From Entry to Action: The Website Funnel Starts Before Your Homepage

Most people assume their website funnel begins on the homepage. That’s a common mistake.

In reality, the path to your site often starts well before someone ever types in your domain.

They’re coming from:

• A Google search
• A recommendation from a friend or colleague
• A Klaviyo or Mailchimp email A Constant Contact newsletter
• A link in someone’s email signature
• Even a printed business card
• or QR code taped to the back of a delivery van

These aren’t theoretical examples—they’re happening every day. If your site only works when someone starts at “Step One,” you’re already losing people.

Every Click Is a Trailhead

Your website isn’t a static brochure. It’s a living, breathing network of entry points. Each one acts as a kind of trailhead. Someone clicks expecting direction, clarity, and maybe even a solution.

But if your homepage, blog post, or landing page offers no clear next step, they’ll bounce—and probably not come back.

That’s not a funnel. It’s a dead end.

What This Series Will Cover

Over the next few posts, we’ll explore what real-world, ethical funnel design looks like—especially for small businesses, consultants, and creators who value clarity over hype.

This includes:

Recognizing your actual entry points and how to track them Understanding visitor intent on the first click Streamlining your navigation so users aren’t overwhelmed Reinforcing trust before you make the ask Making your final action—the phone call, contact form, or checkout button—obvious and friction-free

If your site gets traffic but not traction, or if your contact form feels like it’s gathering cobwebs, this series is for you.

Coming next: What Visitors Actually Want on Their First Click (and Why Most Sites Miss It)

Until then, think about how someone might first hear about you today. Would they land somewhere that helps them move forward—or just leaves them guessing?

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