Are eBooks Still Profitable? 9 Smarter Lead Generation Alternatives for 2025

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Slideshows   |   Infographics   |   Email Series   |   Checklists & Cheatsheets   |   Templates   |   Videos   |   
First-Party Data   |   Podcasts   |   Toolkits

In 2025, content is still king, but the throne is harder to claim.

While eBooks were once the go-to lead magnet, shifting buyer behaviors and the rise of AI-driven content consumption have made traditional downloads feel outdated, or worse, ignored.

Modern content marketing is about creating genuinely helpful, high-value resources that earn a prospect’s trust and their contact info. The key is offering something worth the exchange.

Sure, you can still offer an eBook, but the expectations are higher than ever. Users now demand faster access, more personalized insights, and content that delivers immediate value — without the fluff.

So what works now? If you're looking to drive more qualified leads through your website, it’s time to think beyond the typical PDF download. Here are 9 high-performing alternatives to traditional eBooks that today’s marketers are using to capture and convert leads in a more engaging, future-ready way.

9 Things That Aren't eBooks to Drive More Leads

1. Slideshows

Attention is the new currency, and slideshows are a powerful way to earn it. Unlike dense white papers or traditional eBooks, slide decks break your message into scannable, high-impact visuals that are easy to consume and remember.

Tools like Google Slides and Canva’s interactive presentations allow you to showcase insights, tell stories, or repurpose live event content from webinars, workshops, and conferences — all in a format that today’s busy, visual-first audiences prefer.

Slideshows are also highly repurposable. Individual slides can become LinkedIn carousels, short-form videos, or static graphics, all driving traffic back to a gated landing page with a downloadable version.

The depth of your content determines how much lead info you can request. But if your deck delivers clear, expert-driven value, don’t hesitate to ask for more than just an email.

2. Infographics

In today’s fast-paced, scroll-happy digital landscape, people want answers — fast. That’s why infographics are more valuable than ever in 2025. They distill complex information into easily digestible visuals that grab attention and cut through content fatigue.

Modern buyers don’t want to dig for details, and with infographics, they don’t have to. You can use them to explain a process, highlight stats, or compare solutions, all while reinforcing your brand.

Better yet, they’re endlessly reusable: Break them into social media carousels, embed them in blogs, or use them in email campaigns to boost engagement across channels.

Keep in mind that most infographics offer high impact but limited depth. That makes them ideal for low-bar lead capture (think name and email) or ungated awareness plays to drive traffic.

3. Email Series

In 2025, attention spans are shorter, and inboxes are smarter. That’s why email series continue to shine as a strategic way to deliver value — one digestible, high-impact piece at a time.

If you’ve invested time in creating tip-focused social posts, checklists, or guides, don’t let them sit idle. Repurpose those assets into a thematic email series that nurtures your leads gradually and keeps your brand top-of-mind.

Instead of asking for a big commitment (like downloading and reading a lengthy eBook), invite your audience to opt in to a short series.

This bite-sized approach aligns with modern content consumption habits and AI-curated inboxes. The key to success? Consistency. Send your emails at the same time each day to build trust, boost open rates, and reinforce your authority.

4. Checklists & Cheat Sheets

In an era of information overload, clear, visual content wins. That’s where checklists and cheat sheets shine.

These bite-sized resources showcase your expertise while giving your audience something genuinely useful. Whether it’s a one-page “how-to” or a “don’t forget” list, the best ones are printed, pinned, and shared.

Think mobile-friendly, scannable, and branded. Your prospects should want to save it to their desktop or even print it out as a quick-reference guide. Make it visual. Make it actionable. And make sure your logo’s on it, so when they pass it along, you’re the brand they remember.

As an example, here’s a snapshot from our Construction Marketing Checklist, a self-guided assessment for builders looking to generate new leads and create a loyal client base.

All in all, cheat sheets and checklists remain a low-effort, high-impact way to earn attention and trust.

5. Templates

Don’t just talk about solutions — demonstrate them. In 2025, showing how you can solve a problem is far more impactful than simply discussing it.

By equipping your prospects with the tools they need to start solving their own challenges, you create lasting impressions. When people feel empowered to take action, they remember you as the one who helped them take that first step.

Offering valuable resources, like templates or guides, not only generates new leads but also strengthens relationships with existing customers and supports your sales team.

Take JPA Dental Transitions as a prime example. They specialize in helping dentists sell their practices, and they recognize that one of the biggest challenges dentists face is how to notify their patients. To make the process easier, JPA created a simple yet powerful resource: a Sample Letter to Patients After a Dental Practice Sale.

In addition to such practical tools, think about other templates you could offer, like a customizable social media calendar for marketing firms or consultants, or a resume template for HR companies. These resources can add tremendous value and differentiate your brand in today’s competitive market.

6. How-To & DIY Videos

There’s a reason cooking videos have taken over the internet: People love them because visual content is unforgettable. In fact, research shows that we process and retain visual information far better than any other format. Don’t just take our word for it — check out these eye-opening stats:

• When people watch a video, they retain 95% of the message, compared to just 10% when reading text.
• Marketers report a strong return on investment (ROI) from using video, with 93% indicating positive results.
• The average consumer watches dozens of hours of video content every month. That’s a lot of opportunities for your brand to stand out!

Before diving into video creation, make sure to understand your buyer persona’s preferences and pain points. Tailor your videos to walk your audience through processes or solve specific problems.

For example, if you're in the construction industry, DIY home renovation videos could be a game-changer for engaging your audience and building trust with potential clients. The key is to create content that speaks directly to your audience's needs in a format they love.

7. Original Data & Research

One of the most cost-effective and insightful ways to generate original content in 2025 is by running a survey with your audience.

When you involve your buyer personas and partners in the content creation process, they don’t just feel heard, they become part of your brand story. Their input builds trust, boosts engagement, and fosters loyalty.

Once you’ve collected responses, turn the data into something valuable: a trend report, an industry study, or a shareable infographic. Not only will you gain meaningful insights into your community, but you’ll also have high-value content that attracts new leads and reinforces your authority in the market.

8. Podcasts

If writing isn’t your thing, or you simply prefer talking through your ideas, podcasting is one of the most powerful and accessible content formats today.

You don’t need fancy video production skills or even a camera-ready look. With the right mic and a clear topic, you can start creating compelling content that builds real connections.

Your voice adds authenticity and personality to your brand, making it easier to engage your audience and earn their trust. A podcast series also positions you as a go-to expert by keeping listeners informed on current trends, insights, and best practices in your industry.

Want to expand your reach? Bring in guest speakers — clients, partners, or fellow professionals — to spark engaging conversations and grow your audience through their networks. It’s not just a content format; it’s a community-building tool.

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9. Toolkits

If you've invested time in developing a focused content strategy, creating multiple pieces around a key topic or a problem your audience is actively trying to solve, don’t let that content live in silos. In 2025, one of the smartest moves you can make is to bundle those assets into a comprehensive resource toolkit.

Think of it as a digital playbook: eBooks, guides, checklists, templates, and videos all tied together into one cohesive package. This not only increases the perceived value of your content but also positions you as a go-to authority.

And yes, you can absolutely charge for it. Audiences today are more than willing to pay for content that solves real problems.

Even if you offer it for free, a high-value toolkit justifies asking for more information on your form. People understand the exchange of value, and if your content delivers, they'll gladly share a few extra details.

Turn Great Content Into Real Results

Now that you’ve created content with purpose, it’s time to put it to work. Promote it across your social channels, amplify it with paid ads, and keep a close eye on performance.

In 2025, data is your ultimate growth partner. Track how your content performs, monitor form submissions, and optimize your landing pages based on real-time insights. The more you test and tweak, the better your results.

And don’t stop at impressions and clicks. Follow the journey from engagement to revenue. See which pieces drive conversions, influence buying decisions, and build lasting customer relationships. Then repeat the process: Solve the next problem, impress a new audience, and grow your pipeline with every campaign.

Need help building a content engine that drives results? Reach out to us or download our free content optimization guide below to start turning clicks into customers.