Let’s talk about something that gets thrown around in marketing conversations like beads at Mardi Gras: the funnel. You’ve probably heard it before—awareness, interest, decision, action. Sounds like a romance novel, but it’s actually how businesses get strangers to hand over money.
Most folks explain the marketing funnel like it’s some cold, mechanical system—clicks, conversions, data, pixels. And yes, those things matter. But if you’re doing business in South Louisiana, let me tell you something: that funnel better come with a little seasoning. You can’t run the same funnel you found in a digital marketing playbook from Silicon Valley and expect it to work in the land of shrimp boots, small towns, and suspicious uncles who still pay in cash.
Down here, people don’t just buy—they believe. And if they don’t trust you, it doesn’t matter how many fancy landing pages or retargeting ads you throw their way. So if you’re wondering how to build a marketing funnel that actually works in this part of the country, grab a plate of red beans and read on.
Step 1: Awareness (Or “Hey, Who Dat?”)
This is the top of the funnel—where strangers see the business for the first time and decide whether it’s worth remembering. Most marketers call this “brand exposure.” Down here, it’s called being seen.
You want folks in Houma or Hammond or Lake Chuck to start recognizing the name? It’s not gonna happen with some sterile stock image ad featuring a smiling couple in business casual. Around here, the fastest way to build awareness is to be present—visibly and vocally.
That could mean sponsoring a local little league team, putting a billboard on the way to Grand Isle, or posting a video of someone eating boiled crawfish way too fast on Facebook. Point is: make ‘em laugh, make ‘em curious, or make ‘em remember something. Don’t just tell them what the business does—show them it belongs here.
Step 2: Interest (The “Hmm…” Phase)
Once people know the business exists, the next challenge is getting them to care. This is where too many funnels go to die—usually because they forget one simple fact: people have the attention span of a gnat if you’re not giving them a reason to stick around.
So now it’s time to earn interest. That could be an engaging social post, a short video that explains a service without putting people to sleep, or even a good ol’ fashioned blog post (like this one). This is the part of the funnel where the business needs to say, “Hey, here’s what I do—and here’s why it might matter to you.”
Think of it like a first date. Don’t start by listing credentials or pricing. Start by connecting. Show personality. Tell a story. Make a reference only locals would get. If someone’s reading or watching something and thinks, “This person gets us,” then guess what—they’re moving down the funnel.
Step 3: Decision (Put Up or Shut Up)
Alright, now they know the business, and they’re interested. This is where they start comparing options, reading reviews, and asking the classic Louisiana question: “You know anybody who’s used these folks?”
This part of the funnel is all about trust. Not hype. Not noise. Just proof. Testimonials. Before-and-afters. A clear, no-nonsense explanation of what’s being offered. This is where a clean website, a straightforward call-to-action, and some local credibility can go a long way.
Down here, name-dropping someone’s cousin who once used the service might work better than a thousand five-star reviews. So anything that bridges that local trust gap—real photos, recognizable faces, and plain-spoken promises—can help seal the deal.
Step 4: Action (Let’s Make It Official)
This is it. The funnel has done its job. Now it’s time for the person to do something—schedule a call, request a quote, order the thing, book the appointment.
If the first three stages went right, this step is simple. But it still gets botched all the time. Clunky forms. Confusing buttons. Phones that don’t get answered. Don’t make it hard for someone to give you their business.
A good call-to-action should be clear, simple, and feel like the natural next step. If someone’s on the fence, this is where they either jump in or walk away. So take down the barriers. Make it easy to say yes.
And if it ends in a handshake or a chat over the counter instead of a form submission, that’s fine too. It still counts. Especially around here.
Step 5: The Lagniappe (What Happens After the Funnel)
Here’s the part most people forget: the funnel doesn’t end with the sale. In fact, in South Louisiana, that’s just where the relationship starts.
Following up matters. Checking in matters. Saying thanks matters. And if someone has a good experience, they’re more likely to tell a neighbor, a coworker, or their entire church congregation.
Encourage reviews. Keep in touch. Send a helpful email now and then. Don’t vanish like a bad ex. Stay present, stay helpful, and stay in the conversation.
Final Thoughts
The marketing funnel isn’t rocket science. It’s common sense wrapped in strategy. And around here, it works best when it feels less like a funnel and more like a front porch conversation.
So forget trying to impress with buzzwords and data dumps. Speak clearly. Act locally. And remember: the best marketing funnels in Louisiana are built with purpose, patience… and just a pinch of personality.
Now go stir the pot. Metaphorically. Or literally. Either one works down here.
