Deliver a free guide (lead magnet) automatically

Offer a free PDF guide or worksheet, collect the email on an opt-in page, send the download link on its own, and follow up with a short email series.

When this is done, someone enters their name and email on your page, gets an email with your guide a minute later, and starts a short welcome series. You don't touch a thing.

Before you start

• Time: about an hour the first time.
• You need: your guide as a PDF, and sending email set up. See Set up sending email for your workspace.
• Good to know: it takes five pieces: the file, a form, a page, a delivery workflow and a follow-up series.

Step 1: Upload your guide

1. Upload the PDF to your media library. A Downloads folder keeps it tidy.
2. Open the file and copy its link.
3. Paste the link into a private browser window. It should open without a sign-in.

See Upload and organize files in your media library.

Step 2: Build the opt-in form

1. Go to Forms > Create New > Form.
2. Keep it short: First Name and Email. Add a texting consent checkbox only if you'll text these people.
3. On Settings, set the Submit Button Text to what they get, like "Send me the guide", and choose a thank-you message or redirect.
4. Click Save Settings, then Save, then set the Draft / Publish switch to Publish.

See Build a form and put it on your website. For extra proof of consent, see Confirm email consent with double opt-in.

Step 3: Put it on a page

Use a short funnel: an opt-in page with the form, then a thank-you page that says "Check your inbox". Add the form with the Form block, and publish both pages. See Build a funnel: steps, step types and page addresses.

Want the guide to download on the thank-you page as well? Add a button that links to the file. See Add popups, menu links, social icons and download buttons.

Step 4: Send the guide automatically

1. Go to Workflows and click Create. Name it "Lead magnet | Deliver guide".
2. Trigger: Form Submitted. Choose your opt-in form. With no form chosen, it fires for every form you have.
3. Add Send Email. Subject: "Your guide is here". In the message, add a clear button or link to the PDF link from Step 1, and use {{contact.first_name}} to greet them.
4. Add Add Tag, for example guide-downloaded.
5. Click Save, then switch Inactive to Active.

See Build your first workflow and Choose the right trigger and actions.

Step 5: Follow up with a short series

Start from the 2-Week Lead Nurture Series template (four emails over about two weeks), and set its trigger to Tag Added with your guide-downloaded tag. Rewrite each email in your voice: one useful idea per email, and an easy next step like booking a free call. See Start from a workflow template.

Check it worked

• In a private window, submit your own opt-in form with a second email address. The guide email arrives within a few minutes and the link opens the PDF.
• The test contact has the guide-downloaded tag, and shows in the nurture workflow's Enrollment History.

If something's off

• No email arrived: check the workflow is Active and the trigger names your form. Then see Find out why a workflow didn't run and Find out why an email didn't send.
• The link asks for a sign-in: the file isn't public where it's stored. Use your media library link.
• Everyone who fills in any form gets the guide: the trigger has no form chosen. Pick your opt-in form.
• The nurture series didn't start: check its trigger is Tag Added with exactly the tag your delivery workflow adds.