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Sales Funnel Examples by Business Model
Last reviewed: September 2026
Different business models need different funnel structures. The useful example is the simplest path that matches the offer and buying process.
Lead magnet funnel
Traffic reaches an opt-in page, the visitor exchanges contact information for a useful resource, and an email sequence continues the relationship.
Direct sales funnel
A visitor moves from an offer page to checkout and then fulfillment. Upsells or order bumps may be used when they genuinely complement the main purchase.
Course funnel
Educational content or a lead magnet introduces the topic, email follow-up builds context, and the course offer leads to checkout and enrollment.
Affiliate funnel
The publisher provides useful pre-sale education or comparison, then routes an interested visitor to the merchant using a properly disclosed affiliate link.