How to Set Up an Automated Social Media Funnel Using Free and Paid Tools
Social media is no longer just about likes and followers—it’s your modern-day sales engine. But what if you could make that engine run on autopilot? At Mag Cloud Solutions, we help brands simplify marketing. That includes building an automated social media funnel—so leads find you, not the other way around.
This guide will show you how to set up your own social media funnel from scratch using a mix of free and paid tools. No fluff, just action steps.
What is a Social Media Funnel?
A social media funnel is a step-by-step process that takes someone from just hearing about your brand (awareness) to becoming a paying customer (conversion), and ideally, a fan who tells others about you (advocacy).
The stages typically include:
- Awareness – People discover your brand (via posts, ads, reels)
- Interest – They engage (likes, comments, follows)
- Consideration – They click a link to learn more (website/landing page)
- Conversion – They sign up, buy, or take action
- Loyalty – You nurture them post-sale for repeat business
Now imagine each of these steps happening automatically. That’s the power of automation.
Step 1: Create Magnetic Social Media Content (Free Tools)
Your funnel starts with attention-grabbing content. Use tools like:
- Canva (Free + Paid) – Design scroll-stopping graphics
- Pexels/Unsplash – Free images and videos
- ChatGPT + Grammarly – Write crisp captions and hooks
Tips:
- Post short-form videos on Instagram Reels, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube Shorts.
- Use carousel posts to provide value (ex: “5 mistakes to avoid in [your niche]”).
- Add call-to-actions like “Link in bio” or “DM us to know more.”
Make your content do the talking and leading.
Step 2: Build a Lead Magnet (Free/Paid)
Once someone is interested, offer them something irresistible in exchange for their contact info (email/phone number).
Ideas:
- Free eBook
- Checklist
- Webinar registration
- Discount coupon
- Free audit/consultation
Tools to create it:
- Google Docs (Free) – Create eBooks or guides
- Canva – Beautiful design for PDFs
- Loom – Record a quick video or screen-sharing tutorial
- ConvertKit or Mailchimp – Email opt-in forms
Place your lead magnet on a landing page and link it to your bio or post captions.
Step 3: Build a Landing Page (Free & Paid Tools)
A landing page is where your audience enters the funnel. Keep it minimal with one clear message.
Tools:
- MailerLite (Free up to 1000 subscribers)
- Systeme.io (Free version available)
- Carrd (Super affordable)
- ClickFunnels or Leadpages (Paid, more features)
What to include:
- A powerful headline
- What the user gets (value)
- A form to capture details
- Trust elements (testimonials or stats)
Pro tip: Connect your form to an email platform immediately (automation starts here).
Step 4: Automate Follow-Ups (Email + Messaging)
Don’t let your leads go cold. Start email automation to build trust.
Free tools:
- MailerLite
- Systeme.io
- Brevo (formerly Sendinblue)
Steps:
- Send a thank-you email right after sign-up.
- Over the next few days, send 3–5 emails:
- Introduce your story
- Offer value (blog, video, tips)
- Show testimonials
- Make an offer
Bonus Tip: Use WhatsApp Automation (via WATI or Zoko) if your audience is India-based.
Step 5: Retarget Using Social Media Ads (Paid)
Not every lead converts the first time. That’s where retargeting comes in.
Run ads to people who:
- Visited your landing page
- Watched your videos
- Clicked on your posts
Platforms:
- Meta Ads (Facebook + Instagram)
- Google Ads (YouTube + Display)
- LinkedIn Ads (for B2B)
Budgets:
- You can start with ₹100–₹300 per day and scale as needed.
Set up retargeting pixels and lookalike audiences. Keep showing up until they say YES.
Step 6: Analyze & Optimize (Free Tools)
You can’t improve what you don’t measure.
Use:
- Google Analytics – See who’s visiting and from where
- Meta Business Suite – Track ad & post performance
- Bitly – Shorten links and track clicks
- Notion or Google Sheets – Track your funnel numbers manually
Metrics to monitor:
- Click-through rate (CTR)
- Landing page conversion rate
- Email open rate
- Cost per lead (CPL)
- Return on Ad Spend (ROAS)
Small tweaks = big results.
Bonus: Free + Paid Tool Stack at a Glance
| Stage | Free Tool | Paid Tool |
|---|---|---|
| Content | Canva, Pexels | Adobe Express, InVideo |
| Landing Page | Systeme.io, MailerLite | ClickFunnels, Leadpages |
| MailerLite, Brevo | ActiveCampaign, ConvertKit | |
| Ads | Facebook Ads Manager | RetargetApp, AdEspresso |
| Tracking | Google Analytics, Bitly | Hotjar, SEMrush |
Final Thoughts: Let the Funnel Do the Work
An automated social media funnel is like hiring a 24/7 sales assistant. It works while you sleep, travel, or build your next offer. You just need to set it up right, test what works, and let the tools do the heavy lifting.
At Mag Cloud Solutions, we don’t just help you get followers—we help you turn them into paying clients through intelligent systems and practical strategies. Whether you’re a startup or a growing brand, this system is your growth engine.
Want help building your funnel from scratch?
Talk to our experts at Mag Cloud Solutions. We’ll customize your funnel using your brand voice and audience insights, using both free and scalable tools.
