Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Let’s talk about your sales funnel email sequence.

You know that classic email marketing advice?

Create a freebie.
Write a welcome sequence.
Then build out your sales sequence.

That’s the order I followed when I first started my email list. I did everything “right.” Checked all the boxes.

But if I could go back and do it differently?

I’d flip that order entirely. No hesitation.

Because here’s the thing: your welcome sequence doesn’t drive revenue. Not really.
And if your goal is to build a sustainable business, not just collect a list of silent subscribers, you need a sales sequence in place before anything else.

Let’s break down why this shift matters, how it accelerates your ROI, and what to do next (even if you’re just starting out).

Links and Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Stop into my YouTube channel for weekly videos about all things content marketing.
• Check out the Playbook for a Complete Marketing Game Plan
• Want your own live coaching session? Apply here
• Find me on Instagram and tell us you what you thought of this episode: @mrsamandawarfield

---

The Difference Between a Sales Funnel and a Sales Sequence

Before we dive into strategy, quick clarification:

A sales funnel is the big picture—the full customer journey. It starts when someone first finds you (say, on Instagram or through your podcast), and it ends when they make a purchase. That’s the full funnel.

A sales sequence, on the other hand, is just one part of that funnel. It’s a set of automated emails designed to guide leads toward a specific offer. It’s evergreen. It’s automated. And it’s designed to sell.

Live launches have their place—I’m not saying you can only rely on evergreen funnels. But your sales sequence? That’s what works while you sleep. It’s always running in the background, always giving people a chance to buy from you. It’s the engine that keeps turning even when you’re off sipping hot coffee and watching your cat nap in the sun.

Why You Should Prioritize Sales Over Welcomes

You Need Time to Collect Data

Unless you already have a massive audience, it’s going to take time to run people through your sales sequence.

And you can’t optimize what hasn’t been tested.
You need at least 100 people to go through your sequence before you can analyze what’s working — and what’s not.

So, the sooner you get it up and running, the sooner you can improve it.
That old saying, “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time is today.”
It applies here, too.

A Sales Funnel Email Sequence Drives Immediate ROI

Welcome sequences are great for connection and setting expectations.
But sales sequences?
That’s where the money comes in.

We can’t keep building lists just for the sake of building lists. If you’re spending time creating content, promoting freebies, and growing your list, but you’re not selling, you’re just spinning your wheels.

Your sales sequence is the bridge between interest and income.

It gets your offer in front of people right away and gives them a clear, intentional path to purchase.

Sales Build Momentum

When someone buys from you once, they’re much more likely to buy again.

That first purchase builds trust and creates a connection that goes beyond “just another freebie download.” You start to establish yourself as a go-to resource. And you’re not stuck constantly chasing new leads — you’re nurturing customers who already love what you do.

Plus, repeat customers are cheaper and easier to serve than new ones. So the earlier you get someone into your sales sequence, the more momentum (and sustainability) you create for your business long-term.

It Helps You Write a Better Welcome Sequence Later

When you start with a welcome sequence, you’re guessing at what your audience needs.

When you start with a sales sequence, you’re testing that messaging with a clear result: someone either buys… or they don’t.

That’s data you can use.

You’ll learn which pain points resonate. Which benefits move the needle. Which stories lead to conversions. And then? You take that messaging and weave it into your welcome sequence, so it starts planting seeds for the sale early on.

It’s strategic. It’s intentional. And it actually works.

A Note About Perfection (Or Lack Thereof)

One thing I need to say here: your sales sequence doesn’t have to be perfect to be profitable.

Let me repeat that.
You don’t need the “perfect” sequence.
You just need one that exists.

You can optimize and tweak later. But don’t get stuck in research, or outline mode, or thinking your welcome sequence has to be done first. Sloppy action beats perfect procrastination every time.

What to Do If You’re Just Starting Out

If you’re totally new to email marketing and don’t have anything in place yet, here’s your first baby step:

📝 Write one single welcome email.

Just one. That’s it.

Introduce yourself. Share what you do and who you serve. Give them a link or two (to a blog post, a freebie, maybe both). Let them know what to expect. And that’s it.

Then, once you have your sales sequence set up, you’ll direct people from that email into your sales sequence automatically.

It’s a minimalist version of a welcome sequence that still gives your new subscriber a warm hello and invites them into the journey of working with you. And later, once your sales sequence is up and running, you can go back and add to that welcome sequence.

Let’s Recap

You don’t need a fancy welcome sequence to start building a sustainable business.

What you need is a way to invite people to buy.

And that means a sales funnel email sequence comes first.

It helps you:

• Collect actionable data
  
• Earn revenue faster
  
• Build long-term momentum
  
• Refine your messaging
  
• Serve your people better
  

So if you’ve been waiting for the “perfect time” to write your sales sequence?
This is it.

Want Help Mapping Out Your Sales Funnel Email Sequence?

Inside the Chasing Simple Playbook, I’ll walk you through exactly how to build a simple, strategic sales sequence that converts—without the guesswork. If you’re ready to take intentional action and start generating revenue from your email list, I’d love to see you inside.