For an online business owner, a sales funnel is probably the most important marketing tool you have. And yet many new and established entrepreneurs have no clear understanding of what it is or how it works. You would be amazed at how many times I get asked, “What in The World is a Funnel Anyway?”
As you can imagine, failing to fully understand this part of your business means fewer sales, lower profits, and an unstable business.
A Simple Sales Funnel
At its most basic, it consists of free content, which typically requires nothing of your readers. Many sales funnels begin with blog posts, YouTube videos, Facebook content, and other information readers can access at no cost. This is the “top” of your funnel.
Next, you’ll have an attractive offer that requires a very small “payment” of sorts – typically an email address. You’ve seen this type of offer on websites all over the internet, and probably even signed up for some. This is the free ebook /guide, video series, checklist, workbook, etc. that is available if you “opt in” to an email list.
Once on your mailing list, you’ll then present your readers with a series of low-cost offers. Perhaps you have a low-priced ebook or a trial membership.
Customers who purchase your low-priced product move further down the funnel, and are presented with more, higher-priced products. The more they buy, they move closer and closer to your top-end offers, making up the bottom of your funnel.
How Your It Works
If you imagine your funnel it’s easy to see that your free content—at the top—is consumed by the largest number of readers. Below that, your extreme low-cost item (available only for the cost of an email address) attracts a smaller subset of the true freebie seekers. Next, your low-priced products bring in yet a smaller group.
As you near the tip of the funnel, only the most loyal of fans/customers will purchase your highest priced offers.
The business owners job is to ensure that your funnel leads buyers naturally from the top, free offers all the way to the bottom. The more buyers you can keep in your funnel, the more money you will make.
Most business owners easily envision the top of the funnel, but if you truly want your business to grow, focus on mastering the entire process. Your first step is understanding what it really is and how it works.
I hope this has helped to answer “What in The World is a Funnel Anyway?”
If you prefer to watch as I explain a funnel in simple terms you can do so below:
If you have comments or questions regarding sales funnels that I have been discussing here and on my YouTube channel don’t hesitate to ask!
You can also find me on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
10 replies to "What in The World is a Funnel Anyway?"
Hey Alyssa, good to “see” you again after Spark and Which Wich. 😉 I’m going to pin this puppy and come back and watch the video. I confess that the sales funnel is not my strength. I think it’s a learning and understanding need. I appreciate you listing this. Take care!
Thanks for stopping by, it was great to spend time with you at Spark!
this helps me as I begin to understand how sharing resources can work – thank you, Alyssa!
Thank you Bethany!
You make it simple and clear. Thanks! Now, to put it into action…
So glad that it was helpful Christine! Thanks for stopping by!
Very helpful information and you explained it so well. I had no idea prior to reading this post! I love the overview and breakdown. Thank you!!
Thanks Erin be sure to check back for more posts in this series.
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