You shouldn't ask someone to marry you on a first date, and likewise, you shouldn't ask a complete stranger to buy your product off the bat.

Just as in dating, the goal is to establish trust and a deeper connection with the other person, gradually leading them towards a commitment or conversion.

While many businesses may be hesitant to dive into the world of Facebook retargeting ads, the truth is that they're missing out on a huge opportunity to increase conversions and drive sales. With the right retargeting strategy in place, you can engage with potential customers who have already shown interest in your brand or product, increasing the likelihood that they'll make a purchase. 

Here's how to build a marketing funnel and compare it to dating with practical examples:

First Impression: Building Brand Awareness

The first stage of the funnel is awareness, where you introduce your brand and offerings to potential customers who may not be familiar with your brand. In this stage, you want to make a good first impression by showing your value proposition and creating a positive impression. Just as in dating, you want to make a good first impression by dressing well and having good manners. Example: You may use social media ads or content marketing to create brand awareness and introduce your offerings to a wider audience.

Getting to Know Each Other: Interest 

The next stage is interest, where you provide more information about your products or services to potential customers who have shown some level of interest. This stage is about getting to know each other better and building trust. In dating, this stage may involve sharing more personal information and interests to get to know each other better.
Example: You may offer lead magnets such as whitepapers or e-books to entice potential customers to provide their email addresses and learn more about your brand.

Going on Dates: Consideration

In the consideration stage, potential customers are weighing their options and comparing your brand to others. This is where you need to differentiate yourself and show why your brand is the best choice. In dating, this stage may involve going on dates and learning more about each other to see if there is a good fit. Example: You may offer product demos or free trials to allow potential customers to try your products and see how they work.

Relationship Status: Conversion

The conversion stage is where a potential customer becomes a paying customer. This is where you seal the deal and create a long-term relationship with the customer. In dating, this stage involves becoming exclusive and committing to a long-term relationship. Example: You may offer discounts or special offers to entice potential customers to make a purchase and become paying customers.

Getting Married: Retention 

The final stage of the funnel is retention, where you focus on keeping your existing customers happy and engaged. In this stage, you want to nurture the relationship and encourage repeat purchases. In dating, this stage involves maintaining the relationship and keeping the spark alive.
Example: You may offer loyalty programs or personalized offers to encourage existing customers to make repeat purchases and become brand advocates.

In conclusion, building a marketing funnel is like dating in that it involves a gradual process of building a relationship with a potential customer. By understanding the different stages of the funnel and using practical examples, you can create an effective marketing strategy that guides potential customers towards a conversion and builds a long-term relationship with your brand.