“I tried giving away free content once, and all I got was freeloaders.”
Sound familiar?
It’s a common frustration. You spend hours writing blog posts, creating videos, or sharing insights on social media—only to attract people who never buy anything. They consume, they comment, they download… and then they disappear.
It’s easy to think free content doesn’t work—but the truth is, it’s not the content that’s the problem. It’s the way it’s being used.
Why People Think Free Content Is a Waste of Time
1. “If I Give Away Too Much, No One Will Buy”
Many business owners fear that sharing free content means giving everything away for nothing. They worry that if they solve people’s problems upfront, there’ll be no reason to pay for their course, coaching, or product.
But here’s the reality: People don’t pay for information—they pay for transformation.
Anyone can Google “how to start a business” or “how to lose weight,” but people still buy courses, books, and coaching because they need structure, expert guidance, and a clear path from A to B.
2. “All I’m Attracting Are Freebie Hunters”
Some people will never buy anything, and that’s fine. But many will—if you lead them the right way.
Think of it like this: Imagine walking past a bakery, and they’re handing out free samples of fresh, warm bread. You try a piece—it’s delicious. Do you:
a) Take the free bite and leave, never to return?
b) End up buying a loaf because you suddenly realise how much you need good bread in your life?
Plenty of people choose option B—but only if the free sample is good enough to make them want more.
The same applies to your content. If what you give away is valuable, people will trust you and want the full experience.
3. “I’ve Been Posting for Months, and Nothing’s Happening”
This one is tough. It’s disheartening to pour effort into content and see zero results.
But here’s an honest truth: Content without strategy won’t convert.
If you’re just posting random tips without a clear plan, you’re giving away free samples with no shop to buy from. Your content needs to:
✔ Solve a small, specific problem (so people trust you).
✔ Lead naturally to your paid offer (so they take the next step).
✔ Encourage action (so they don’t just scroll past).
Without these elements, free content feels like yelling into the abyss.
How Free Content Actually Works (When Done Right)
Free content is your first conversation with potential customers. It builds trust, shows your expertise, and keeps you top of mind—without instantly asking for a sale.
Think of it like a taster menu at a restaurant. You want them to get a flavour of what you offer, but not so much that they don’t need the main course.
A well-structured content strategy attracts the right people, engages them, and naturally leads them toward buying.
Are You Using Free Content the Right Way?
If your free content isn’t bringing in leads or sales, ask yourself:
✅ Am I solving a real problem that my audience cares about?
✅ Does my content lead to a logical next step (like a lead magnet or offer)?
✅ Am I showing up consistently, or just posting when I remember?
✅ Am I making it easy for people to take action (sign up, reply, download)?
When used strategically, free content is one of the most powerful tools for growing your business. It’s not about giving everything away—it’s about giving people a reason to trust you, follow you, and eventually buy from you.
So if free content “hasn’t worked” for you yet, don’t scrap it—adjust your approach, and watch what happens.
How to Create Free Content That Works
- Identify Your Audience’s Biggest Struggles
Before you start creating content, get clear on what your audience actually needs. What are their biggest challenges? What questions do they ask over and over again?
💡 Action: Write down 3–5 pain points your course helps solve. These will form the foundation of your free content.
For example:
✔ Fitness Course: “I don’t know how to plan healthy meals.”
✔ Freelance Writing Course: “I have no idea how much to charge clients.”
Your content should speak directly to these struggles—offering solutions that lead naturally to your course.
- Choose the Best Format for Your Content
Different people consume content in different ways. Some love reading, others prefer watching or listening. Choose the format that:
✔ Works for your audience.
✔ Matches your strengths.
Here are some options:
Blog Posts – Great for in-depth guides and SEO.
YouTube Videos – Perfect for tutorials and demonstrations.
Podcasts – Ideal for on-the-go learning.
Social Media – Short, engaging, and easy to share.
💡 Action: Pick one or two formats that suit both your style and your audience’s habits.
- Deliver Value Without Overwhelming People
Free content isn’t about giving everything away—it’s about helping people solve a small but meaningful problem.
Each piece should:
✔ Provide actionable advice.
✔ Be easy to digest (no overcomplicating things).
✔ Make them think, “This was useful—I wonder what else they offer?”
💡 Action: Plan 4–6 content ideas that answer a common question or pain point.
For example:
✔ Personal Development Coach – Blog post: “3 Simple Habits to Boost Productivity.”
✔ Online Course Creator – YouTube video: “How to Structure Your First Course in 10 Minutes.”
- Make Sure People Can Find Your Content
Even the best content won’t work if no one sees it. That’s where optimisation comes in.
For blog posts:
✔ Use keywords your audience is searching for (Google’s Keyword Planner can help).
✔ Write clear, engaging titles that make people want to click.
✔ Structure posts so they’re easy to read (short paragraphs, subheadings, bullet points).
For YouTube videos:
✔ Optimise titles, descriptions, and tags.
✔ Use thumbnails that stand out.
✔ Encourage likes, comments, and shares to boost visibility.
For social media:
✔ Use hashtags to increase reach.
✔ Keep it snappy and engaging.
✔ Add calls to action (e.g., “Save this post for later!”).
💡 Action: Research 5–10 keywords for each piece of content and use them naturally.
- Always Include a Next Step (Call-to-Action)
Your free content should naturally guide people deeper into your funnel.
Instead of just consuming and leaving, they should be encouraged to:
✔ Subscribe to your email list.
✔ Download a lead magnet.
✔ Join a free webinar.
Examples of CTAs:
✔ “Want more in-depth tips? Download my free [resource] here!”
✔ “Get my exclusive guide on [topic]—just enter your email!”
✔ “Subscribe for weekly updates + free resources!”
💡 Action: Add one clear CTA to every piece of content, making the next step obvious.
Free Content in Action: Two Examples
💡 Example 1: Health & Wellness Coach
✔ Blog Post: “5 Nutritional Myths You Should Stop Believing.”
✔ YouTube Video: “How to Meal Prep for the Week in Under an Hour.”
✔ Call-to-Action: Free 7-Day Meal Plan (email opt-in).
💡 Example 2: Freelance Writing Mentor
✔ Podcast Episode: “How to Set Freelance Writing Rates Without Underselling Yourself.”
✔ Blog Post: “The 10 Best Tools for Freelance Writers in 2024.”
✔ Call-to-Action: Free Freelancer Pricing Guide (lead magnet).
Each piece of content solves a problem, builds trust, and moves people towards the paid course.
Is Your Free Content Strategy Working?
Ask yourself:
✅ Am I solving real problems for my audience?
✅ Does my content clearly show my expertise?
✅ Is there a logical next step for my audience after consuming my content?
✅ Am I giving enough value without overwhelming people?
If the answer is yes, your content is doing its job—attracting and engaging the right people.
Checklist: Have You Completed These Steps?
✔ Defined 3–5 key challenges your audience faces.
✔ Chosen the best content format(s) for your audience.
✔ Planned 4–6 topics that provide real value.
✔ Optimised your content for search and discovery.
✔ Added a clear CTA to every piece of content.
If you’ve ticked all these off, your free content strategy is ready to go!
And if you need help with this? You know where I am.
Sarah x
P.S. Prefer a planner to help you rather than 1-2-1 support? Try this! https://followthearrows.thrivecart.com/course-funnel-planner/
