If you are an online instructor of any dynamic, then you already know how competitive it is to get clients today. There are simply too many experts out there that are trying to promote the same skills as yourself, with a little twist of their own.
So, how can you stand out from others? How can you prove to your clients that you are the best person to work with?
Well, there is one way that can help you gain trust from more potential clients, much easier than most other marketing approaches – A Challenge Funnel.
A challenge funnel is a special strategy that has helped several renounced marketers to become millionaires and changed the lives of many individuals who took part in the challenges.
Today, I’ll show you 5 well-planned challenge funnel examples that have delivered huge results.
We will discuss the strategy and mindset for each of these funnels so that you may observe and plan one to grow your business.
So let’s begin.
What is a Challenge Funnel?
As John Paul said, “You prove your worth with your actions, not with your mouth,” if you simply claim you are an expert, it doesn’t prove anything. Rather, prove it directly.
A challenge funnel is a strategy where you issue a quick challenge to your clients to follow a set of instructions that can help to achieve a desired result. At the end of the challenge period, if they achieve what you promised, then you have just proven your expertise and will be the prime choice of everyone who participated.
It’s basically a way to make your prospects acknowledge your expertise through real-life proof.
Let’s look at the basic steps that a challenge funnel involves:
- Set a Specific Goal: First, determine the specific goal or problem your challenge will address.
- Design Engaging Content: Then create engaging content that guides your audience through the challenge, typically over several days.
- Collect Participants In Your Challenge: Start making participants commit to joining your challenge.
- Showcase Expertise: Give clear instructions or guidelines to follow on each day of the challenge funnel. Create a digital calendar with the basic instructions bookmarked and share it with your prospects.
- Build Trust: Once the challenge is over, follow up with them and confirm if they got the result you promised.
- Convert Leads to Clients: Next, offer your service to all participants with a good discount just for them.
- Drive Action: Finally, nurture and convince your prospects to take your service
Now, let’s take a look at some real-life examples of challenge funnels to illustrate the effectiveness of challenge funnels that have generated massive results.
5 Successful Challenge Funnel Examples That Were Super Successful
Following are five challenge funnel examples that have delivered way more leads & clients than expected.
- Russell Brunson’s One Funnel Away Challenge
- Tony Robbins’ 7-Day Challenge
- Jenna Kutcher’s List to Launch Challenge
- Amy Porterfield’s List Building Challenge
- James Clear’s Habit Builder Challenge
They all have their own unique approaches and have well-planned funnel journeys that are designed to get more results.
So let’s look at them more closely.
1. Russell Brunson’s One Funnel Away Challenge:
This challenge funnel’s Niche or topic of the online course is Sales funnel building and marketing.
Strategies behind sales funnel building and marketing:
Russell Brunson’s One Funnel Away Challenge is a 30-day challenge designed to teach participants how to build a sales funnel from scratch. Each day, participants are given a new challenge that helps them build and optimize their sales funnel, with the ultimate goal of generating more leads and sales for their business.
Key tactics used in the funnel:
The challenge is structured as a series of daily video lessons, with each lesson building on the previous one. Participants also get access to a private Facebook group where they can ask questions, get feedback, and connect with other challenge participants.
One Funnel Away Challenge Funnel Template
- Pre-Challenge: Before the challenge officially starts, participants receive pre-training materials to help them prepare for the upcoming lessons. This includes mindset training and foundational knowledge to set the stage for success.
- Week 1 – Hook, Story, and Offer: The first week focuses on creating a compelling hook, crafting a compelling story that resonates with the target audience, and developing an irresistible offer that drives conversions.
- Week 2 – Refining Hooks and Stories: In the second week, participants dive deeper into refining their hooks and stories, learning how to communicate their message effectively and connect with their audience on a deeper level.
- Week 3 – The Funnel: 3rd week is all about building the actual funnel. Participants learn how to create effective landing pages, sales pages, order forms, and thank you pages. They also explore different funnel types and strategies to optimize conversions.
- Week 4 – Traffic: In the final week, participants learn various traffic generation strategies to drive targeted traffic to their funnels. This includes both free and paid traffic methods, such as social media marketing, content marketing, email marketing, and advertising.
Results achieved :
The Funnel Challenge has generated impressive results, with over 100,000 participants since its launch. According to Russell Brunson, participants have generated over 3.8 million leads and $1.3 billion in sales through their funnels.
2. Tony Robbins’ 7-Day Challenge
This challenge funnel’s Niche or topic of the online course is Personal development and self-improvement
Strategies behind personal development challenges
Tony Robbins’ 7-Day Challenge is designed to help participants create a breakthrough in their personal or professional life. Each day, participants are given a new challenge that helps them identify and overcome their limiting beliefs, develop new habits, and take action toward their goals.
Key tactics used in the funnel:
The challenge is delivered via daily email lessons, with participants encouraged to share their progress in a private Facebook group. Tony Robbins also offers additional resources, including live coaching sessions and access to his online courses.
Tony Robbins’ 7-Day Challenge Funnel Template:
- Awareness: Tony Robbins creates awareness about the 7-Day Challenge through various marketing channels, such as his website, social media platforms, email lists, and possibly paid to advertise. This step involves attracting the attention of potential participants and generating interest in the challenge.
- Landing Page: Interested individuals are directed to a dedicated landing page that provides more information about the challenge. The landing page includes compelling copy, testimonials, and possibly videos to persuade visitors to sign up for the challenge.
- Opt-in: On the landing page, participants are prompted to opt in by providing their email addresses. This step allows Tony Robbins to capture the contact information of interested individuals and build his email list.
- Email Sequences: After signing up, participants receive a series of daily emails over the course of seven days. Each email contains the challenge for the day, along with instructions and insights from Tony Robbins. The emails serve as the primary content delivery method for the challenge.
- Private Facebook Group: Participants are encouraged to join a private Facebook group specifically created for the challenge. This group serves as a platform for participants to share their progress, engage with others, and receive support and encouragement from Tony Robbins and fellow participants.
- Additional Resources: Throughout the challenge, Tony Robbins offers additional resources to participants, such as live coaching sessions, access to his online courses, or exclusive content. These resources provide additional value and support to participants during their journey.
- Transformation and Results: Participants complete the 7-Day Challenge and report their breakthroughs and transformations in their personal and professional lives. Tony Robbins highlights the success stories and testimonials, showcasing the results achieved by participants, which helps to create social proof and further promote the challenge.
Results achieved:
The 7-Day Challenge has been a massive success, with thousands of participants reporting breakthroughs and transformations in their personal and professional lives. According to Tony Robbins, the challenge has helped participants increase their productivity, improve their relationships, and achieve greater success in their careers.
3. Jenna Kutcher’s List to Launch Challenge
This challenge funnel’s Niche or topic of the online course is Email marketing and list building.
Strategies behind Email marketing and list-building Challange
Jenna Kutcher’s List to Launch Challenge is a 5 day lead challenge designed to help participants grow their email list and launch their first digital product. Each day, participants are given a new challenge that helps them build their email list, create a lead magnet, and develop their product ideas.
Jenna Kutcher’s List to Launch Challenge Funnel Template
- Day 1 Challenge: Participants receive the first challenge via email. This challenge focuses on foundational aspects of email marketing and list building, such as setting up an email marketing platform or creating an opt-in form.
- Day 2 Challenge: Participants receive the second challenge, which involves creating a lead magnet—a valuable resource or incentive offered in exchange for visitors’ email addresses.
- Day 3 Challenge: The third challenge helps participants further develop their product idea. This step assists them in identifying a digital product they can create and launch.
- Day 4 Challenge: Participants receive the fourth challenge, which may include creating sales materials or refining their product to make it more appealing to potential customers.
- Day 5 Challenge: The final challenge focuses on launching the participants’ digital product to their newly built email list. This step may involve strategies for promoting the product, crafting persuasive emails, or setting up a sales page.
Here, Throughout the challenge, participants are encouraged to share their progress and engage with other participants in a private Facebook group, fostering a sense of community and support.
Also, Jenna Kutcher offers additional resources to participants, such as a free webinar diving deeper into email marketing and list-building strategies. Participants may also gain access to her online courses, providing further guidance and education.
Key tactics used in the funnel:
The challenge is delivered via daily email lessons, with participants encouraged to share their progress in a private Facebook group. Jenna Kutcher also offers additional resources, including a free webinar and access to her online courses.
Results achieved:
The List to Launch Challenge has helped hundreds of participants grow their email list and launch their first digital product. According to Jenna Kutcher, participants have generated thousands of leads and sales as a result of the challenge.
4. Amy Porterfield’s List Building Challenge
This challenge funnel’s Niche or topic of the online course is List Building and Email Marketing.
Challenge funnel strategy for email marketing:
Amy Porterfield’s List Building Challenge is a free five-day challenge designed to help participants grow their email lists. The challenge includes daily video lessons, worksheets, and live Q&A sessions with Amy. Participants are encouraged to join a private Facebook group where they can connect with other participants, share their progress, and ask for help. At the end of the challenge, participants are invited to join Amy’s email marketing course.
Key tactics used in the funnel:
Some key tactics used in this funnel include a free offer, daily video lessons, live Q&A sessions, and a private Facebook group to encourage community building.
Amy Porterfield’s List Building Challenge Funnel Template
- Free Offer: The funnel starts with a free five-day challenge designed to help participants grow their email lists. This acts as the lead magnet to attract potential participants.
- Daily Video Lessons: During the challenge, participants receive daily video lessons. These lessons provide valuable content and actionable strategies related to list-building and email marketing.
- Worksheets: Along with the video lessons, participants are provided with worksheets. These worksheets help them implement the strategies learned in the video lessons and track their progress.
- Live Q&A Sessions: Amy Porterfield conducts live Q&A sessions to address participants’ questions and provide additional guidance. This interactive element helps participants engage with the content and overcome any challenges they may encounter.
- Private Facebook Group: Participants are encouraged to join a private Facebook group where they can connect with other challenge participants. The group serves as a community platform for sharing progress, seeking help, and fostering a sense of belonging.
- Invitation to Email Marketing Course: At the end of the challenge, participants are invited to join Amy Porterfield’s email marketing course. This is the ultimate goal of the funnel, where participants can continue their learning journey and further develop their email marketing skills.
Results achieved:
According to Amy Porterfield, the List Building Challenge has helped her grow her email list to over 250,000 subscribers. The challenge has also generated over $1 million in revenue for Amy Porterfield’s email marketing course.
5. James Clear’s Habit Builder Challenge
This challenge funnel’s Niche or topic of the online course is Personal Development and Habit Formation
Habit formation challenge funnel Strategy:
The Habit Builder Challenge is a free 30-day challenge designed to help participants build new habits and improve their daily routines. The challenge includes daily emails from James Clear with guidance and support, along with access to a private Facebook group where participants can connect with each other and share their progress. Participants are also given the option to purchase James Clear’s book, “Atomic Habits,” at the end of the challenge.
Key tactics used in the funnel:
Some key tactics used in this funnel include a free offer, daily emails, access to a private Facebook group, and an upsell to purchase James Clear’s book.
James Clear’s Habit Builder Challenge Funnel Template
- Free Offer: The challenge starts with a free 30-day Habit Builder Challenge, which acts as the initial entry point for participants. It is designed to attract individuals who are interested in personal development and habit formation.
- Landing Page: Participants are directed to a landing page where they can sign up for the challenge by providing their email addresses. The landing page likely highlights the benefits of joining the challenge and encourages visitors to take action.
- Daily Emails: Once participants sign up, they receive daily emails from James Clear throughout the 30-day challenge. These emails contain guidance, support, and actionable tips to help participants build new habits and improve their daily routines. The emails may also serve as reminders and motivation for participants to stay engaged with the challenge.
- Private Facebook Group: Participants are given access to a private Facebook group where they can connect with each other, share their progress, and engage in discussions related to habit building. The Facebook group acts as a community, providing additional support and accountability for participants.
- Upsell: At the end of the 30-day challenge, participants are presented with an opportunity to purchase James Clear’s book, “Atomic Habits.” This upsell leverages the trust and value built during the challenge to encourage participants to further invest in their personal development by buying the book.
Results achieved:
According to James Clear, the Habit Builder Challenge has helped over 200,000 people improve their habits and routines. The challenge has also helped increase the sales of “Atomic Habits,” which has sold over 3 million copies worldwide.
Research on this challenge funnels then start planning your first funnel challenge.
Now, I’ll mention some more industries that can host challenge funnels to get results.
Who Should Host Challenge Funnels?
Challenge funnels have proven to be particularly effective in industries where education and transformation are key objectives. If you are operating in any of the following industries, incorporating challenge funnels into your marketing approach can lead to significantly more results.
- Marketing or Business Coaching
Business coaching is a wonderful way to showcase your business expertise and help others while growing your own revenue. Whether you offer courses on project management or digital marketing you can have your potential prospects excited about your service.
For example: If you are a business coach, you can create a 5-day challenge on effective social media marketing. instruct and support them with different strategies and help them to improve their ROI. When they show improvement in a few days many of them will come back for your service later.
- Online Course Creators
Selling courses is a brilliant way to showcase your expertise and help others while growing your revenue. Whether you offer courses on programming, personal growth, business growth, or even photography, you, too, can get more relevant potential clients excited about your services using challenge funnels.
For example, you run an online coding academy. You can create a 7-day coding challenge to teach them a core programming aspect, let’s say, OOP. If your guidelines are properly created, then, the people who will attend the challenge will become efficient at using OOP. After that, they will be more confident when purchasing your courses on other topics.
- Personal Development Coach
Entrepreneurs and high-level officials often struggle to develop their personal lives in an organized manner. If you are a coach who specializes in personal development, then issuing a challenge could be a great way to prove how good you are. Then, you may readily offer your high-ticket services to the participants. Many of them may then consider hiring you because they have just seen great results.
For example- If you are a personal development coach, you can create a 7-day lifestyle improvement challenge to teach and get them used to it day by day. provide additional resources and support during challenging times to encourage their continuous improvement. Thus establish yourself as a guide. Build trust and confidence, so that, they can come back to you for better improvement.
- Fitness & Wellness:
Another industry that is fitness industry thrives on challenges, and incorporating a challenge funnel can help fitness coaches and wellness experts engage their audience and drive membership or product sales.
For example: If you are a fitness trainer you can create a 7-day challenge for health lover people. Let’s say you offer a challenge to improve their body strength for cardio. encourage and support them during the challenge of going the extra mile. During this period they will feel improvement in their strength and come back to you for more consultancy.
Wrap Up:
In conclusion, The five examples we’ve explored in this article demonstrate the power of offering a free challenge that provides real value to participants and encourages them to take action toward achieving their goals.
All the examples given here in this article triggered for audience’s personal interest. Online instructors like you are inviting them to participate in a challenge of improvement. during the challenge, they supported and guided them to achieve their goal. They feel empowered besides their improvement. And the amazing thing is later participants hired them for paid consultancy.
With proper tools and strategy, you can also do that easily.
Here is a Strategic Guide for the 7-day challenge funnel.
Read and jumpstart your online consultancy!
Comments (4)
I quite like reading through an article that can make people think.
Thank you for your feedback! I’m glad the article resonated with you.
I enjoy articles like this. Thank you.
Really nice and interesting post.