Jul 8, 2025
If you’ve been pulling your hair out trying to “fix your funnel,” this article is for you.
If you’ve been pulling your hair out trying to “fix your funnel,” this article is for you. Perhaps the funnel isn’t broken; maybe the way we’ve been told to use it is.
Wait, what exactly is a funnel?
In marketing, a funnel is the step-by-step process people go through from discovering a product or service to making a purchase. Think:
· They see your ad or social post
· They click a link to your website
· They sign up for a free resource
· They receive emails that “nurture” them
· Eventually, they’re invited to buy
Funnels are designed to turn strangers into customers. In theory, it’s a brilliant idea.
But in reality?
Most funnels fail, not because of missing steps, but because of a lack of human connection.
At Clever Marketers, we’ve spent years building and testing funnels for ourselves and others.
And we’ve noticed a pattern:
Entrepreneurs who struggle with funnels aren’t doing it wrong — they’re just trying to build trust using the wrong tools.
So, instead of obsessing over funnel tweaks, let’s shift focus to what truly creates connection and momentum.
The Real Problem Isn’t Your Funnel, It’s Disconnection
Funnels are linear; human behaviour isn’t.
Your audience isn’t waking up each morning hoping to click a call to action (CTA). They’re feeling overwhelmed, skeptical, and burned out from over promises.
They’ve downloaded too many “ultimate guides” and joined too many ghost-town communities.
They don’t need another funnel. They need someone who makes them feel seen and valued.
And that’s why we recommend shifting your focus from tactics to these five connection points, which quietly outperform even the most sophisticated funnels.
The 5 Things to Build Before Worrying About Funnels
1. A Story They Recognize in Themselves
Before someone buys from you, they need to feel like you understand them.
That means beginning with a story, not a sale. Share your “I was there too” moment.
Be vulnerable. Be honest.
A Real Example:
Canadian author and entrepreneur Danielle LaPorte built her business not by fixating on funnel structure, but by connecting with the emotional truth of her audience.
Instead of shouting “opt-in now,” she quietly built a global community around radical honesty, soulful business, and personal growth. Her posts, podcasts, and newsletters feel like heart-to-heart conversations, not conversion traps.
For example, in her blog post “How I’ve Grown My Community—Meaningful Mistakes + Beautiful Breakthroughs”, Danielle reflects:
“The ONE thing that I’ve done right, that’s fuelled so much growth, got down to a specific kind of courage. The courage to change in front of people.” https://daniellelaporte.com/how-ive-grown-my-community-meaningful-mistakes-beautiful-breakthroughs/
She also highlights her Heart Centered Membership, saying:
“I started the Heart Centered Membership a bit begrudgingly… Now, it’s the diamond of everything I do.” https://daniellelaporte.com/how-ive-grown-my-community-meaningful-mistakes-beautiful-breakthroughs/
These quotes support the idea that her business growth stemmed from her heart, courage, and authentic effort, rather than relying on funnel hacks.
Danielle didn’t make a list; she created a sense of belonging.
Takeaway: Give people language for what they’re feeling. That’s what earns trust.
2. A Reason to Stay (Not Just Sign Up)
Funnels often focus on lead magnets, but what happens after the download is completed?
If your content seems transactional or inconsistent, people will leave.
Instead of: “Get my free checklist!” Why not try: “Join a community where we’re figuring it out together.”
When people stay because of the relationship, they don’t need constant convincing.
3. A Repeatable “Trust Touchpoint”
Trust isn’t built in a single moment. It happens through consistent, low-pressure interactions that say: “I’m here. I notice you. You matter.”
This could be a weekly tip, a personal story on Instagram, or a voice note reply to a comment.
You don’t need to “scale” trust. You need to show up as a human.
4. A Culture, Not Just Content
If your brand were a dinner party, what kind of atmosphere would it have?
People don’t follow you just for information; they follow because of how you make them feel. So, please give them a reason to feel like they belong.
Ask: What would help someone feel safe, smart, or strong today?
Culture fosters connection. Content fills feeds.
5. A Human Way to Sell
Most funnels operate like this: they create urgency, invoke FOMO, and make a claim that “only 2 spots left.”
But today, buyers want sincerity. They want to see that you genuinely mean it.
Instead of: “Doors close soon!" How about you try: "I made this because I wish someone had made it for me five years ago.”
When you lead with care and honesty, the right people say yes, without waiting for a countdown.
So… Do Funnels Still Matter?
Yes! Funnels still help organize your message and guide action.
But they only work when built on connection, consistency, and care. Otherwise, you’re just leading people through steps they're not yet ready for. Start by building trust. The funnel will then follow.
Our Final Thought
If you’re feeling stuck, try this:
What would I do differently if I treated this like a relationship rather than a conversion?
In a noisy, skeptical world, the businesses that seem human are the ones that thrive.
P.S. Do you need help with this?
At Clever Marketers, we focus on trust-first marketing that feels right and gets results. If you’ve tried funnels, freebies, and Facebook ads without success, you’re not alone — and you’re not doing it wrong. You need a more innovative, more human approach.
Contact us for a free coaching session!