Let’s face it — the world of advertising and marketing can sometimes feel like a labyrinth. From knowing how to shape your brand to figuring out which channels to use, it can all seem like a bit much.

Don’t worry. We’re here to guide you through it. One of the most important aspects to consider when creating a marketing campaign or advertisement is figuring out where, exactly, in the marketing conversion funnel you want to target. 

Let’s look at the differences between the upper funnel and lower funnel so you know where you should target your efforts. We’ll have you firing on all cylinders in no time!

What is the Difference Between Upper Funnel and Lower Funnel Strategies?

Let’s start with the upper funnel. Think of this as the initial stage of the sales funnel, also known as the awareness stage. This is where you want to cast the widest net possible to reach a large audience and drive brand awareness. 

You want to focus on generating interest rather than conversion at this stage. You can use several tactics to achieve this, such as display ads, social media ads, and email marketing. Since you’re not pushing the hard sell at this stage, make sure to have a clear and eye-catching message that is consistent across all channels.

On the other hand, lower funnel targeting is where you want to turn those interested eyes into actual paying customers. This is where you become more specific with your audience and tailor your content to focus on conversion. At this stage, people are already aware of your brand and are considering making a purchase. So, it’s up to you to make that decision as easy as possible. Optimize your ads for conversion, use retargeting campaigns, and make sure that you provide that final push with a clear call to action.

How to Craft an Effective Upper Funnel Targeting Strategy 

Let’s start with the upper funnel. This stage targets a vast audience who may need to be made aware of your product or service. 

Before you do anything else, it’s smart to define your target audience so that your upper funnel can attract the right people. Use ad targeting to filter consumer segments that align with your buyer persona. 

For instance, if you are a beauty brand, you may target people who frequently shop in beauty stores. After defining your target audience, you can then create awareness videos using social media, Podcasts, YouTube, and other platforms.

Other examples of upper funnel tactics include creating brand awareness campaigns through social media ads, influencer marketing, and content marketing, among others. Essentially, you want to get your brand in front of as many eyes as possible.

Tips for Fine-Tuning Your Lower Funnel Conversion Strategy 

This stage is where you convert leads into paying customers. So how do you achieve that? 

Personalization is key here. Your retargeting campaign should personalize and focus on the interests and behaviors of the targeted prospects. You should have that target audience in mind, just as you do for the upper funnel, but you need to get even more specific. 

Use past buyer behavior and other data available on platforms such as social media to tailor offers. Keep reminding them of their interest in your product and how you provide value.

Remember, lower funnel strategies focus on converting potential customers into paying customers. This is the point where you have to show potential customers why your product/service is the best fit for them and why they should purchase from you instead of your competitors. 

Some examples of lower funnel tactics include retargeting campaigns, email marketing, and offering discounts or free trials.

Using A/B Testing to Optimize Your Campaigns 

A/B testing is another crucial tool to optimize your campaigns, whether you’re focusing on the upper or lower funnel. This will help you refine the messaging and ads that you’ve created for your target audience. 

By testing multiple versions of your campaign, you can see which is more effective in achieving your goals. You can test different elements such as images, subheadings, calls to action, and even the position of your ads. Keep in mind that the smallest change can make a significant difference in driving conversions, so pay attention to every detail. 

The Takeaway

By focusing on both the upper and lower funnel, you can build awareness and grow your audience while also driving conversions and increasing sales. Remember that each strategy requires a different target audience and should be tailored to your specific goals. 

So, take the time to strategize and think ahead — just like a game of chess — to make sure you come out on top.