Checklists and Templates: Providing Tangible Value

In the world of content marketing, some of the most effective and popular pieces of content are also the simplest. Checklists and templates are two types of content that are incredibly valuable to an audience because they are practical, actionable, and designed to make a person's life easier.

For businesses, creating these simple resources can be a low-effort, high-impact way to generate leads, drive traffic, and provide tangible value to your audience.

What are Checklists and Templates?

• A Checklist is a simple, step-by-step list of tasks or items that a user needs to complete to achieve a specific goal. It turns a complex process into a simple, easy-to-follow set of actions.
• A Template is a pre-formatted file or document that a user can copy and adapt for their own use. It provides a starting point or a framework that saves the user a huge amount of time and effort.

Why are They So Effective?

• They are Highly Actionable: Unlike a theoretical blog post, a checklist or a template is a tool that a person can immediately put to use to get a result.
• They Provide Instant Gratification: They offer a quick and easy "win" for the user.
• They Simplify Complex Processes: They take a large, overwhelming task and break it down into manageable steps.
• They are Fantastic Lead Magnets: Because they are so practical and valuable, checklists and templates are one of the most effective types of "lead magnets" you can offer. People are very willing to exchange their email address for a tool that will save them time and effort.
• They are Easy to Create: You can often create a valuable checklist or template by repurposing the content from one of your existing, in-depth blog posts.

Ideas for Checklists and Templates

The best checklists and templates are born from your own expertise and your understanding of your audience's pain points.

Checklist Ideas:

• The "Process" Checklist: A step-by-step guide to completing a specific process.
  • Example: "The 10-Point On-Page SEO Checklist"
• The "Ultimate" Checklist: A comprehensive list of everything a person needs to consider for a large project.
  • Example: "The Ultimate Website Launch Checklist"
• The "Mistake-Proofing" Checklist: A list of common mistakes to avoid.
  • Example: "A Checklist of 15 Common Branding Mistakes to Avoid"

Template Ideas:

• Spreadsheet Templates:
  • Example: "A Content Calendar Template (Google Sheets)"
• Document Templates:
  • Example: "A Brand Style Guide Template (Canva)" or "A Blog Post Outline Template (Google Docs)"
• Email Templates:
  • Example: "5 Email Templates for Pitching Guest Posts"
• Design Templates:
  • Example: "10 Free Social Media Graphic Templates (Canva)"

How to Create and Distribute Your Checklist or Template

1. Identify a Common Problem or Process

What is a common, repeatable process in your industry that people often struggle with?

2. Create the Resource

• Keep it Simple and Clean: The design should be clean, professional, and easy to use.
• Make it Actionable: Use clear headings, simple language, and checkboxes.
• Brand it: Make sure to include your logo and your website URL on the document.
• Deliver it as a PDF or a Link: A downloadable PDF is a common format. For a template (like a Google Sheet), you can provide a link that prompts the user to make a copy of the document.

3. Use it as a Lead Magnet

This is the most powerful way to use these resources.

• Create a Landing Page: Create a simple page on your website that promotes the checklist or template and has a form to collect the user's email address.
• Offer it as a "Content Upgrade": In a related blog post, you can offer the checklist or template as a free, downloadable bonus for readers who want to go a step further. This is an incredibly effective way to convert your blog readers into email subscribers.

4. Promote It

Share your new resource on your social media channels and with your existing email list.

Conclusion

Checklists and templates are a perfect example of providing tangible value to your audience. They are simple to create, highly practical, and incredibly effective as a tool for lead generation. By identifying a common challenge your audience faces and creating a simple resource to help them solve it, you can build trust, demonstrate your expertise, and grow your email list with highly qualified potential customers.