Table of Contents
Introduction
Full-funnel marketing is a powerful strategy that helps businesses turn potential customers into loyal brand advocates. By understanding the three stages of the marketing funnel – awareness, consideration, and conversion – businesses can effectively target and engage their audience at each step of the customer journey. In this article, we will delve into each stage of the marketing funnel strategy, exploring the tactics and techniques that can be employed to maximize results.
The Marketing Funnel Strategy: A Three-Stage Process
The marketing funnel strategy encompasses three key stages: awareness, consideration, and conversion. Let’s take a closer look at each stage and its significance in the overall marketing funnel.
Bottom-of-Funnel (BOFU)
At the bottom of the marketing funnel, the focus is on converting prospects into customers. This stage is characterized by remarketing efforts and targeting high-purchase-intent searches. The primary goal is to provide the final push that convinces prospects to take the desired action.
Remarketing
Remarketing involves advertising to individuals who have previously visited your website or taken a specific action. These consumers are already familiar with your brand and may just need a gentle reminder or incentive to convert. By reinforcing your brand message and extending tailored offers, you can increase the chances of conversion.
Targeting High-Purchase-Intent Searches
Another effective BOFU strategy is targeting high-purchase-intent searches. These are search queries that indicate a strong intent to make a purchase. By optimizing your ad copy and landing pages to align with these high-intent search terms, you can capture the attention of potential customers who are actively looking for products or services like yours.
Middle-of-Funnel (MOFU)
The middle of the marketing funnel is where prospects start evaluating their options and comparing different brands. At this stage, businesses need to focus on strategies that address the needs and preferences of these informed consumers.
Google Shopping Campaigns
Many Google Shopping campaigns fall into the MOFU category as they target consumers who are in the process of comparing and evaluating various brands. By utilizing audience and customer lists, businesses can tailor their targeting to reach prospects who are more likely to convert. For example, targeting prospects who have searched for specific keywords and are part of a targeted audience can help improve conversion rates.
Search Campaigns Targeting Third-Party Brands
Search campaigns that target third-party brands and categories also fall within the MOFU stage. These campaigns aim to capture the attention of prospects who are searching for specific brands or products within a broader category. By strategically bidding on relevant keywords, businesses can position themselves as viable alternatives to the brands being searched for.
Top-of-Funnel (TOFU)
The top of the marketing funnel is all about raising awareness and introducing your brand to potential customers. At this stage, the focus is on generating brand exposure, building remarketing lists, and engaging prospects through softer conversions.
Google’s Performance Max, Discovery, Video, and Display Campaigns
Google offers a range of advertising options that are ideal for TOFU strategies. These include Performance Max, Discovery, Video, and Display campaigns. These campaigns allow businesses to target multiple audience types, including affinity audiences, detailed demographics, and in-market audiences. Visual creatives can also be utilized to create a lasting impression and familiarize prospects with your brand.
Display Network Ads
When running Display Network ads, it is essential to continually review the data for topic, placement, and keyword exclusions. By excluding low-quality traffic sources and optimizing your targeting, you can ensure that your ads are reaching the right audience and generating meaningful results.
Bidding on Generic Keywords
Another effective TOFU strategy is bidding on generic keywords. These broad search queries indicate that the person is in the research phase and may not be ready to make an immediate purchase. However, by introducing your company and showcasing your expertise, you can begin building brand recognition and trust.
Optimizing Conversions at Each Stage
Optimizing conversions is crucial at every stage of the marketing funnel. By aligning your bid strategies and conversion actions with the specific goals of each campaign, you can maximize results and drive meaningful outcomes.
Bottom-of-Funnel Optimization
For BOFU campaigns, it is essential to ensure that your bid strategies are optimized for the right conversions. If your main goal is to drive purchases, focus on applying the purchase conversion action as the bid strategy. This ensures that Google optimizes for the most relevant conversions and increases the likelihood of achieving your desired outcomes.
Middle-of-Funnel Optimization
In MOFU campaigns, the optimization should be geared towards the specific actions that align with the consideration stage. For example, if your goal is to generate email sign-ups, optimize your bid strategies accordingly. By aligning your optimization efforts with the specific goals of each campaign, you can enhance the effectiveness of your marketing efforts.
Top-of-Funnel Optimization
TOFU campaigns are primarily focused on generating awareness and softer conversions. While immediate purchases may not be the primary objective, it is still crucial to optimize for the right conversions. For example, if your TOFU campaign aims to generate a certain number of new visitors to your site, ensure that your bid strategies and optimization efforts are aligned with this goal.
Conclusion
Full-funnel marketing is a comprehensive strategy that enables businesses to effectively engage with their audience at every stage of the customer journey. By understanding the distinct characteristics and objectives of each stage – awareness, consideration, and conversion – businesses can tailor their marketing efforts to maximize results. Whether it’s remarketing to capture the attention of prospects at the bottom of the funnel, targeting high-intent searches in the middle, or driving brand exposure at the top, a well-executed marketing funnel strategy can lead to increased conversions, brand loyalty, and long-term success.