Most people are still using a 2020 marketing funnel in 2025.

 

 

 

Most people are still using a 2020 marketing funnel in 2025.

That’s why they get:

- views but no trust

- likes but no customers

- attention but zero leverage

People don’t discover brands anymore. They discover moments, ideas, and creators.

That changes everything.

This is the updated marketing funnel for 2026:

Not built around ads.

Not built around hacks.

Built around how humans actually decide.

1) Attention

Attention today comes from:

• Clear positioning

• Short, native content

• A strong point of view

Not from going viral once. But from being consistently recognizable.

If people can’t describe what you stand for in one line, you don’t have attention. You have noise.

2) Trust

Trust is the new targeting.

If people trust you, they listen.

If they listen, you don’t need to shout.

What builds trust now:

• Proof and screenshots

• Case studies

• Behind-the-scenes

• Clear values

• Useful opinions

Polished promises don’t build trust. Receipts do.

3) Preference

This is where most brands lose. People can like you and still choose someone else.

Preference is created when people feel: “This person thinks like me.”

That comes from:

• Clear opinions

• Consistent values

• Familiarity over time

Not discounts.

Not better design.

4) Conversion

Selling in 2026 is quieter. But far more intentional.

What converts:

• Simple offers

• Low-friction trials

• Fast trust assets

• One clear next step

If someone needs a call to understand your offer, your funnel is broken.

5) Retention

Acquisition is expensive. Retention is leverage.

Retention improves when:

• Onboarding is clear

• Wins happen early

• Education is ongoing

• Support feels human

Retention is where real businesses are built.

6) Advocacy

The strongest marketing channel isn’t paid ads.

It’s customers who talk about you when you’re not in the room.

Advocacy grows from:

• Shareable results

• Customer stories

• Community recognition

This is how brands compound.

---

This funnel isn’t theory. It’s how modern businesses actually grow.

If your marketing feels “busy” but not effective, you’re probably optimizing the wrong step.

Save this.

Revisit it.

And rebuild your funnel from the top down.