The Prima Sales Funnel for Coaches: How to Use a Book Funnel to Attract Ideal Clients Consistently

Introduction: Why Coaches and Speakers Need a Book Sales Funnel

You know what sucks? Spending all your time hustling for leads. Pitching. Begging for attention like a puppy at dinnertime. Or throwing up some lead magnet because some “guru” told that ‘s all you need.

For coaches and speakers, it’s exhausting—and worse, it’s not scalable. But what if there was a smarter, simpler way to get clients who already want your coaching services?

Enter the book funnel. It’s not just about selling books (because let’s be honest, book royalties alone won’t buy you a yacht). A book funnel is your secret weapon for attracting leads, building authority, and creating a scalable system that works even when you’re sleeping.

Forget the lame “yesterday” lead magnet. This article will show you exactly why book funnels are a coach’s best friend—and how you can create one that transforms casual readers into loyal, paying clients. And yes, I’ll also talk tech—because the right tools make all the difference.

But first, let’s talk strategy.

What is a Book Funnel For a Coaching Business?

A book funnel isn’t just a clever way to sell books. It’s a marketing machine—a system designed to take someone from “Oh, this book looks interesting” to “Here, take my money!” (but in a classy way).

It’s a human friendly way of taking someone from “never heard of you” to high-ticket coaching client.

Here’s how it works:

Attract Leads: You offer your book as a low-risk entry point. It might be free (just pay shipping) or super affordable ($7–$27).
Build Trust: The book teaches them something valuable and positions you as the go-to expert.
Sell More: Once they’ve got the book, you offer something more—like a $47 workbook or a $297 course. Because buyers are buyers. If they say yes once, they’re likely to say yes again.

Imagine this: Someone buys your book for $17. Then they grab your $47 upsell (because it’s too good to pass up). Finally, they see your coaching package for $297 and think, “This is exactly what I need.” That’s $361 from one customer—and it all started with a little book.

Done well, it’s one of my favourite marketing strategies.

Why A Book Funnel For Your Coaching Business Works So Well

Let’s get into the psychology behind this magic:

Low Risk, High Value: A book is an easy yes for a potential client. It’s affordable, tangible, and packed with value.
Buyers Are Buyers: Russell Brunson (yeah, that guy who’s basically the king of funnels) says it best: If someone buys your book, they’re 10x more likely to buy something else.
Upsells and Downsells: Your funnel doesn’t stop at the book. Every step is a chance to help your audience solve their problems—and make more sales while you’re at it.

Book funnels don’t just sell books. They sell trust. And trust sells everything else.

Maybe instead of calling it a coaching sales funnel, it should be called a coaching trust funnel.

Key Strategies to Create A Sales Funnel Which Converts Strangers Into Clients

If you’re going to build a funnel, build one that works. Here’s how:

Focus on Value First: Your book isn’t just a product. It’s a promise. Teach something real. Solve a real problem. Make it so good they can’t stop flipping pages.
Start Small with Big Impact: You don’t need a 300-page masterpiece. Some of the best book funnels start with short, actionable guides. Think “How to Get Your First Coaching Client in 30 Days,” not “The Encyclopedia of Coaching.”
Know Your Audience: Survey them. Stalk them (in a non-creepy way). Find out what keeps them up at night—and make your book the answer. Potential clients who are already aware of their problem & its consequences are the ones who are the most qualified leads.
Stack the Offers:
- Start with the book.
- Add an order bump (like an audiobook or bonus guide).
- Follow up with a $97 course or $297 coaching session.
Strategic Content Layering
Rather than revealing everything, your book should:

Solve one specific problem completely
Hint at connected challenges
Position your coaching as the solution for deeper transformation

These are the critical pieces of a great book funnel strategy.

Common Challenges Coaches Face When Implementing a Book Funnel

Here’s the truth: Most people fail at book funnels because they get stuck in the weeds. The tech. The setup. The “how the heck do I make this all work?” stuff.

Creating sales pages that don’t look like they’re from 1999.
Automating upsells and follow-ups.
Tracking what’s working—and what’s tanking.

If you’re nodding right now, don’t worry. You’re not alone. And that’s where the right tool comes in.

ThriveCart: The Solution to Simplify Your Book Funnel

So, here’s the thing: Funnels don’t have to be a tech nightmare. My platform of choice is ThriveCart. It’s simple. It’s like hiring a team of marketing ninjas—except you only pay once, and they never ask for coffee breaks.

Here’s why ThriveCart is the go-to tool for book funnels: It has all the elements you need to implement a successful sales funnel.

One-Click Upsells: Add an upsell (or three) without breaking a sweat.
Customisable Checkout Pages: Build pages that convert without touching a single line of code.
Bump Offers: Want to add a $9 workbook or $17 video training at checkout? Done.
Seamless Integrations: Connect it to your email platform to automate follow-ups and nurture those leads.
Analytics Dashboard: See exactly what’s working—and fix what’s not.

ThriveCart takes care of the tech, so you can focus on what matters: positioning & selling your expertise.

Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Your Book Funnel

Ready to build your funnel? Here’s the playbook:

Create Your Sales Page:
- Use ThriveCart’s templates.
- Write a killer headline.
- Add testimonials and a strong CTA.
Set Up Your Book Offer:
- Price it low ($7–$27) or go free + shipping.
- Add an order bump (like an audiobook for $9).
Add Upsells and Downsells:
- First upsell: A $47 workbook or video training.
- Second upsell: A $297 coaching session.
Integrate Your Email Follow-Ups:
- Send a thank-you email, then nurture them with value-packed content marketing which pre-sells & plants the seeds of your offer.
Test and Optimize:
- Use ThriveCart’s analytics to tweak pricing, copy, and offers.

Pro Tips for Optimising Your 6-Figure Sales Funnel

Experiment with Pricing: Test free + shipping vs. low-ticket offers.
Create Urgency: Add countdown timers or bonuses for quick action.
Use Testimonials: Show proof that your book and upsells deliver results.

Steps to Add Intimacy to Your Coaching Funnel

What Is Intimacy in Your Coaching Funnel?

Intimacy focuses on building a deeper relationship with your audience. It’s about showing genuine care, understanding their needs, and making them feel seen and supported. In the context of a book funnel, it means going beyond transactional interactions to create emotional and personal connections.

This is how you optimise your sales and build your brand for long term evergreen success.

1. Personalise the Follow-Up Sequence for High-Converting Sales

After someone purchases your book, follow up with emails or messages that feel tailored to them:

Welcome Email: Include a personal note thanking them for their purchase and sharing why you wrote the book.
- Example: “I’m thrilled you got a copy of The Ultimate Guide to Public Speaking. This book changed my life, and I know it’ll do the same for you.”
Segmentation: Use a quick survey or tagging system to understand their biggest challenges (e.g., fear of public speaking, structuring presentations). Tailor future emails based on their responses.
Interactive Elements: Add a link to schedule a short 15-minute “clarity call” or one-on-one coaching with you, or invite them to a live Q&A session.

2. Introduce Video Touch-points

Videos create a feeling of direct interaction, even when automated. Integrate these into your funnel:

Post-Purchase Thank-You Video: Send a personal video thanking them for their trust and purchase.
- Example: “Hey [Name], thanks for grabbing the book! I recorded this quick video to share how I recommend getting started.”
Upsell Explanation Videos: For upsells like a workbook or coaching session, explain the value and how it complements the book, speaking directly to their pain points. And subtly reinforcing your positioning.
Live or Pre-Recorded Workshop Invite: Offer a live session as a bonus for book buyers. Engage directly and answer their specific questions.

3. Build a Community Element

Create a space where readers feel part of a connected group:

Private Group Access: Offer access to a private Facebook group, Discord server, or Slack channel where readers can share insights, ask questions, and interact with you.
Community Challenge: Host a “7-day implementation challenge” based on the book’s concepts, with check-ins to keep participants engaged and accountable. At the end of the challenge make an offer turning this into a high-ticket coaching funnel.
Success Stories: Share case studies or testimonials from other readers, creating a sense of shared accomplishment.

4. Offer Exclusive, Intimate Bonuses

Make readers feel special with personal access and exclusive resources:

Bonus Resources: Offer a behind-the-scenes look at your process, additional tools, or worksheets as a thank-you for their purchase.
Office Hours: Set up limited “office hours” where book buyers can hop on a live Zoom call to ask questions or get advice.
First Access to Higher-Ticket Offers: Offer them first dibs on your coaching program or a course launch, framing it as an exclusive opportunity for book buyers.

5. Use Retargeting Ads to Deepen Connection

Once someone enters your funnel, use retargeting ads to stay present and personal:

Videos Sharing Your Story: Retarget book buyers with ads that dive deeper into your personal journey or why you created the book.
Direct Value Ads: Share insights that expand on the book’s lessons, showing you’re invested in their growth.

6. Humanize Automation

Make automated sequences feel more personal:

Write Conversational Emails: Keep the tone warm and approachable, like you’re speaking to a friend.
Use First Names: Always address the reader by name in emails and videos.
Celebrate Small Wins: Send an email a week after their purchase celebrating their progress. Example: “How’s it going with Chapter 3? That’s where most people start to see real breakthroughs.”
Use your follow-ups to give a taste of your coaching style.

How Intimacy Enhances the Sales Funnel For Your Coaching

Strengthens Trust: Buyers feel cared for and valued, increasing their likelihood of engaging with your upsells.
Builds Loyalty: Intimacy creates a sense of connection that keeps buyers in your ecosystem for the long term.
Increases Conversions: Personalised experiences and high-touch engagement lead to higher upsell and cross-sell conversions.

An Enhanced Sales Funnel For Coaches Flow with Intimacy

Entry Point: Low-cost book offer ($7–$27).
Immediate Personal Touch: A thank-you email and/or video with a personal story and clear next steps.
First Upsell: Offer a $47 workbook with a video explaining its value.
Engagement Opportunity: Invite buyers to a private group or live Q&A session to ask questions and connect.
Second Upsell: Offer a $297 coaching session or online course, framed as the logical next step after the book.
Follow-Up Series: Personalised emails based on segmentation and specific challenges, including links to exclusive content.
Community/Connection: Regular check-ins via group challenges, office hours, or private calls.

Call-to-Action: Start Building Your Book Funnel Today

Imagine waking up to notifications: “You’ve made a sale.” Not just a book sale, but upsells, coaching packages, and more—all running on autopilot.

That’s what a great book funnel can do. And with ThriveCart, it’s easier than ever to build one.

Click here to get started with ThriveCart today and get my exclusive bonuses:

The Book Funnel Blueprint: A step-by-step guide to launching your funnel.
Exclusive Video Training: My insider tips for upsells that convert.
Personalised Support: A free consultation to help you optimise.

Your audience is waiting. Your business deserves it. Let’s make it happen.

Build a High-Converting Book Sales Funnel for Coaches