Why the Marketing Funnel Has Never Been More Powerful

I want to take you on a quick journey through the history of online marketing & explain why now is the absolute greatest time to be in this industry.

Buckle up, because the marketing funnel has never been more powerful, and here's why.

I started publishing online in 1996. Back then, there were no real ways to advertise or reach your target audience directly.

You had to put out content and hope to get found through search engines. It was easier to get found because there wasn't much content out there, but it was a long, slow game of attrition.

The Early Marketing Funnel Strategy

The smart folks, and I count myself among them, quickly realized it was all about building an email list. People would visit your website and you'd use that traffic to build an email list.

This list became your gold mine.

But advertising to grow that list? Nearly impossible.

Once people started building lists, you could buy ads in newsletters or e-zines. That was the extent of advertising.

What is a Marketing Funnel?

Let’s break down the basics first. Think of a marketing funnel as the journey you take people on from not knowing you exist to becoming your biggest fans.

It’s a series of steps designed to turn strangers into loyal customers.

Here’s how it works:

Marketing Funnel Stages

1. Awareness… Grab Attention

Start by grabbing attention with engaging content. For example, use Facebook ads to showcase an eye-catching video of your product in action.

Let's say you're promoting a new fitness app. Show a snippet of a workout session to entice viewers.

2. Interest… Build Curiosity

Once you've got their attention, build interest by providing valuable information. Share tips and tricks about fitness and health through blog posts or videos. 

Your email marketing can include a free guide on creating effective workout routines, keeping the audience hooked and eager to learn more.

3. Decision… Nurture Your Leads

Nurture your leads with tailored offers and content. Send personalized emails highlighting user success stories and testimonials. 

For the fitness app, offer a limited-time discount or a free trial, emphasizing how it can help them achieve their fitness goals.

4. Action… Drive Conversion

Finally, convert your leads into customers with compelling calls to action.

On your landing page, use strong CTAs like “Start Your Free Trial Today” or “Join Thousands of Satisfied Users.” Make it easy for them to take the next step and commit to your product.

These are truly the glory days of online marketing. With today's ad platforms, you can get in front of your audience like never before.

Everyone is glued to their phones, and that’s your opportunity. The traffic is out there, you just need to capture it.

Enter Google AdWords

Then came a brief period of banner ads, which lost effectiveness almost immediately. The big innovation was Google AdWords. 

This was the first real advertising platform where you could buy traffic. For those who had their marketing funnel stages optimized, it was like putting a quarter into a machine and pulling out a dollar.

But not everyone’s market fits AdWords perfectly.

For example, when I rolled out the Product Launch Formula in 2005-2006, very few people were searching for “product launch.”

Maybe 10 or 12 searches a day, and I could buy one or two clicks via AdWords. It wasn’t a great market for many niches.

The Game Changer

Now, we enter the glory days with Facebook Ads. Unlike AdWords, where specific searches were needed, Facebook allows you to target people based on interests and behaviors. 

This is where the digital marketing funnel really shines.

Why Are Facebook Ads A Marketer’s Dream?

Facebook Ads have transformed digital marketing funnels into powerful tools. 

Here’s why:

Precise Targeting: Hit the Bullseye

With Facebook Ads, you can identify your audience by interests, behaviors, and demographics with pinpoint accuracy. Reach people based on what they love, ensuring your marketing funnel stages are effective because you're engaging those already interested.

Scalability: Grow with Confidence

Scaling your campaigns on Facebook is seamless. Start small, find what works, and then scale up effortlessly. The platform optimizes your ad delivery, ensuring your marketing dollars are well-spent and your digital marketing funnel remains robust.

Diverse Formats: Engage in Multiple Ways

Facebook offers various ad formats, from eye-catching videos to interactive carousel ads. This variety keeps your audience engaged and smoothly moving through your funnel.

Custom & Lookalike Audiences: Expand Your Reach

Create custom audiences from your existing data to retarget and engage prospects further. Lookalike audiences help find new potential customers who resemble your best existing ones, expanding your reach and driving conversions.

Retargeting: Never Miss a Sale

Retargeting ads keep you top of mind with prospects who’ve shown interest but haven’t converted. These ads follow users across the web, nudging them back to your offer, ensuring no opportunity is lost.

Adapting to Change

Nothing stays the same in online business. AdWords was great until it wasn’t. Email newsletters were gold until they weren’t. 

The key is to adapt & utilizing the platforms that work now.

Why You Should Act Now

The rules of the game will change. They always do. But right now, the opportunity is incredible. 

You have the tools to build an effective marketing funnel strategy that can drive massive growth for your business.

• Traffic is Everywhere: Everyone is online, all the time.

• Ad Platforms are Powerful: Use Facebook, Instagram, and emerging platforms to your advantage.

• Offers that Convert: Ensure your offer is irresistible, and you’ll see the results.

We’re in the glory days of digital marketing. The marketing funnel has never been more powerful or versatile.

We’ve seen how online advertising evolved – from building email lists in the early days to today’s sophisticated strategies.

A well-executed marketing funnel is your most valuable tool. Let's get to work.

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