Sales funnel

Sales funnel

Types of effective sales funnels

Types of effective sales funnels

Sep 19, 2025

A well-structured sales funnel is key to guiding potential customers through the purchasing process and maximizing conversions. There are different types of funnels that can adapt to each business's strategy, depending on the behavior of its audience and its commercial objectives.

Traditional Sales Funnel

The traditional sales funnel is the most commonly used model and is based on a linear process where customers progressively move through different stages until making a purchase.

Aware Stage

At this stage, the potential customer discovers the existence of a brand, product, or service. To attract their attention, strategies like content marketing, social media advertising, and SEO are used.

Interest Stage

Once the customer knows about the offer, they start to research more about it. Here, it is essential to provide valuable content, such as guides, blogs, or success stories, to maintain their interest and position yourself as a reliable option.

Consideration Stage

In this stage, the customer compares options before making a decision. Key strategies include testimonials, product demonstrations, and exclusive offers that encourage conversion.

Action Stage

Finally, the customer makes the purchase decision. It is crucial to facilitate the process with an optimized user experience, multiple payment methods, and post-sale follow-up to retain them.

Inverse Sales Funnel

The inverse sales funnel is a less conventional but effective strategy that prioritizes conversion before lead generation.

Action Stage

Unlike the traditional funnel, this model starts with the purchase. It focuses on attracting customers with an irresistible offer, such as a free trial or an exclusive discount, to build trust from the outset.

Consideration Stage

After the initial conversion, the goal is to retain the customer and offer them additional products or services. Here, strategies like cross-selling and upselling are employed to increase the purchase value.

Interest Stage

At this point, the aim is to strengthen the relationship with the customer through valuable content, personalized support, and post-sale follow-up.

Aware Stage

Finally, the customer becomes a brand ambassador by sharing their positive experience. This model is based on customer loyalty and word-of-mouth recommendations.

Zigzag Sales Funnel

The zigzag sales funnel is a variation of the traditional model that allows for interaction with customers at different moments to reinforce their purchasing decision.

Aware Stage

As in the traditional model, the first phase seeks to capture the attention of potential customers through engaging content and digital marketing strategies.

Interest Stage

Here, customers explore the offer, but instead of moving directly to the next stage, they may revisit this phase at different times, depending on their level of trust in the brand.

Consideration Stage

During this phase, customers evaluate the value proposition, compare options, and seek references. However, some may need more information before moving ahead, so they return to the interest stage before making a decision.

Interest Stage

This funnel allows customers to show interest again at different moments. They may request more information, download another resource, or interact again with the brand before deciding.

Action Stage

Finally, customers who have gone through several interactions with the brand end up converting, with greater confidence in the product or service.

Each type of sales funnel has its advantages and can be used according to each business's strategy and target audience. Implementing the right model is key to optimizing conversion and customer loyalty. If you need help designing the perfect sales funnel for your business, at The Funnel Box we can advise you.