The concept of sales funnels is frequently discussed yet most marketers are still not utilizing an effective system to make it work. For one good reason, it isn’t that easy when not using templates. There’s a number of technical aspects to it during implementation. Marketers today are being challenged to be tech savvy as well as creatively strategic and resourceful.
Essentially, a sales funnel is a strategic framework designed to guide potential customers through a series of actions that ultimately lead to a purchase or multiple purchases. Picture a funnel in your mind – wide at the top and gradually narrowing towards the bottom. This visual representation mirrors the marketing process, where the goal is to attract as many individuals as possible into the sales funnel. The rationale behind this approach is simple: it is more cost-effective to retain existing customers than to acquire new ones.
As savvy marketers, our objective is not only to secure sales but also to cultivate long-term relationships with the clients. Rather than directing prospects straight to a sales page, a free mini eCourse may be given away on a topic of interest, such as, “How to Lose 24 pounds in 10 days – the natural way and without exercise.” By offering valuable content in exchange for contact information, the first stage of the sales funnel is established – and yes, fully automated and in real time.
This initial interaction serves to build trust and credibility with the consumer. Subsequently, we can introduce a low-priced product that aligns with the eCourse content, marking the second stage of the sales funnel.
It is crucial to prioritize trust-building in the early stages of the sales funnel, however, the sooner people buy into the higher-priced items, the sooner they are segmented into premium customers. By strategically aligning customer actions with appropriate offerings at each stage, we can maximize profits while delivering value throughout the process.
This was my first ad and also my first product in 2014 when there was a wave of excitement from the newly launched campaigns of mobile website apps. The “12 Mobile Templates” package was a great trade off for would-be long-term subscibers.
Consider these essential components when crafting your sales funnel plan:
Where is your target audience?
Pinpoint the channels that will drive traffic to your sales funnel. Are they in YouTube Shorts? Tiktok? Define the tactics and channels that will steer customers to your landing page.
Where will you direct your potential customers?
Construct your landing page to motivate customers to make a purchase. Incorporate elements that highlight the value of your products or services, like customer reviews or industry accolades.
How can you persuade them to make a purchase?
Launch a marketing campaign. Utilize PPC ads. Talk to friends or JV partners. Google Ads and social media ads are very good at following and retargetting interested buyers. Provide trial offers or time-sensitive discounts to create a sense of urgency. My sample ad above, saying, “Just $1 dollar today” is conveying the message that you must sign up and pay just a dollar today to get the templates. Nowadays, there’s no need to say that. The landing pages now come with countdown timers. They really work because a lot of us really buy into the early bird offers.
How can you retain high-quality customers?
Implement remarketing strategies to engage with existing customers. Offer products related to the initial purchases. Introduce exclusive, limited-life products or services available through a low-cost subscription model.
By structuring the sales funnel process, one can gain a comprehensive understanding of the sales journey. This methodical approach can be shared with investors and used as a roadmap for evaluating and enhancing your sales tactics. Launch it as soon as you can. The process may not be perfect but the product offer should be something you can be proud of even when you look back years from now.
