[Podcast] How to Build a Sales Funnel that Converts in 2025

Host: Richard Fallah: CEO @ VBOUT

Guest Speaker: Sean Garner – Founder @ Sean Garner Consulting.

In this session, Richard Fallah (VBOUT) hosts marketing consultant and StoryBrand–certified guide Sean Garner to break down what a high-converting funnel looks like in 2025; practically, not theoretically.

You can pour money into ads and still stall out if your funnel leaks. Think of it as pouring water into a bucket full of holes. This talk focuses on fixing the bucket, clarity of messaging, cleaner paths to action, and follow-up that actually nurtures.

A sales funnel isn’t a tool or a landing-page template. It’s the entire relationship journey, from “never heard of you” to “raving fan.”

Your website is one piece of that journey. The funnel also includes:

• Clear brand messaging and positioning
• Landing pages and lead captures (guides, quizzes, mini-courses)
• Email + SMS follow-up and automation
• Social profiles and Google Business presence
• Reviews, case studies, and content that builds credibility

In short: a website can be tidy and beautiful, but the funnel is what moves people forward.

Ten years ago and today, the bones are similar. The difference now is focus and personalization:

• Lead with problems you solve, not features you sell.
• Personalize entry points (the “power-tools door” for people who only want power tools).
• Keep navigation light and remove clutter that distracts from conversions.
• Use human follow-up (yes, actual conversations) where it matters. Automation supports; it doesn’t replace trust.

Sean’s wireframe works for homepages and campaign landers alike. Treat these like Lego blocks—order can shift; the header must come first.

• What do you do?
• How will my life be better?
• How do I start? (One strong CTA repeated consistently—no “Learn More” roulette.)

• Three clear outcomes, not features. (Feature: “Quarterly reports.” Benefit: “Confidence you’re on track.”)

• Name the pains of doing nothing. Be honest, not fear-mongering.

• List what you deliver, but lead with the result each feature enables.

• Two lines of empathy (“we get your struggle”).
• Social proof and specific outcomes (“conversion up 35%”), not vague praise.

• Optional pricing; do show how services bundle so buyers can picture the engagement.

• Make it obvious and doable: “Book a call → Custom plan → Launch.”

• A scannable, longer block that answers lingering questions and supports SEO.

• For those not ready to buy: a clear, quick-win resource (guide, checklist, quiz).

• Blog, careers, legal—park non-conversion links here.

Pro tip on testimonials: write a specific result draft and ask the client to approve it. “Nice team” doesn’t convert; numbers and outcomes do.

Two paths: you work for it (organic) or you pay for it. Both matter; order does too.

Start with organic basics

• Pillar pages for your core services and locations
• Consistent content that answers real questions
• Google Business profile and reviews (if local)

Then layer paid

• For local services: Google Local Services Ads (you pay per lead, not per click)
• Next: Search ads (PPC)
• Then: Meta/YouTube/social video based on where your buyers actually are

People do get summarized answers in AI search, but blogs still matter because they build topical authority and give AI/search engines something solid to cite. Adjust the approach:

• Write to solve problems in your niche, not to chase every trending keyword.
• Expect fewer click-throughs from generic “top-10 tips” posts; aim for bottom-funnel intent and detailed resources your ideal buyer needs.
• Your content is what AI systems learn from and surface. Give them quality inputs.

You don’t need a blockbuster show. Think of a video podcast as a content multiplier:

• Record 15–30 minutes answering common buyer questions.
• Post a full video to YouTube.
• Cut 3–5 shorts for TikTok, Instagram, YouTube Shorts.
• Turn the transcript into one solid blog + a show-notes page.
• Pull snippets for LinkedIn and email.

This builds authority, earns backlinks, and gives AI/search real material in your voice.

Yes, AI can draft, but the overlooked win is decision support:

• Feed performance reports (email, ads, GA4, CRM) and ask for patterns and blind spots.
• Have an agent simulate a first-time visitor on your page and report friction points.
• Iterate: adjust copy/CTA/layout, then re-test.
• Keep the human touch for key conversations—automation should tee them up, not replace them.

1. Lock your words first. Clear problem, clear promise, clear next step.
2. Build one focused landing page with the 10 sections above.
3. Add one lead magnet and a simple email/SMS nurture.
4. Publish one video Q&A a week and repurpose it everywhere.
5. Layers are paid once organic foundations are stable.

The tools change; the fundamentals don’t. Clarity, relevance, proof, and a simple path to action are still what win—plus a human on the other end who’s willing to talk.

About Sean Garner

Sean Garner is a marketing consultant, a StoryBrand Certified Guide, and founder of Sean Garner Consulting. Sean helps local business owners dominate their industry with clear messaging, high-converting websites, and proven marketing systems.

He also hosts the Marketing Domination Show podcast, co-owns WellSpot IV, and serves as Marketing Director at WellSpot Functional.

Sean’s insights will give you practical, actionable steps to improve your funnel and grow with confidence.

Connect with Sean on LinkedIn.