In the world of digital marketing, building an email list is still one of the most effective ways to convert interested prospects into paying customers. But getting people on your list is becoming increasingly challenging. In this article I’ll highlight a powerful method used in those middle-shelf women’s magazines.
The aim for every digital marketer is to build an email list and create a rapport with their subscribers. By sending quality emails, you demonstrate your credibility and sooner or later (hopefully) convert them into a paying customer.
However, getting people onto your list in the first place can be a challenge.
Creating a quality lead magnet in exchange for their details. Traditionally, marketers have used lead magnets such as free eBooks or PDFs or a mini course. 20 years ago, this strategy was highly effective, but these days people are wise. They know that the PDF or mini course is going to sit on their device without getting read, so why download it in the first place?
That’s why we need a new strategy, and the inspiration for this strategy comes from something found in women’s magazines of the past 50 years – Quizzes.
If you’re a woman, you’ve probably taken these quizzes. If you’re a man, you’ve probably heard about them from your lady friends.
The titles are usually something like this:
- What’s Your Secret Seduction Style?”
- “How Adventurous Are You in the Bedroom?”
- “Are You a Subtle Tease or a Bold Flirt?”
- “Which Famous Movie Kiss Describes Your Love Life?”
- “Are You and Your Partner Truly Compatible?”
- “What’s Your Love Language?”
- “Is Your Relationship Built to Last?”
- “How Strong Is the Trust in Your Relationship?”
The magazine quizzes are short, entertaining and sometimes even revealing. And most importantly, they’re so compelling that few people can resist reading and answering the first question… and then the second… and before they know it, they’ve totalled their score, and they’re searching for their result on the next page.
Why Quizzes Outperform Traditional Lead Magnets
As you know, the goal of any lead magnet is to entice potential customers to share their email addresses with you. And quizzes are significantly more effective.
The average conversion rate for written lead magnets, like eBooks or PDFs, hovers around 22.8%. But quizzes? They convert at an impressive 40%! That’s nearly double the conversion rate, meaning you can add nearly twice as many leads to your email list by making a simple switch to quizzes.
Why are quizzes so effective? It’s all about engagement. Quizzes are interactive, fun, and offer instant feedback, which makes them far more appealing than static downloads. People love discovering more about themselves, whether it’s finding out which product is right for them, what type of business owner they are, or even how well they know a particular topic.
This curiosity drives higher engagement and, in turn, more conversions.
Lead magnets, like eBooks or PDFs, convert around 22.8%. But quizzes convert at an impressive 40%. Share on X
How to Create a Quiz Without the Headache
Creating a quiz might sound daunting, but thanks to The HBA funnel builder, the process has become much easier. Learn more about it here.
All you need to do is download the done-for-you template, fill in some basic information about your business, and the quiz can then be embedded directly onto your website, ready to capture leads.
Once your quiz is up and running, you can drive traffic to it through various channels, such as social media, email campaigns, or even paid ads. Because quizzes are inherently shareable, you may find that people spread them organically, further boosting your reach.
The Power of Personalisation
One of the biggest advantages of using quizzes as a lead magnet is the ability to personalise the experience for your audience. Unlike a generic eBook, a quiz can provide tailored results based on the user’s answers.
This not only makes the quiz more engaging but also allows you to segment your email list more effectively.
For example, if you run a fitness business, a quiz could categorise subscribers into different fitness levels, enabling you to send more targeted emails that resonate with their specific needs.
The title of this quiz might be…
- “What is the Perfect Fitness Program for You?”
- “Which Workout Routine Is Perfect for Your Body Type?”
- “What Training Program Suits Your Personality?” or in the case of us…
- “Which Online Business is Best for You?”
Use the button below to see our quiz in action and how effective it can be for your business:
Start Using Quizzes to Grow Your List
If you’re looking to boost your email list and increase conversions, I would highly recommend swapping out your traditional lead magnets for quizzes.
With nearly double the conversion rate and the added benefit of personalisation, quizzes offer a fun, interactive way to engage potential customers and encourage them to join your list. Plus, with AI tools making quiz creation easier than ever, there’s no reason not to give it a try.
Test different quizzes, different quiz headlines, and whether to make your quizzes serious, humorous or a combination. Also, test asking for the email address up front (this is where we will send your confidential results) or after they finish the quiz (we are tallying your score and will send your results)
Start experimenting with quizzes on your website and watch as your email list and your business grow.


