How to Create a Freebie That Grows Your Tennis Business Email List

If you are tired of chasing down new clients or waiting for referrals to trickle in, it is time to flip the script. A strong email list gives you direct access to your audience without relying on social media algorithms or third-party platforms. And the smartest way to grow that list? Offer a freebie they actually want. In this article we will show you how to create a freebie for your tennis business.

This simple strategy works for clubs, coaches, and product-based tennis businesses alike. It positions you as an expert, solves a real problem for your audience, and builds trust with potential customers before you ever pitch a thing.

Email lists do not grow by accident. They grow because you give people a reason to join. That starts with a freebie. And the fastest way to grow that list is with a well-crafted freebie.

A freebie, also called a lead magnet, is something of value that you offer in exchange for an email address. But not just anything will work. It needs to be something your ideal customer actually wants. When done right, a freebie acts like a magnet. It pulls the right people toward your business and gives them a reason to keep listening.

Why You Need to Create a Freebie

Most tennis businesses rely on word of mouth, seasonal promotions, or even walk-ins to get new clients. That might work for a while, but it is not consistent or scalable. A freebie helps you build a list of people who are already interested in what you offer. Once they join your list, you are no longer waiting for them to remember you. You can follow up, offer value, and move them closer to becoming a customer.

It also builds trust. When someone downloads a helpful checklist or watches a quick tennis tip video, they begin to see you as the expert. You are no longer a stranger on the internet. You are someone who helped them improve their game, get ready for camp, or choose the right gear. That trust leads to bookings, sign-ups, and sales.

The best part? It works while you sleep. Once your freebie and follow-up sequence are in place, your list keeps growing in the background. It becomes your warm audience, ready to hear about your next program, product, or event.

What Makes a Great Freebie

A great freebie solves a specific problem, feels useful right away, and positions you as the expert. In the tennis world, this can take many shapes depending on who you serve. The best ones offer a quick win, something that delivers value instantly.

A freebie should not be generic or recycled. Think of it as a first impression. It should reflect your brand's personality, voice, and the experience someone can expect from working with you. When someone downloads your freebie, they are taking the first step in a relationship. Make sure it is a good one.

Who Is It For

Before you even open Canva or Google Docs, get clear on your audience. Different freebies will work for different segments. Here are a few examples:

• Parents looking for junior tennis camps
• Adult players seeking to improve their game
• Tennis coaches needing fresh drills
• Club managers who want to streamline operations

Pick one audience and create a freebie that helps solve a real issue they face. Trying to appeal to everyone will usually result in something that speaks to no one.

Freebie Ideas for Tennis Businesses

Here are a few strong lead magnet ideas tailored for tennis:

• Printable junior tennis camp checklist
• 5 quick drills to improve your backhand (PDF or video)
• Guide to picking the right string tension
• Monthly program calendar with a bonus class for subscribers
• Tournament planning worksheet for local club directors
• Tennis fitness tracker for players trying to build endurance
• Gear buying guide based on skill level and goals

Each one of these ideas connects to a specific need or goal. And that is the key. You are not giving away something random. You are offering a small taste of the results you help deliver.

DOWNLOAD: Freebie Planning Workbook

Choosing the Format

Not all freebies need to be 10 pages long or professionally edited. In fact, shorter is usually better. Think:

• One-page PDF
• Quick video (2 to 3 minutes)
• Google Doc template
• Interactive quiz
• Email mini-series (3 to 5 days)

Focus on delivering a clear win. Something the person can use or benefit from today. A short checklist that helps parents pack for a weekend camp can be more valuable than a 20-page eBook no one reads.

And do not underestimate the power of video. If you have a quick footwork drill or a simple serve tip, show it. Video builds trust and helps people connect with your teaching style before they commit to a lesson or program.

How to Make It

Use a simple tool like Canva to create your design. If you are offering a checklist, guide, or cheat sheet, keep the layout clean and readable. Use your brand colors, add your logo, and avoid overloading it with text.

If you are offering a video, make sure it looks and sounds professional enough to represent your brand. No need for a full production setup, but avoid shaky camera work and poor audio.

You can also use tools like Google Docs or Notion to build and deliver simple freebies. Sometimes, fast and functional is better than flashy.

Create a Landing Page

Now that you have your freebie, you need a place to offer it. This is where your landing page comes in. This page should include:

• A clear headline explaining the benefit
• A short description of what they will get
• A few bullet points listing the contents or results
• An image of the freebie (mockup or preview)
• A form that collects the email address

Example:

Want to improve your second serve fast? Grab our free 5-minute video that shows three easy fixes for better consistency.

[Get the Video]

Keep the page focused. Remove distractions like menus or social links. The goal is one thing only: get the email address.

Deliver It and Follow Up

Once someone signs up, make sure they get the freebie right away. Use an email marketing platform like MailerLite, ConvertKit, or Flodesk to automate this step.

After they get the freebie, continue the conversation. A short email sequence of 3 to 4 messages can:

• Introduce who you are and what you do
• Share additional helpful tips
• Point to your paid offers or programs

This is where you build connection. Let them know how you can help further, and always include a clear next step, like booking a lesson or checking out your latest tennis program.

Promote It

Your freebie is not going to promote itself. Share it on social media, add it to your website, mention it in your videos, and include it in your email signature.

Ideas to get the word out:

• Add a signup banner to your homepage
• Post teaser content on Instagram or Facebook
• Share behind-the-scenes clips of you making the freebie
• Offer it as a bonus for attending a workshop or event
• Link to it in your YouTube video descriptions

If you are running a tennis club, consider printing a QR code and posting it around the courts. If you are selling tennis gear, add a popup on your shop that offers a free sizing guide.

Make it visible and easy to grab.

Conclusion:

Your email list is one of your most valuable marketing tools. But it will not grow on its own. A well-designed freebie can bring in high-quality leads who actually want what you offer.

Focus on one audience, solve one problem, and make it easy to access. That is how you build a list that helps your business grow.

Need help creating a freebie or email sequence for your tennis business? Reach out to Resourcely Marketing at iva@resourcelymarketing.com. We help tennis clubs, coaches, and brands turn browsers into booked clients. Whether you need help with strategy, design, or setup, we will guide you through it.

Start with value. Build with purpose. Grow with confidence.