When you first start out as an entrepreneur, digital marketing can feel overwhelming.

But at its core, the process is straightforward. In the end, it's all about creating a cohesive journey for your customers — from discovery to buying your product.

A well-structured marketing funnel is what you need to capture attention, nurture leads, and turns prospects into clients. 

I'm going to walk you through a 4-step, simple marketing funnel you can build in just a few days, starting with 1 thing you're likely doing already... grabbing attention.

Step one: generate attention

The digital world is crowded, especially social media.

To stand out, you must be laser-focused on your audience and understand them as deeply as possible. Your message should directly address their pain points, making it clear why they should pay attention to what you have to offer.

Once you have clarity on who you serve and the problem you help them overcome, you can start generating attention and bringing people into your funnel in 2 ways:

1) Content creation (free)

2) Paid ads (not free)

Nothing revolutionary here. Generating attention is the easiest part. Everyone gets to this point... but then what?

Step two: steer attention toward your email list

An email list is vital for direct communication with your audience.

The last thing you need is for your social media account to get shadow banned. Or for reach to plummet so your followers stop seeing your content.

Building your email list = your community will definitely see your content. They may not read it of course, but at least you know you hit their inbox and they saw it...

Two effective ways to build your list are through newsletters and lead magnets:

• Newsletters: Regular emails that provide valuable content, such as industry insights, tips, and updates about you and your business. The key is consistency and value — you want to be as helpful as possible, while encouraging feedback and conversation. Your reading one of these right now :)

• Lead Magnets: These are free resources offered in exchange for an email address. The content should provide immediate value, be relevant to your audience's needs, AND relevant to the service your provide. Examples include downloadable guides, checklists, or free webinars. The goal is to help your audience solve a small problem or give them a quick win.

Step three: nurture leads with email automation

Once someone joins your email list or lead magnet, the next step is to keep them engaged and move them closer to a purchase.

Email automation allows you to send targeted messages based on specific actions your subscribers take.

For example, you can set up a welcome series for new subscribers, provide additional resources related to their interests, or send personalized offers. The focus should always be on providing value and building a relationship, rather than outright selling.

Build trust. Allow them to get to know you and your business. Show them how you can help them. 

A different lens to think about what to include in your automations: "what does someone need to know about you and your service to feel comfortable buying from you?"

Show them those things in your email welcome sequence.

Step four: closing deals through personal engagement

While automation can nurture leads to a certain point, 1 to 1 engagement is necessary to close higher-ticket deals.

This means having direct conversations with potential clients. Use email to encourage your subscribers to reply, or offer to jump on a call to uncover how you can help.

This level of personal attention can be the deciding factor in converting a lead into a customer, or them getting a bit of free value from you then going somewhere else to get a deeper level of help.

Closing Thoughts

A marketing funnel doesn’t have to be complex to be effective.

By focusing on generating attention, building your email list, and engaging personally with prospects, you can create a streamlined process that converts leads into loyal customers.

Remember, the goal is to guide your audience on a journey and to provide value every step of the way.

TL;DR for the Skimmers

4 steps to a simple marketing funnel:

1. Generate Attention: Post content and/or paid ads to Ian awareness around your offer
2. Grab Attention: Use newsletters and lead magnets to provide value in exchange for an email address
3. Nurture Leads: Use email automations and ongoing communication to nurture leads and enhance your relationship with them.
4. Close Deals: Use that contact information to start 1:1 conversations with prospects, and use the trust you've built to turn your email list into customers.