post, and continue to establish you as an expert in your niche!

Wait! What in the world is a content offer and how will they help in my content marketing strategy?

To break it down for you, let’s revisit some facts from our previous articles:

1. Content Marketing is strategically distributing and attracting more and more people to your relevant, super helpful content.

2. You attract more people when you add value to your content. That value is created when you meet the need of your reader.

3. Marketing techniques have significantly advanced as technology drives more and more businesses. It is important that you learn the language of digital communication or your business will likely get swallowed by noise.

4. Your readers will become loyal customers once you’ve gained their trust by being consistent, continually adding value with little to no cost, and meeting them where they’re at without all the sales-y garb.

Alright, So What is a Content Offer/Upgrade?

Content marketing only gains when a content offer is added! It is specifically called a ’content offer’ because it is a free resource offered (usually in exchange for an email, but not always) that upgrades, deepens, and fortifies the endless value of your content.

For example, you write a post on organizing ______________. A content offer might be a simple checklist your reader can download and print off which will help guide them through their organizational process. Let’s be real though, we all love free resources that are top notch so a simple checklist might not be overly enticing (after all they are trading you their private email, allowing you into their inbox)! To ensure you’re content offer is a truly awesome I’m-going-to-share-your-post-on-Twitter-upgrade, then it needs to rock their socks. Taking our example of the checklist, why not add some pretty labels to help them organize (according to the room/theme you’re writing about), or small cards they can also print out with encouraging organizational quotes to help them stay motivated. It is easier to be organized when it looks good, so help them make it look good along with that checklist!

Content Offer Examples and Inspiration

We’ve compiled a list of ideas to inspire your next freebie! Though it does not include absolutely everything under the sun, it can help give you a better idea of some options that you can realistically offer your audience.

• Printable Worksheets/Adult Homework (raise your hand if you love pen and paper!)
  Depending on the depth of what you’re sharing, your audience might really appreciate a worksheet they can save, print, and use over and over. This works well when you’re trying to help your reader get to the bottom of something, help them discover more about themselves, or guiding them through a step-by-step written process.

• Podcast Series
  Podcasts are a lot more simple than they sound, plus not everyone has 30 minutes to watch a video on ______________. Write down an outline, add your main points, and then record yourself in a quiet environment. You don’t have to invest in a crazy expensive mic or recording software, plenty of professionals plug in a good set of earphones with a mic on them, and record in QuickStart or KeyNote (for Mac users). Save as an audio, and you’ve got your first of a series of whatever you think your audience can benefit from while driving, riding their bike, or working out at the gym.

• Whole Printable Workbooks (depending on how in-depth the topic is)
  Workbooks are like intensive homework, and are generally meant to work through Step A to Z of a certain process with your reader. For example, you teach about wellness of mind and body, so you create a workbook that not only gets your reader to quiet down from the hustle of life, but also delves deep into questions about self, what that person can eliminate from their routines to live more peacefully, and how exactly they’ll speak to themselves in a positive, uplifting manner.

• Printable Checklists
  Checklists can be just about anything! Perhaps you’re aiming to help your reader buy healthy groceries for a week, make a checklist and divide into veggies, proteins, fruits, etc. Or back to our organization spree, write down a must-do cleaning task for each room, or just make one checklist for an entire room! If you write about technology and want to help your reader invest in the best computer, write them a checklist of specs their digital device should have, and what they shouldn’t compromise on. The possibilities are endless!

• Digital Templates
  Templates are not only intensely helpful for your audience. Sharing a personal template, or one near to your own can invite your audience into your world. A graphic template for designers, a word document template for contracts or agreements, an excel document for accounting, or taking inventory.

• Inspirational Video
  Many of us dread making a video of ourselves talking for many different reasons, however the upside of posting a video for your readers is that they get to see the face behind the brand, the ideas, and all the expertise that’s being shared. The way you share with passion with also inspire and motivate your audience to take action!

• Inspirational Computer/Tablet/Phone Wallpaper
  If you have a certain tagline, or motivational quote that you’d love to have readers remember and apply to their life, a wallpaper is a great way to spread the love! Seriously though, how often do you open your computer, or look at your phone? Most likely similar for your readership in this digital age. Having a near constant reminder of you, your brand, or your mission will turn readers into loyal followers!

• Short E-Books, Guides, or PDFs (for them to save in Kindle or Kobo for reading)
  Perhaps you have dreamt of writing your own book, well a free e-book is certainly a great way to gauge demand on your subject matter. If they opt-in for your free e-book with their e-mail, you’ll also be able to follow up with them a month later to ask for feedback (double bonus)!

• Printable Calendar or To-Do List
  These are great for mini-challenges, think book clubs, fitness goals (you can get super specific, “30 Days to 100 Squats”), menu planning, etc.

• Free 30-minute consultation (limited seats, less than 10)
  This is fabulous way to boost yourself as a coach or consultant. Write great content, and then at the bottom let readers know you have limited slots available for a FREE 30-minute (or however long you think feasible) 1-on-1. When you’re done your session, follow up a week later and ask for feedback, or a short testimonial, you can use them later to help legitimize your services!

• Printable Recipes
  Everyone loves a free printable recipe with a beautiful picture! Turn them into little recipe cards for the old fashioned recipes boxes and you’ll be featured in kitchens more than you would believe!

• Free Printables, and More Printables!
  Free downloadable printables can be just about anything, look them up on Pinterest or Google! Once you learn how to make them (which can be as simple or as complicated as you like!) you’ll be pumping them out like a boss, and content offers will be a natural upgrade for your readers!

If you’re willing to think outside of the box, there are a lot more options for content offers. The true benefit is that the more readers use your resources, the more they will come to trust you as a true expert, and may soon be in need of your products or services!
Don’t forget to meet your reader where they’re at, always be helpful, and offer them your best. Your readers are likely well-informed and intelligent, they can sense when you’re being authentic, and they will love you all the more for it!

If you need more specific help with any of these content offers, join the Connected Women community (it’s free!) & feel free to reach out to our experts in the group!