Creating an AI-Based Lead Magnet (not on ChatGPT)

Welcome to Freebie February! This month I will be diving into creating an AI-Based lead magnet.

Don’t want to read? WATCH ON YOUTUBE or LISTEN AS A PODCAST.

I recently heard some bad news that I was unaware of: the president of Open AI (a.k.a. ChatGPT) made a $25 million donation to Donald Trump. Recently. Like, after he started burning the country down. So that means he supports this bullshit, and that also means I can’t support him. Ugh.

ChatGPT has been my business assistant for the past few years, and now I have to fire her because of the racist comments she’s made. RIP ChattyCathy.

What do business owners do when shit hits the fan though? We pivot. We turn to Claude.

I’ve tested out my Headlines and Hooks GPT on Claude, and he did a fantastic job with the results.

Okay, but the topic of today’s post isn’t about why I’ve made the switch (although maybe it will convince you to do so as well).

It’s about creating custom GPTs as a lead magnet and why you should or should not do so.

PROS:

1. It’s an easy yes right now

AI still has novelty + intimidation working in its favor. A freebie that promises “save time” "make this easier” or “tell me what to say” will convert fast. Especially for overwhelmed digital entrepreneurs.

2. It positions you as “current,” not crusty

Even if AI isn’t your core offer, using it well signals you’re paying attention, you’re not anti-tech, you know how to integrate tools into real workflows.

3. It lowers the activation energy

AI freebies shine when your audience knows they should be doing something (emails, lead magnets, copy) but feels stuck staring at a blank doc.

CONS:

1. You risk attracting tool-chasers, not buyers

AI freebies often attract people who, want hacks, prompts, or “done-for-me” don’t actually invest in strategy.

2. It can undermine your real value if framed wrong

Your magic is alignment, strategy, sequencing, and knowing what to do and why. If the freebie implies just use AI and you’re good, you’ve accidentally told them they don’t need you. AI should be the assistant, not the hero.

4. It can skew expectations

If someone enters your world through AI, they may expect prompts everywhere, automation over thinking, and speed over depth.

The strongest AI freebies right now are AI-assisted, not AI-centered. Where AI supports clarity, strategy still leads and you remain the guide.

It’s a great lead magnet, in my opinion. Easy to create, easy to market. Just don’t let it do more than you do.

-Katie