What is a Sales Funnel?

One of the key concepts in the digital marketing world is the sales funnel. Sounds strange at first, this unique concept can transform a company from a virtually non-existent new marketing machine to seemingly massively saturated millions of pounds overnight. Some skilled professionals have built their careers in implementing this core concept in the business world.

If you’re searching for what a sales funnel is, imagine a real funnel. A specific substance is poured onto the top of the funnel, which is filtered to its final destination. The same thing happens with sales. However, unlike the actual goal-achieving process, not everyone who enters the sales goal-achieving process reappears on the other side.

Sales Funnels Defined

So what exactly is a sales funnel?

The sales funnel is step-by-step process that takes prospects one step closer to making a purchase decision through a series of marketing actions such as automated emails, videos, articles, and landing pages.

As prospects go through each stage of the goal-achieving process, it means a more profound commitment to their purchasing goals. Most online or traditional companies use this model to guide their B2C marketing efforts at all stages of the sales funnel.

Why is it Important?

The sales funnel assists you to understand what possible customers think and do at each stage of the purchasing process. With this information, you can invest in the right marketing channels and activities, generate the most relevant messaging at each step, and turn more leads into paid customers.

Another related article you may find interesting: Is Lead Generation Sales or Marketing?

Stages of the Sales Funnel

For a successful sales funnel, you first need to understand the four stages of the sales funnel. This includes the recognition stage, the relationship stage, the sales stage, and the upsell stage.

With AIDA’s acronym, it’s easy to remember the four stages of the sales funnel: awareness, interest, decision, and action. These four stages represent the mindset of prospects.

Each step requires a different approach. As the seller you don’t want to send the wrong message, or make a mistake, to the potential buyer. It’s like a waiter asking what you want for dessert before ordering a drink or snack.

Let’s take a closer look at each stage of the sales funnel.

Awareness

This is the first place to get the consumer’s attention. It could be a Google search, a Facebook post shared by a friend, a tweet, or another form of marketing.

Your prospects will learn about your business and what you are offering.

If the chemistry is correct, customers sometimes buy instantly. This is a scenario at the right place and at the right time. Consumers have already done some research and know that you are offering what they want at a reasonable price.

The recognition phase is often politer. You are trying to get prospects back to your site and more engagements in your business.

Interest

When customers reach the stage of interest in the sales funnel, they investigate, compare purchases, and ponder options. This is the time to raid on great content that helps them but doesn’t sell.

If you’re promoting your product or service from the beginning, you’ll stop potential customers and drive them away. The goal here is to establish your experience, help consumers make informed decisions, and offer to help in every way you can.

Decision

The decision stage for the sales funnel is when the consumer is ready to purchase. He may hopefully consider two or three options, including you.

This is the time to make your best offer. It could be a discount code, free shipping, or bonus product if most competitors charge it. In any case, make it so compelling that your customers can’t wait to take advantage of it.

Action

At the bottom of the sales funnel, customers take action. Buy a product or service and become part of the business ecosystem.

However, just because a consumer reaches the bottom of the goal-achieving process does not mean that the job is complete. Actions are for customers and marketing professionals.

Or you can say, you are focused on customer retention. Express appreciation for the buying, invite your customer to provide feedback and make technical support available, if applicable.

To Conclude

Managing your sales funnel is more than just organising. It’s about providing each potential purchaser with the personal treatment they want. Make sure you are following them at the right time each time. That way, you can spend more time on the most rewarding of all, closing the sale.

Take the time to create a sales funnel that signifies what you desire and what your consumers want. Take the time to grow, adapt your approach to different stages of your sales funnel, and catch on why your struggles aren’t working.

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