THREE FUNNELS EVERY ONLINE BUSINESS OWNER NEEDS

If you’re running an online business, you’ve likely heard the term “sales funnel” more times than you can count. You know you need one, but maybe you don’t know exactly why or how. The truth is you need a sales funnel, in fact you need at least 3 of them. In this blog post. I am going to be discussing what a sales funnel is and the three funnels every online business owner needs. 

Let’s start herel—what is a sales funnel, and why does every digital entrepreneur seem obsessed with building one?

Spoiler alert: Sales funnels aren’t just buzzwords. They’re one of the most powerful systems you can use to grow and scale your online business—without hustling 24/7.

Let’s dive into what a funnel is, how it works, and the three essential sales funnels every online business owner needs to thrive.

What Is a Sales Funnel?

A sales funnel is the path that guides potential customers from discovering your brand, building the know like and trust factor, and becoming loyal, paying clients. Think of it like a digital customer journey—with your offers waiting at the end.

In funnel world, there are three main stages:

• • Top of Funnel (TOFU): Attracting attention. Your audience is learning about your brand, usually through content, social media, freebies, or ads.

• • Middle of Funnel (MOFU): Nurturing interest. You’re building trust, showing value, and positioning yourself as the go-to expert.

• • Bottom of Funnel (BOFU): Converting leads into customers. This is where the sale happens (cue the happy dance).

The beauty of a funnel? Once it’s set up, it works on autopilot and if you have been here for a while you know that my love language is AUTOMATION. That means more leads, more sales, and more freedom—even while you’re sipping Diet Cokes by the pool, on Zoom calls, or binging your favorite business podcast (Redefine Business Podcast 😜). 

 

Why Sales Funnels Are Crucial for Online Business Success

Running a business online gives you flexibility—but also endless distractions and competition. A sales funnel acts as your behind-the-scenes assistant, guiding your leads through a seamless, intentional journey.

Here’s why every online entrepreneur needs a funnel:

• • Automated lead generation (goodbye cold DMs!)

• • Consistent revenue flow
    

• • Scalable systems that grow with you
    

• • Stronger customer relationships
    

Funnels allow you to stop chasing clients and start attracting them.

And no—you don’t need complicated tech stacks or ten different offers. You only need three key funnels to build a thriving digital business.

Let’s break them down.

1. Lead Generation Funnel (Grow Your Email List on Autopilot)

Primary Goal: Build your email list with warm, qualified leads.

If social media is your storefront, your email list is your secret weapon. You own it, you control it, and it’s still the highest-converting marketing channel for online business owners.

The lead generation funnel attracts your ideal clients and converts them into email subscribers using a high-value free offer, or lead magnet.

What It Includes:

• • Lead Magnet: A downloadable freebie, template, quiz, mini-course, or training that solves a specific problem.

• • Landing Page: A focused page designed to promote your freebie and capture emails.

• • Email Welcome Sequence: A pre-written series of emails that nurtures the relationship, introduces your brand, and preps your lead for a future offer.

Why It Matters:

A strong lead generation funnel helps you grow an audience of people genuinely interested in your offers. No more shouting into the void or relying solely on social media algorithms.

SEO Tip: Optimize your landing page with keywords like free guide for online business owners, email marketing tips, or digital marketing checklist to attract organic traffic.

2. Sales Funnel (Turn Leads Into Buyers—Without Feeling Salesy)

Primary Goal: Convert leads into paying clients through a strategic, automated sequence.

This is the moneymaker. A well-built sales funnel is your virtual sales rep—it communicates the value of your offer, handles objections, and makes purchasing easy.

Perfect for online business models like:

• • Digital products

• • Online courses

• • Group programs

• • Coaching services

• • Memberships

What It Includes:

• • Sales Page or Webinar: A detailed, high-converting presentation of your offer.

• • Email Sales Sequence: A mix of storytelling, testimonials, and objections-handling emails.

• • Checkout Page + Upsells: A streamlined buying process with optional add-ons or upgrades.

• • Thank You Page: An opportunity to reinforce the value and guide clients to the next step.

Why It Matters:

A sales funnel empowers your business to make money without 1:1 calls or launching every month. It’s always on, always selling.

Pro Tip: Use keywords like online course funnel, sales funnel for digital products, or automated sales system on your sales pages and in your blog content to boost SEO.

3. Onboarding & Client Experience Funnel (Retain Clients Like a Pro)

Primary Goal: Deliver a seamless post-purchase experience that turns new customers into loyal fans.

Here’s the truth: most businesses focus so hard on getting the sale, they forget what happens after the purchase. But your onboarding funnel can be your secret weapon for retention, referrals, and rave reviews.

This funnel is all about experience. Whether you sell services or products, how you welcome and guide clients matters.

What It Includes:

• • Welcome Email or Video: Set expectations, make them feel seen, and get them excited.

• • Product/Service Delivery: Clear next steps, logins, or how-to instructions.

• • Nurture + Support Emails: Timely check-ins, tips, FAQs, or reminders.

• • Review or Referral Request: Ask for feedback or invite them to share with friends.

Why It Matters:

Happy clients = repeat buyers. Plus, referrals from well-onboarded customers are often your warmest leads. This funnel is about delighting the client and delivering like a boss.

SEO Tip: Write helpful content like how to onboard new clients for your online business or automated client experience tips to establish authority and improve organic reach.

Final Thoughts: Funnels Aren’t Just for “Big” Businesses

If you’re thinking, “I’m not ready for funnels yet…”—think again.

Whether you’re launching your first digital product or scaling your online empire, sales funnels help you simplify, streamline, and scale. These systems free up your time, attract dream clients, and turn browsers into buyers—without chasing every lead or staying glued to your inbox.

To recap, every online business needs:

1. 1. ✅ Lead Generation Funnel – to build your list

1. 1. ✅ Sales Funnel – to turn leads into revenue

1. 1. ✅ Onboarding Funnel – to keep clients coming back

You don’t need to be tech-savvy. You just need the right systems in place.

So go ahead—start building. Your future self will thank you.