Build Your First Sales Funnel Free Using Systeme.io: Step-by-Step Guide
How to Create a Lead Generation Funnel for Free with Systeme.io
This is the most detailed guide for building a lead generation funnel without spending a penny in lead funnel generation software. We will be using Systeme.io, which is a free software for entrepreneurs, coaches, and digital creators that want to automate client acquisition. (meaning free, leads, and sales funnel software).
To be successful, a business needs to have a funnel, which is why all successful businesses, from Fortune 500 companies to solopreneurs, have automated lead and sales acquisition funnel generation systems. A funnel is a structure that turns admirers into buyers, which most freelancers and online business owners, Unfortunately, this funnel losing leads generation step, was designed to be a step that was expensive and technical, but the code-less funnel software solution is Systeme.io.
Building Your Funnel
Before we start building the funnel, we need to answer three building funnel questions.
- Who is the audience?
You’re tunneling coaches, course creators, service entrepreneurs/ providers, etc. Think and explore about the negative side. What are they suffering from? What challenges are they facing? What is the biggest pain point? As a funnel designer, you are likely to think an audience is that of a client acquisition lead.
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What is your lead magnet?
Your lead magnet is the irresistible freebie that prospects exchange their email address for. Options include:-
Free ebook or guide
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Downloadable checklist or template
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Free audit or assessment
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Free discovery or strategy call
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Step-by-step training or video series
The lead magnet should provide genuine value and give prospects an experience of what it’s like working with you.
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- What will your call-to-action be?
After giving prospects the lead magnet, what should they do next? It can be joining your email list for content, following you on your socials, joining a group on Facebook, or booking a call. Each next step should be clear so you can get the most out of every lead you get.
Now that you have defined the elements above, it is simple to create your funnel on Systeme.io. Just take one step at a time.
How to Build Your Landing Page and Opt-In Form
The fastest way to get started with Systeme.io is to use the free template library. Create a free account, go to “Sales Funnels”, and select a template that has been built in advance. Systeme.io is great because you can use it without giving any credit card info – it is entirely free to set up emails, make funnels, upload courses, and manage contacts.
Funnel builders operate on a principle of drag-and-drop simplicity. Once you open the template editor, you will see:
- Sections: Consider these the “house”
- Rows: Think of these like a “room” within the section
- Columns: Separate areas within each row
- Elements: Text/buttons/forms/images that you embed in columns
To personalize your opt-in page:
- Click “Edit Page” on the opt-in step
- Erase the text in the template and write your own copy (ChatGPT helps create great sales copy)
- Use the left-side settings pane to adjust font sizes, colors, and spacing
- Add your logo or an image of your brand
- Edit the text on your call-to-action button
- Design Tips
- Make the main headline big and keep it above the fold (visible without scrolling)
- Add a subheading that highlights the benefits
- Use an image that shows what your freebie looks like (Canva Pro is great for creating professional-looking eBook mockups in iPad or tablet format)
- Make your form a simple one that just asks for the first name and email
- Building Your Thank You Confirmation Page
Once prospects submit the form, direct them to a confirmation page that:
- Thanks them for their kindness (“Your free guide is on its way!”)
- Tells them what to expect next (“Check your email for the download link”)
- Contains a gentle call to action (maybe to book a free consultation, join a Facebook group, follow on social)
- Brand reinforcement with your logo
The confirmation page is short but very important. It tells a prospect that they have successfully opted in and tells them what the next steps are in the process of building a relationship with them.
Email Automation and Follow-Up Sequences
If you want to use Google and Yahoo for bulk sending, they do require you to have a professional email address. Systeme.io’s email automation to work. Professional email services can be obtained by setting up a domain (which can be purchased for $5 to $7 a year) and setting up a professional email for $3 to $4 a year.
When your email is ready, then:
- Click Emails, then click Campaigns, then Create
- Select your sender email, then name your campaign, e.g. “Lead Nurture Sequence”
- Then click into the campaign and create your first email
- Try the email editor—it’s visual, like the funnel builder, and design your welcome email.
- Make sure to put your logo and a welcoming message (and a link to the freebie you promised).
- Use the “First Name” merge tag so it says the first name of the prospect.
To connect your funnel with automated emails:
- Go to your opt-in page, then click Automation Rules
- Click Add Rule
- Set trigger to “Funnel Step Subscribe” and then
Set actions:
- Add a tag (like, “ebook-leads”)
- Then Subscribe them to your email campaign
- Click save and activate
- Now every time someone opts in your funnel, they’ll get your welcome email automatically.
Why Systeme.io is the Best Free Funnel Builder
Testament to Systeme.io, as a funnel designer for six years (including a good amount of time testing lots of systems), it is the simplest and most intuitive system to begin to use. You get to create three fully functional funnels, email market, manage customers, and even upload digital products all without having to enter any payment card information. Systeme.io is an all-in-one solution that continues to adapt as your business grows. For starters, there is plenty of functionality available for free and as your business continues to grow there are a variety of paid options available to allow you to scale.
The drag-and-drop funnel design makes it a fully code-free experience. It is perfect for those who lack technical expertise. Whether you are a course creator, coach, funnel designer, etc., it allows you to build user friendly funnels and more within an hour.
