MARKETINGMonths to result

Flipping the Funnel

Empower fans to speak up

Problem it solves

weak market positioning

Best for

Companies looking to leverage their existing customer base to promote their product or service

Not ideal for

Companies with a very small customer base or those that are not willing to empower their fans

Overview

Why this framework exists

The traditional marketing funnel is no longer effective in today's cluttered marketplace. Instead of trying to interrupt people with ads, companies should focus on empowering their fans to speak up and promote their product or service. This can be done by giving fans the tools and leverage they need to share their experiences with others.

Core principles

3 total
  1. Empower your fans to speak up and promote your product or service
  2. Give your fans the tools and leverage they need to share their experiences with others
  3. Focus on building a community of loyal customers who will promote your product or service

Steps

3 steps
  1. Identify your fans
    Identify the people who are already enthusiastic about your product or service. These are the people who will be most likely to promote it to others.
    Pro tipUse social media and other online tools to identify and connect with your fans
    WarningDon't try to manufacture enthusiasm - it has to be genuine
  2. Give your fans the tools they need
    Provide your fans with the tools and leverage they need to share their experiences with others. This could include social media sharing buttons, review platforms, or other online tools.
    Pro tipMake it easy for your fans to share their experiences by providing simple and intuitive tools
    WarningDon't try to control the message - let your fans speak for themselves
  3. Empower your fans to speak up
    Give your fans the freedom to share their experiences with others. This could include allowing them to post reviews, create their own content, or participate in online discussions.
    Pro tipEncourage your fans to share their experiences by responding to their comments and engaging with them online
    WarningDon't try to censor or control the message - let your fans speak for themselves

Checklist

Saved in your browser

Examples

1 cases
Sripraphai Thai restaurant

A small Thai restaurant in Queens, NY, that was able to build a loyal following and promote their business through online reviews and word-of-mouth

OutcomeThe restaurant was able to build a loyal following and increase sales without spending money on advertising

Common mistakes

2 traps
Not empowering fans
Not giving fans the tools and leverage they need to share their experiences with others
Trying to control the message
Trying to control what fans say about your product or service, rather than letting them speak for themselves

Origin story

How this framework came to be

Seth Godin, the author, has been writing about marketing and innovation for many years. In his previous books, he discussed the importance of permission marketing and turning strangers into friends and customers. However, he realized that there was a missing piece - turning customers into salespeople.

Source

Traced to primary
Source · BOOK
Flipping the Funnel
Seth Godin · 2006
Open source →

Related frameworks

Browse all Marketing →