Funnels: A New Swear Word for Internet Marketers to Charge More?

If you are trying to promote your business online, you most certainly came across the phrases: "pipelines, marketing automation, or funnels. Some companies, however, use the words to charge extortionate amounts for their services. Here's some more information on what a funnel is, how it can improve your business, and why you might want to start with a simple one.

The Difference Between Websites and Funnels

A website is something that showcases your services or products. A funnel is something that sells it.

Any web designer can put a contact form on a website. However, most of the contact forms never get used, and never result in new customers.

Everything you do to improve your conversions and to take your visitors closer to a buying decision is a part of the funnel. Simply put: a funnel is everything that happens between the first visit and becoming a raving fan.

Did you notice that I didn't say "becoming a customer"? It was intentional. After all, you don't just want to sell once. You want to build your brand, have people shouting from the rooftop about your products or services. So, reputation management should always be considered when building a funnel.

A website (a traditional one, at least) will be like the digital version of a brick-and-mortar shop. It might have a shop window or signs for branding, but it doesn't make people go in.

A funnel, in a way, can be described as a salesperson standing outside of your shop leading potential customers by their hand inside and showing them the offer they are interested in.

Why You Want to Start with a Simple Funnel

I have talked to hundreds of business owners. Some of them tried to build their funnels themselves. Then then made a mess. I spoke to a client recently who finally realised that they had to start from scratch, because they couldn't see the beginning and the end of the funnel.

My recommendation is to start small. You can always expand on the funnel, but if you don't keep it simple, you will confuse yourself, as well as others. The more steps you add to your funnel the more chances for things going wrong.

Another reason why you should start with a simple funnel is that it is easier to manage. If you are just getting started with your digital marketing, you might feel overwhelmed by the tasks you have on your list. So you will not stay on top of them.

Templated Funnels vs. Custom Funnels

This is a debate that is hard to win. There are advantages of each. If you are not a web designer and don't want to build the pages from scratch, using ClickFunnels, Kartra, LeadPages, or GrooveFunnels is completely fine. However, if you would like your brand to come across and be represented, and would like a custom funnel, you might want to build one on your site.

The cost implications of each solution are different, too. If you go for the custom funnel, you will have to pay the designer, strategist, or sales funnel agency initially . But, the cost of managing your funnel will be almost insignificant. If you opt for a funnel builder, however, you will only have a funnel as long as you keep up your monthly payments (unless you get a lifetime deal).

Should You Use Funnel Building Software?

The main pro of funnel building software is the ease of use. I can, for example, create a framework in just a few hours on one of the funnel builders - bear in mind that I have loads of years of experience under my belt -. When it comes to building funnels from scratch, we are talking about weeks of work, not including special designs.

So, to summarise: if you want ease of use, don't mind paying monthly, you should use a funnel building software.

The Simplest Funnel Ever that Converts Like Crazy

We have built simple funnels, as well as complicated ones. The most complicated one was a 210-question quiz that led to three levels of upsell. And it didn't convert better than this one designed for coaches and consultants.

So, you basically create a gated content on your website, such as a download or a video. Once people submitted their details and watched the video, you can make them an offer. You will also be able to follow up with them after.

Bear in mind that you will need an advanced autoresponder sequence to follow up, so you can segment the list into buyers and prospects, based on where they are on their buyers' journey.

So, sales funnels are simple. And yes, many agencies use them to charge more. But - if they work - they will get you the highest return on investment.

Do you have any questions about funnels? Let us know below.

Laura is the CMO of LMNts Marketing, a full service sales funnel agency. You can read more marketing-related posts on the LMNts Blog .