YouTube Video

September 2, 2025

The Funnel Strategy to Scale an Online Service Business in 2025

The Funnel Strategy to Scale an Online Service Business in 2025

The video outlines a simple funnel strategy to rebuild an online service business, focusing on video sales letters for conversions.

Written by

Steven Tey
Steven Tey

Reuben Shears

Founder & CEO, Optimally

This blog is based off Reuben's daily update videos on YouTube

Claim Your Free 1-1 System Demo

Get a personalised demo with Reuben (Founder)

Claim Your Free 1-1 System Demo

Get a personalised demo with Reuben (Founder Of Optimally)

Claim Your Free 1-1 System Demo

Get a personalised demo with Reuben (Founder)

Introduction

If you lost everything in your online service business and had to start from scratch, how would you rebuild? Many entrepreneurs default to traditional websites, but these outdated approaches rarely convert. Instead, the path to consistent growth lies in a streamlined, conversion-focused funnel. This article outlines the funnel framework that can take a business from zero to $30K months, every time.

Why Traditional Websites Fail

For decades, service businesses relied on static websites with a homepage, “about” section, service pages, and a “contact us” form. While this worked for large companies with significant traffic, it has proven ineffective for smaller businesses. Most entrepreneurs who depend on contact pages see little to no leads because these websites are not designed to convert visitors into paying clients.

A visually appealing website is not enough. Designers can create beautiful layouts, but without an understanding of marketing psychology, the site will not drive results. What service businesses truly need is a funnel that combines effective design with proven sales principles.

The Funnel That Works

The modern funnel is intentionally simple. At its core, it consists of:

  1. Traffic source

  2. VSL (Video Sales Letter) landing page

  3. Thank you page and booking flow

The centerpiece is the VSL page. Instead of long service descriptions, the page highlights a clear offer in this format:

  • Helping clients go from point A to point B

  • Within a specific timeframe

  • Using a unique mechanism

  • Without the major pain point they want to avoid

  • Supported by a risk-reversal guarantee

This structure captures attention and builds trust, but the true power lies in the video sales letter.

The Power of the Video Sales Letter

The VSL is the most important sales asset a service business can create. Every prospect sees it, making it the equivalent of a high-performing salesperson who works 24/7. A well-structured VSL handles objections, explains the service clearly, and sets the stage for the sales call.

On calls, prospects who have watched the VSL are significantly easier to close. If a prospect has not seen the video, asking them to watch it before continuing the call ensures they have the necessary context. This approach saves time and strengthens conversions.

Moving Beyond Service Pages

Lengthy service pages filled with text no longer work. Few people read them, and they rarely contain strong calls to action. Consolidating the offer into a concise, persuasive VSL keeps attention focused and moves prospects smoothly toward booking a call or attending a webinar.

This principle applies across industries, whether for agencies, coaches, consultants, or online educators. The format remains effective because it aligns with modern consumer behavior: people prefer engaging, structured content that quickly shows the value of a service.

A Real-World Example

This exact system is currently being built for a new business helping entrepreneurs manage Instagram DMs. Despite starting from scratch, the funnel approach, scripted VSL, professional editing, and clear call-to-action flow, creates immediate traction. With social proof and a conversion-optimized funnel, growth is far more predictable than relying on a static website.

Conclusion

Building a successful online service business does not require a complex website. It requires a focused funnel that blends marketing psychology with clear messaging. By leveraging a VSL-based funnel, service providers can consistently generate leads, close clients, and scale to $30K months, even when starting from zero.

For entrepreneurs ready to grow, the question is not whether to use a funnel, but how quickly they can implement one.

Introduction

If you lost everything in your online service business and had to start from scratch, how would you rebuild? Many entrepreneurs default to traditional websites, but these outdated approaches rarely convert. Instead, the path to consistent growth lies in a streamlined, conversion-focused funnel. This article outlines the funnel framework that can take a business from zero to $30K months, every time.

Why Traditional Websites Fail

For decades, service businesses relied on static websites with a homepage, “about” section, service pages, and a “contact us” form. While this worked for large companies with significant traffic, it has proven ineffective for smaller businesses. Most entrepreneurs who depend on contact pages see little to no leads because these websites are not designed to convert visitors into paying clients.

A visually appealing website is not enough. Designers can create beautiful layouts, but without an understanding of marketing psychology, the site will not drive results. What service businesses truly need is a funnel that combines effective design with proven sales principles.

The Funnel That Works

The modern funnel is intentionally simple. At its core, it consists of:

  1. Traffic source

  2. VSL (Video Sales Letter) landing page

  3. Thank you page and booking flow

The centerpiece is the VSL page. Instead of long service descriptions, the page highlights a clear offer in this format:

  • Helping clients go from point A to point B

  • Within a specific timeframe

  • Using a unique mechanism

  • Without the major pain point they want to avoid

  • Supported by a risk-reversal guarantee

This structure captures attention and builds trust, but the true power lies in the video sales letter.

The Power of the Video Sales Letter

The VSL is the most important sales asset a service business can create. Every prospect sees it, making it the equivalent of a high-performing salesperson who works 24/7. A well-structured VSL handles objections, explains the service clearly, and sets the stage for the sales call.

On calls, prospects who have watched the VSL are significantly easier to close. If a prospect has not seen the video, asking them to watch it before continuing the call ensures they have the necessary context. This approach saves time and strengthens conversions.

Moving Beyond Service Pages

Lengthy service pages filled with text no longer work. Few people read them, and they rarely contain strong calls to action. Consolidating the offer into a concise, persuasive VSL keeps attention focused and moves prospects smoothly toward booking a call or attending a webinar.

This principle applies across industries, whether for agencies, coaches, consultants, or online educators. The format remains effective because it aligns with modern consumer behavior: people prefer engaging, structured content that quickly shows the value of a service.

A Real-World Example

This exact system is currently being built for a new business helping entrepreneurs manage Instagram DMs. Despite starting from scratch, the funnel approach, scripted VSL, professional editing, and clear call-to-action flow, creates immediate traction. With social proof and a conversion-optimized funnel, growth is far more predictable than relying on a static website.

Conclusion

Building a successful online service business does not require a complex website. It requires a focused funnel that blends marketing psychology with clear messaging. By leveraging a VSL-based funnel, service providers can consistently generate leads, close clients, and scale to $30K months, even when starting from zero.

For entrepreneurs ready to grow, the question is not whether to use a funnel, but how quickly they can implement one.

Ctrl

+

K

To activate 'focus' mode.