Introduction: What is a Digital Marketing Funnel?
Imagine you own a small shop that sells handmade candles. People don’t just walk in and buy your candles the first time they hear about your store, right? First, they might see your ad somewhere, then check out your Instagram page, maybe send you a message, ask about prices, and then decide to buy. That step-by-step journey your customer goes through is called a Digital Marketing Funnel.
It’s like a funnel because it starts wide (lots of people see your ad) and gets narrower (some message you), and finally only a few people become paying customers.
In this blog, we’ll explain the funnel in the simplest way using a popular method: Facebook Ads to Instagram DM to Sales. We’ll break it down step by step, using real-life examples and easy language so even a school kid can understand it.
Why Funnels are Important in Online Business
Funnels help you:
Save money by targeting only serious buyers
Know where people drop off (lose interest)
Build relationships with your audience
Increase chances of making a sale
Without a funnel, you’re just posting and praying.
Let’s now dive into each step of this amazing funne
Step 1: Facebook Ads — The First Door to Your Funnel
Facebook Ads are small promotional posts you pay for. They appear on people’s Facebook feed even if they don’t follow you.
Why use Facebook Ads?
It helps you reach new people who don’t know you.
You can target people by age, location, interests, etc.
You control how much you spend.
Simple Example:
Let’s say Srishti sells handmade notebooks. She creates a Facebook Ad showing a beautiful notebook and adds a caption like:
“Love writing? Check out our eco-friendly handmade notebooks! DM us on Instagram for a free quote.”
Boom! That ad is now shown to thousands of people.
Tips to Make a Great Facebook Ad:
Use bright, clear images
Write a short, catchy caption
Add a call-to-action (“DM us on Instagram”)
Keep it human and friendly
Step 2: Instagram DM — Where the Chat Begins
Why Instagram DMs Work Like Magic
Once someone clicks your ad and lands on your Instagram page, they’ll likely check your posts and send a Direct Message (DM).
This is where you start a conversation. And people buy from people they trust.
Example:
A person sees Srishti notebook ad, visits her Instagram, loves the designs, and sends a message: “Hi, I loved your brown leather notebook. How much is it?”
Now Srishti has a chance to:
Greet warmly
Explain the price and features
Offer a discount if needed
Answer questions
Close the sale
What to Say in the DM?
Always:
Use the person’s name
Be polite and friendly
Give clear answers
Use voice notes or pictures (makes it more human)
Sample DM Conversation:
Customer: Hi, I loved your notebooks. How much is the brown one?
You: Hi Srishti ! Thank you so much 😊 That notebook is Rs. 299. It has 120 pages and eco-friendly paper. Would you like me to send you more pictures?
Customer: Yes please!
You: Sure, sharing now. Also, we’re offering free shipping for orders above Rs. 500 today.
And just like that, you build a connection.
Step 3: Sales — Turning Chat into Cash
Making the Sale
Once the customer is happy and convinced, the next step is getting paid.
You can use:
UPI (PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm)
Bank transfer
Payment links (Razorpay, Instamojo, etc.)
Important Tips:
Send clear payment instructions
Confirm the payment politely
Share shipping or delivery updates quickly
After-Sale Experience
Don’t forget your job isn’t over after the payment. Always:
Say thank you
Ask for feedback
Offer small discounts on their next purchase
Stay in touch through stories or posts
This keeps the customer happy and coming back again!
Real-Life Funnel Example (End to End)
Let’s take another example:
1. Facebook Ad:
Reema runs a home bakery. She posts an ad: “Chocolate cakes starting at Rs. 299. DM us on Instagram to order.”
2. Instagram DM:
Someone messages: “Hi, do you deliver in Dehradun?”
Reema replies: “Yes we do! We need 24 hours’ notice. Which cake are you looking for?”
3. Sale:
Customer selects a cake. Reema sends a payment link. Customer pays. Reema shares order tracking info. Cake delivered.
4. After-Sale:
Reema sends a thank-you message with a coupon: “Next time get Rs. 50 off!”
See? That’s the full funnel in action.
How to Set This Funnel Up Yourself
1. Create Your Product or Service
Know what you’re selling. Make it simple, clear, and easy to understand.
2. Set Up Your Facebook Ad
Go to Meta Ads Manager
Select your audience
Add image/video, write a short caption
Add a call to action: “DM us on Instagram”
Set your budget (start small, e.g. Rs. 100/day)
3. Prepare Your Instagram Profile
Use a good profile picture and bio
Post product photos, videos, testimonials
Reply to messages quickly
4. Set Up Easy Payments
Use UPI, Razorpay, or WhatsApp Pay. Make it easy for people to pay you.
5. Keep Track
Use a notebook or Excel sheet to track:
How many people saw your ad
How many DM you
How many bought
This helps you learn and grow faster.
Mistakes to Avoid in This Funnel
Complicated Ads: Too much text or unclear images
No Instagram Presence: Empty page = lost trust
Slow Replies: People lose interest fast
Payment Confusion: No clear payment method or delay
No Follow-Up: Missed chance for repeat sales
Bonus Tips for Better Results
Use Stories: Daily stories build trust
Share Reviews: Post screenshots of happy customers
Use Reels: Behind-the-scenes videos of your product
Give Offers: Free delivery, buy 2 get 1, festival discounts
Stay Friendly: People buy from people they like
Best Tools to Help You
Canva: To create ads
Meta Ads Manager: For Facebook ads
InShot or CapCut: For video editing
WhatsApp Business: For chatting and order updates
Google Sheets: To track leads and sales
Final Thoughts: Start Small, Learn Fast, Grow Big
Funnels are not scary. They’re simple once you understand how people behave online. Every big business, from Amazon to your local tiffin service, uses funnels in some way.
You don’t need a fancy website or big budget. You need:
A product people like
A clear ad
Friendly conversation
Easy way to pay
Start with what you have. Try the Facebook Ad → Instagram DM → Sales method today.
And remember: Be kind, be helpful, and always reply with a smile. That’s how online sales happen.
If You Found This Blog Helpful…
Share it with a friend who sells online
Try your own funnel today
Comment below your experience
Let’s grow together. Happy Selling! 🚀
