If you’ve been hearing a lot about sales funnels but still can’t seem to figure out which one will actually work for your business, you’re not alone.
There’s no one-size-fits-all in marketing and that’s where the different types of sales funnel come in.
Whether you’re a course creator, coach, e-commerce brand, or service provider, choosing the right funnel can mean the difference between a silent checkout and a sales notification pinging your phone.
In this post, we’ll explore 13 types of sales funnel that are guaranteed to convert.
What Is a Sales Funnel?
A sales funnel is the step-by-step journey that turns a stranger into a paying customer. It maps the customer’s experience from discovering your brand to making a purchase (and often, beyond).
But here’s what most people miss: different types of sales funnel serve different purposes and target different buyer stages. A funnel that works for a low-ticket product might fail miserably for a $2,000 course.
That’s why understanding the types of sales funnel and how to match them to your offer is crucial.
1. Lead Magnet Funnel
This is one of the most common types of sales funnel and for good reason.
It starts by offering a free resource (like an ebook, checklist, or video training) in exchange for an email address. Once the lead opts in, you nurture them via emails and eventually present your offer.
Best for:
- Course creators
- Coaches
- Service providers
Why it converts:
People love value. By offering something free and useful, you build trust before you pitch.
2. Tripwire Funnel
Also known as a “low-ticket funnel,” this is a genius way to convert cold leads into buyers fast.
It works by offering a super affordable product ($5-$50), which gets people to open their wallets. Once they buy, you upsell them to your core offer.
Why it works:
When someone buys once, they’re more likely to buy again especially if the first experience is valuable.
3. Webinar Funnel
This funnel uses a free live or automated webinar to educate, nurture, and pitch your offer. It’s one of the most effective types of sales funnel for high-ticket products.
Typical flow:
Ad → Registration Page → Confirmation Email → Webinar → Sales Page
Why it works:
Webinars allow you to build authority, share stories, and handle objections all in one sitting.
4. Application Funnel
Perfect for premium services or coaching, the application funnel qualifies leads before they speak with you.
How it works:
Instead of sending people straight to a sales page, they fill out a form to apply. You then book a call to see if they’re a fit.
Best for:
- 1:1 coaching
- Consulting
- Done-for-you services
Why it works:
You avoid time-wasters and only speak to qualified leads who are likely to buy.
5. Squeeze Page Funnel
The squeeze page funnel is a simplified version of the lead magnet funnel. It consists of just a single opt-in page with no distractions, no menu, no footer, just a headline, bullet points, and a form.
Why it converts:
The lack of distraction improves opt-in rates, especially when paired with a compelling offer.
6. Product Launch Funnel
Popularized by Jeff Walker’s Product Launch Formula, this funnel builds anticipation over a series of videos or emails before finally opening the cart.
Funnel stages:
- Pre-launch (3-4 value videos)
- Launch (open cart)
- Close cart (scarcity)
Why it works:
It taps into FOMO, builds desire over time, and drives urgency with deadlines.
7. Quiz Funnel
This is one of the most interactive types of sales funnel, and it’s growing in popularity.
Users take a quiz and get personalized results, followed by tailored product or service recommendations.
Why it works:
People love discovering more about themselves. Plus, you gather data to segment and target better.
8. Challenge Funnel
Here, you invite leads into a free or low-ticket challenge (usually 3 to 5 days). Each day builds on the last, and at the end, you pitch your core offer.
Why it converts:
Challenges build momentum, create community, and deliver daily wins. By the time your pitch comes, people are already bought into the transformation.
9. VSL (Video Sales Letter) Funnel
This funnel revolves around a compelling sales video that handles objections, builds trust, and encourages immediate action.
Flow:
Landing Page → VSL → CTA (buy or book call)
Best for:
- Digital products
- Software
- High-ticket services
Why it works:
People buy from people. A well-done video creates connection and urgency.
10. Free Plus Shipping Funnel
You offer a physical product for “free” and just ask the buyer to cover shipping costs. On the backend, you upsell digital products or memberships.
Best for:
- Authors
- Physical product brands
- Info-product creators
Why it converts:
The perceived value of “free” is irresistible, and once they buy, they’re open to more.
11. Membership Funnel
This funnel is built around inviting users into a paid membership or subscription.
You may use a lead magnet, webinar, or low-ticket offer to draw them in before pitching the recurring model.
Why it works:
Recurring revenue = stability. Plus, once people join, they’re more likely to stay for ongoing value.
12. High-Ticket Call Funnel
A must-have for businesses selling services or coaching above $1,000. The funnel leads users to book a call where a rep or coach pitches them personally.
Flow:
Ad → Value Video or Free Guide → Application → Call Booking
Why it works:
High-ticket offers usually need personal connection and clarity before a “yes.”
13. Hybrid Funnel
This funnel combines multiple types of sales funnel into one system. For example, you could run a quiz → deliver a lead magnet → send to a webinar → upsell a course.
Why it converts:
It creates multiple entry points and nurtures people based on their readiness and buying behavior.
Which of These Types of Sales Funnel Is Right for You?
Not every funnel fits every business. That’s why understanding the types of sales funnel is only the first step, you also need to map the right funnel to your:
- Offer type (digital, physical, service)
- Price point
- Audience sophistication
Conversion goal (lead gen, sale, booking)
Here’s a quick guide:
| Funnel Type | Best For | Offer Price Range |
| Lead Magnet | List building | Free – Low |
| Webinar | Education, High-Ticket | Mid – High |
| Application | Premium Services | High |
| Challenge | Engagement | Mid |
| Tripwire | Fast buyers | Low |
| VSL | Mass sales | Mid |
| Quiz | Segmentation | All ranges |
No matter the funnel, your messaging, positioning, and offer must be solid. The funnel is the vehicle but what fuels the conversion is how well you present your value.
Conclusion on the Different Types of Sales Funnel
There’s a reason the most successful online businesses are funnel-driven. When done right, sales funnels create predictable revenue, deepen customer relationships, and scale your business.
We’ve just walked through 13 powerful types of sales funnel each with its own unique advantage.
So now the big question is: which one will you implement next?
Don’t try to do all 13 at once. Pick one based on your current product, refine it, and watch how much easier selling becomes.
Need help picking or building the right funnel for your business? Feel free to reach out or leave a comment.
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