In a previous post, we explained what an evergreen funnel is and how it can benefit course creators. But how do you build one?

You do not need a huge system to start. Keep it lean, focus on one clear problem, and build a single track that runs independently. Follow these steps to set it up, then improve it with data.

black-female-executive-working-on-laptop-in-cafe
Photo courtesy Pexels

Step 1: Create a Valuable Lead Magnet

Choose a free offer that addresses a genuine pain point. Aim for a quick win that your ideal student can finish in 10 to 30 minutes. Make it lean, helpful, and relevant to your course outcome.

Good formats for course topics:

  • Checklist: “Course Outline Starter Checklist.”
  • Mini-course: 3 short videos, 5 to 7 minutes each (e.g. our Manage Your To-Do List with a VA mini-course)
  • One-page PDF: Templates, scripts, or a calculator
  • Quick workshop: 20-minute training with a worksheet

Keep it quick to make. Reuse an existing lesson, transcript, or slide presentation. Add a landing page that’s clear about the promise it makes and contains a simple form that captures email address and/or first name.

Simple actions:

  • Define the problem and the win in one sentence.
  • Choose a format you can make this week.
  • Write a punchy title and subhead that highlight the result.

Step 2: Set Up Your Email Sequence

Build a 5 to 7 email series in MailerLite or your preferred email marketing software. Teach, connect, and invite, without pushing.

Suggested sequence with subject ideas:

  1. Welcome: “Your checklist is inside + a quick tip”
  2. Value add 1: “The common mistake that hinders progress”
  3. Story: “How I cut my time in half with this method”
  4. Value add 2: “Lesson preview: Step-by-step guide”
  5. Soft sell: “Want help implementing this faster?”
  6. Objection: “No time? Try this 15-minute plan”
  7. Close: “Last chance for the starter bonus”

Content tips:

  • Share one quick win per email.
  • Link to a short video or screenshot where relevant.
  • Use a per-subscriber deadline, not a fixed date.

Automation:

  • Trigger on opt-in.
  • Add a 3 to 24-hour delay between emails.
  • Tag buyers to stop the sequence after their purchase.

Step 3: Design Your Sales Page and Checkout

Write for clarity. Show the outcome, then the path.

Essentials:

  • Headline: Promise the result your lead magnet teased
  • Proof: 3 to 5 short testimonials with outcomes
  • Inside the course: Modules, time to finish, and support
  • Bonuses: Tools or templates that remove roadblocks
  • Guarantee: Plain and fair

Tools to host and sell:

Make it mobile-friendly. Use short paragraphs, large buttons, and fast load times. Add urgency that does not expire, like a 48-hour bonus window that starts at opt-in or a limited bonus library.

Step 4: Drive Traffic and Test

Start simple. Use channels you already have.

Traffic options:

  • SEO: One blog post that matches your lead magnet topic
  • Social: Weekly post with a benefit-driven hook
  • Paid: Small daily budget on Facebook or YouTube

Track and improve:

  • Opt-in rate: aim for 30 to 50 percent on the landing page
  • Open rate: 35 to 50 percent on email 1, then hold above 25 percent
  • Click rate: 2 to 5 percent per email
  • Sales conversion: 1 to 5 percent of leads

Run A/B tests:

  • Landing page headline
  • Email subject lines
  • First fold of the sales page

Here’s a quick launch checklist to build an evergreen funnel for your course:

  • One lead magnet, one landing page, one sequence, one offer
  • Test the form, emails, links, and checkout on mobile
  • Turn it on for two weeks, then adjust based on numbers

Want a fun way to determine if funnels are ideal for you? Check out this free resource from Leanne at Passive Income Superstars.