6 simple ways to create an email funnel that builds lifelong customers

Building a lifelong customer base is key to any business' success. And one of the best ways to build lifelong customers is through email marketing. But simply sending out emails isn't enough. You need to create an email funnel that will keep people engaged and always coming back for more.

So how do you create an email funnel that builds lifelong customers? Here's how to start building the right email funnel today:

1. Start with a strong lead magnet.

Your lead magnet should be something valuable that people can't resist clicking or signing up to get. It should offer huge value but come with little or no cost. It could be a guide, a white paper, or even a free video course.

It might even be a free trial for a product or service. Whatever it is, make sure it's irresistible!

2. Use an engaging opt-in form.

It's not enough to just offer something valuable in return for subscribing to your email list. You also need to use an engaging opt-in form that will capture people's attention. This means creating a compelling offer.

Your offer should be something that's too good to refuse; after all, you want prospects on your lead generation page to give you permission to email them whenever you wish. This, alone, is a very big ask. Some companies have excellent offers, but their opt-in form is drab and has a weak Call to Action (CTA), like "Sign up" or "Get our newsletter." Yuck! Who wants another newsletter?

CTAs like, "Yes, please," "I'll take it," and "Take me there now" convert at much higher rates. Try these, or your own catchy Call to Action.

Opt-in form Pro Tip

While you might love to have prospects' full name, address, phone number, and more, the less you ask for, the higher your opt-in rates will be. Ask yourself, based on your business, "Do I really need the full name? Can I get an address later?" Remember, your top goal is to get a prospect's email address.

3. Provide valuable email content.

Once people are subscribed to your email list, you need to give them valuable content that will keep them engaged. This could be anything from blog posts to product updates to case studies. Make sure you're providing your subscribers with the information they need to make informed decisions. Never make your first follow up email a sales pitch. You want to create a relationship with these treasured "warm" leads.

4. Use lead nurturing emails.

Not all of your subscribers will be ready to buy from you right away, even though they signed up for your free lead magnet. A good lead generator just gets your foot in the door. Now, you have to create a relationship. On your first few emails, try to build trust, and the best way is to provide more value without asking for a purchase.

For example, if you sell real estate, start your welcome emails with information about how a prospective seller can make their home more appealing to buyers. Even if they're not ready to sell now; they most likely will in the future. The more they see your name, the more likely they are to hire you, when they're ready to sell and, of course, to buy something new.

5. Use social media to promote your funnel.

Make sure you promote your email funnel on all of your social media channels. This will help you reach more people and build more customers. This one is super easy. Just grab the web page link to your lead magnet and share it out. Invite prospects to the page with an intriguing hook. Again, steer clear of "Get this FREE ....." It's better to get them to your page by hitting a pain point or showing them value.

6. Track your results and optimize your funnel.

Make sure you track the results of your email funnel and make changes as needed. This will help you optimize your funnel and get better results. Any good email platform will provide valuable data like, open rates and click-through rates. It's important to check these at least every four to six weeks, depending on how many opt-ins you're getting.

Email funnel analysis Pro Tip

If you have five emails in a nurture campaign, and each has been sent 500 times, check the open rates. The first thing to consider when particular email open rates are less than others is the subject line. If four emails have a 28% open rate, and one is opened just 15% of the time, change that email's subject line. This one tweak might vault the open rate significantly. 

By following these email marketing strategies, you can create an email funnel that builds lifelong customers. Happy emailing!

Photo by Torsten Dettlaff from Pexels