Struggling to Show Up Online? The Power of a Marketing Funnel
When I first started showing up online, I was quickly overwhelmed by the sheer amount of work involved. As an introvert, this made it even harder for me to consistently show up. Let’s face it—being a content creator, an online business owner, and an introvert can be draining. And that’s okay. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed at times.
One thing that has helped me immensely—and something I always emphasize to my students—is the importance of building a marketing funnel.
This was one of the first things I learned in business school, and it remains a critical piece of advice I share. Why? Because a well-thought-out funnel simplifies the chaos. It provides a structured plan, allowing you to be consistent, even during times of overwhelm or when fear makes it hard to show up online.
What Is a Marketing Funnel?
A marketing funnel is a visual representation of the customer journey, outlining the stages a potential customer goes through, from their first interaction with your brand to making a purchase. At each stage, the audience narrows down, just like how a funnel works, guiding potential customers toward conversion.
In this digital age, with constant online noise, people spend more time in the consideration phase, lurking on your social media posts, reading your emails, and researching competitors before making a decision. A funnel allows you to guide this audience intentionally, ensuring your efforts aren’t random but targeted and effective.
The Four Phases of a Marketing Funnel
Here’s a breakdown of the stages in a typical marketing funnel:
1. Awareness Phase
At this stage, people may not fully know who you are, but they’ve come across your content. They might give you a follow or visit your website. The focus here is on visibility and introducing yourself to potential customers without expecting immediate action.
What this might look like:
Sharing content that highlights the transformation your product or service offers.
Posting engaging and educational material that piques curiosity, such as tips, quick wins, or relatable stories.
Collaborating with others in your niche to tap into new audiences.
2. Consideration Phase
This is when potential customers are researching and comparing options. They’re deciding whether your product or service fits their needs. Because there are so many options today, people linger in this phase much longer.
Your role here:
Educate your audience on why your product or service is the best solution to their problem. Provide value and showcase how they can achieve the transformation they desire.
What this might look like:
Sharing testimonials or case studies on how your offering has helped others.
Creating in-depth blog posts, videos, or guides that solve a specific pain point.
Building trust by showing behind-the-scenes glimpses of your process or business.
3. Conversion Phase
This is the moment when your audience takes action—whether it’s purchasing your product, signing up for your newsletter, or downloading your freebie. This is where all your previous efforts lead to a clear call to action.
Your role here:
Make the decision easy. Remove friction and guide them with specific instructions on what to do next.
What this might look like:
Offering limited-time promotions to encourage urgency.
Including strong CTAs like “Buy Now,” “Sign Up,” or “Get Started Today.”
Sharing detailed guides or FAQs to address any objections.
4. Loyalty Phase
This is the stage where customers become repeat buyers and advocates for your brand. They’ve experienced the value you provide and are excited to recommend you to others.
Your role here:
Nurture the relationship. Engage with your audience post-purchase and continue to provide value.
What this might look like:
Sending follow-up emails thanking them for their purchase and offering tips on how to get the most out of it.
Providing exclusive content or early access to new products for loyal customers.
Encouraging reviews, testimonials, or user-generated content.
Example Marketing Funnel for Online Business Owners or Content Creators
Here’s how this might look for an online business owner or content creator:
Awareness Phase
Post content showcasing the transformation your product or service provides. For example, if you sell an online course on content creation, share before-and-after scenarios of what your students have achieved.
Create short, engaging videos on platforms like TikTok or Instagram Reels with quick tips or relatable struggles in your niche.
Collaborate with other creators to reach new audiences and increase visibility.
Consideration Phase
Write blog posts or record videos that explain how your product solves specific pain points (e.g., “How to Create Consistent Content Without Burnout”).
Share customer testimonials or screenshots of positive feedback.
Offer a freebie or lead magnet, like a checklist or mini-course, to build trust and provide value.
Conversion Phase
Send targeted emails with a clear call to action, such as purchasing your product or signing up for a webinar.
Offer an exclusive discount or bonus for first-time buyers.
Use urgency-based tactics like countdown timers or limited-time offers to drive action.
Loyalty Phase
Engage with your audience after the sale by checking in to see how they’re using your product or service.
Provide exclusive content, discounts, or early access to keep them engaged.
Share user-generated content to build community and encourage advocacy.
Why Does a Funnel Help With Overwhelm?
When you’re feeling drained or unsure about what to post, your funnel serves as a roadmap. It keeps you focused and ensures every piece of content has a purpose. By aligning your efforts with each stage of the funnel, you’re not just throwing spaghetti at the wall—you’re building a sustainable, strategic path to success.
Building a clear marketing plan allows you to move past the overwhelm and stay focused on guiding your audience through the customer journey. With a structured funnel in place, you’ll know exactly what steps to take next—whether that’s nurturing relationships, offering valuable content, or encouraging conversions. This gives you the confidence to show up consistently, even when the process feels daunting.
Ready to create your own funnel? Let me know in the comments how you’re guiding your audience today!
