Hello, my name is Josh and I created a sales funnel for a manufacturing company called TLTF Manufacturing in less than 30 days. TLTF Manufacturing is a premium urethane manufacturer specifically for speed inline skating wheels. They are a leader in the industry and are constantly improving products. Here you can find what I did and what I learned!
Below is a video detailing the project I have been working on for the last month, enjoy!
Here is my progress | Pre Project to Completion
Why I Did This Project…
To create value for a real company
I wanted to show that I can identify a problem and come up with a solution. My goal was to create real-world value that a company could use. I looked at different companies’ websites and came upon TLTF Manufacturing and noticed right away that they could benefit from a sales funnel.
To learn more about sales
I’m interested in sales and want to learn what goes into making a sales funnel successful. I know having skills in this area would be very valuable. The skills I expect to use and learn through this project that is related to sales are product knowledge, communication, time management, organization, problem-solving, and tech skills.
To show my quick learning ability through my documentation
I know I can learn new skills quickly and I love to do it. I love troubleshooting and finding solutions to problems. I also wanted to create content that is valuable to others in general so what better way to show it than with documentation.
To learn more about marketing
I’ve always been interested in marketing, sales, and customer success. I believe all three fields go hand in hand. You need to have some form of marketing to make sales. While taking feedback from customers is a great way for the marketing and sales team to be successful. When I decided to do this project I figured it would be a perfect opportunity to give it a shot. The skills I expect to show and build upon related to marketing are writing, project management, research, email marketing, website management, adaptability, attention to detail, creativity, and problem-solving.
Here’s What I Learned This Month
- How I used a task management system to increase productivity
- How I created a welcome email sequence
- How to create a lead magnet
- How to set up a sales funnel
Taking what I’m learning this past month and putting it into informative content has been just as valuable to me as the project itself. I have found documenting what you are learning creates a more in-depth learning experience.
What I’ve Accomplished In 30 Days
- Taught myself how to create a sales funnel
- Created a welcome email sequence for the sales funnelBrainstormed ideas and came up with a lead magnet
- I created a training plan for the lead magnet in Canva
- I generated a QR code to be included in the lead magnet
- Researched the companies product and audience
- Wrote product copy and imported pictures to be used for ads/emails
- Researched how to run Mailchimp automated customer journeys and how to analyze and optimize the results.
- Created video and blog posts based on what I learned.
- Used Wix website builder to create a live mock site
- I added an embedded and pop up subscriber form to a website that was directly connected to Mailchimp
- I learned to become proficient using Mailchimp, Loom, Wix, WordPress, Canva, and Monday.com
This month has gone by quickly. Fitting this project into my daily schedule has made this past month very busy but also a very productive month. This project has proved that I can teach myself new skills in a short amount of time, create a detailed plan, and have the focus and determination to execute it. It also showed that I am a problem solver and I have the ambition and will to achieve my goals.
I stuck to my original goal of creating a sales funnel and creating value for a real company. My goal of creating a sales funnel was set to be a clear way of showing my ability and knowledge to work in a sales/marketing role. As the project progressed I did have to modify the project outline and adapt to changes as needed. I found that the more research I did, it helped make the project more focused on the end goal vs just a general project. It was rewarding to see the end result and I look forward to sending the project to TLTF Manufacturing. My blog posts on what I learned clearly show that I have the ability to learn something new and I am confident that I have the ability and knowledge to run a successful sales funnel.
Problems I Faced & How I Got Through Them
Creating a website
I ran into my first problem with my project when I was trying to add the code to the header of my mock website. I tried adding the code to several different widgets and nothing would work. I googled the problem for quite some time and came to realize that I needed to own(purchase) the domain name and use the premium version of the website. I quickly purchased this as it was worth it to be able to show the results of what I was working on. All in all, it was a simple fix that involved troubleshooting while using the free version of the builder.
Organizing my time
When starting my project there were a lot of things I needed to learn and lots of different areas to it that needed work. My project had several different areas to it (project research, product research, the website, Mailchimp, & documentation) and I was finding it difficult to give a focused effort to one area at a time.
I took each area of my project and broke each down into actionable goals for each week. I then broke it down even further into tasks to be completed. I also scheduled time blocks scheduled throughout the week using google calendar. Here’s what my task management system looked like.
Computer slowdowns
I had a minor slow down with my computer. A few of the programs I was using slowed down the overall productivity during a few work sessions. To solve this I first made sure my computer was updated and restarted. I then uninstalled a few programs that were no longer being used. After doing that my computer was running more smoothly. Taking the time to quickly troubleshoot the slowdown ended up saving me quite a bit of time by the end of the week. Unfortunately during the final week of the project, my computer completely shut down. I scheduled a time with Apple to have it looked at. The upside is I have an older desktop that I am able to use in the meantime. It runs a bit slower but I was determined to finish my project by the end of the month.
Other than that every other problem I faced was solved with good old google, along with trial & error.
What I Would Have Done Differently
If I could go back to day one and redo something I would have spent a little more time, in the beginning, learning more about lead magnets. I first created the subscriber pop-up geared toward the simple incentive of receiving free shipping. After doing additional research I found that it was too basic. I then decided to have the incentive be a downloadable training plan geared towards TLTFs specific audiences. It makes the CTA more effective and gives the customer something beneficial in return.
So What’s Next?
I plan on sending my project over to TLTF Manufacturing in hopes they will implement the value that was created through this project.
As far as the skills I learned this month I plan on building upon the skills learned. I enjoy all things that go into making a business run, from sales and marketing to customer success or operations. I am also going through the Praxis apprenticeship program and next month will be spent going through the placement process (finding my next job opportunity).
A Final Word
I’ve always believed that the best way to learn something new is by jumping and giving it a try. Success or failure you’re going to learn a lot, this project is a great example of that. So whatever your business or career goal is, give it a shot!
Josh Fredrickson 