Creating Your Sales Funnel - Step 2

The sales funnel is a critical aspect of optimizing the customer journey from initial contact to final purchase. A sales funnel starts long before the first page the prospect enters their email. It actually begins with identifying the key stages that potential customers typically go through before making a purchase. These stages generally include awareness, interest, consideration, decision-making, and action. By understanding these phases you can tailor your marketing efforts to meet each prospects needs at every stage of their journey to becoming a customer.

The first step in attracting customers to your side hustle business is creating awareness. This involves getting the word out about what you offer through various channels such as social media profiles, websites or recommendations from others who have used and enjoyed it beforehand.

Note that this doesn’t mean posting about nothing BUT your offer and insisting everyone needs it right now. Or even worse, sending everyone in your contacts list an email a week about it. Posting things you are excited about, success stories, commenting on posts where someone is asking for help (and you know your product can help) are all excellent ways to spread the news and attract people to you. Don't underestimate how important this initial stage can be when starting up any new venture

- keep spreading that message far & wide. You never know when someone that doesn’t need your product now may need it later or knows someone that does.

Once prospects begin to show an interest - this could involve engaging with your content, subscribing to newsletters or following social media accounts associated with the company –they move from “cold” to “warm.” Warm prospects know you or your product and are more willing to make a purchase.

In the consideration phase of purchasing decisions, prospects are actively evaluating by comparing your offer against alternatives. This is where case studies, testimonials, and demonstrations that highlight the difference between your product and others help prospects make informed choices. They also build trust in you and your products.

To help guide them through this process its essential that you address any lingering concerns and provide a clear call-to-action. By doing so you increase converting leads into paying customers. Remember: clarity is key when it comes time for people to take decisive steps forward!

The next step is when prospects take action by making a purchase. This marks their transition from being just another prospect to a customer.

Post-purchase delivery automations can increase customer satisfaction

– tips for use, examples of how others have benefited, and ALWAYS a way to get support.

As you plan each stage of your sales funnel, consider how it supports moving traffic from cold to customers. By mapping out these stages visually you'll be able to identify areas where automation can reduce your work load and still make sure no one is lost in the process.

Need help with putting the pieces together for your business? Schedule a free 30 minute call! https://tinyurl.com/systemsninja

Ann Acord The Systems Ninja, aka Chief Old Fogey