Sean Garner Consulting | Marketing Agency & Certified StoryBrand Guide

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How To Drive Traffic to Your Sales Funnel

So you’ve built your funnel now you’re wondering how to drive traffic to your sales funnel?

Just because you built it doesn’t mean it will automatically start filling up with your dream customers. Today, I’m teaching you all the systems and processes you need to drive traffic to your sales funnel and guide prospects through each stage—until they're ready to buy.

Building  Your Sales Funnel

In the past few weeks, we talked about how to build a solid sales funnel. We explored the importance of each stage, from awareness to action, and how to effectively guide prospects through their buying journey.

If you’ve missed the past few articles, check out the 10-Step Website Wireframe You Need to Boost Conversions. This guide shows you how to create a landing page with customer-centric messaging using our proven BrandScript framework. 

Whether you're tweaking your current website or starting from scratch, this will help you craft a funnel that not only captures attention but also drives action.

Or if you prefer listening instead of reading, you can check out my Marketing Domination podcast episode here.

Now, once you’ve built your sales funnel using our wireframe, the real challenge is filling it — not just with any traffic, but with qualified leads who are eager to engage with your brand. 

Today, we’ll explore both organic and paid strategies to make this happen.

Starting with Organic Traffic

The biggest initial mistake I see small business owners make is dumping money into paid ads thinking that it’ll get the clients.

But before you start paid traffic you always want to start off first and make sure that you have a complete sales funnel and that sales funnel is optimized.

Once you’re ready to fill your funnel with traffic, the very first place to start is organic traffic.

It’s not just cost-effective; it’s sustainable.

  1. Local SEO and Google Business Listing 

Jumpstarting your visibility online starts right at home with local SEO. Make sure your business pops up when locals search by setting up a killer Google Business Listing. It’s like putting a signpost on the digital highway — you want it bright and clear. Regularly updating your listing and gathering reviews can boost your rankings, making you the go-to in your neighborhood.

  1. SEO and Blogging 

Next up, let's dig into SEO and blogging. Think of your blog as the heartbeat of your website. Consistent, valuable content that answers your customers' burning questions and pain points not only positions you as an authority but also improves your search rankings. Use keywords naturally, focusing on what your audience is searching for, and watch as organic traffic grows.

  1. Optimizing Social Media Profiles 

Social media isn't just for viral videos and memes; it’s a great way to boost visibility and get free website traffic to your website. Optimize your profiles across social media platforms by making sure your branding is consistent from Facebook to Instagram. 

Your profile should clearly state who you are, what you do, and how you help your customers. This consistency builds trust and makes your business easily recognizable.

  1. YouTube Is Evergreen 

Don’t overlook YouTube, your best bet for evergreen content. Videos that solve problems or answer questions can drive traffic to your site for years. Start simple with how-to videos or customer testimonials. Remember, YouTube is a search engine too — optimize your video titles and descriptions to catch those searching for guidance. 

And if it’s relevant to your business, I highly recommend starting a podcast. It’s the best and easiest way to create a lot of content that can be used and recycled through all your platforms.

Leveraging Local Networking and Press

Local Networking Events 

Get your name out there with local networking events. Connecting with other business owners can lead to referrals and partnerships that boost your visibility. Attend chamber of commerce meetings or industry meetups, and don't be shy about sharing what you do. Personal connections can lead to the best business opportunities.

Local Paid Press Opportunities 

Consider local paid press opportunities to enhance your visibility. Advertising in a community magazine or sponsoring a local event can place your brand directly in front of potential customers. It’s targeted, effective, and supports the local community too — a win-win!

Moving On To Paid Traffic

After laying a solid foundation with organic traffic techniques, shifting gears to paid traffic strategies can boost your sales further. 

Paid traffic is about strategically investing in advertising that directly appears to your target audience. 

Whether you're looking to gain immediate traction, enhance your existing SEO efforts, or recapture the attention of past visitors, paid is a great way to do that. 

  1. Utilizing Local Service Ads (LSA) 

For immediate results, dive into Local Service Ads. These are great for service-based businesses, putting you right at the top when locals search for your services. You pay only when potential customers contact you, making LSAs a cost-effective choice.

  1. Accelerating SEO with PPC 

Pair your SEO efforts with Pay-Per-Click (PPC) ads to double down on visibility. PPC can help you target specific demographics and jump-start traffic while your SEO gains momentum. It's like adding a turbo boost to your organic efforts.

  1. Retargeting with Social Ads 

Don’t let visitors leave without a reminder of what you offer. Use retargeting ads to bring back those who visited your site but left without converting. These ads remind them of what they’re missing, increasing the chance they’ll return to engage with your brand.

Traditional Local Marketing Strategies

Tap into traditional marketing with tactics like billboards or local TV ads if your budget allows. These methods can significantly increase brand awareness in your area.

Engaging Cold Traffic with Social Ads

Finally, expand your reach with cold traffic social ads. Target potential customers who haven't interacted with your brand yet but show interest in your industry. These ads introduce them to your business, starting the journey from awareness to customer.

Filling your sales funnel isn't just about having the right tools; it’s about using them effectively to build lasting relationships with customers. By combining organic strategies with targeted paid ads, you can create a dynamic marketing plan that not only fills your funnel but keeps it flowing steadily. 

Ready to dominate your market? Schedule a call and we’ll build, fill and optimize your sales funnel for you.