Over our past post, we have covered a lot of different areas and topics from tools we use, tracking our links, even on how Coaching and Mentoring can play a major role in helping you reach your goals faster and with fewer mistakes that trying to do everything on your own. One thing I do not believe we have covered is the building of the “Process” which brings people that do not know you, to a place where they “Know, Like, and Trust You” and ultimately become your customers.
Now once we share the inner workings of this process, you will notice that this process has always been in existence. This isn’t something NEW that came out in 2024 but is a part of our everyday lives and has been for a very long time. The way the process is constructed and the pieces that form it may be different, but the common structure and basic function are all the same.
So, what are we talking about? What is this so-called Process that we are talking about that is so common in our lives that we overlook it but in it lies the key to our Success?
It’s called a “Funnel.”
By Definition: a funnel is an object that has a wide round opening at the top, sloping sides, and a narrow tube at the bottom, used for pouring liquids or powders into containers with narrow necks.
What? What does pouring Liquid into a funnel have to do with Affiliate Marketing? We use funnels for putting Oil in our cars… not in our business, right?
In Affiliate Marketing, our Funnel has the same purpose… A wide opening at the top and a small opening at the bottom. Instead of being used for some kind of Liquid, ours are designed for “people”. Instead of gravity being the force behind the “Direction of Flow”, We build our Funnels to use a type of Vacuum or “Pull”. In Affiliate Marketing, we call this “Pull” a “LEAD MAGNET.”
Think about the way a real Tornado functions… By design, a tornado creates a suction that will pull items up through its small end, where the contact is made, lifts them up through the funnel and out through the top. Our funnel works in a similar fashion, but the flow is just the opposite. Our “Suction” or “Pull” is generated at the top, the largest end of our funnel, and pulls down through the small end.
So how does this pull effect start? Remember I mentioned a “Lead Magnet” above. This is the start of your Funnel. At the present time, we are using a PDF file entitled “Avoiding the Pitfalls.” In this PDF, Dean explains why the Affiliate Marketing of yesterday no longer works in the Affiliate Marketing world of today. We did make a few adjustments in the way it was worded, to better represent our business and location. Dean did a great job, but he talks a little funny (NO OFFENCE DEAN! 😜) He is from the UK and We are in ALABAMA, USA. We’re sure if you were to ask him, he would say it was just the opposite way around. (But Yall know different don’t ya…🤣)
Let’s take a deeper Look 👀 into the Lead Magnet…
According to Investopedia – A lead magnet is a marketing term for a free item or service that is given away for the purpose of gathering contact details; for example, lead magnets can be trial subscriptions, samples, white papers, e-newsletters, and free consultations. Marketers use lead magnets to create sales leads.
You can see why we call it a Lead Magnet – a Lead being a potential customer that has some kind of interest in what we have to offer, in other words, we may have the solution to their problem. The Magnet is the Offer or Item that pulls or attracts that potential customer toward our funnel. When created correctly, we should be able to collect the contact information from the potential customer or “Lead” in exchange for the offer we are giving away. In simple terms… We will give you “THIS” (Our Lead Magnet) in exchange for “THAT” (Your Contact Information). Now we have the information needed to add this person to our list, where we can start to share our emails, newsletters, helpful tips, info, and eventually our offers.
I told you earlier that it’s all around us, didn’t I?
When was the last time you went through a drive-thru and saw a poster with a special advertisement on it? Did you order it?
How about a sales ad from a Store you shop at? Did you order or purchase the product because it was just such a great deal?
Have you ever seen a promotion for BOGO (Buy One Get One) offers, did you participate?
All of these are examples of Funnels… I know what you’re saying… “But they didn’t get my information”… They didn’t have to; they skipped that process and went straight to exchanging Your Money for Their Offer and they used a “Lead Magnet” to start the whole process. They use the same formula we do… We will give you “THIS” in exchange for “THAT”.
Now, all we must determine is if we have enough value in our Lead Magnet, people will be willing to exchange their contact information for it. How do we know?
How much is YOUR NAME and EMAIL worth to you? Answer that question and you will have at least found a starting point…
We will continue the discussion on our Whirlwind of Success “Funnels” in our next post… Stay tuned!
I found it useful – your explanation of a funnel for affiliate marketing. And “whilst” I agree Dean talks funny, I equally think “yall” from Alabama talk with a different funny lol. So says this Canadian, “eh”.
Thanks for mentioning “investopedia”. I’ll have to look that up. And I very much appreciate your discussion around the Lead Magnet.
Robert Klein recently posted…In Spite of Ourselves
Robert, I’m glad you enjoyed the post. I’m always looking for real world ideas to compare to what every process we are going through. I believes it helps give a visual to those just starting and I hope it aids in understanding the process. Lol, I know I talk funny 🤣🤣🤣 I love that we are a group of people from all over but have one common goal “to help others” that is so AWESOME to me.
David Roper recently posted…Whirlwind of Success 🌪️ Part 1 of 5
Hey David
This is awesome, so helpful and such valuable information – You’ve clearly put a ton of effort into this and it’s only part 1 so I’m excited to see what more is to come 🙂
This is one of those moments I can’t help but think “I wish I had a site like this to follow when I was starting out”
Could have saved me many years and many thousands!
Keep up the great work 🙂
Cheers
Dean
Dean Holland recently posted…My Goals For 2024
Thank you Dean for your kind words! I have a Great Mentor… You may even know him 😜. When I started this subject, I thought that it would be simple at first, but the more I wrote about it, the more I got excited about the value of the post and how it could benefit my readers. I have come a long way from where I started and the benefits of having a Great Mentor and Great Coaches makes all the difference in the world! Thank You!
Part one of FIVE!!!! Clearly, this is going to be an in-depth look at the process. You mention you are using a PDF called avoiding the pitfalls, where can I find this?
I dont understand the bit where you say about the drive-through or buy one get one free that they they used a “Lead Magnet” to start the whole process. What was the magnet? What did they give me for free?
Tony, thanks for commenting. I spread out the series so my readers could take a deeper look into each part of the funnel. I felt it would be rather a lengthy post if I had not. I have went back and added the link for the “Avoiding the Pitfalls” PDF. (I don’t know why I left that out, but thanks for asking) This was an original template that I made some modifications too, mainly in the wording since I’m in Alabama. It was one of Deans tools that we could use through the Internet Profits Program.
As far as what I am referring to on the drive-throughs and stores, it’s the promotions that they use to grab our attention. Such as an advertisement of a Discount = (Free Money back in our pocket), Free large drink with any Burger purchase, or a Free apple pie with any combo, Free upgrade to a large fry… Maybe even a Free Tie with any Suit purchase… We see it so often that we become “Blind” to it. If it draws your attention to it, you decide to stop in and take a look because of it, and you possible even make a purchase because of it… That’s about as close to the definition of a “Lead Magnet” as we can get in my opinion…😉
What a wonderful way to break down what a funnel and lead magnet is. Avoiding the Pitfalls is a fantastic read. I have actually read it multiple times, and every time I do, I get something else out of it. It is so important to understand the common traps that can happen in affiliate marketing as a beginner, and this is a fantastic place to start before jumping into the world of affiliate marketing, thank you for sharing!
One thing you’ve pointed out that’s helpful for thinking about this is that a “loss leader” is similar to a “lead magnet”. That sale item that gets you to go in the store, and then you buy other things. We may be giving away something that’s of real value – of course, if it isn’t then why would anyone take the offer – but in the long run, it helps to establish the relationship, and leads to people taking more mutually beneficial actions.
I had never heard the term “Loss Leader” before, so thanks for sharing that. I do believe that they are very similar. I do believe however that the definition can sometimes be misunderstood because the item that is sometimes given away as a “Loss” is then combined with other items that still make a profit overall, to cover that “Loss”. Great Comment and thank you for posting… Now, I see a whole new approach that I can add to my toolset 🤔😁
Great post! Straight to the point and full of information and value. Looking forward to part 2-5. Love little Harper Grace!
Thank you Ken, I’m glad you enjoyed it! I believe you will enjoy the following post as well 😁
Harper shares more words or wisdom on each one as well! I learn so much from her.
David, I found this really useful, especially around clarification on your thoughts on a funnel. We hear these words all the time and we assume what they are based on our own experience. When you hear it from others and the way, it’s described using the tornado analogy it’s very true and very powerful. Thank you for a great description. If you don’t mind I think it would be more clear if you put your name at the end of your blog. I know it’s based around your daughter’s name but when people want to reply they won’t necessarily see your name. It’s funny a great description. It’s funny what you said about Dean talking funny , I’m also from the UK and obviously there’s quite a few different accents in the group. Keep up the great work. I’m looking forward to the next four parts of this series and to gain more insights. Thank you, Atif
I have taken your advice and made changes to my future post, thank you for the suggestion. I’m glad you likes the post… the purpose was not only to be a guide in funnel building but also to make people open their eyes and take a moment to look around. I learned from watching my Granddaughter about paying attention to details… She notices EVERYTHING! It makes me want to slow down and take notice of the fast paced world around us. I absolutely love Dean and the community around him. When I first listened to him, I had a hard time following (I am from the South you know, LOL) I love his combination of enthusiasm and willingness to help others.Keep up the Great work!
I am going to complete my funnel, today! Reading your blog gave me an extra burst of determination! Your 5 part series will be epic!
Thanks for your definitions of a funnel and lead magnet. Although the words are familiar and understood by those in marketing,
It deepens my understanding when I hear the perspectives of other people.
Hi David,
This was a great explanation of what a funnel is and it’s use!
I like the way you incorporated meanings and compared it to a physical funnel and even to the advertising that company’s use without capturing the contact info.
Really easy to follow and thorough!
Denny
David, I wish I had read this post when I first began my affiliate marketing journey! When I first started, I was so very confused about funnels and lead magnets. In fact, I feel it took me an embarrassingly long amount of time to really understand what they were and how to utilize them. Of course now, I’ve learned the “affiliate marketing lingo” and speaking about them now is second nature, but I didn’t start out that way. I like how your message takes a step back and really describes these two very crucial elements in easy-to-understand way.
BTW, I don’t need to say this, you already know it, but that little girl is just precious. 😉
David,
Your breakdown of Funnel and Lead Magnet was really helpful! I admit, I had to look up Investopedia too – learning something new every day, right? And you’re so right, Lead Magnets are everywhere around us, which made me pause and go, “Hmm.” Excited to dive into the rest of this series of posts!
Sherri
Hi David!
I enjoy your posts! The flow of your words and detailed information really tells it like it is with affiliate marketing. Funnels and Lead Magnets are two foundational tools for this ongoing business! I can’t wait to read more of your posts!
All the best!
Milissa Neirotti