1️⃣ Start with a real-life analogy (always)
I never start with funnel diagrams.
I explain content marketing like a first meeting → conversation → decision.
People don’t buy the moment they see content. They move step by step.
This immediately makes students relax and understand the logic.
2️⃣ Break the funnel into 3 clear stages (no jargon first)
Top of the Funnel – Awareness
Goal: Get noticed
I explain it as: Content that answers questions or grabs attention.
Examples I give students:
- Instagram reels
- Educational posts
- Blogs like “What is acne?”
- Short YouTube videos
Practical task: Ask students to create 5 awareness posts for one business.
Middle of the Funnel – Consideration
Goal: Build trust
I explain it as:
Content that makes people think, “This brand understands my problem.”
Examples:
- Before–after posts
- Testimonials
- Case studies
- FAQs
- Comparison posts
Practical task: Students convert one awareness post into a trust-building post.
Bottom of the Funnel – Conversion
Goal: Take action
I explain it as: Content that clearly asks users to act.
Examples:
- “Book an appointment”
- Offers
- Free consultation posts
- Lead magnet content
Practical task: Students write one conversion post with a clear CTA.
3️⃣ Use one business for the entire funnel (very important)
I don’t change examples.
For example:
- Skin clinic
- Fitness trainer
- Local restaurant
Students see:
- Same business
- Different content
- Different intent
This is where the aha moment happens.
4️⃣ Connect content funnel with paid ads (advanced but practical)
I explain:
Organic content warms the audience.
Paid ads accelerate the funnel.
Then I show:
- Awareness content → engagement ad
- Trust content → remarketing
- Conversion content → lead ad
No theory. Just flow.
5️⃣ Add AI carefully (not as a shortcut)
I show:
- ChatGPT for content ideas per funnel stage
- Canva AI for visuals
But I make students edit and justify the content.
I teach content marketing funnels by making students create content for each stage, not by memorizing funnel names.