Sales funnel – what is it and how to build it? 4 simple steps

Published: 12 July 2023

Sales funnel - what is it and how to build it? 4 simple steps

A sales funnel is a concept that helps companies effectively track and manage the flow of leads from initial contact to closing a deal. It’s an important tool

in marketing and sales that allows you to increase sales efficiency and ensure greater conversion from leads.

The main idea of a sales funnel is to screen and focus on the most promising customers, gradually moving from a wide audience to the final deal. Building a sales funnel involves four main steps that will help you create an effective sales strategy.

Step 1: Define the stages of the sales funnel

The first step is to figure out what stages a potential customer will go through from initial contact to purchase. Typically, these stages can be as follows: awareness, interest, decision, and action. Determine what steps you need to take at each stage to convince the customer to move to the next stage.

Step 2: Attracting potential customers

The second step is to capture the attention of prospects and convert them into customers. Use different marketing channels, such as advertising, content marketing, social media, to attract the attention of your target audience. Create interesting and useful content that solves potential customers’ problems and attracts them to your brand.

Step 3: Converting deals

The third step is to convince potential customers to make a purchase decision. Provide them with enough information to understand the benefits of your product or service. Use effective sales techniques, such as product demonstrations, free trials, quality guarantees, or discounts, to convince customers to purchase your product or service.

Step 4: Closing the deal

The last step is to take the final step – to close the deal. Make sure the ordering or purchase process is simple and convenient for the customer. Provide all the necessary information about payment, shipping, or any additional requirements to ensure a convenient transaction for the customer.

Building a sales funnel will help you systematize your sales process and ensure greater conversion from leads. Understand the stages of the sales funnel, capture customer attention, convince them to buy, and ensure a smooth transaction. By following these four simple steps, you’ll build an effective sales funnel that will help you succeed in your business.

Below is an example of a sales funnel for a bank aimed at selling loan products:

Step 1: Awareness

At this stage, the main goal is to attract the attention of potential customers and build awareness of the loan products offered by the bank. Marketing channels such as online advertising, social media, radio and television can be used to achieve this goal. For example, a bank can run online advertising campaigns that showcase the benefits of its loan products and encourage potential customers to visit the bank’s website for more information.

Step 2: Interest

At this stage, potential customers show interest in the bank’s loan products and are actively engaged in research. The bank should provide sufficient information on its website or in bank branches so that customers can understand the benefits of the loan products and determine which product best suits their needs. The bank can also hold seminars or webinars where bank experts explain various aspects of loan products and answer questions from potential customers.

Step 3: Making a decision

At this stage, potential customers are ready to make a decision on whether to take out a loan product. The bank should provide a simple and fast loan application process, including the ability to apply online or at a bank branch, submit all necessary documentation, and receive confirmation if approved. Additionally, the bank can provide individualized consultations to clients who have questions or need additional assistance in choosing a loan product.

Step 4: Finalizing the deal

The last step is to complete the transaction and receive the loan product. The bank should provide a convenient process for concluding the agreement, where the client will receive all the necessary information about the interest rate, loan repayment terms and other details. The agreement can be signed at a bank branch or electronically, depending on the client’s choice. After the agreement is finalized, the bank can also provide after-sales support, such as regular communication with the client and information on loan repayment options.

This is an example of a sales funnel for a bank aimed at selling loan products. The sales funnel will help the bank to systematize the sales process, ensure effective management of the flow of potential customers, and increase the chances of successful transactions.

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