If you send the right emails at the right time, more people will buy from you. This simple way of sending emails (called an email funnel) can turn random visitors into paying customers, without being annoying or pushy.
Shirin Niasati
Author
Shirin Niasati is a Product Owner and Website Developer at Persisca Technologies, specializing in digital solutions.
What’s an Email Funnel?
An email funnel is a series of emails that guide people toward buying something. It’s like having a good salesperson, but in email form. Instead of sending random emails, you send emails in a way that makes sense—starting with a friendly hello and ending with a sale.
Think about when you walk into a store. If a salesperson jumps on you right away and says, “BUY THIS!” you’d probably walk out. But if they say, “Hey, how’s your day?” and slowly help you, you might actually buy something. Email funnels do the same thing—just through email.
Why Email Funnels Work So Well
People don’t buy right away. They need time. They need reminders. They need to trust you. Email funnels handle all of this automatically. Here’s why they work:
- They keep your business in people’s minds. People forget fast. Emails keep you in front of them.
- They build trust. If you only send sales emails, people ignore you. If you mix in helpful emails, they listen.
- They work even when you sleep. Once set up, emails go out on their own.
What an Email Funnel Looks Like
An email funnel usually has these steps:
1. The First Email – “Hey, Nice to Meet You!”
The first email is simple. It’s just a friendly hello. Maybe you give them a small freebie (like a discount or a helpful guide) in exchange for their email. The goal? Make a good first impression.
Example:“Hey [Name], just wanted to say thanks for signing up! Here’s your 10% discount code. Keep an eye out for more cool stuff coming your way.”
2. The Warm-Up Emails – “Here’s Some Cool Stuff”
Now, you send a few emails that are NOT just selling. Instead, they give useful info, tips, or interesting facts related to what you sell. The goal? Make people like and trust you.
Example:“Did you know that most people make these 3 mistakes when buying [product]? Here’s how to avoid them.”
3. The Sales Email – “Here’s Something You Might Love”
After warming them up, you send an email about your product. But instead of saying “BUY NOW,” you explain why it’s a good fit. Maybe you show proof that others love it. Maybe you add a special deal.
Example:“A lot of people asked us for [product], so here it is! If you grab it today, you get 20% off.”
4. The Follow-Up Emails – “Hey, Did You See This?”
Most people won’t buy right away. That’s normal. So you send reminders. But instead of saying the same thing over and over, you change it up. Maybe you answer common questions. Maybe you share a happy customer story.
Example:“Still thinking about [product]? Here’s what one of our customers said after trying it.”
5. The Last Chance Email – “This Deal Ends Soon”
Sometimes, people need a little push. A deadline helps. This email lets them know that time is running out.
Example:“Just a heads-up—your 20% off deal expires in 12 hours. Don’t miss out!”
Common Email Funnel Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
Even though email funnels are simple, people still mess them up. Here’s what NOT to do:
1. Sending Too Many Sales Emails
If all you do is sell, people unsubscribe. Mix in helpful emails.
2. Sending Too Few Emails
If you only send one email and disappear, people forget about you. A funnel needs multiple emails to work.
3. Making It All About You
Nobody cares about your business. They care about how your business helps them. Make your emails about them.
4. Being Too Fancy
Emails with too many graphics and buttons often go to spam. Keep it simple, like a personal email from a friend.
How to Start an Email Funnel (Without Overthinking It)
If this sounds complicated, don’t worry. Just start simple. Here’s an easy way:
- Write 5 emails (a hello email, two helpful emails, a sales email, and a reminder email).
- Set them up in an email tool (Mailchimp, Klaviyo, or any tool you like).
- Send people to the first email (maybe through a signup form on your website).
- Let the emails go out automatically.
That’s it. No need to be perfect. Just start.
Wrapping It Up
Email funnels are like a silent salesperson that works for you 24/7. When done right, they help more people buy without feeling pushed. Start simple, send the right emails at the right time, and watch your sales grow.