How to Create a Marketing Sales Funnel in CartFlows

This documentation explains how to create a marketing sales funnel using WordPress, WooCommerce, and CartFlows. The process includes installing the required tools, creating a funnel, configuring the Checkout page, and testing the funnel before going live.

1. Get a Domain Name and Hosting

efore creating your website, you need a domain name and hosting.

A domain name is your website address, and hosting is the service that stores your website files and makes them accessible on the internet.

Once you have purchased both, you can proceed with installing WordPress.

If you want to speed up the process of creating your website, you can also use ZipWP. It can generate a complete WordPress website with pages, design, and content that you can customize and use for your funnel.

2. Install and Set Up WordPress

Most hosting providers offer a one click WordPress installation.

After installing WordPress, ensure that your site is configured properly.

Navigate to: Settings > Permalinks then select Post name, then click Save Changes.

This structure creates clean and readable URLs for your website.

3. Install the Required Theme and Plugins

Install a WordPress Theme

Navigate to: Appearance > Themes > Add Theme

Install and activate the Astra theme. Astra is a lightweight and flexible theme that works well with CartFlows.

Astra theme: https://wordpress.org/themes/astra/

Install WooCommerce

WooCommerce is required to create and sell products in your funnel.

Navigate to: Plugins > Add Plugin

Search for WooCommerce, then install and activate it.

Refer to this documentation to know more details about WooCommerce and how to install it: https://cartflows.com/docs/how-to-install-woocommerce/

Install a Page Builder

CartFlows works with multiple page builders. You can install any builder you prefer. The most popular page builders are:

• Elementor
• Block Editor (Gutenberg)
• Beaver Builder

Navigate to: Plugins > Add Plugin

Search for your preferred page builder, then install and activate it. The Block Editor is the default WordPress page editor, so you do not need to install it.

Install CartFlows

Next, install the CartFlows plugin.

Navigate to: Plugins > Add Plugin

Search for CartFlows, then install and activate it.

The free version allows you to build funnels and customize WooCommerce checkout pages. The Pro version adds advanced features such as:

• Order Bumps
• One Click Upsells and Downsells
• Checkout field customization

For a complete walkthrough on installing the plugin, refer to this documentation: https://cartflows.com/docs/how-to-install-cartflows-free/

After activation, configure the page builder integration.

Navigate to: CartFlows > Settings > General

Select the page builder you installed earlier.

4. Create a New Funnel

Navigate to: CartFlows > Funnels > Create New Funnel

You can either import a ready made funnel template or start from scratch. Refer to this documentation for more details about creating funnel: https://cartflows.com/docs/how-to-create-your-first-cartflows-funnel/

5. Configure the Checkout Step

Select the Checkout step in your funnel and click Edit.

From this screen, you can:

• Assign a product to the Checkout step
• Customize the page layout using your page builder
• Adjust checkout settings

For a detailed explanation of assigning products and configuring the Checkout step, see this documentation: https://cartflows.com/docs/how-to-add-assign-products-to-a-checkout-step-in-cartflows/

6. Add Upsell or Downsell Offers

You can increase the average order value by adding upsell or downsell offers.

To add a new step click Add New Step inside your funnel. Select either Upsell or Downsell then choose a template.

For a complete walkthrough on creating these offers, refer to: https://cartflows.com/docs/create-oneclick-upsell-downsell-offers/

7. Set the Landing Page as Your Homepage

If your funnel landing page will be the main entry point for visitors, you can set it as the homepage.

Navigate to: Settings > Reading. Select A static page, then choose your funnel landing page.

This ensures visitors land directly on your funnel.

8. Test Your Funnel

Before launching your funnel, it is important to test the entire process.

Navigate to: CartFlows > Funnels. Edit your funnel and enable Sandbox Mode from the Funnel Settings panel.

Sandbox Mode allows you to simulate purchases and confirm that:

• Checkout works correctly
• Upsells and downsells function as expected
• Payments are processed properly

If you are using Stripe as the payment gateway and sandbox (test) mode is enabled, you can use the test card numbers: 4242 4242 4242 4242  on the Checkout page. Refer to this Stripe documentation to know more about the test number: https://docs.stripe.com/testing

Once everything works as expected, you can disable the Sandbox Mode and start accepting real orders.

Learn More in the Video Below

If you prefer a visual walkthrough, watch the video below to see how to create a marketing sales funnel using CartFlows.

Did You Know?

CartFlows can also be used to create funnels that are not related to eCommerce. For example, you can build a simple lead generation funnel using just two steps:

• A landing page with a lead generation form
• A Thank You page

This approach is commonly used to collect leads, offer free resources, or allow visitors to sign up for newsletters and other offers.