Ecommerce sales funnels are a powerful tool that online businesses can use to increase their conversion rates and drive more sales.
A well-designed ecommerce sales funnel can guide potential customers through the buying process, from initial awareness to final purchase.
In this article, we will examine seven ecommerce sales funnel examples that have been successful for various online businesses.
We’ll explore the different stages of the sales funnel, examine the benefits and drawbacks of each example, and provide actionable tips for optimizing your own ecommerce sales funnel.
7 Ecommerce Sales Funnel Examples + Step-by-Step Implementation Guide
1. Amazon’s One-Click Checkout Funnel
Amazon’s one-click checkout funnel is one of the most well-known and successful ecommerce sales funnels.
The concept is simple: once a customer has entered their shipping and payment information, they can make a purchase with just one click.
This eliminates the need for customers to go through a lengthy checkout process, reducing friction and increasing the likelihood of a sale.
Pros:
- Reduces checkout friction and increases conversion rates
- Increases customer loyalty and repeat purchases
- Simplifies the buying process for customers
Cons:
- Requires customers to have an existing Amazon account
- Can lead to accidental purchases if not used carefully
Example: Amazon has reported that their one-click checkout funnel has significantly increased their conversion rates and customer loyalty, resulting in increased sales and revenue.
2. Free Shipping Threshold Funnel
Offering free shipping is a powerful incentive that can encourage customers to complete their purchases.
However, it’s important to set a minimum order value threshold to avoid losing money on shipping costs.
A free shipping threshold funnel is an ecommerce sales funnel that encourages customers to add more items to their cart to reach the minimum order value required for free shipping.
Pros:
- Encourages customers to add more items to their cart
- Increases average order value and revenue
- Can improve customer satisfaction and loyalty
Cons:
- Can be difficult to set the right minimum order value threshold
- May not work for all ecommerce businesses
Example: Zappos offers free shipping on orders over $50. This has been a successful ecommerce sales funnel strategy for the company, increasing their average order value and customer loyalty.
3. Cart Abandonment Email Funnel
Cart abandonment is a common problem for ecommerce businesses, with up to 80% of customers abandoning their carts before completing their purchase.
A cart abandonment email funnel is an ecommerce sales funnel that sends a series of emails to customers who have abandoned their cart, reminding them of the items in their cart and encouraging them to complete their purchase.
Pros:
- Can recover lost sales and increase revenue
- Provides a personalized and timely reminder to customers
- Can improve customer satisfaction and loyalty
Cons:
- May require additional resources to manage email campaigns
- May not work for all customers or products
Example: Birchbox’s cart abandonment email funnel has been successful in recovering lost sales and increasing its conversion rates.
The company sends a series of three personalized emails to customers who have abandoned their cart, offering discounts and reminding them of the benefits of their products.
4. Upsell Funnel
An upsell funnel is an ecommerce sales funnel that encourages customers to purchase additional, higher-priced items after they have already added a product to their cart.
This can be done by offering complementary products or more advanced versions of the product the customer is considering.
Pros:
- Increases average order value and revenue
- Provides customers with additional value and benefits
- Can improve customer satisfaction and loyalty
Cons:
- May be seen as pushy or aggressive by some customers
- May not work for all products or industries
Example: Best Buy’s upsell funnel offers customers the option to purchase additional warranty protection for their electronics.
This has been successful in increasing their average order value and improving customer satisfaction.
5. Retargeting Ad Funnel
Retargeting ads are a powerful tool for ecommerce businesses, allowing them to show ads to customers who have previously visited their website or expressed interest in their products.
A retargeting ad funnel is an ecommerce sales funnel that uses retargeting ads to re-engage customers who have not yet completed a purchase.
Pros:
- Provides a personalized and targeted approach to customers
- Increases brand awareness and customer engagement
- Can recover lost sales and increase revenue
Cons:
- Requires a significant budget for ad spend
- May not be effective for all customers or products
Example: Warby Parker uses retargeting ads to show customers the eyeglasses they have previously viewed or added to their cart.
This has been successful in recovering lost sales and increasing conversion rates.
6. Social Media Sales Funnel
Social media is an important tool for ecommerce businesses, allowing them to reach potential customers and engage with their audience.
A social media sales funnel is an ecommerce sales funnel that uses social media channels to drive traffic to a website and convert that traffic into sales.
Pros:
- Provides a cost-effective way to reach potential customers
- Increases brand awareness and customer engagement
- Can improve customer loyalty and repeat purchases
Cons:
- May require significant time and resources to manage social media accounts
- May not be effective for all products or industries
Example: Colourpop uses social media channels like Instagram and YouTube to showcase its products and engage with its audience.
This has been successful in increasing their brand awareness and customer loyalty.
7. Referral Funnel
Word-of-mouth is a powerful marketing tool, and a referral funnel is an ecommerce sales funnel that encourages customers to refer their friends and family to the business.
This can be done by offering discounts or rewards for successful referrals.
Pros:
- Provides a cost-effective way to reach potential customers
- Increases customer loyalty and repeat purchases
- Can improve brand awareness and customer engagement
Cons:
- May require significant resources to manage referral programs
- May not work for all customers or industries
Example: Dropbox’s referral program offers customers free additional storage space for every successful referral they make.
This has been successful in increasing their customer base and brand awareness.
Do you really need a sales funnel?
Ecommerce sales funnels are a crucial tool for online businesses looking to increase their conversion rates and drive more sales.
In this in-depth guide that covers 7 ecommerce sales funnel examples, we have explored the different stages of the sales funnel and the benefits and drawbacks of each example.
To optimize your own ecommerce sales funnel, it’s important to consider your specific industry, target audience, and goals.
As you implement these proven strategies and continuously test and iterate, you can create a successful ecommerce sales funnel for your business.