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Top Sales Funnel Mistakes Coaches Make (And How to Avoid Them)

Image of the Author, Janis Mjartans

Janis | Audience Monetize

16.10.2024

5 min read

3 Funnel Building Mistakes Coaches Make

3 Funnel Building Mistakes Coaches Make

Building dozens of funnels, landing pages, and membership platforms over the years has revealed a few recurring patterns to me. Coaches and creators often come to me after trying everything - spending months on their funnels, running ads, and creating content - only to hear crickets.

Funnels aren’t just about pretty pages or selling a product. Here are three big mistakes I see coaches make, and more importantly, how you can avoid them.

Mistake 1: Overcomplicating the Funnel

Many clients come to me with funnels that look more like a maze—multiple steps, ten upsells, and six email automations.

The Problem:

Too many steps kill conversions. Prospects come looking for a solution but are thrown into a confusing web of distractions, leaving without ever seeing your offer.

The Fix:

Keep it simple. A streamlined funnel is far better than an over-complicated one.

  • Use a single lead magnet or free offer to capture attention.

  • Nurture leads through automated email sequences.

  • Guide them toward a clear call to action (CTA) like booking a one-on-one consultation.

Especially for high-ticket services, simplicity wins.

Mistake 2: No Follow-Up Plan

Many coaches think their job is done once someone enters the funnel. They run ads or create content, get people to sign up, and expect sales to happen automatically.

The Problem:

Most people don’t buy on the first click. Leads need nurturing - they need to trust you and see you as an expert before committing.

The Fix:

Automate your follow-up process.

  • Use tools like GoHighLevel or ActiveCampaign to set up email sequences.

  • Send value-driven emails that demonstrate your expertise, address pain points, and gently lead prospects to book a call or purchase.

Mistake 3: Targeting Everyone, Speaking to No One

This classic mistake happens when funnel messaging is too broad. It’s tempting to try to appeal to everyone, but that makes your offer feel generic and unappealing.

The Problem:

If potential clients don’t feel like you understand their specific needs, they’ll move on to someone who does.

The Fix:

Niche down and tailor your message.

  • Identify your target audience: Are you speaking to busy moms who want to lose weight or high-level athletes?

  • Create messaging that speaks directly to their pain points and desires.

Specificity resonates and converts. For help refining your niche, read How to Package Your Online Coaching Offer.

Need Help Building a High-Converting Sales Funnel?

After building funnels for many coaches and creators, I’ve learned that avoiding these three mistakes is the key to turning a failing funnel into one that brings in high-ticket clients.

By simplifying your process, automating follow-ups, and honing in on your ideal customer, you’ll finally see the results you’ve been working toward.

Ready to Fix Your Funnel?

Want to avoid costly mistakes and start converting more leads into high-ticket clients? For a limited time, we're offering a free 1:1 strategy call.

On this call, we’ll:

  • Identify where your funnel is going wrong.

  • Develop a clear plan to fix it.

  • Provide actionable steps you can implement immediately.

This is perfect if you're:

  • An educational content creator looking to build a digital product

  • A coaching

Schedule your free strategy call and take the first step toward building a profitable sales funnel today.

Building dozens of funnels, landing pages, and membership platforms over the years has revealed a few recurring patterns to me. Coaches and creators often come to me after trying everything - spending months on their funnels, running ads, and creating content - only to hear crickets.

Funnels aren’t just about pretty pages or selling a product. Here are three big mistakes I see coaches make, and more importantly, how you can avoid them.

Mistake 1: Overcomplicating the Funnel

Many clients come to me with funnels that look more like a maze—multiple steps, ten upsells, and six email automations.

The Problem:

Too many steps kill conversions. Prospects come looking for a solution but are thrown into a confusing web of distractions, leaving without ever seeing your offer.

The Fix:

Keep it simple. A streamlined funnel is far better than an over-complicated one.

  • Use a single lead magnet or free offer to capture attention.

  • Nurture leads through automated email sequences.

  • Guide them toward a clear call to action (CTA) like booking a one-on-one consultation.

Especially for high-ticket services, simplicity wins.

Mistake 2: No Follow-Up Plan

Many coaches think their job is done once someone enters the funnel. They run ads or create content, get people to sign up, and expect sales to happen automatically.

The Problem:

Most people don’t buy on the first click. Leads need nurturing - they need to trust you and see you as an expert before committing.

The Fix:

Automate your follow-up process.

  • Use tools like GoHighLevel or ActiveCampaign to set up email sequences.

  • Send value-driven emails that demonstrate your expertise, address pain points, and gently lead prospects to book a call or purchase.

Mistake 3: Targeting Everyone, Speaking to No One

This classic mistake happens when funnel messaging is too broad. It’s tempting to try to appeal to everyone, but that makes your offer feel generic and unappealing.

The Problem:

If potential clients don’t feel like you understand their specific needs, they’ll move on to someone who does.

The Fix:

Niche down and tailor your message.

  • Identify your target audience: Are you speaking to busy moms who want to lose weight or high-level athletes?

  • Create messaging that speaks directly to their pain points and desires.

Specificity resonates and converts. For help refining your niche, read How to Package Your Online Coaching Offer.

Need Help Building a High-Converting Sales Funnel?

After building funnels for many coaches and creators, I’ve learned that avoiding these three mistakes is the key to turning a failing funnel into one that brings in high-ticket clients.

By simplifying your process, automating follow-ups, and honing in on your ideal customer, you’ll finally see the results you’ve been working toward.

Ready to Fix Your Funnel?

Want to avoid costly mistakes and start converting more leads into high-ticket clients? For a limited time, we're offering a free 1:1 strategy call.

On this call, we’ll:

  • Identify where your funnel is going wrong.

  • Develop a clear plan to fix it.

  • Provide actionable steps you can implement immediately.

This is perfect if you're:

  • An educational content creator looking to build a digital product

  • A coaching

Schedule your free strategy call and take the first step toward building a profitable sales funnel today.