By Dani Stratmann

SPONSORED PROVIDER

Calling all new course creators! I’m glad you’re here because there’s something I need to get off my chest…

It doesn’t matter how many days or weeks you spent creating your course. 

Or how many friends on Instagram you told about it. 

It doesn’t even matter how many golden nuggets of genius you put into it. 

If you don’t create a way to set your course on autopilot, you’ll never have the chance to live your dreams of sippin’ margaritas on the sands of San Tropez…ya know, if that’s your thing. 

Either way, you get the point. 

If you created a course-—if you haven’t, you’ll be ahead of the curve—knowing how to map out a sales funnel is critical to its success. At one point or another, we’ve all wanted to step out of our CEO shoes and slip into our PJs (or bikini), but instead, we had to keep hustling to reach our income goals. 

Don’t know what a sales funnel is? Or just the thought of using one gives you a headache? 

Then you’re in the perfect place. 

Today, I’m breaking down what a sales funnel actually is, and three tips on using one to sell your course.

Ready? We’re diving right in! 

What Exactly is a Sales Funnel? 

The textbook definition of a sales funnel is an automated series of steps that business owners use to turn prospects into customers.

AKA, it’s a way to make money without lifting a finger. 

I like my definition better, but I could be biased. 

Let me give you an example of why it’s so important for your business. 

Have you ever wondered why real estate agents put dozens of signs in every direction starting more than a mile away from the open house they’re hosting? Seriously, it must take them forever to put them all up. But I’ll tell you what, it’s not done in vain. It’s to attract attention, create a clear path, and stay top of mind to drivers. It’s the #1 way they get people in their door. 

A sales funnel serves the same purpose. Sure, you may get a few people trickling in because they saw it on your Instagram Stories, but if you aren’t creating a sustainable path that keeps your course top of mind, then getting students through the virtual door will be nearly impossible. 

And that’s no way to reach those big income goals you have! 

How Do You Use a Sales Funnel? 

I know what you may be thinking, “Sales funnels sound complicated and time-intensive.” 

While it does take time and energy to map out, they are pretty simple once you know what you’re doing. And with these tips, it’ll be easier than you ever thought possible.

So, are you still with me? Let’s get into my three tips!

Tip #1: Create a Freebie

Have you ever walked into a networking event, interrupted everyone’s conversations, and expected them to listen to your speech about how amazing you are? I didn’t think so! You slowly introduced yourself to a few people at a time, injected knowledge bombs whenever you could, and let people decide for themselves. 

Similarly, that’s what a freebie should do for your course. Instead of assuming people will think your course is as valuable as you think it is, and spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on it from the beginning, you need to give them a taste of how it will improve their day-to-day. 

To do this, you can give away a free How-To Guide, 5-Step Process, or mini webinar that pairs perfectly with your course so they’ll be dying to learn more from you. 

Step #2: Introduce Your Course 

Once someone has opted-in and received your freebie, that’s the green light to sell them on your course! Go ahead, brag away. Whether it’s losing 10 lbs in 60 days, creating copy that will 3x their revenue, or using Instagram to book more clients than ever, tell your audience how your course will change their business…and ultimately, their life. 

Direct them to your sales page and let your words do the rest of the work. This part feels really good, like butterflies in your stomach. 

Step #3 Build a Sense of Urgency

When it comes to a digital product, there’s no such thing as, “Get it while supplies last!” You have to create a sense of urgency consistently. In order to do that you need to offer incentives that are only available for a limited time. This can be anything from a discount or added bonus to spark immediate interest and sign-ups. 

There you have it! Now, you can officially say you know what a sales funnel is and how to use it to make your new course a wild success. Look at you go, girl. 

It may take quite a bit of time and effort at first, but once you wake up with more dollars in your bank account than you did when you went to bed, you’ll be happy you took the time to put your business on autopilot.

If you thought these tips were juicy, then snag My First Funnel mini-course, where I teach you how to build your offer, write an email sequence, and generate hot leads. 

P.S. I’m keeping an eye out for your freebies because I can’t wait to see your sales funnels in action!! 

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