As a business, you want to bring in customers and provide them with the information they need along their path to purchase. That means creating content that will move them through the process by making them more aware of your products and services to making a decision about your product. 

The sales funnel represents the process consumers will go through as they move from prospects to customers. Ideally, you want to keep these potential customers in your sales funnel as they consider solutions for their problems. You don't want them to visit your competitors for more information or have to turn to a new source. Instead, you want them to use your business for their overall needs. Through your sales funnel, you can turn prospects into leads and generate more interest in your business. 

The Three Stages of the Sales Funnel

The sales funnel can be described in several different ways, and businesses may use different stages to represent the journey buyers take as they move through their funnel. However, the sales funnel typically falls into three key stages. 

The Awareness Stage

In the awareness stage, consumers become aware they have a problem or need and start looking for a solution. They may know that they need to try something different, but they’re not exactly sure of what solutions are available. During this stage, consumers start doing basic research to better understand their options. 

The Consideration Stage

Moving consumers from the awareness stage to the consideration stage, or taking a prospect to a lead, is critical if you ultimately want to convert that prospect to a customer. During the consideration stage, consumers are starting to consider the options available to them. They have narrowed down a few solutions they intend to use, and they're looking for more information about those potential solutions and how they may impact their needs.

The Decision Stage

During the decision stage, consumers are ready to decide on a specific solution to their problem. They're no longer looking at multiple options, though they may still be considering one or two different solutions. They are ready to make a purchase and simply need a little more info to help them move forward. 

The Challenges of Moving from "Awareness" Content to "Consideration" Content

Moving prospects from the awareness stage to the consideration stage may bring with it several challenges. Consider:

1. Creating interesting, engaging content. 

To convince consumers to move to the funnel’s consideration stage, you should provide awareness-stage content that is interesting and engaging enough that prospects are willing to give up their contact information and connect with you. 

2. Address consumers' pain points.

Many businesses want to start by listing the features and capabilities of their products. Instead, focus on delivering effective messaging that deals with customers' pain points and how your business can solve those challenges. 

3. Show that your business is a viable solution.

At this stage, you want to stand out from your competition and show that you can offer something they can’t. Indicate what differentiates you from similar businesses.  

Content for the Awareness Stage

Creating the right types of content is critical for the awareness stage as it helps move prospects down the funnel into consideration. In this stage, consider creating gated content. Gated content requires users to provide their email address or other contact information to access the content. Then utilizing retargeting through social media or programmatic ads can help to send consumers back to your landing page. The call to action at the bottom of awareness articles is also an excellent way to help move consumers through the funnel.

Some types of content to consider:

• Ebooks
• Blog posts
• White papers 
• Infographics
• Videos
• Webinars
• Social media ads and content

Use this content to provide the buyer with more information about your product and how it can solve their pain points. In the awareness stage, you want to provide consumers with more information about your products and services, which will entice and convince them to learn more about what you have to offer. 

Content for the Consideration Phase

In the consideration stage, you want to provide content that will help users make a more serious decision about your products and services. The goal at this stage is to share information about exactly what you can accomplish through your solutions. You may want to offer:

• Testimonials and reviews
• Case studies
• Ebooks
• Blog posts 
• Product comparisons
• Samples
• Consultation offers

Moving prospects smoothly from awareness to consideration makes a big difference in turning a prospect into a lead. If you can’t move prospects to the consideration phase, you can’t help them move forward with the information they need to make a purchase. By moving prospects to the consideration stage, you keep them in your sales funnel and increase the odds they will ultimately become a satisfied customer of your business.