Freebie = Email = Offer: A Simple WA Funnel

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At weddings in South Sudan, the flow is always the same. First, the welcome drinks. Then, the meal. Finally, the dance floor. You don’t skip steps; nobody would let you walk in and start dancing before eating. Or is it dancing first and eating last? I think you get the point. It differs from community to the other.

Online business works the same way. You don’t shove an affiliate link in someone’s face and expect them to click. You guide them gently: Freebie → Email → Offer.

This is the funnel that works; not because it tricks people, but because it respects them.

Step 1: The Freebie (Welcome Drink)

When guests arrive at a wedding, they get juice or soda. Something free, something refreshing. That’s how you start your funnel; with a freebie.

Examples:

  • A short guide (“10 SEO Mistakes to Avoid”)
  • A checklist (“Blog Launch Starter Pack”)
  • A free course (one or two lessons)

The freebie says, “Welcome. I value you.” And people respond by giving you their email in return.

Step 2: The Email (The Meal)

Nobody stays for long if you only serve juice. They came for the main dish.

Emails are your main dish. They’re where you build trust, share stories, teach, and connect. Instead of random sales pitches, think of emails as conversations:

  • Tell a quick story (personal works best)
  • Share a tip or lesson
  • Naturally tie it back to a tool, service, or opportunity

This is where people get to know you, your values, and your style. Just like a meal, it’s about nourishment.

Step 3: The Offer (The Dance Floor)

Finally, after the drinks and food, it’s time for the fun; the big celebration.

That’s your offer. At this point, your readers aren’t strangers. They’ve tasted your freebie, shared meals through your emails, and now they trust you.

So when you recommend WA, an SEO tool, or any affiliate product, it feels natural. You’re not dragging them to the dance floor; you’re inviting them to join a celebration they already want to be part of.

My First Funnel Win

When I built my first funnel, I offered a simple PDF: “5 Steps to Start Blogging in Africa.” People signed up. I emailed them tips, one story at a time. Later, when I recommended WA as a place to learn more, they clicked.

Not because of the link, but because of the journey.

Why This Works

People buy from those they trust. A funnel builds that trust step by step.

  • Freebie: Gives value upfront.
  • Email: Builds connection and authority.
  • Offer: Feels like the natural next step.

Just like a wedding flow, it’s simple, human, and expected.


🔥 Pro Tip: Don’t overcomplicate funnels. One freebie, a handful of genuine emails, and a clear offer is all you need. Focus less on fancy tools and more on authentic connection.

Because in the end, a funnel isn’t about tricking people; it’s about welcoming them, feeding them, and inviting them to celebrate with you.

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Recent Comments

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I will have to think this one out. I guess I would have to create a "freeie" step by step guide with ChatGPT or Perplexity, then turn it into a PDF, then share it onto an article. Did I get that right? Then I would need to sign up with a email platform which I have not done yet. If I do all this, I may be in the realm of true business building.
MAC.

2

There are a myriad of ways to create a "Lead Magnet", or in your terms, a freebie. It all starts with a post that you are proud of. Give the link to ChatGPT, and ask it to create a Lead Magnet or Advertising campaign for you.

You then set up your website to collect emails if you haven't already. And everything that you do from this day forward will point to your "Join Button," and that lead magnet.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask, or hit the search button up top.

MrDon

1

Will do

1

Excellent points, John! Your example of the steps in a wedding make it much easier to understand how it works for a funnel as well. People won't just click on an affiliate link if they have no idea what you're about or whether or not they can trust you. Well done!
Thanks for sharing!

Best wishes :) ~Sherry

5

Thanks, Sherry, this makes me smile. Let's keep learning and working, together. We're building a business and life all at once. I'd love to earn more, travel more, and share knowledge with others. Let's gooo!

5

I really love this analogy.
The wedding flow makes the whole funnel concept feel so human and easy to understand. The way you tied the freebie, emails, and offer to real-life trust and respect is powerful, especially for people who feel uncomfortable “selling” online.

Your reminder that funnels aren’t about tricks but about relationships really stands out. Giving value first, showing up consistently in emails, and only then making an offer just feels right.
Your first funnel win proves it works.

This is such a great breakdown for beginners and a good reminder for experienced marketers to keep things simple and authentic.

Thanks for sharing this.

3

Thanks, Peter. Your comment also reminds me of a task along/in line with the same post, that I was about to forget. I must do it now, and I'll update you all how it goes. Thanks a gain.

2

Your welcome John

2

Thank you John

You have made this a very simple and easy process to understand, I am sure we all understand how to get started now thanks to you sharing.

Jeff

3

Welcome, Jeff, and thanks for reading and leaving a comment as usual. I've been up with Amazon, and that's why I'm let to respond to the comments. It's well with me this end. Let's make sure we serve our readers well. They deserve a decent service, don't they? I have one list magnet for now, testing the waters. It's for people who want to work online and live freely.

2

Thank you John

I always learn so much from reading your WA posts

Jeff

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You're most welcome, brother.

1

Thanks for sharing, John.

I'm considering offering my email subscribers a more personal "meal" instead of just my weekly posts.

4

Ah, yes, Alice, and that's the way to go. I always update my readers about what I'm working on, and what's next, as a person, not a business. However, for some reason, I've seen unsubscribes recently. That's not an issue. I also unsubscribe from lists I don't need anymore, and that's human.

1

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