The Death of 99 Rupee Webinar Funnels (The Rise of Non-Linear Funnels)

Why Traditional Funnels Aren't Cutting It Anymore (and What to Do Instead)

Imagine this: you’re a coach or course creator, and you’ve just set up a new ad campaign. Your ad budget’s healthy, your workshop’s priced at a tempting 99 rupees, and you’re ready to welcome a flood of eager attendees.

But what happens? You get a few clicks, a few sign-ups, and maybe a handful of attendees. And that’s it. The big sales push? It barely moves the needle. Worse, you’re spending 500-1000 rupees per attendee for a 99-rupee return.

Sound familiar? If so, you’re not alone.

This is where Non-Linear Funnels come into play.

Today’s audience is savvy, overstimulated, and wary of the hard-sell journey of traditional funnels.

With a Non-Linear Funnel, the focus shifts from pushing people down a predictable path to building a web of engagement that grows trust over time, allowing your audience to engage and convert on their own terms.

Why the Traditional Funnel Model is Outdated

You might wonder, If linear funnels worked so well before, why aren’t they cutting it now?

The answer lies in three key changes in the digital landscape:

1. The Rising Cost of Ads

Remember when you could get a workshop lead for 100 rupees or less? Those days are over. Today, it’s not uncommon to spend 500 or even 1000 rupees per lead.

Now imagine offering a 99-rupee entry product under these conditions. What are you left with? A loss on the front end and a shrinking budget.

2. Audience Skepticism

People are more cautious now. They know the game: first, the low-cost offer, then the upsell, then the high-ticket push.

Many potential buyers are skeptical of these “funnels” and feel pressured rather than engaged.

3. Low Engagement Rates

Even with low-cost offers, attendance, and engagement are dropping. How often have you seen people register for a webinar but never show up? It’s disheartening - and costly.

So, what’s the alternative?

Instead of funneling people through a rigid pathway, what if you could build an ecosystem where they choose to engage with your content because they find real value?

That’s the power of a Non-Linear Funnel.

What is a Non-Linear Funnel, and How Does it Work?

Think of a Non-Linear Funnel as more of a “content ecosystem” than a step-by-step pathway.

It’s designed to let people explore your brand and message naturally and personally, building trust without feeling like they’re being shepherded from one sales pitch to the next.

Imagine This: Your audience starts by engaging with a free lead magnet - a valuable ebook or mini-course. From there, they’re not bombarded with promotions.

Instead, they enter your email ecosystem and receive valuable insights, stories, and actionable advice, which keeps them engaged and builds trust over time. (Like you are reading this right now).

Over time, as they engage with your content, they’re drawn naturally to higher-ticket offers because they know you, trust you, and are ready for more.

Why Non-Linear Funnels Are Perfect for Today’s Coaches

Non-Linear Funnels fit today’s audience perfectly.

Here’s why:

1. It Builds Relationships that Last

Think about it: Would you rather have 1000 new subscribers who skim your emails or 50 engaged readers who actively look forward to hearing from you?

Non-linear funnels attract people who genuinely want what you’re offering.

Instead of just skimming, they read, engage, and share. The result? is a deeper, long-lasting connection that eventually leads to high-ticket conversions.

For example:

Imagine you’re a health coach. In a Non-Linear Funnel, you might share weekly emails with real-life stories of clients overcoming fitness challenges, valuable health tips, and insights on meal planning.

Instead of feeling like another subscriber, your audience feels like they’re on a journey with you, and when it’s time to offer a program, they’re far more inclined to jump in.

2. Allows Freedom of Engagement

Have you ever felt boxed in by a funnel? Imagine how your audience feels!

Non-Linear Funnels allow your audience to engage in a way that fits their own pace and interest. There’s no pressure to jump from one offer to the next, which ultimately makes them more willing to stay - and eventually buy.

Let me ask you a question.

If you had to choose, wouldn’t you prefer a content experience that felt flexible and tailored rather than a hard push to the next sale?

Non-linear funnels offer exactly that, which is why they’re so effective at keeping people engaged.

3. It’s Sustainable and Scalable

Let’s face it - traditional funnels often mean constant ad spending, chasing after every lead. And not to mention, the emotional energy expenditure to deliver a 3-hour workshop with an upsell at the end.

On the other hand, Non-Linear Funnels create a loop where every high-ticket sale fuels more lead generation, making it self-sustaining. It’s a model that grows with you.

For example:

Take a coach who sells high-ticket mastermind programs. By focusing on email-based engagement through a Non-Linear Funnel, they can nurture their audience over time.

When they do offer the mastermind, there’s already a waitlist because they’ve built trust and engagement, not just a list.

How to Build Your Own Non-Linear Funnel Step-by-Step:

So, ready to build your Non-Linear Funnel?

Here’s a practical guide to creating a Non-Linear Funnel that builds trust and boosts conversions.

Step 1: Start with a High-Value Lead Magnet

Forget the pressure of a low-ticket offer. Instead, begin with a lead magnet that offers genuine value - think of an in-depth guide, a valuable checklist, a mini-course, or an ebook. The goal is to create a first impression that says, “I’m here to help, not sell.”

Question: What could you create that would genuinely help your audience with no strings attached?

A health coach might offer a 7-day meal plan; a business coach, or a “10 Mistakes to Avoid in Your First Year” guide.

Step 2: Use Ads to Attract, Not to Sell

Here’s a shift: instead of ads that push a sale, create ads that promote your lead magnet as a resource. This positions you as an expert and attracts people who want to engage with your content, not just get a quick deal. This alone can increase the quality of your leads.

For example: Imagine running an ad for a “100-Day Digital Marketing Course.” You’re not asking for anything upfront, but you’re bringing people into your email ecosystem, where the real value starts.

Step 3: Nurture with Content-Driven Emails

Once they’re in, your focus shifts to nurturing. Share valuable, practical insights—something they can apply right away. Stories, case studies, and real-life examples are gold here. Avoid the hard sell, and instead, make each email a reason for them to look forward to hearing from you.

For example: A fitness coach might send a series of emails on “5 Simple Habits to Start Today.” With each email, the reader feels like they’re making progress, all thanks to your advice.

Step 4: Segment and Personalize Your Offers

Segmentation is where the magic happens. Based on engagement and interests, you can target different offers to different groups. Someone who clicks on links about advanced marketing strategies might be a fit for a high-ticket mastermind, while others might prefer a group coaching program.

Question: What topics resonate most with your audience? By tracking engagement, you’ll know exactly which offers make sense and when.

Step 5: Introduce Offers Naturally Over Time

Unlike traditional funnels, there’s no pressure here. In a Non-Linear Funnel, you’re not forcing a sale at every turn.

Instead, after nurturing your audience with consistent, valuable content, you introduce offers when they feel like the next natural step.

Let’s say you’re a business coach. After weeks of sharing helpful tips and insights via email, you invite engaged subscribers to an exclusive webinar on scaling a business. The invite doesn’t feel like a pitch. It feels like a continuation of the value they’ve been receiving.

Offsetting Acquisition Costs with Strategic Offers

One of the challenges with Non-Linear Funnels is covering your acquisition costs while still nurturing a long-term relationship. This is where the right One-Time Offers (OTOs) and upsells come in, providing value while offsetting your ad spend.

1. Offer a Small, High-Value OTO Right After Opt-In

When people opt into your lead magnet, offer an entry-level product that’s low-cost but valuable. This way, you’re covering some ad costs without pushing too hard.

Example: If you’re a business coach, a productivity planner, or a mini-course priced at 299-499 rupees can help offset costs while enhancing the lead’s experience.

2. Create Tiered Upsell Pathways Based on Engagement

Segment your audience into lower- and higher-engagement groups. Offer simpler products to the less engaged and more substantial options, like group sessions or mini-coaching, to the high-engagement subscribers.

For example: A fitness coach might offer a workout plan to low-engagement subscribers and a higher-ticket coaching bundle to high-engagement subscribers.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

As you shift to a Non-Linear Funnel, here are some key pitfalls to watch out for to make the most of your Non-Linear Funnel:

• Inconsistent Value: Every email should have a purpose and bring value, whether a tip, a story, or actionable advice. If you start sending too many sales-heavy messages, you risk losing the engagement and trust you’ve built.

• Ignoring Engagement Data: Metrics like open rates and click-through rates can tell you a lot about what resonates with your audience. By analyzing this data, you can adjust your content, segment subscribers, and make smarter offers that feel relevant.

• Expecting Quick Wins: Non-Linear Funnels are built for sustainable growth, not overnight success. Unlike traditional funnels, which are often designed for quick conversions, Non-Linear Funnels thrive on steady engagement and trust. The results may take longer, but they’re well worth the wait.

Why Non-Linear Funnels Are Your Key to Lasting Growth

Traditional funnels may have a place, but Non-Linear Funnels offer a more sustainable and relationship-driven path to growth in today's market.

By focusing on trust, consistently delivering value, and allowing your audience to engage on their own terms, you’re building a business that will grow with your community.

So here’s the big question: Are you ready to abandon outdated, rigid funnels and try a strategy that prioritizes relationships over quick wins?

With Non-Linear Funnels, you’ll be able to:

• nurture without pressure,

• build loyalty, and

• grow your business through genuine connections.

It’s time to shift and see how this approach can transform your client relationships and boost your success.