VA or Funnel Strategist? Choosing the Right Support for Your Evergreen Funnel
If you’re building an evergreen funnel for your signature offer, choosing the right support can make or break your funnel’s success. There’s a common misconception that hiring a virtual assistant (VA) is all you need to set up a funnel.
While VAs are invaluable for various tasks, setting up a high-converting evergreen funnel requires a unique blend of expertise. That’s where a funnel strategist with platform specialization comes in. This is someone who knows the ins and outs of your chosen platform, understands automation, and has the strategic know-how to build a funnel that’s both efficient and conversion-focused.
In this post, I’ll break down the key differences between a VA and a funnel strategist, and explain why, if you’re serious about building an evergreen funnel that converts, a specialist may be the missing piece in your business.
Why Platform Specialization Matters
When setting up a funnel on platforms like Kajabi or Membervault, the small details make a big difference. A funnel strategist who specializes in these platforms brings a level of technical precision and insight that’s hard to replicate.
- Deep Platform Knowledge: Unlike general VAs, a platform specialist knows the features, limitations, and hidden functionalities of the platform inside out. For example, they know how to create seamless integrations with third-party tools, optimize course modules for member retention, and utilize platform-specific features like Kajabi’s upsell pages or Membervault’s tagging system to improve conversions.
- Efficiency with Setup and Troubleshooting: Specialists don’t need to learn on the job. They’ve already worked extensively with the platform and can quickly handle setup, troubleshooting, and any technical issues that arise. This means faster, smoother execution and fewer delays.
- Platform-Optimized Strategy: Each platform has unique tools and setups that can be leveraged for higher conversions. A specialist knows which settings, templates, and features to use to maximize your funnel’s potential on that specific platform.
Example: Think of the platform as the foundation for your funnel. When you hire someone who knows it well, it’s like hiring an architect who knows the building materials inside out rather than a general contractor who’s learning as they go.
The Power of Tech Expertise and Automation
A major part of an evergreen funnel’s success lies in automations that run seamlessly in the background, handling everything from lead nurturing to client onboarding. A funnel strategist who’s also a tech specialist understands how to build automations that not only save you time but also improve the user experience.
- Seamless Lead Nurturing: A funnel isn’t just about getting people in—it’s about guiding them through a journey. A strategist can set up automations that nurture leads effectively, using timed emails, personalized touch points, and even advanced behavior tracking to help potential customers feel seen and supported throughout their journey.
- Sales and Payment Automations: Payment plans, cart abandonment, upsells, and order bumps are key elements that can increase your revenue. A tech specialist ensures that these automations are not only set up correctly but optimized for high-ticket conversions.
- Onboarding and Engagement: Once someone buys, the journey isn’t over. A strategist knows how to set up onboarding automations, welcome sequences, and engagement reminders to help retain clients, increase satisfaction, and reduce refunds. It’s not just about making a sale; it’s about creating a smooth, enjoyable experience that keeps clients coming back.
Strategic Funnel Design for ConversionsExample: Imagine having an automation that recognizes when someone hasn’t engaged with your course in a while and sends them a gentle reminder, re-engaging them without you lifting a finger. That’s the power of strategic automation, something a VA may not be equipped to set up effectively.
Creating a high-converting funnel is more than just placing steps in sequence. It’s about understanding the psychology of sales, the user experience, and how to optimize every element for conversion. This is where a strategist’s expertise truly shines.
- Funnel Design: A strategist designs each part of the funnel with your audience in mind, from the landing page to the checkout process. They know how to build pages that capture attention, keep people engaged, and lead them naturally to the next step.
- Conversion-Optimized Sales Pages and Lead Magnets: Every page in your funnel has a job, and each needs to be optimized for that role. A strategist can help you design lead magnets that attract quality leads, sales pages that drive purchases, and thank-you pages that encourage further engagement.
- Messaging and Positioning: Beyond tech, a strategist understands the importance of messaging and positioning. They know how to make sure your offer stands out and communicates value clearly, guiding your leads through a journey that feels natural and aligned with their needs.
Common Misconceptions: Why a VA May Not Be EnoughExample: A VA may be able to help upload content, but a strategist knows how to position that content in a way that leads to action—whether that’s signing up for a lead magnet, joining a webinar, or completing a purchase.
It’s easy to think that a VA can handle the setup if they’re already familiar with basic tech tools. However, evergreen funnels are complex systems that require more than basic knowledge. Here’s why hiring a VA might not give you the results you want:
- Task-Focused vs. Strategy-Focused: VAs are often skilled in handling individual tasks, but they may lack the strategic understanding needed to see how each part of the funnel connects and functions together.
- Limited Experience with High-Level Automations: While some VAs can set up basic automations, they might struggle with the advanced, layered automations that ensure a smooth, consistent customer journey from start to finish.
- No Optimization Focus: A VA might be able to upload content or set up basic sequences, but they often don’t have the conversion-focused mindset or experience to know how to optimize each step for maximum impact.
Recap: The Strategic Advantage of Hiring a Funnel SpecialistExample: You wouldn’t hire a VA to map out your entire marketing strategy. Similarly, setting up a high-converting funnel requires specialized knowledge and insight that goes beyond administrative support.
When you invest in a platform specialist and funnel strategist, you’re investing in the success of your evergreen funnel. A strategist brings expertise in the platform, advanced automation, and conversion-focused design—all elements that come together to create a smooth, high-converting funnel that’s tailored to your business needs.
- Platform Expertise ensures you’re leveraging every tool effectively, saving time, and avoiding technical issues.
- Advanced Automations handle lead nurturing, sales, and onboarding, creating a seamless experience for your clients.
- Conversion Strategy focuses on optimizing each step, ensuring that every touchpoint in your funnel is designed to move leads towards a purchase.
CTA: Ready to build a funnel that works? Let’s chat! Schedule a Funnel Intensive to see if working together is the right fit for your business.