Funnels That Convert: What’s Working Now

Let’s face it—most online funnels feel like a scam wrapped in a guilt trip. A countdown timer, a popup, ten fake testimonials, and boom—you’re trapped in someone’s never-ending upsell spiral. Gross.

But when built right, funnels work. Not because they trick people, but because they guide them. A good funnel doesn’t push. It pulls. It meets your prospect where they are and walks them toward a solution they actually want.

At Launch Forge, we believe in building clean, high-performing, results-driven funnels that feel good for the customer and work like a machine for you.

So what’s working right now? What types of funnels are actually converting in 2025? And how do you build one that doesn’t suck?

Let’s break it all down.

What Makes a Funnel Actually Convert?

Before you even think about plugging tools together, you need to understand what makes a funnel convert in today’s digital climate. The old tricks don’t work anymore. Buyers are smarter. Scams are everywhere. And attention spans are fried.

Here’s what modern funnels need to win:

1. Clarity Over Hype

Your funnel has one job: make it painfully obvious what the offer is, who it’s for, and why it matters. If your landing page looks like a circus ad, you’ve already lost them. Clear beats clever every time.

2. Value First, Then Ask

Gone are the days of “Buy now or else.” People need to trust you before they invest. Give them something useful—free training, a tool, a quick win—and then offer the next step. No pressure. Just logic.

3. Simple Journeys, Not Obstacle Courses

If your funnel has 14 steps, 6 upsells, and requires an engineering degree to navigate, people will bounce. Keep it tight. One page, one offer, one clear call to action.

4. Real Social Proof

Nobody believes “John from Idaho made $10,000 in 3 days.” Instead, show real screenshots, real testimonials, and transparent case studies. Honesty converts better than hype.

Funnel Types That Are Working Now

There are a million funnel templates online, but most of them are just variations of the same five or six core structures. The key is using the right one for where your customer is in their journey.

Let’s break down the top funnel types that are actually working right now.

1. The Lead Magnet Funnel (Simple, Scalable, Evergreen)

What it is:
A short, sharp funnel that gives away something valuable for free in exchange for an email address—think checklists, toolkits, or mini-guides.

Why it works:
It builds trust and positions you as an authority without selling anything upfront. It fills your list with warm leads you can nurture later.

Structure:

• Landing Page (headline, benefit bullets, opt-in form)

• Thank You Page (confirmation + optional low-ticket offer)

• Email Follow-Up Sequence (educate + introduce your core offer)

Pro Tip:
Your freebie needs to solve a micro-problem your audience is already struggling with—not something generic like “5 Tips to Grow a Business.” Think sharper. “7-Point Checklist to Optimize Your Product Landing Page in 10 Minutes” is better.

2. The Low-Ticket Tripwire Funnel (Cash Flow & Buyer Psychology)

What it is:
You offer a high-value, low-cost product ($7–$27) immediately after someone opts in. This turns subscribers into buyers early, which makes them way more likely to purchase your higher-ticket offer later.

Why it works:
Buyers behave differently than freebie collectors. Once someone buys from you, even a tiny purchase, they trust you more and engage at a higher level.

Structure:

• Opt-In Page

• Tripwire Offer Page

• Upsell (optional)

• Email Nurture Toward Core Offer

Pro Tip:
Your tripwire should feel like a no-brainer. Something so useful it feels like you're undercharging. This could be a template pack, swipe file, mini-course, or automation tool.

3. The Webinar Funnel (Mid to High-Ticket Sales)

What it is:
A video-based funnel where you offer a free training, live or automated, that delivers real value and then pitches your course, program, or service.

Why it works:
It builds massive trust and positions you as a guide. It gives you time to explain your process, handle objections, and get buy-in before making the pitch.

Structure:

• Registration Page

• Thank You Page with Schedule/Replay Access

• Webinar Presentation (35–45 minutes)

• Offer Page

• Email Follow-Up Sequence

Pro Tip:
Use your webinar to tell a story, not just dump content. The transformation framework—“Here’s where I was, here’s what changed, here’s what you can do too”—is still one of the most powerful structures for selling.

4. The Quiz Funnel (Personalized, Engaging, and Addictive)

What it is:
You offer a short quiz that leads to a personalized result and recommendation. These work especially well in coaching, wellness, and info product niches.

Why it works:
It feels interactive. People love learning about themselves. Plus, it naturally leads to a tailored solution—you’re not selling, you’re diagnosing.

Structure:

• Quiz Page (hooky title like “What’s Your Entrepreneur Archetype?”)

• Result Page (personalized insight + recommended product)

• Follow-Up Email Series

Pro Tip:
Make your quiz results useful, not generic. Each outcome should tie directly to a product or next step you offer.

5. The Application Funnel (High-Ticket Services & Programs)

What it is:
A streamlined funnel that qualifies leads and gets them to apply for a call or consultation—perfect for coaching, consulting, or agency offers.

Why it works:
It filters out time-wasters and creates perceived value. If someone is applying to work with you, it shifts the power dynamic. You’re the expert, not a desperate salesperson.

Structure:

• Pre-Sell Page (who it’s for, why it matters)

• Application Form

• Thank You Page + Scheduler

• Sales Call

• Follow-Up Email (if no-show or no-close)

Pro Tip:
Use bold qualification language. Tell them who you don’t work with. That confidence actually increases conversions and reduces bad fits.

Funnel Strategies That Drive Real Results

The funnel type is only one part of the game. Execution matters more. Here are the strategies smart entrepreneurs are using to turn their funnels into revenue machines.

1. Use One CTA Per Page

Every page in your funnel should do one thing. Collect an email. Sell a product. Book a call. Do not add five buttons or mixed messages. Keep it clear and linear.

2. Add a Fast-Action Bonus

Urgency works when it’s real. Offer a time-limited bonus—like a bonus course, call, or template pack—for those who buy within 30 minutes or during the live training.

3. Build the Follow-Up Machine

Most sales don’t happen on the first touch. Your email sequence should include at least five to seven follow-ups that educate, answer objections, share stories, and repeat the offer.

Use value-packed emails, not spammy countdowns. Show up like a human, not a hustler.

4. Use Video Wherever You Can

Video builds trust faster than text. A 60-second welcome video on your thank-you page or a walk-through of your product can dramatically boost conversions.

Show your face, share your energy, and connect like a real person.

5. Split-Test the First Impression

You do not need to obsess over every step in the funnel—just the top. That first landing page or opt-in page is your biggest conversion point. Test headlines, lead magnets, and images. Small changes here can mean big gains later.

Common Funnel Mistakes to Avoid

Now let’s talk about what not to do. These mistakes kill your funnel before it even has a chance.

❌ Trying to Copy Big Influencers

What works for someone with 500,000 followers and a personal brand doesn’t work for a solopreneur with a fresh email list. Build lean. Stay focused. Don’t overcomplicate.

❌ Selling Too Soon

If someone just found you, they don’t want your $997 mastermind yet. Start with value, earn their trust, and then offer something bigger once you’ve proven your worth.

❌ Ignoring the Thank You Page

This is prime real estate. After someone opts in or buys, don’t just say “Thanks.” Offer a next step. A bonus video. A one-time discount. A call to action. Don’t waste the momentum.

❌ Skipping Email Follow-Up

No matter how good your funnel looks, it will underperform without a strong email sequence. Think of your funnel and emails as one system. They should work together to guide, not just sell.

Final Thoughts: Funnels That Don’t Feel Gross

At Launch Forge, we’re not here to build scammy get-rich-quick funnels. We build systems that earn trust, deliver value, and convert like hell.

The best funnels in 2025 are simple, human, and honest. They start by solving a real problem, they guide people to the next step, and they do it without cheap tricks or guilt tactics.

Pick a funnel type that fits your audience and offer. Focus on value. Test what matters. And most importantly, treat your leads like people, not data points.

Build a funnel that feels good to run and great to go through.

Because when you do that, conversions come naturally.

Want done-for-you funnel templates, landing page scripts, and email sequences?
Check out the tools inside Launch Forge. Built for creators, consultants, and entrepreneurs who are done playing small.

Let’s build something that converts.