What if you could make sure that everyone who hears about your product, actually buys it? Well, that’s not only possible – we’re going to show you how to do it.
By creating a sales funnel you can convert prospects into paying customers and keep them coming back!
Maybe you’ve tried to create a sales funnel before but didn’t meet with much success. Or perhaps this is your first time.
Either way, this guide will help you create a sales funnel that really converts.
1. What is a sales funnel?
A sales funnel is a process that guides potential customers to the decision of buying your product (or service). Sounds great right? It is!
It requires a bit of work in the initial stages but you’ll soon be able to automate most of the processes.
1.1. How does a sales funnel work?
The sales funnel can be broken down into 5 stages.
Funnel Stages
Let’s use an example of an already established business, like Apple, to show you the stages in action.
Awareness
Engage with people who use phones and laptops daily (basically everyone).
This can be done by posting on social media or blog comments. At this stage you want people to know who you are.
Interest
Find out what problems people are having with devices and provide helpful tips. Now people not only know of you, but they’re also interested to hear what you have to say.
Decision
Promote your range of phones or laptops and talk about how its features are beneficial and affordable. The prospect now decides whether to buy it.
Purchase
They have now purchased the product and become a customer (Yay!).
Loyalty
Express gratitude. You can offer a discount on their next purchase. Also, remember to make yourself available for tech support if they need it. This ensures they stay loyal to your brand.
2. Launching your sales funnel
Let’s walk you through the ultimate guide on creating your sales funnel.
2.1. Identify your audience
This forms part of the awareness stage. It involves research. Who would be interested in your product or service? Join groups on social media to see what’s relevant to your market.
Then create a blog or podcast to talk about issues that your targets face. It’s important that you become the voice of authority in your niche.
This way you’re also finding out what people want and can update your product accordingly.
2.2. Create a lead magnet
Using your blog or podcast, get people to give you their email addresses.
It’s clear that most people won’t serve up their info just because you asked for it. So you’ll need a lead magnet.
Offer them something in exchange for their email address. This should be something of high value and something they can receive immediately.
Examples of effective lead magnets include:
- Free samples
- Free trials
- Coupons
- Webinars
- Ebooks
2.3. Start an email campaign
This is your next point of communication. Now you can send personalized content.
To start a rewarding email campaign you need to create a series of emails that introduce your product.
Keep in mind that different people may need different incentives to purchase. Luckily you can segregate your contacts and send automated emails to specific groups.
Check out this post to learn how to create a successful email campaign.
2.4. Follow-up with non-buyers and buyers
Non-buyers
There are many reasons why people show interest in your product but don’t buy it. Timing and cost play important roles.
Retarget them. Send follow-up emails when products are on sale or use ads to bring them back to your checkout page.
Buyers
Send thank you emails which offer instructions or support. You want to maintain and grow the relationship you’ve developed.
You can even send info on additional products to supplement what they’ve already purchased.
3. The extra step
In theory, building a sales funnel is quite easy. But some steps are difficult to accomplish without a bit of help- enter superheroes!
Sales funnel builders automate most of the processes but still give you the freedom to connect in your unique way. Basically, they take care of the technical stuff and let you focus on output.
Now you might be thinking these services would cost an arm and a leg (in some cases they do) but not with systeme.io whose price plans start from $27/month.
3.1. Choose a funnel builder
A sales funnel builder will help you by performing the following functions:
- Opt-in forms and Landing pages
When offering your lead magnet you can create an appealing opt-in form to promote it. You can also develop landing pages that will be more enticing to your prospects.
- Email campaigns
Here’s where funnel builders aren’t just helpful, but necessary.
Automation – Emails are sent out automatically when your leads perform a specific action.
Segmentation – Separate users based on what will generate the most interest from them. This is useful because the content will be personalized.
A/B tracking – Get detailed analytics on consumers to understand how you can improve sales. You can measure things like email opening rates and click rates.
- Create a blog
You can create and host your blog on most funnel building platforms. This will help you create more awareness and generate more leads.
- Integration
Using a funnel builder or marketing service you can integrate with a range of other apps, such as PayPal and Facebook Ads.
Depending on which funnel builder you choose, you will get these and perhaps a host of other features.
For example, systeme.io provides users with evergreen webinars, which allow you to promote your product through videos. Visual media creates a better connection with your prospects.
4. Conclusion
Using this guide and an amazing funnel builder, you’re set for success. Remember to take your time in the initial stages, so you know what your target is looking for and you can build the perfect sales funnel that’s centered around all their needs.