The first stage of the sales funnel is awareness. This is the stage where the potential customer first learns about your business and your products/services.
In this stage, the potential customer has passed through the awareness stage and is now actively looking for something. This does not mean that they have already decided to make a purchase from you. However, it does mean that they have taken the time to check into your business and are considering it.
After interest comes the decision stage of the marketing funnel. Your potential customer is now more than halfway through the funnel and is ready to make a decision. Keep in mind that during this stage, your leads are paying much closer attention to your marketing efforts.
Often considered the final stage of the traditional sales funnel is the action stage. This is the point where the customer is ready to make a purchase.
Stage 5 is the bonus step of the sales funnel. Many businesses end their funnel at the 4th stage, but just because you’ve made a sale doesn’t mean that you are done marketing! Your new customer has only made a single purchase. If you can offer them value and get them to be loyal to your brand, then you have the opportunity for many more sales.