5 Marketing Funnels to Leverage in Your Strategy
Let’s talk about marketing funnels.
But don’t worry—this won’t be a tech-heavy, jargon-filled deep dive. If you’re a course creator or solopreneur looking for ways to simplify your strategy and actually see results from the work you're putting in, funnels can be your best friend.
They’re not just for big businesses or fancy marketing agencies. A well-structured funnel is simply a way to create clarity—for you and for your audience. It helps people discover what you offer, get to know you, and take action when they’re ready.
And when it’s set up thoughtfully, it saves you time, builds trust, and supports your business while you focus on what you do best.
What Is a Marketing Funnel?
At its core, a funnel is the journey someone takes from the moment they discover you to the moment they become a customer, client, or student. It starts broad, attracting attention, then gradually narrows, offering support and value to those who are a good fit for what you offer.
Each touchpoint in the funnel—your blog post, email, freebie, or webinar—serves a purpose. It helps people move forward with more confidence and less confusion.
Below, you’ll find five foundational funnels that I recommend for every course creator. Whether you're just getting started or refining what you’ve already built, these are a great place to begin.
1. The Lead Generation Funnel
This is how you start building your email list with intention. It usually begins with something valuable and free, like a guide, quiz, or checklist that speaks directly to a need your audience has.
Someone discovers your content, signs up for your freebie, and starts receiving emails that help them get to know you and what you offer. It’s the start of a relationship—not just a transaction.
Done well, this funnel creates an ongoing flow of aligned leads who are already warmed up by the time you launch something new.
2. The Sales Funnel
The sales funnel turns those leads into customers, without feeling salesy or forced. It gently walks them through your offer with content that educates, encourages, and answers questions they might not even know how to ask.
You’re not pushing people to buy. You’re inviting the right ones to take the next step. A clear, well-structured sales funnel can increase conversions simply by removing confusion.
3. The Email Marketing Funnel
This one is all about connection. Email marketing funnels help you stay in touch with your audience, build trust, and share your heart and expertise consistently.
A typical funnel might include a welcome series, a few nurture emails filled with value, and a promotional sequence when you have something new to offer. It can be evergreen or tied to a specific launch.
It works quietly in the background, allowing your voice to show up even when you’re not at your desk.
4. The Content Funnel
Content marketing isn’t just about posting to stay visible. It’s about guiding your audience from that first moment of curiosity to a place where they feel ready to say yes.
This funnel might start with a blog post or video that speaks to a pain point, followed by deeper content that educates or inspires. Eventually, it transitions into more offer-focused content like testimonials or case studies that lead to a natural next step.
It’s a slow burn, but a powerful one.
5. The Webinar Funnel
Webinars are one of the best ways to teach and connect while leading your audience toward a paid offer. This funnel typically includes a registration page, a few emails to build anticipation, a live (or evergreen) webinar, and a follow-up sequence to help attendees take action.
If you love to teach, this funnel gives you a space to show your personality, build authority, and invite your audience into your offer in a more personal way.
Final Sip
You don’t have to set all of these up at once. Start with the one that makes the most sense for where you are right now.
The important thing is this—your business will feel so much lighter when your systems are doing their job. No more scrambling every time you want to promote something. No more wondering what to send to your list.
Just a calm, clear strategy that supports the growth you’re ready for.
Want help setting this up?
If the backend of your business feels like a pile of half-finished funnels, tech tools, and good intentions, I’d love to help.
Book a Backend Boost Session for one-on-one support setting up your email funnels, lead magnets, or course automation.
It’s a simple, as-needed session to get you unstuck and moving forward—without needing to figure it all out on your own.
Hi, I’m Christina—designer, strategist, and your website’s new best friend.
I help solopreneurs build beautiful, intentional websites that actually work for their business (without the tech overwhelm). When I’m not designing in Squarespace, you’ll find me homeschooling my kids with a coffee in hand and cozy slippers on my feet.
