Jul 29, 2025
Why You Need a Marketing Funnel Before Running Ads
You're a business owner.
You’ve got a great product or service. You’re ambitious, committed, and probably wearing 12 hats. Somewhere between handling customers, managing the team, and doing the actual work, you realise you need more sales. So naturally, your first thought is "Maybe I should run some ads." Facebook? Google? Instagram? TikTok? You scroll through your feed and see another business killing it with Meta ads, and you wonder if that could be you too. But here’s the truth: Running ads before building your funnel is like pouring water into a leaky bucket. It might splash for a second… but it’s not going to last.
Marketing is often mistaken as a list of to-dos: run some ads, post on Instagram, write a blog, do some SEO. But these are tactics, not a strategy. They’re pieces of a puzzle that only work when they’re part of a system. One that guides a stranger (someone who’s never heard of you) all the way to becoming a paying, loyal customer. That system is called a funnel. And if you don’t have one, ads won’t fix the problem. In fact, they’ll likely waste your money.
What Is a Funnel?
A funnel is just a structured way to turn interest into trust, and trust into action.
Here’s what that looks like:
Awareness: Someone sees your content for the first time. They’re curious.
Interest: They explore more. Maybe read your site or download something helpful.
Consideration: They begin comparing you to others. They’re paying attention.
Conversion: They’re ready to take action. Book a call, buy, or sign up.
Loyalty: You keep nurturing. They stay. They refer.
Marketing works when each stage of this funnel is working together. Like gears in a well-oiled machine.
The Problem with Siloed Marketing
Here’s what I see far too often (and maybe this is you right now):
You pay someone to set up Meta ads.
You have someone else doing email campaigns.
You post on Instagram when you can.
Your website looks okay, but conversions are low.
You’re not sure what’s working and what’s not.
Everyone’s doing something. But it’s all disconnected. That’s not a funnel …That’s marketing chaos. And worst of all? You end up doing most of the thinking, directing, and managing. Instead of freeing up your time, it costs you more of it.
The Power of a Funnel that Works 24/7
Now imagine this:
A stranger sees a helpful ad and downloads a free resource.
That triggers an email sequence that educates and builds trust.
They visit your site, which speaks directly to their problem.
They book a call or buy, because the path was clear.
After purchase, they get a welcome sequence, refer a friend, and come back again.
That’s a funnel doing what it’s meant to do. Bringing in leads and sales while you sleep, or run your business. It’s not passive. It’s systematic systems that scales. The biggest myth in marketing is thinking you need to do more to get results. More content. More ads. More effort. But without a system, more just means more waste. You don’t need a million things. You need a few key things working together.
Start with:
A strong lead magnet (free value for email)
A nurture sequence (automated emails that build trust)
A clear website (with the right message + call-to-action)
A targeted offer (that solves a real problem)
Then, and only then, do you pour in ad spend. Because when the funnel’s built right? Ads don’t feel like a risk. They feel like fuel.
What Would You Rather Build?
A campaign that gets a few likes and disappears?
Or a marketing machine that brings in leads while you focus on your zone of genius?
Before you spend another dollar on ads, make sure your funnel is doing the heavy lifting for you. If you’re not sure where to start, let’s map it out together. Book a free 30-minute strategy session with Sam, Founder at Qwento. It's a no pressure, no sales pitch call. Just tailored insight into how you can build a lead system that works while you run your business.
To claim your session, please email sam@qwento.studio or Book a Discovery Call
