"The Most Important Questions Asked - For Boosting Sales In Your Funnel"
If you've been planning, or even working on setting up an info-product business or other online enterprise, then at this point, you now know you need to have a sales funnel to make it profitable.
And you may have some important questions about the process of planning or setting up your sales funnel, which is why we've created this sales funnel FAQ with the answers you need.
So, read on...
What's a Sales Funnel?
A sales funnel is a device to use that attracts prospective customers, warm them up to your offers, convert them to buyers, and then turn them into repeat customers. Your sales funnel and marketing strategy should be designed to go through the typical stages of the buyer's journey. Specifically...
- Awareness: Here's where a customer first becomes aware of the problem, but may not have a name for the problem or issue yet. They may be looking up "signs & symptoms" of an issue.
For example... a dog owner might search Google for "dog barks and growls at other dogs when we're out walking." Once this dog owner starts reading the content, they'll get a name for their problem. Namely, their dog is "reactive" to other dogs. - Interest: Here's where you provide valuable content to build interest and engagement in your audience. In going back to the reactive-dog, example... you might provide a lead magnet with tips for calming a reactive dog, plus send follow-up emails on the topic.
- Decision: At this stage, the prospect understands their problem, and now they're deciding the best way to solve it. For example... someone how wants to start content marketing needs to decide if they're going to write the content themselves, use PLR, or outsource the task.
The content you create at this stage will help them make that decision. And you can distribute this content to your mailing list, as well as across your platforms. - Action: The final stage is where the customer decides that the type of solution you offer is the approach they want to take, although they aren't completely sold on YOU (specifically) being the one to deliver that solutions.
As such, here's where you present plenty of case-studies, testimonials, product reviews, and other sales materials to build your case. You can offer low-risk ways for your customers to give your solutions a try, such as...
- Trip-wire offers (low cost, high value).
- Low-cost trials
- Free trials.
- Moneyback guarantees.
- Splintered products.
Once you've turned a browser into a buyer, then you work to turn them into repeat customers by promoting other products and services to help them solve their problem.
How Do I Build Relationships With My Audience?
People like to do business with experts, and they like to do business with those they know, like, and trust - so building relationships is exactly the right thing to do in generating sales. And you can do this by...
- Getting your prospects on your platforms, including your mailing list (which should be your focus), blog, and social media.
- Staying in touch, such as by publishing content at least once per week (or more frequently).
- Publishing high-value content that solves a problem, helps the audience achieve a goal, or helps them better enjoy a hobby.
- Focusing on crafting engaging content, such as content that includes relevant stories, focuses on the reader's problems, and entertains the reader.
Can I Just Send Traffic Directly To My Paid Offers?
This generally isn't a good idea. Think of it like this...
If cold traffic arrives on a sales page that converts 3%, then you'll get three sales for every 100 visitors... and a full 97 visitors will disappear forever. However, if you send traffic to your lead page, you may enjoy conversions of 20%, 30%, or more, depending on your niche and lead magnet offer.
This gives you the chance to build solid relationships, engage your audience and promote multiple offers over time, which is a much smarter conversion-boosting strategy.
How Do I Drive Traffic To My Lead Page?
You'll want to clearly define your ideal audience and then put targeted, compelling ads and content in places where your audience will see them. Examples include...
- Guest blogging on high-profile blogs in your niche.
- Placing paid ads on social platforms, search platforms and niche websites.
- Using SEO to bring traffic in from the search engines.
- Posting on social media.
- Putting out viral content.
- Starting an affiliate program.
- Doing joint ventures in your niche.
- Using video marketing.
- Distributing press releases.
- Doing niche talks online and offline.
... And similar advertising methods.
Are There Any Tools To Help Me With My Sales Funnel?
Yes. When you use certain payment processors (such as JVZoo) and product-delivery systems (such as ProductDyno), these platforms will help you promote products in your funnel. For example, when someone buys a product from you, you can set up ProductDyno to promote related products to that customer.
How Do I Establish My Expertise In My Niche?
There are a variety of ways to do this, including...
- Blanketing your niche with content so prospects see your name every time they search for a niche solution or other relevant information.
- Touting your credentials on your platforms and in your content, such as mentioning your experience, results, relevant awards and the like.
- Getting interviewed by people in your niche, which positions you as the expert.
- Working with other experts in the niche - such as doing co-promotions or creating content together - which will elevate your status in the niche.
- Sharing unique content which will keep your audience coming back again and again.
- Creating a USP (unique selling proposition) to set yourself apart from your competitors.
Remember, the key is consistency, so be sure to publish plenty of high-quality content to help you develop your authority in your niche.
Conclusion
Building a solid sales funnel is going to be a big key to your success, so be sure to put these steps, tips and ideas to work for you and your business.
The concept of sales funnel is everywhere these days as if it was a new thing.
But in reality, it just covers what is already existing in Internet marketing. You must first attract good customers with informative content, attract them to your content with free and paid ways, and build an emailing list.
And the rest will be history for you!
But I like that you detailed how to create a sales funnel so well…
Hey Angelce!
You hit the nail on the head!
The sales funnel might seem like the latest buzz, but it’s been the backbone of marketing forever!
It’s all about reeling in those fantastic customers with top-notch content, using both free and paid methods to grab their attention, and then building that precious email list.
And once you’ve got that dialed in, success is just around the corner!
We’re thrilled you appreciated our FAQ guide… and if you ever need more insights or tips, we’re here to help you take your marketing game to the next level!
Keep rocking it
Dedo (Chief MEME Officer)
Hello there,
I just finished reading your article on “Sales Funnel FAQ” on dedoharrison, and I wanted to express my appreciation for the clarity and depth of information you provided. Sales funnels can be a bit of a mystery for many, but your FAQ format makes it so much easier to understand.
What I found most helpful was how you addressed common questions in a straightforward manner. From explaining the different stages of a sales funnel to clarifying the purpose of each, you’ve created a valuable resource for both beginners and those looking to refine their strategies.
Your examples and real-world scenarios helped to illustrate the concepts beautifully. They made it easier to see how the theory translates into practical application. Your writing style is engaging, and you have a knack for making potentially complex topics accessible.
Thank you for sharing your expertise in such a user-friendly format. Your article is a great reference for anyone looking to navigate the world of sales funnels more effectively.
Warm regards,
Hey Pasindu!
What’s up, superstar?
Thanks a million for dropping that awesome comment!
You know why it means the world to us?
It’s because folks like you, shining like the brightest stars in the online galaxy, are the reason we’re pumped up and ready to rock.
We’re counting on you to spread your wisdom like confetti to all those fellow go-getters out there, who, just like you, hunger for EPIC success!
Pasindu, you’re a true champ! Keep blazing your trail because we’ve got your back, cheering you on all the way!
Cheers.
Dedo (Chief MEME Officer)
I have come across the importance of sales funnels numerous times in my quest of learning how to make money online. However, I don’t really understand how a sales funnel can be used efficiently along with a blog.
I get why it’s not a good idea to send traffic directly to the paid offer, but if I have my own blog where I post content on a consistent basis, then that blog is really my funnel. That blog plays the role of generating awareness and interest, don’t you agree? Why would I have a blog that sends traffic to a sales funnel, which then sends prospective buyers to the paid offer? Isn’t that one step too many?
I would appreciate your insights.
Hey Yusuf!
Wow, we’re thrilled to see you here, and we’re doubly excited because you’ve dropped a game-changer of a question!
Let’s dive right into it, no time to waste…
Blogs? They’re the hype builders, the curiosity sparkers! You’re bang on, Yusuf! But here’s the kicker – when you’re selling something, you’ve gotta have that trusty payment processor in your corner.
So, even if you’ve got ’em sold on your awesomeness, they still need that checkout pass (hello, funnel!).
Now, you’re thinking, “Isn’t that one step too many?” I feel you, buddy!
But here’s the scoop – most folks tend to follow a certain path.
They start with a “maybe I want this” moment, then hunt for the best deal, make their buying call, deal with doubts, and only when they’re 100% sure, they hit that buy button.
The sales funnel? It’s your nurturing ninja that skyrockets conversions when wielded right.
But hold up! If your blog’s so epic that it moves the needle without all those usual sales rigmaroles, hats off to you my friend! You’re a rockstar, breaking molds and forging your own path.
Keep rockin’, Yusuf, ’cause we’re your loudest cheerleaders, always in your corner!
Fist bumps,
Dedo (Chief MEME Officer)
Hey Dedo,
I just went through your article on sales funnels, it was enlightening! I found the breakdown of each sales funnel stage and the strategies to optimize them practical and useful.
I’m wondering, though…
…for someone just starting out, what would be the most cost-effective way to drive traffic to the lead page?
And, when showing expertise in a niche, how important is it to have credentials compared to experience and results?
I’d love to kickstart a discussion on this. Does anyone else here have experience or insights on optimizing sales funnels and setting authority in your niche?
Any challenges faced or lessons learned that you’d like to share?
Thanks for the valuable insights, Dedo! I look forward to implementing these strategies and seeing how they impact my business. I am eager to read more of your tips and to learn from others’ experiences with sales funnels!
Cheers,
Max
Hey Max,
Thanks a bunch for your awesome feedback!
And I’m thrilled to hear you found the article enlightening, practical, and up to scratch.
But, to answer your questions (I love doin’ this stuff!)
For cost-effective traffic to your lead page, start with content marketing. Create valuable blog posts, videos, or infographics related to your niche. Share them on social media and engage with your audience. This can drive organic traffic and establish you as an authority (the trick here is to share something no-one else is sharing)
Credentials are great, but they’re not the only game in town. Experience and results speak volumes. So, showcase your achievements and case studies to build trust. Remember, actions often speak louder than degrees.
And you’re right Max… let’s ignite this discussion!
Anyone else here got wisdom to drop on sales funnels and niche authority?
If so, share your challenges and lessons learned.
Let’s help Max and each other out!
Buddy, your enthusiasm is infectious!
Best of luck implementing these strategies, and keep us posted on your progress.
More tips are on the way! (I’ve just posted “The Sales Funnel Schedule”)
Cheers,
Dedo (Chief MEME Officer)