10 Best Email Marketing Funnel Examples 2025 (How to Create an Email Sales Funnel Using FluentCRM)

An email marketing funnel is a step-by-step system that guides your subscribers from the moment they join your list to the point where they become paying customers—and beyond. Think of it as a digital journey, carefully mapped out to move people from “just curious” to “ready to buy.”

In a typical funnel, you’ll start with a lead magnet—something free and valuable to collect emails. Then, through a sequence of personalized emails, you educate, build trust, introduce your offer, and eventually ask for the sale.

Each stage of the funnel is intentional. You’re not just sending random emails—you’re delivering value and nudging the subscriber toward a specific action at every point.

Here’s how a basic funnel works:

• Top of Funnel (ToFu): Attract leads with free content like eBooks, webinars, or checklists.
• Middle of Funnel (MoFu): Nurture them with helpful emails, case studies, and product education.
• Bottom of Funnel (BoFu): Convert leads with targeted sales emails, discounts, or demos.

The best part? Once set up, email funnels work 24/7—automating your conversions without needing constant attention.

And in 2025, this isn’t optional. With user attention spans shorter than ever and ad costs rising, email funnels offer a high-ROI, permission-based way to build deeper relationships with your audience.

Why Email Funnels Still Work (Even in 2025)

If you think email marketing is outdated, think again. Despite the rise of TikTok, Instagram Reels, and AI-generated chatbots, email remains the highest ROI channel in digital marketing.

According to Litmus, for every $1 you spend on email, you can expect an average return of $36. That’s a 3,500% ROI—outperforming social media, PPC, and even SEO in many cases.
Source: Litmus Email ROI Statistics

But why do email funnels still dominate in 2025?

• Direct Control: You own your list—unlike social platforms where algorithms dictate visibility.
• High Intent: People on your list chose to hear from you. They’re already interested.
• Personalization at Scale: With tools like FluentCRM, you can segment, tag, and automate emails based on exact user behavior.
• Cost-Effective Automation: Once built, your funnel runs on autopilot. No ad budget needed.

Another key reason? Email funnels respect the buyer journey. You’re not just blasting promotions—you’re delivering helpful, relevant content at the right time. That’s what builds trust, and in 2025, trust is the currency of conversions.

And with privacy laws getting stricter and AI-driven content flooding the web, your email list is one of the few places where you can have real, owned conversations with your audience.

Next, let’s break down the stages of a successful funnel so you can build one that works—without the guesswork.

Key Stages of a High-Converting Email Funnel

Before you can build a winning funnel, you need to understand its structure. Every high-converting email marketing funnel follows a journey—from discovery to conversion—and each stage serves a unique purpose.

Here’s how a full email sales funnel typically breaks down:

🟢 Stage 1: Awareness (Lead Capture)

This is where it all starts. You offer something valuable in exchange for an email—like a free eBook, checklist, or webinar. The goal is to attract the right audience and begin the relationship.

Example: “Download our 5-Step SEO Checklist”
Tool Tip: Use a Fluent Forms + FluentCRM integration to automatically tag new leads.

🟡 Stage 2: Interest (Welcome Sequence)

Once someone joins your list, they need to know who you are and what to expect. A good welcome sequence introduces your brand story, sets expectations, and builds initial trust.

Example: “Here’s what you can expect from our emails”
Pro Tip: Keep these emails short, valuable, and personal.

🟠 Stage 3: Consideration (Nurture Emails)

At this point, subscribers are curious but not ready to buy. You send helpful tips, case studies, or product walkthroughs that show the value of your offer without being salesy.

Example: “How one client doubled sales using our strategy”
With FluentCRM: Use dynamic tags to personalize these based on user interest.

🔴 Stage 4: Conversion (Sales Pitch)

Now it’s time to present your offer. Use persuasive copy, urgency, and clear CTAs. Highlight benefits, handle objections, and offer limited-time deals.

Example: “Get 20% off today – offer ends tonight!”
FluentCRM Tip: Trigger a cart abandonment sequence if someone clicks but doesn’t buy.

🔵 Stage 5: Retention (Post-Purchase Follow-Up)

The funnel doesn’t stop after the sale. Happy customers are your best promoters. Send thank-you notes, usage tips, referral incentives, or upsell offers.

Example: “Here’s how to get the most out of your purchase”
Automation Tip: Use FluentCRM’s automation to tag customers and start a loyalty sequence.

Each stage plays a role in building trust, delivering value, and moving subscribers toward action. When you connect them with automation, you create a seamless experience that sells—even while you sleep.

What Makes a Great Email Funnel in 2025?

In 2025, your subscribers are overwhelmed. Everyone’s inbox is full. So what separates a great email funnel from the rest?

It’s not just automation—it’s relevance, timing, and simplicity.

Let’s look at the ingredients of a successful funnel this year:

✅ One Clear Goal per Funnel

Don’t confuse your subscribers. Whether it’s to book a call, buy a product, or join a webinar—stick to one goal per funnel.

✅ One Call to Action per Email

Each email should guide the reader toward one action. Multiple CTAs dilute results. Keep it focused and friction-free.

✅ Personalization with Tags & Segments

FluentCRM lets you assign tags and segment contacts based on behavior, location, or interests. Use this to customize content and increase relevance.

✅ Automation With Logic

Smart automation triggers based on user behavior are essential. Did they click? Open? Ignore? FluentCRM supports conditional workflows that react accordingly.

✅ Mobile-First Formatting

80%+ of emails are opened on mobile. Use short paragraphs, big buttons, and responsive design to make reading easy.

✅ Valuable Content First, Pitch Later

Lead with value. Your subscribers didn’t join to be sold to—they joined to learn, grow, or solve a problem. Focus on them, and the sales will follow.

When you follow these rules, you’re not just sending emails—you’re creating a guided journey. One that respects your audience’s time, delivers what they care about, and positions your offer as the obvious next step.

Next up, let’s look at 10 email funnel examples you can swipe and customize for your business using FluentCRM.

10 Best Email Marketing Funnel Examples (With Use Cases)

Each of these funnels is built to solve a specific marketing goal—from lead generation to re-engagement. Whether you’re a blogger, course creator, or product seller, you can implement these using FluentCRM directly inside your WordPress dashboard.

📘 Example 1: Free Course Lead Magnet Funnel

Best for: Coaches, educators, and online course creators

Funnel Goal: Turn cold visitors into engaged leads and eventually paying students

Funnel Steps:

1. Lead magnet signup (free mini-course or email class)
2. Welcome email: introduce yourself + what to expect
3. Day 1 Lesson: deliver the first value-packed email
4. Day 2–3 Lessons: continue the series with helpful tips
5. Final Email: pitch your paid course with testimonials and benefits

Why It Works:
This funnel delivers real value before asking for a sale. It builds trust through content and creates a natural segue into your paid offer.

FluentCRM Tip:
Tag each subscriber based on lesson completion (using link clicks), and auto-trigger a separate pitch sequence for those who finish all lessons.

🚀 Example 2: Product Launch Funnel

Best for: SaaS companies, digital product sellers, and creators launching a new offer

Funnel Goal: Build anticipation and generate sales during a launch window

Funnel Steps:

1. Teaser Email: “Something exciting is coming!”
2. Behind-the-scenes story or problem-agitation email
3. Launch Day: full feature breakdown + strong CTA
4. Case Study / Early User Results
5. Scarcity Reminder: “Only 24 hours left to grab the deal!”

Why It Works:
Product launch funnels are all about momentum and emotion. They use storytelling, social proof, and urgency to convert attention into action.

FluentCRM Tip:
Use conditional logic to send different emails to those who clicked but didn’t buy vs. those who ignored launch emails. Also, automate countdowns using dynamic content blocks.

🛒 Example 3: Abandoned Cart Recovery Funnel

Best for: eCommerce stores (physical or digital products)

Funnel Goal: Recover lost revenue from users who started checkout but didn’t complete it

Funnel Steps:

1. Reminder Email (after 30 mins): “You left something behind”
2. Benefit Email: highlight product features or positive reviews
3. Incentive Email (after 24 hours): offer a small discount or free shipping
4. Final Email: “This is your last chance before it’s gone”

Why It Works:
Cart abandonment is one of the biggest revenue leaks in eCommerce. A timely nudge can recover 10–15% of lost sales.

FluentCRM Tip:
If you use WooCommerce, integrate with FluentCRM to auto-trigger this funnel when a user leaves without completing checkout. You can also track UTM parameters to measure ROI on each recovery campaign.

💰 Example 4: Tripwire Funnel

Best for: Bloggers, info-product sellers, service providers offering low-ticket front-end offers

Funnel Goal: Turn new leads into paying customers quickly, then upsell them into higher-ticket offers

Funnel Steps:

1. Lead magnet (freebie) signup
2. Thank You Page: offer a $5–$9 limited-time deal (the tripwire)
3. Email 1: Explain the value of the tripwire product
4. Email 2: Highlight a success story or result
5. Email 3: Offer a one-time upsell or bundle deal

Why It Works:
Tripwires convert freebie-seekers into actual customers. Once someone buys—even at a low price—they’re far more likely to buy again, especially if the value is high.

FluentCRM Tip:
Use FluentCRM’s purchase-based automation to tag tripwire buyers and trigger a new sequence for upsell offers. Combine this with custom user fields to score leads based on purchase history.

🤝 Example 5: Affiliate Product Funnel

Best for: Bloggers, YouTubers, influencers, and affiliate marketers

Funnel Goal: Promote a product you don’t own, using education and bonuses to increase conversions

Funnel Steps:

1. Opt-in for a buyer’s guide, free template, or product comparison checklist
2. Email 1: Product review or personal experience
3. Email 2: Comparison with similar tools (with honest pros/cons)
4. Email 3: Bonus stack offer for purchasing via your affiliate link
5. Email 4: Countdown or deadline reminder

Why It Works:
You’re adding massive value by educating the reader before the pitch. When you include real use cases and exclusive bonuses, conversions can skyrocket.

FluentCRM Tip:
Add UTM parameters to track affiliate clicks. Use link click tracking to segment those who showed interest, and re-target them with a stronger CTA.

👉 Use this link to recommend FluentCRM in your affiliate funnel:
https://bloggingjoy.com/go/fluentcrm/

🎤 Example 6: Webinar Registration Funnel

Best for: Coaches, consultants, SaaS demos, course creators

Funnel Goal: Get leads to register, attend, and take action (buy/book call) after the webinar

Funnel Steps:

1. Registration Confirmation Email
2. Reminder Email 1 (1 day before)
3. Reminder Email 2 (1 hour before)
4. Replay Email + CTA for limited-time offer
5. Last call: Bonus expiry or fast-action discount

Why It Works:
Webinars are high-conversion tools—but only if people show up. This funnel maximizes attendance while following up with urgency and value.

FluentCRM Tip:
Tag users as “Registered,” “Attended,” or “Missed” and send different sequences accordingly. You can even integrate with FluentSupport or Calendly to schedule follow-up calls for high-intent leads.

🎟️ Example 7: Event Promotion Funnel

Best for: Online summits, local workshops, in-person seminars

Funnel Goal: Drive ticket sign-ups and increase event attendance

Funnel Steps:

1. Announcement Email: Share the event theme, date, and early-bird benefits
2. Speaker Highlight Email: Showcase top guest speakers or sessions
3. Testimonials/Success Stories from past events
4. Countdown Email: “Only 48 hours left to register!”
5. Final Reminder: Send on the day of the event

Why It Works:
Events thrive on energy, exclusivity, and a sense of community. This funnel builds anticipation and social proof while pushing timely CTAs.

FluentCRM Tip:
Use FluentCRM’s conditional logic to exclude people who’ve already registered. Set up an automated tag when someone clicks the registration link, and branch the workflow based on that action.

💻 Example 8: SaaS Onboarding Funnel

Best for: SaaS tools, digital platforms, software products

Funnel Goal: Help new users get set up and actively use your product (activation)

Funnel Steps:

1. Welcome Email: Highlight first steps and setup guide
2. Email 2: Showcase top features or quick wins
3. Email 3: Share a case study or video tutorial
4. Email 4: Invite to a live demo or offer chat support
5. Email 5: Encourage plan upgrade or feature unlock

Why It Works:
The biggest churn risk for SaaS? Users who sign up but never use the product. This funnel drives product adoption through timely education and nudges.

FluentCRM Tip:
Trigger emails based on user activity or tags (like “Trial User”) and use dynamic content blocks to personalize based on plan type or usage history.

🔁 Example 9: Customer Re-engagement Funnel

Best for: Email lists with inactive subscribers

Funnel Goal: Reconnect with cold leads or unengaged subscribers and clean your list

Funnel Steps:

1. “We miss you!” email with latest updates
2. Curated list of popular content or tools
3. Exclusive reactivation offer
4. Final email: “Should we stop sending emails?” with unsubscribe option

Why It Works:
Email list hygiene is crucial. This funnel either re-engages dormant leads or prunes them to improve deliverability and open rates.

FluentCRM Tip:
Use FluentCRM’s email open/click tracking to trigger this funnel automatically after 90 days of inactivity. Tag those who re-engage for future campaigns and clean the rest.

📞 Example 10: High-Ticket Consultation Funnel

Best for: Agencies, consultants, service-based businesses

Funnel Goal: Qualify leads and get them to book a discovery call

Funnel Steps:

1. Lead magnet or content upgrade (e.g., “Free Website Audit”)
2. Email 1: Authority builder (your success story or social proof)
3. Email 2: Case study or client testimonial
4. Email 3: CTA to book a free consultation call
5. Email 4: Reminder and limited-time urgency

Why It Works:
High-ticket services require more trust and relationship-building. This funnel moves leads from “just browsing” to booking a real-time conversation.

FluentCRM Tip:
Use a booking tool like Calendly integrated with FluentCRM. Automatically tag and score leads who book a call, and follow up with custom workflows based on call outcome.

How to Create an Email Sales Funnel Using FluentCRM

One of the biggest advantages of using FluentCRM is that you can build and automate your entire email sales funnel inside WordPress—no need for external tools or expensive monthly subscriptions.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to set up your funnel from scratch using FluentCRM:

✅ Step 1: Install FluentCRM on Your WordPress Site

Go to your WordPress dashboard → Plugins → Add New → Search for FluentCRM.
Install and activate the plugin. Then, complete the onboarding wizard to configure your email sending settings.

Pro Tip: Use FluentSMTP alongside FluentCRM to ensure proper email deliverability.

✅ Step 2: Create Custom Contact Segments

Think of segments as smart groups of your contacts. You can create segments based on:

• Source of signup (e.g., lead magnet, form, purchase)
• Behavior (e.g., clicked a specific link)
• Tags (e.g., “Webinar Attendee”, “Tripwire Buyer”)

Go to Contacts > Lists or Tags and set these up to match your funnel stages.

✅ Step 3: Set Up Automation Workflows

This is where the real magic happens.

Go to Automations > Create New Automation, and start by choosing a trigger:

• “Form Submission”
• “Product Purchase” (via WooCommerce or EDD)
• “Email Link Clicked”
• “Tag Added”
• “User Registered”

From there, you can visually build your funnel:

• Add delays (e.g., “wait 1 day”)
• Send emails
• Add conditional actions (like “if tag = X, do Y”)
• Assign or remove tags

Every email you send can be personalized using smart tags like {first_name} and dynamic blocks based on user behavior.

✅ Step 4: Write and Schedule Your Email Sequence

Craft your email content for each stage of the funnel:

• Welcome emails (build connection)
• Nurture emails (provide value)
• Sales emails (present your offer)
• Post-purchase emails (deliver and upsell)

Use short paragraphs, a single CTA per email, and make sure your subject lines are engaging.
FluentCRM’s email composer supports A/B testing, inline images, buttons, and more.

✅ Step 5: Personalize Using Tags & Dynamic Content

FluentCRM allows you to:

• Show or hide parts of an email based on tags
• Send emails only to specific segments
• Use conditional blocks inside the email builder

This ensures every subscriber sees content that’s relevant to them—improving open and click-through rates.

✅ Step 6: Track Performance and Optimize

After your funnel is live, monitor:

• Open rate and CTR per email
• Which tags are converting
• Where subscribers drop off

Use these insights to optimize subject lines, rearrange funnel steps, or A/B test new offers.

FluentCRM also integrates with Google Analytics, UTM tracking, and WooCommerce to track conversions back to specific funnel campaigns.

FluentCRM doesn’t just send emails—it helps you build entire customer journeys with automation, segmentation, and deep WordPress integration.

Ready to start building your funnel?
👉 Try FluentCRM Today and Automate Your Sales Funnel

❓ FAQs About Email Marketing Funnels