One of the first questions I go over with my clients is about this very topic. Do you need a website or a funnel… or both?

Many have only and website, and for some, it’s really all they need. But almost all businesses need both.

So, let’s chat a minute about the importance of each and how exactly to decide where to put what content – website vs funnel.

What Are Websites For?

Websites are essentially your “home” on the internet. It houses all of your information in a strategic and well-organized way.

Generally, a good website will have a home page as a main navigation point that includes the most important points you want to get across about your business. Along with a contact page, a services/work/classes/etc page, and an about page. Obviously, depending on the nature of your business there may be more pages necessary but those are the bare minimum.

In my opinion, every single business needs a website. People like to explore and when they come across a business they’re interested in, they love to browse around the website.

Lucky for you, this is super beneficial for you as a business owner. The more time a potential customer or client spends “with you” on your website, the greater chances of them taking a next step. Plus, you get the added benefit of Google paying more attention to your website when visitors stay there longer.

What Are Funnels For?

First, let’s tackle the question “how is a funnel different than a website?”.

The main difference between the two is simple. A funnel does not have any navigation other than one way to move forward in the funnel. There is no page header, no links to your “about” page or services. Just a page dedicated to the single objective you have for your visitor.

Often times, there is a sign up form for something, or even a paid offer. So your visitor can either sign up (giving their name and email) or buy whatever it is you’re selling, or click out of the page.

Funnel are great for a couple of things.

1. Building an email list. On your funnel page, you’d offer a freebie (like a pdf download) that people input their name and email for and in exchange you get a email subscriber that is at least somewhat interested in the type of services you offer, assuming your free download is good and leads to your services. (shameless plug: see my example of a list building funnel page)
2. Selling a low ticket offer. In the same way you are using it to build an email list, you can also sell a low ticket item (like a book, challenge, mini course, templates, etc) Your funnel pages would need to be built out a little more and have additional information about the product you’re selling.
3. Selling a high ticket offer. This looks similar to a small ticket offer funnel but needs much more information on your sales page because people are deciding whether to invest a large amount of money in something. Use a long form sales page funnel for things like courses, coaching services or high-end templates.

If you’re planning to run ads, funnel pages are pretty much always the right way to go. You want people to land on a page that gives them only 2 options – move forward or exit.

Note: funnels for local brick & mortar businesses or shops may want to opt for an ad run straight to their main website.

Basically, funnels are valuable for almost any type of business.

Now What?

The question is website vs funnel. Which one does your business need work on? Do you need a website refresh to help your visitors navigate and explore your page? Do you need a funnel built out to start growing your business?

So, pick something that moves your business forward and do that!

P.S. Need help? Send me a message!