Marketing Funnel vs. Flywheel: Which is Right for You?

For years, the marketing funnel has been the standard model for visualizing a customer's journey. It's a linear process that moves from awareness to consideration and, finally, to conversion. The funnel is great for tracking lead generation and identifying bottlenecks in your sales process. However, it treats the customer as an end-of-process outcome, not a continuous driver of growth.

The flywheel is a modern alternative that views customers not as an end, but as a driving force for growth. In this model, satisfied customers become promoters who refer new customers, creating a virtuous cycle. The flywheel's momentum is driven by three stages: Attract, Engage, and Delight. When you delight customers, they come back and refer others, spinning the flywheel faster.

Choosing between the two depends on your business goals. If you have a transactional business with a one-time purchase, the funnel may still be the most effective model. If you have a business that relies on repeat customers, referrals, and a strong community, the flywheel is a more accurate and powerful framework for growth.