Are you looking to automate your business and sell more without spending hours? Imagine a system that works for you while you drink your coffee or sleep. Yes, it exists, and today we are going to talk about how to sell with an automated sales funnel using n8n, a powerful, flexible, and open-source tool that can transform your daily life. Let’s dive into hassle-free automation!
What exactly is an automated sales funnel?
Let’s start from the beginning. An automated sales funnel is like a well-oiled chain that guides your prospect from the first discovery of your product to the purchase (and even beyond). There’s no need to be on their back 24/7: everything is pre-programmed to make the customer experience smooth and efficient.
Basically, here are the typical steps of a sales funnel:
- Attract traffic (with ads, articles, videos, etc.).
- Capture leads (via a landing page with a free gift, for example).
- Warm up prospects (through a well-thought-out email sequence).
- Convert (thanks to a killer sales page).
- Retain and sell more (with upsells and cross-sells).
Simple on paper, right? But in reality, it can quickly become a headache if you do everything manually. That’s where n8n comes into play.
Why n8n and not another tool?
There are tons of tools to create sales funnels, like ClickFunnels or Systeme.io. So why bother with n8n? Well, here are the advantages that make all the difference:
- It’s open-source: no hidden fees, you can customize it completely.
- Hyper flexible: you create exactly what you need, not what the tool wants to sell you.
- Extensive compatibility: n8n integrates with hundreds of other apps like Google Sheets, Mailchimp, Stripe, and WhatsApp.
- You have total control: whether on your own server or in the cloud, you’re in charge.
The steps to create your automated sales funnel with n8n
1. Define your customer journey
Before diving into n8n, take a moment to lay out your plan on paper (or in Google Docs, the old-fashioned way). Here are some questions to ask yourself:
- Who is your ideal customer?
- What problem are you solving?
- What content (emails, videos, etc.) will help them make the purchase?
It may seem basic, but believe me, this kind of preparation will save you hours of hassle later.
2. Install n8n and configure it
No worries, it’s not as technical as it seems. You can either:
- Install n8n on your server (if you’re a bit of a geek).
- Use a cloud version (faster, less hassle).
Once you have access to the interface, take a few minutes to explore. The design is simple, with a “workflows” system that you build from blocks.
3. Build your workflow
With n8n, everything happens in the form of visual workflows. Here’s an example of a basic workflow for a sales funnel:
- Lead capture: Connect your capture form (like Typeform or Elementor) to n8n. Every time a lead enters their info, it triggers the workflow.
- Email sending: Use a tool like SendGrid or Gmail to send automated emails with your lead magnet (PDF, e-book, etc.).
- Tracking and scoring: Add an action that tracks clicks and email opens. Bonus: create scoring to see who is most engaged.
- Sales pages: Create a reminder (via SMS or email) to encourage visits to your sales page. Don’t forget to add a time limit to boost urgency.
4. Optimize performance
A funnel isn’t a one-time setup. With n8n, you can easily adjust your workflow based on results. Here are some tips:
- A/B testing: Try different versions of your emails or sales pages to see what works best.
- Analyze the stats: Use tools like Google Analytics or n8n’s native reports.
- Automate even more: For instance, by connecting a CRM to track your customers or scheduling automatic reminders.
Case study: an automated sales funnel with n8n
Let’s say you sell online courses on photography. Here’s what your workflow might look like:
- A Facebook ad drives people to a landing page where they sign up for a free webinar.
- n8n automatically sends a confirmation email with the webinar link.
- After the webinar, a series of automated emails trigger the offer to purchase the complete course.
- The buyers receive a welcome email and access to their member area. Indecisive prospects receive a reminder a few days later.
A table to help you see clearly
Step | Action with n8n | Connected tools |
---|---|---|
Lead capture | Retrieve information from the form | Typeform, Elementor |
Email sending | Delivery of the lead magnet and follow-up | Gmail, SendGrid |
Tracking and scoring | Analysis of clicks and opens | Google Sheets, HubSpot |
Conversion | Notifications and follow-ups | Twilio, Mailchimp |
Tips to boost your conversions
- Use deadlines: Nothing like an expiring offer to prompt action.
- Personalize your emails: A “Hi [First Name]” can work wonders.
- Offer a smart upsell: it could be a premium version of your product or an exclusive bonus.
Are you tempted? Give it a try!
You see, selling with an automated sales funnel using n8n isn’t that complicated. With a bit of strategy and the right tools, you can truly automate a large part of your business and focus on what really matters: creating and sharing value.
If this article helped you, share it with your entrepreneur friends or on your social media. And if you want to go further, check out my practical guides to boost your sales and automation. See you on the other side?