Create a Sales Funnel That Works: Tips & Examples for Beginners
Let's talk about sales funnels. I know, the phrase alone can make your eyes glaze over. But here’s the thing if you are selling something, you need one. Basically, a sales funnel is the journey a potential customer takes before making a purchase.
Five Stages of Sales Funnels
Awareness:
This is where you grab your potential customer’s attention. They become aware of your brand, product, or service. An example of brand awareness is someone scrolling on their phone and noticing your Instagram post or Pinterest pin. It’s a good way to get your foot in the door.
Interest:
This is when the person becomes charmed with your brand. They started following you on social media and potentially liked or commented on your posts.
Consideration:
The potential customer has visited your website. They clicked around, signed up for your newsletter and want to learn more about your products or services. This alone is a huge win. When someone signs up for your newsletter the odds of selling has greatly increased.
Decision:
The product or service has made it to the shopping cart. The hay is in the barn and you're closing the deal.
Sale / Loyalty:
Congratulations, they are now a customer. Your job is now to keep the new customers happy and engaged.
After all of that being said, think of your sales funnels as a tool for connection. It’s not a sprint to the finish but a memorable journey that you are creating for your customers. You understand their struggles and can provide the perfect solution.
The "Baaaad" vs. "YASSSSS" Funnel:
We have all seen a baaaad funnel. Do not build one, it will only repel your customers.
The "Baaaad" Funnel:
Spammy emails that make the customer unsubscribe immediately.
Generic landing pages that look like they were designed in 2008.
A bunch of "buy now" buttons shoved their faces
Zero personality and thought.
The "YASSSSS" Funnel:
Emails that feel like they're from a friend not Chat GPT
Attractive landing pages that speak directly to pain points and needs.
Content that educates, entertains, and builds trust.
An option to purchase that feels like the natural next step in the customer journey.
How to Build a Good Funnel
Know Your Audience (Like, Really Know Them):
What are their pain points?
What are their goals and aspirations?
What language do they use?
The more you understand them, the better you can connect.
Create Amazing Content:
Blog posts, videos, podcasts, social media posts – whatever floats your boat.
But make it good. Make it valuable, engaging and most importantly – authentic. Speak to that ideal customer.
Build Your Email List:
Offer a clever freebie, a discount, or something valuable in exchange for their email address.
Then, nurture that list. Don't just blast them with sales pitches.
Build relationships with your audience and provide them with useful information.
Craft a Compelling Landing / Sales Page:
This is where the magic happens.
Make it visually appealing, write compelling copy that connects to your audience, and make it easy to use.
And please, make it mobile-friendly.
Don't Be Afraid to Get Personal:
Share your story, your personality, your quirks.
People connect with people, not faceless corporations.
Let your authentic self shine.
Sales funnels can be a powerful tool for building your business and connecting with your ideal clients. Just remember to keep it real, keep it valuable, and keep it human. And if you need a little help, well, you know where to find me.
If you would like more branding content like this, connect with me on Substack.