Dive into this guide, and you’ll master how to build a sales funnel that efficiently converts strangers into loyal customers.

I get it, unraveling the mysteries of crafting an effective sales funnel can feel like trying to read a map with no landmarks. You’re bombarded with jargon, complex strategies, and endless tools, making the whole process seem like a puzzle with missing pieces.

Scary? Sure is…

However, in this straightforward guide, we’re slicing through the confusion and clutter.

I’ll lay out each step in plain language, turning what once seemed like a daunting task into a clear, achievable goal.

From understanding the sales funnel basics to optimizing for peak performance, I promise to equip you with everything you need to create a funnel that not only works but works wonders.

Ready?

Let’s dive in…

Understanding the sales funnel

Picture this: your sales funnel is like a magician’s hat.

Prospective customers are the rabbits waiting to be pulled out, but first, they need to hop in at the top.

This magical hat isn’t just for show; it’s where the trick – or rather, the journey – begins.

At its core, the sales funnel comprises four main stages: Awareness, Interest, Decision, and Action. Think of it as the AIDA model, a pathway leading your audience from “just browsing” to “take my money!”

• Awareness is the stage where potential customers first learn about your product or service. It’s like catching their eye with a flash of magic.
• Interest develops when they lean in closer, intrigued by what they’ve seen. Here, they’re considering if what you offer might solve their problem.
• Decision is the critical moment they decide whether to pull out their wallets. It’s the drumroll, the suspenseful pause before the finale.
• Action is the grand reveal, where they finally make a purchase, and the crowd (you and your team) goes wild!

Understanding each of these stages is crucial.

It’s not just about leading a rabbit into a hat; it’s about guiding it through with intention, from curiosity to captivation, and finally, to that magical moment of conversion.

If you’re hungry for more, I’ve got a hat full of other posts diving deep into each stage of the sales funnel, the AIDA model, the value ladder and more.

Now, let’s make some magic happen!

How to build a sales funnel in 6 steps

Building a sales funnel might sound like wizardry, but it’s actually more like making a great sandwich.

You start with the bread (your product or service) and layer it with all sorts of tasty fillings (your marketing efforts) to make it irresistible.

The goal?

To lead people from just hearing about your sandwich to wanting a bite, then deciding to buy one, and finally, taking that delicious first bite.

For example, imagine you’re selling a revolutionary new kind of sandwich.

First, you let people know it exists (Awareness).

Then, you share tantalizing details about its unique ingredients (Interest).

Next, you offer a taste test or a discount (Decision).

Finally, they buy it (Action).

Now, let’s slice this process into manageable steps, ensuring you craft a sales funnel that turns curious onlookers into satisfied customers, eager for another serving.

Let’s go!

Step #1: Planning your sales funnel strategy

Before diving into the nuts and bolts of your sales funnel, you need a solid game plan.

Imagine setting sail without a map; you might catch a breeze but won’t likely find treasure.

That’s where setting clear objectives comes into play. It’s your compass, guiding every decision and action within your funnel.

Here’s exactly how to create a sales funnel strategy:

First, zero in on what you want to achieve with your funnel. Is it increasing sign-ups, boosting sales, or growing your email list?

By defining clear, measurable goals, you align your funnel’s structure and content with your endgame.

Next, get up close and personal with your target audience.

Who are they?

What do they need, and what challenges are they facing?

Understanding your audience allows you to tailor your messaging and offerings to their specific pain points and desires, making your funnel irresistibly relevant.

Finally, your value proposition is your battle cry; it needs to be loud, clear, and compelling.

What makes your offer not just a solution, but the solution for your audience?

Pinpoint what sets you apart and weave this golden thread through every stage of your funnel to ensure your message resonates and sticks.

By following these simple steps, you’re not just planning a sales funnel; you’re architecting a pathway to success that resonates with your audience and amplifies your unique value.

Step #2: Crafting an offer for your funnel

Creating a good offer for your sales funnel is like preparing a gourmet meal for a dinner party.

It requires the right ingredients, a tried-and-true recipe, and a dash of creativity.

The aim is to concoct something so appealing that your target audience can’t help but say, “Yes, please!”

Here’s how you create a really good offer

Start with understanding your audience’s deepest needs and desires.

What problems are they facing that your product or service can solve?

Once you’ve pinpointed these, consider the benefits your solution provides that directly address these needs. This is your base.

Next, add value.

Can you include bonuses, a money-back guarantee, or a special discount for first-time customers?

These are the spices that make your offer not just good, but irresistible.

Finally, communicate your offer clearly and compellingly.

Use straightforward, engaging language that highlights the benefits and value of what you’re offering.

Remember, clarity is key; if your audience doesn’t understand the offer, they won’t bite, no matter how good it is.

By meticulously understanding your audience, enriching your offer with added value, and conveying it with clear, engaging messaging, you create not just a good offer but a gateway into your sales funnel that feels too good to pass up.

Step #3: Building the sales funnel

Now that you have a strategy in place, it’s time to give that offer a home.

You guessed it, it’s time to build that sales funnel.

And for this guide, I think a plain ol’ sales funnel will be great for this example.

I choose this funnel type because it’s simple, yet effective. And it can also easily be complimented by additional steps like upsells and downsells, but that’s for another guide.

We’ll also build this funnel in the easiest way possible, by using proven to work templates which only requires some minor tweaking to suit your needs.

To start, you nee to understand the every visitor to your funnel will be blasing the WII FM radio station. (“What’s In It For Me?”).

You also need to understand that a good sales page doesn’t sell features, it sells benefits and emotions.

Why?

Because people tend to by benefits, not features (unless you are me and like to read mile long spec sheets).

So put a lot of effort into the benefits your offer comes with and build your funnel around that.

Step #3.1: Pick a sales funnel software

To build a sales funnel, you need three things:

• An offer – check!
• The will to sell your products – check!
• A sales funnel software – I happen to have a guide to all the good once right here.

Picking a sales funnel platform to host your funnels on can for some be tricky and for others easy as pie.

The most important thing is that you choose a software that suits your needs and has the ability to scale.

For this guide, I’ll be using Systeme.io, and you can do the same with their free for life plan here.

Now, let’s get building…

Step #3.2: Adding steps to your funnel

I choose a regular sales funnel because it gives you a variety of ways to approach selling your offer.

You could do a plain text sales page, or use video, or a combination of both.

Even if adding a video where you explain your offer sounds difficult, it can be worth it in the long run.

This is simply because it has been proven oven and over that video tend to convert better than text.

Plus, adding the video element takes your funnel into the 21st century, but like I said, it mostly for conversion reasons.

Also with attention spans getting shorter by the minute (thanks TikTok), you need to consider making your copy as easy to digest as possible.

If you want to know more about how to build a good sales page, then this guide is for you.

Now, let’s build the actual steps of your sales funnel.

From the main dashboard, click on ‘Funnels’ in the top navigation bar.

Then click on the ‘Create’ button to the right.

One the popup is visible you need to set up these things:

• Name.
• Funnel Domain.
• Choose a funnel goal – select sell.
• Select a currency – pick your favorite currency.

Once you’re done, click on ‘Save’ and the new funnel will be added to the funnels page.

Step #3.3: Adding the sales page

Start by clicking on you new funnel to open the editor.

As you can see, two steps has already been added, the ‘Order Form’ and the ‘Thank You’ page. We’ll edit those in a minute.

To add the sales page, click on the ‘Add Step’ button in the lower left corner.

Now a popup will open which will ask for a name an what step type this is.

Select ‘Sales Page’ in the dropdown and click ‘Save’. The step will no be added to your funnel, but at the bottom which is no bueno.

To move it to the top, click and hold, then drag it to the top and let go.

Now it’s time to select a template, and there are a few so pick something that is close to what you had in mind. Note: it can easily be changed later if you change your mind.

Once you found a templet you like, click ‘Select’ and you’re good to go.

From there it’s all about customizing the template to your taste. I actually have a guide on how to build a good sales page for your funnel right here.

Step #3.4: Customizing the order form page/step

The sales message in you funnel is important, but not as important as adding the order from and your product to your funnel.

Without them, your funnel will be an empty shell with some fancy text or a video.

This step also allows you to process payments, which is key to making any money.

So, as you can understand it’s important not to forget about this step.

And although this sounds complicated, Systeme.io offers a good amount of templates for this. We don’t even add it ourselves since it’s already added.

All we need to do is to pick a template and do the customization.

Add your product

With a template selected it’s time to add your product to the funnel.

This can easily be done right in the order step. All you do is select what product you have and follow the instructions. Also, don’t forget to set up a payment gateway.

Once you’ve added your product you can start designing the order page

Put your own twist on the template

The design aspect of the order form page doesn’t have to be super complicated either.

Afterall, the templates are pretty darn good from the start.

But a bit of personalization never hurts.

The essentials to have on order form page is (not every field is needed for a digital product):

• Full name
• Email
• Phone number (optional)
• Full address
• City name
• Country
• State/Province
• Zip code
• Order selector
• Credit card number
• Expiry
• Cvc code
• Order summary
• Submit button

Clearly there are a lot of things that need to be added to process orders correctly.

That’s why I like to use the ‘2 Step Order’ element, since it contains all the information needed.

So, what I’ll do is delete all the order processing fields in the template and replace it with the 2 step.

This is also good, because the first step in a 2 step order form captures the buyers info, which gives you a chance to follow up if they drop off before buying.

Add contact information

At the top of the page you can see both a phone number and a support email address in case someone would like to get in touch with you.

Add a offer summary

Adding this is a nice way to show the buyer what they get one more time if, or when, they click buy.

Who knows, maybe they forgot how awesome your deal was while getting their credit card form the wallet.

Notice that the price is stated for each product included in your amazing offer.

This is to really highlight the total value of your offer and show the buyer that there is tons of value to gain from a small investment.

If possible, use testimonials

Another way to reinforce your offer is to add testimonials from other happy customers.

Like I mentioned in my guide on how to create amazing sales pages, social proof can play a big role in someone’s buying decision.

A pro tip is to put a few of your best testimonials here to help nudge the buyer the edge and make a purchase.

Always add a guarantee and disclose payment safety

It’s good practice to add a guarantee and payment security statement somewhere on your order page.

The most important thing is to ensure that it’s easily visible.

And I can’t stress this enough, always be prepared to give someone their money back no matter how low the price is.

Yes, even for a price as low as $5.

This shows the buyers that you are serious and confident in your product or service.

As you can see, this template has all the elements of a good order form page.

Bonus: Use urgency to boost sales

A good trick you can use to speed up the sales process it to add abit of urgency.

This is easily done by adding a countdown timer somewhere on the order page.

Like this:

Step #3.5: Adding the “Thank You” page

Alright, you’re almost done with your sales funnel build, there is just one more thing to fix…

It’s of course the order confirmation page or “Thank You” page.

Thankfully, this page is super simple and doesn’t require any fancy stuff.

Since it’s already added, we start by selecting a template.

As you can see, the order confirmation step has very little information on it.

But it has everything that is necessary to make a new customer feel like you are a serious business, which you are.

Now it’s time to turn this page into a work of art, and I have some tricks for that in store…

Start with the recipe

The first thing you will show on your order confirmation page is a recipe displaying:

• The product(s) they bought.
• The price they paid for it.

As you also can see there is an ‘Access Purchase’ link under the recipe.

This link can be very useful if you sell digital products. Because now the buyers doesn’t have to wait for an email to arrive, they can access it right away.

You can also use it as a download link, or as a link to a members area login page. Be creative with it, just remember that if you add it, configure it to go to the right place.

Note: I always recommend that you send download and sign-up links over email as well. Just in case the customer’s internet dies or if their computer was hit by a cosmic ray before they made it to that page.

Show the guarantee again

Here we go again, you can’t really tell a customer too many times that you are prepared to give their money back if they aren’t satisfied.

That’s why I think you should tell a customer this one more time before they leave your funnel.

Add important additional links

Do you have a Facebook group, Youtube channel, or something in that style?

Add links to those here.

This shows anyone that end up here that you are serious about their future success with the product. It also allows you to give them another way to stay in touch with your brand.

If you want to add an email address to a button in ClickFunnels, add the following “code” to the button URL: mailto:youremail@gmail.com (replace “youremail@gmail.com” with your actual email address)

Doing this will automatically open the customer’s email software when the button is clicked. The best part is that your email will already be pre-filled and ready to go.

Note: If you say that you take questions, make sure to always answer them no matter how small and insignificant they might be. I hate it when I buy something and they say they have customer support but never replies.

The offer wall

Do you have more funnels and products or services you’d like to sell?

Why not do a bit of funnel interlinking by adding a offer wall.

The full guide on how to do that is right here.

Adding special instructions

Depending on what type of product you’re selling, instructions might be necessary.

So, instead of having just a few simple buttons, you can have a step-by-step guide.

Preferably you’d place this between the recipe and the guarantee to ensure that it can’t be missed.

Example: If you sell access to a members area, instructions on what to do after a purchase might be necessary.

It could look something like this:

1. Head over to your inbox and look for [business] name. Follow the instructions there.
2. In a few minutes you’ll get another email containing the access link to the members area.
3. Use the link to create your new account and login to the members area.
4. Make sure to join my members exclusive Facebook group.

That’s it, you’re done.

See, it wasn’t that hard to build a sales funnel when you use templates as a base.

Now, you could pretty much move on with your life and leave this guide…

But, I still have some juicy bits left…

So, why don’t you stick around for a while more and soak up the rest of the knowledge from this guide.

Step #4: Creating content for each stage of the funnel

Crafting content for each stage of your sales funnel is like choreographing a dance that leads your audience from curiosity to commitment.

Let’s break down the moves for each stage.

Strategies for raising awareness creatively

To catch the eye of your soon-to-be customers, think outside the box.

Use storytelling, humor, and relatable problems to spark interest.

This could mean crafting blog posts that address common issues with a twist, leveraging social media trends to get your message across, or even creating engaging videos that leave viewers wanting more.

Here’s how you can raise awareness:

Leverage the power of stories and visuals to make your brand memorable.

Think of using infographics that simplify complex solutions or crafting posts that share customer success stories.

The goal here is not just to inform but to connect on a personal level, making your brand a topic of conversation.

Engaging and educating potential customers to nurture interest

Now that you’ve piqued their curiosity, it’s time to build on that interest.

Create content that educates and provides value, making your audience see you as a trusted resource.

Here’s exactly how to do that:

Offer deep dives into topics relevant to your audience through eBooks, webinars, or detailed blog posts.

The trick is to balance being informative with being engaging, ensuring your content is something they look forward to consuming.

Demonstrating value to guide prospects toward making a decision

As prospects move closer to the decision point, your content should help them understand why your solution is the best fit for their needs.

Here’s how:

Use case studies, testimonials, and comparison guides to showcase your product’s or service’s effectiveness.

Highlighting real-life applications and success stories to make the decision easier, as prospects can see themselves in those scenarios.

Encouraging action with compelling CTAs and a smooth process

The final act is to convert interest into action. Your content here needs to be clear, persuasive, and direct, guiding prospects to take the leap.

Here’s exactly how to create sweet CTAs:

Ensure your call-to-action (CTA) is impossible to ignore.

Whether it’s a sign-up button, a limited-time offer, or a demo request, make the next step obvious and easy.

Remove any friction in the process, ensuring that from the moment they decide to act, the path forward is clear and straightforward.

By carefully tailoring your content to fit each stage of the funnel, you’re not just communicating; you’re guiding your audience on a journey that feels natural, engaging, and ultimately rewarding.

Step #5: Driving traffic to your sales funnel

Getting eyes on your sales funnel is similar to inviting guests to a party.

You want a full house, buzzing with excitement.

Let’s explore how to roll out the red carpet using SEO, social media, and targeted advertising.

And if you want a deep dive into ways you can get traffic to your funnels, then this is the guide for you.

SEO best practices specific to sales funnels

SEO is your invitation card, crafted to ensure it reaches the right mailboxes.

It’s about making sure your content not only ranks well in search engine results but also matches the searcher’s intent at various funnel stages.

Here’s how you do funnel SEO:

Conduct thorough keyword research to identify terms your prospects use at different stages.

Use these insights to optimize your content, from blog posts addressing early-stage queries to product pages geared towards buyers ready to make a decision.

Ensuring your site is mobile-friendly and loads quickly are also non-negotiables in keeping potential customers from bouncing.

Utilizing social media to engage with prospects at different funnel stages

Social media is your party’s buzz, creating anticipation and excitement.

Each platform can cater to different stages of the funnel, from raising awareness to nurturing leads.

Here’s how you can leverage social media:

Tailor your social media content to fit the platform and the stage of the funnel you’re targeting.

Use eye-catching visuals and engaging posts to draw in early-stage prospects on Instagram and Facebook.

For those further down the funnel, LinkedIn can be a goldmine for sharing more detailed content that positions you as a thought leader.

Remember, social media is not just about broadcasting; it’s about engaging in conversations and building relationships.

The impact of targeted paid advertising in lead generation

Paid advertising is like sending out a limo to ensure your VIP guests show up. It’s targeted, direct, and if done right, highly effective in bringing qualified leads into your sales funnel.

Learn more about both free and paid traffic in this guide.

Here’s an example of how you can use paid traffic:

Start by identifying your ideal customer profile and use this to target your ads on platforms where your prospects spend their time.

Platforms like Google Ads and Facebook Ads offer sophisticated targeting options, allowing you to get specific about who sees your ad based on their behavior, interests, and stage in the buying process.

Craft your ads with a clear value proposition and a compelling CTA, making it clear what prospects will gain by clicking through.

Sure, there is more to paid traffic than this, but the concept is really this simple.

Driving traffic to your sales funnel requires a mix of broad-reaching and targeted tactics.

By combining SEO, social media engagement, and targeted paid advertising, you can create a multi-channel strategy that not only attracts visitors but draws in the right kind of traffic – prospects eager to move through your funnel.

Step #6: Optimizing and testing your sales funnel

Once your party is in full swing, it’s crucial to keep the vibe going.

That’s where funnel optimization and testing come into play, ensuring every guest (or prospect) has the best experience possible, and you, in turn, get the highest ROI.

The critical role of ongoing analysis in funnel performance

Imagine hosting a party without ever checking if the music fits the crowd or if the snacks are running low.

Similarly, ongoing analysis of your sales funnel is essential to understand what’s working and what isn’t.

Here’s what you can do:

Dive into your analytics to track how prospects move through your funnel.

Look at conversion rates at each stage, pinpointing where potential customers drop off.

This data is invaluable for identifying bottlenecks or stages that need tweaking.

Tools like Google Analytics offer a wealth of information, from user behavior to traffic sources, helping you make informed decisions.

However, most sales funnel software also offer some kind of analytics that can be of value at this point.

Effective A/B testing to enhance your sales funnel

A/B testing is like trying out two different playlists to see which one gets your guests dancing more.

It’s about experimenting with different elements of your sales funnel to see what resonates best with your audience.

Here’s how to do A/B testing:

Choose one variable at a time to test, such as the headline of a landing page, the color of a CTA button, or the email subject line.

Ensure that your sample size and test duration are sufficient to collect meaningful data.

Use tools designed for A/B testing (again could be build in) to run your experiments and analyze the results.

Implement the version that performs better, but don’t stop there.

Continuous testing is key to incremental improvements and keeping your funnel optimized.

Speaking of CTA button colors, did you know that certain color perform better than others? In fact, this study by CXL proves just that.

Tips for avoiding common optimization mistakes

Even the best party planners can overlook details that might dampen the fun.

Here are a few pitfalls to avoid:

• Don’t ignore mobile users: Ensure your funnel is optimized for mobile devices. A significant portion of your audience will interact with your funnel on their phones, so a seamless mobile experience is non-negotiable.
• Avoid information overload: While it’s tempting to provide as much information as possible, too much content can overwhelm prospects. Keep your messaging clear and concise, focusing on the benefits.
• Don’t skimp on loading speed: A slow-loading page is a surefire way to lose a prospect’s interest. Regularly check your site’s speed and make necessary adjustments.

Optimizing and testing your sales funnel is an ongoing process, not a set-it-and-forget-it task.

By continuously analyzing performance, running A/B tests, and heeding common optimization advice, you’ll keep your funnel efficient and effective, guiding more prospects towards conversion with every tweak.

Conclusion

With this guide, you’re no longer navigating the murky waters of how to build a sales funnel alone.

I’ve laid down the groundwork, making a complex topic digestible and actionable. No need to sift through endless resources; you have a concise, powerful toolkit right here.

Understanding how to build a sales funnel is not just important; it’s essential.

It’s the engine behind transforming your offerings from unseen to irresistible, drastically increasing your visibility and conversion rates.

This isn’t just about getting noticed; it’s about creating a journey that leads customers directly to your doorstep.

Now that you’re equipped with the knowledge to construct your sales funnel, it’s time to put these insights into action.

This guide is your first step towards mastering sales funnels, a crucial element in any successful digital marketing strategy.

I believe you’re now equipped with the knowledge to construct your own sales funnel. Take a moment to reflect on the journey you’re about to head out on, and when you’re ready, dive in.

But before you set off, I’d like to ask you a question:

What did you think of this guide?

Share your thoughts and let me know be leaving a comment below right now.