Top 7 Mistakes 90% of Marketers Make with Sales Funnel

Let's talk funnels—nope, not the kitchen kind (sorry, pastry chefs)—we're diving into sales funnels!

If you're running a business these days, having a rock-solid funnel isn't just nice—it's essential. The game has changed, folks.

Leads aren't just strolling into your shop anymore; they're browsing your social media, tapping away on mobile apps, or snooping around your eCommerce store at 2 AM. Yep, we've all been there!

Ready to launch your first lead generation campaign? Say hello to LeadPlay.io, your new BFF for sales automation. It's as easy as pie—minus the calories.

Wait, What's a Sales Funnel Anyway?

Imagine your customer’s journey like a real-life shopping trip—but digital. A sales funnel is basically the path your customers follow from the moment they first hear about you to that glorious moment they whip out their wallet.

And no, funnels aren't just digital. They can exist anywhere—your retail store, your sales team’s calls, emails, or even your chats at the local coffee shop. Coffee, anyone?

The 5 Stages of Your Sales Funnel (Nope, not grief!)

Every funnel's unique, but here are the usual suspects:

1. Awareness
This is when your audience first spots you. Think of it as the Tinder swipe-right moment—they've noticed you, but they're not yet ready to commit. Here, you're making an introduction through social media, ads, or good ol' word of mouth.

2. Interest (Ooh, tell me more!)
Now your prospects are intrigued. They're Googling, comparing, stalking your competitors (rude!), and weighing their options. Give them some juicy content here—blogs, videos, infographics—that makes choosing you the obvious choice.

3. Evaluation (Decisions, decisions...)
Your prospects are now putting on their detective hats. They're clicking on your free trials, signing up for webinars, and eyeing those sweet testimonials. This stage is your moment to shine with offers like free trials, insider tips, or even irresistible discounts.

4. Engagement (Getting chatty!)
You're in conversation mode now—emails, phone calls, DMs on LinkedIn. Prospects are reaching out, and your team is charming them with irresistible responses. Keep it friendly, helpful, and a little fun.

5. Conversion (Cha-ching!)
The finale! Your prospect just swiped their card. But wait, don’t celebrate yet—time to nurture and keep them hooked with upsells, loyalty perks, and referral incentives. Because a happy customer is your best sales rep.

LinkedIn Outreach Automation with LeadPlay

Because doing everything manually is so 2010, right? LeadPlay lets you automate your LinkedIn outreach, freeing you up to do important things—like wondering what to binge-watch next.

Why Bother with a Funnel?

Glad you asked. Here's why:

• Measure & Improve: Quickly see what's working (and what's not).
• Stay Focused: Spend your time with people who are genuinely interested (goodbye, tire-kickers!).
• Get More Done: Spend your energy wisely on warm leads rather than chasing everyone under the sun.

Avoid These Funnel Fumbles (Oops Moments!)

Even the best of us mess up sometimes. Here's what to avoid:

Jumping Straight to "Buy Now!"

Slow down, cowboy! If you're all "Buy this now!" without offering value, you'll scare prospects faster than a horror movie. Ease them in with free trials, demos, or discount offers first.

Weak Calls to Action (Yawn...)

Did you know 70% of small businesses fail at strong CTAs? Don't be that guy! Your CTA should be irresistible, urgent, and clear—think Netflix binge-worthy, not homework chore-worthy.

Bland Design & Boring Copy

Your landing page should be sleek, simple, and attractive—not an eye test. Pair that killer design with copy that's punchy, benefit-focused, and makes your offer impossible to resist.

Too Many Steps (The Endless Funnel)

More steps = more chances to lose your prospects. Keep your funnel lean, direct, and straightforward. Don't make them feel like they're on a quest to Mordor.

Not Enough Leads Entering the Funnel

You can't convert leads you don't have! Get busy generating traffic through social media, SEO, LinkedIn prospecting, and—yes—LeadPlay. Because automation is your new superpower.

Forgetting to Follow-Up

Fact: 80% of leads require at least five follow-ups. Patience, persistence, and personal touches are your best friends here. Don't ghost your leads; that's just rude.

Ignoring Analytics

If you're ignoring your analytics, you're flying blind. Dive into the data, find out what's working, and double down on it. Analytics is your funnel GPS—trust it.

Quick Tips to Ace Your Funnel Game

• Have an irresistible offer.
• Craft killer CTAs.
• Keep your design fresh and your copy engaging.
• Simplify your funnel steps.
• Boost your lead generation efforts.
• Always follow up like a pro.
• Become best friends with your analytics tools.

A well-built funnel isn't just a sales tool—it's your ticket to lasting customer relationships and a thriving business. And remember, even the best funnel isn't foolproof without a bit of automation magic.

Ready to automate your LinkedIn outreach and boost conversions? Give LeadPlay.io a whirl—your sales funnel (and your Netflix queue) will thank you!