What Is a Marketing “Funnel”? (Simple Step‑by‑Step)
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Starting your first business is EXCITING, but it can be a challange to get your first customers to walk through the door. We’ve all been there, wondering what to do next. The solution is simple! YOU have to start creating a pipeline of potential buyers. This is what we call a marketing funnel.
By understanding this journey, you can stop looking at the sky and wondering when customers are going to come in. This simple framework provides a purpose for every single action you take, turning random efforts into a powerful, organized strategy for growth.
-Let’s do this.
What Is a Marketing Funnel and Why It's Your New Best Friend
Imagine a funnel. It’s wide at the top and gets narrower at the bottom. The marketing funnel is exactly that, but for your customers. At the top, you have thousands of people who might not know you exist. As they move down, they get to know you, they consider buying from you, they make a purchase, and finally, they become a loyal, repeating customer.
Why is this so important? Because it gives YOU a purpose for every single strategic decision you make. No more random posts or emails. Now, you know exactly what you’re trying to accomplish at each stage, making your marketing efforts organized, effective, and a whole lot less stressful.
Step 1: Awareness – Getting on People’s Radar
The “Why”: Before you can sell anything, potential customers need to know you exist. This is the top of the funnel, where your goal is to introduce yourself to as many new humans as possible. Think of it like meeting new people at a huge party. You’re not trying to sell them anything; you’re just saying, “Hi, I’m here!”
Mastering It: From Beginner to Expert
Beginner Tips (Don't Overwhelm Yourself!):
Pick one platform. Don't try to be everywhere at once. Focus on the social media platform where you think your ideal customers are.
Tell your story. Share a behind-the-scenes photo of you working, a video of why you started, or a simple post that answers a common question your customers have.
Use hashtags and keywords. When you post, use simple words people would search for, like #handmadejewelry or #localbakery. It’s like putting up a sign so people can find you. Search engines LOVE when you hit specific key words.
Expert Tips (When You’re Ready to Go Deeper):
Start a blog or podcast. Create content that solves a common problem for your audience. This helps you show up in Google searches for specific questions.
Use a content calendar. Plan your posts a month in advance. This saves you SO MUCH TIME and ensures you’re consistent.
Try a small ad. Spend $10-$20 on a social media ad to boost one of your best posts to a new, targeted audience.
Master Routine: Post 1-2 pieces of valuable content per day on your chosen platform. This could be a short video, a how-to, or a photo with a story.
Resource Ideas to Grow:
Canva (free): For making simple, beautiful graphics and social media posts.
Mailchimp (free tier): To start collecting emails for a newsletter.
Google Trends (free): To see what people are searching for.
AnswerThePublic (free): To find out what questions your audience is asking.
Step 2: Consideration – Giving People a Reason to Care
The “Why”: Now that people know about you, they need to feel a connection. This stage is about showing them what makes you different and WHY THEY should TRUST YOU. It's like having a good conversation after you’ve said hello, you’re building rapport.
Mastering It: From Beginner to Expert
Beginner Tips (Focus on Building Trust!):
Be an authentic human being. Don't be afraid to show your face. humans want to buy from humans, not a faceless company.
Highlight your unique value. Explain what makes your product or service special. Are your ingredients locally sourced? Is your customer service exceptional?
Ask for and share testimonials. Get a few words from your first customers and share them on your social media. It's the best way to prove you’re legit!
Expert Tips (When You’re Ready to Go Deeper):
Create a lead magnet. Offer something free of value, like a "5-step checklist" or a mini-guide, in exchange for an email address. This is a huge step in building a relationship.
Use email to nurture leads. Once you have their email, send a weekly newsletter with helpful tips, new products, and behind-the-scenes content.
Host a Q&A session. Use Instagram or Facebook Live to answer questions. This makes you the expert and builds massive trust.
Master Routine: Spend 30 minutes a day actively engaging. Reply to every comment, answer every message, and ask questions to your audience in your posts.
Resource Ideas to Grow:
Squarespace or Wix: Easy-to-use website builders to create a professional-looking site.
HubSpot Free CRM: To organize your contacts and follow up with potential customers.
Testimonial.to: To easily collect and display video and text testimonials.
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Step 3: Conversion – Turning Interest Into Sales
The “Why”: All the hard work of building trust and awareness leads here. This is the moment someone decides to BUY from YOU. Your goal is to make this final step as easy and seamless as possible.
Mastering It: From Beginner to Expert
Beginner Tips (Make It Simple!):
Clear Call-to-Action. Tell people exactly what to do. Use phrases like “Shop Now,” “Order Today,” or “Book a Call.” Don't make them guess.
Highlight Your Story: What makes you different? Tell your story of why you started, what your mission is, or how your product is made. That connection is a powerful motivator for a sale.
Simplify your checkout. Don't ask for too much information. The fewer clicks it takes to buy, the more likely they are to follow through.
Expert Tips (When You’re Ready to Go Deeper):
Follow up on abandoned carts. When someone leaves items in their cart, send a quick, friendly email reminder. You’d be surprised how many people come back.
Use urgency and scarcity. Phrases like “Only 5 left in stock!” or “Sale ends tomorrow” can encourage people to act quickly.
Offer multiple payment options. Make it easy for people to pay with Apple Pay, PayPal, or whatever they prefer.
Master Routine: Check your online store and email daily for orders and abandoned carts. Send a quick, personalized message to anyone who left a cart behind.
Resource Ideas to Grow:
Shopify or WooCommerce: The best platforms for running a successful online store.
Stripe or PayPal: Secure payment gateways that make buying easy for your customers.
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Step 4: Retention and Advocacy – How To Create Brand Ambassadors
The “Why”: This is the secret to long-term success. It costs so much more to find a new customer than to keep a loyal one. This stage is all about making your customers feel valued and encouraging them to tell their friends about you. Their word is more powerful than any ad you could ever run. It's the moment your brand becomes a community.
Mastering It: From Beginner to Expert
Beginner Tips (Start by Showing You Care!):
Send a personal thank-you. A simple, personal email or note after their purchase goes a long way. Thank them for their order, and ask if they have any questions.
Ask for a review. After they've had a chance to use your product, send a friendly message asking them to leave a review. Make it easy for them with a direct link.
Share their love! When a customer tags you on social media, share their post on your page and thank them publicly. It makes them feel like a partner in your success.
Expert Tips (When You’re Ready to Go Deeper):
Set up a loyalty program. Give your customers points for every dollar they spend, which they can redeem for discounts later or premium service. This makes them feel rewarded for their loyalty. Give to receive and customers will feel like more than a transaction.
Use email automation to follow up. Set up a simple email series that automatically checks in with customers a few weeks or a month after their purchase to see how they're doing.
Create a referral program. When a customer refers a friend, you can reward them with a special, curated gift—like a premium sample or a surprise package of their favorite items. This simple yet powerful win-win gives
Master Routine: Spend 15 minutes a day engaging with past customers. Share their reviews, comment on their posts, or send a quick email to say THANK YOU FOR…. This small effort builds massive loyalty over time.
Resource Ideas to Grow:
Klaviyo or ConvertKit: Email automation platforms that make post-purchase follow-up easy.
HubSpot Free CRM: To keep track of your customers and their purchase history.
Google Business Profile: Essential for collecting free reviews that boost your local search ranking.
ReferralCandy: An app that helps you set up and manage a referral program.
Start Building Your Funnel.
A marketing funnel isn’t as complicated as you think. It’s simply your business's GPS. It may seem like a lot, but you don't have to do it all at once.. Start small it’s only 4 simple steps. Post daily, engage with your audience, and make buying easy. Over time, these consistent actions will build momentum, sales, and loyalty.
All YOU got to do is start, let’s make shIT happen.
-Thank you for Reading!
Let's get to work. 💯
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3 Steps to Transform Your Business
Starting a business can feel overwhelming, especially when you're faced with the challenge of getting noticed. But marketing doesn't have to be a guessing game. By focusing on a few key principles, YOU can create a powerful strategy that not only attracts customers but turns them into lifelong fans.
Here are three essential tips to help you build a solid foundation for your business.
1. Stop Guessing and Start Planning
Instead of using random marketing tactics, use the marketing funnel as a roadmap. This framework gives every action a purpose, helping you move from hoping for customers to creating a clear, organized strategy for growth.
2. Focus on Value, Not Just Price
When it comes to sales, avoid relying on discounts. Instead, build a brand where customers are happy to pay full price because they understand and appreciate the value you offer. This is done by highlighting the benefits, sharing your story, and demonstrating how your product improves their life.
3. Reward Your Biggest Fans with Something Special
Go beyond simple discounts or products when rewarding loyal customers for referrals. Offer them something exclusive and valuable, like a special gift that isn't for sale, a unique experience, or the chance to contribute to your brand's growth. This makes them feel appreciated and strengthens your community.