Funnels are the engine of affiliate marketing – they capture leads, nurture them, and guide them to offers. The catch? Most beginners think funnels require expensive software and high-level tech skills.
This case study proves otherwise. Using only free AI tools, we built a simple funnel from scratch: landing page, lead magnet delivery, and follow-up emails. The goal was to show beginners that you can start with zero budget and still create a working system.
Key Insights
- Free AI tools can handle copywriting, design, and email sequences.
- Funnels don't need to be complicated – one page and one email series is enough.
- Free email software can manage small lists and automation.
- The biggest win comes from consistency, not fancy software.
- Anyone can start building today without financial risk.
Step 1: Draft the Copy with AI
We used ChatGPT Free to write:
- Landing page headlines and bullets.
- A short email sequence to follow up.
- A simple bridge page to pre-sell the affiliate offer.
Step 2: Design the Landing Page
With Canva Free, we created:
- A clean, professional landing page banner.
- Supporting visuals to match the lead magnet (a free checklist).
Then, we used a free plan on MailerLite to host the actual landing page.
Step 3: Deliver the Lead Magnet
MailerLite's free tier handled:
- The opt-in form.
- Automatic delivery of the checklist via email.
No paid software needed.
Step 4: Build the Email Sequence
Using AI prompts, we created a 5-day email sequence in ChatGPT, then loaded it into MailerLite.
The sequence included:
- Day 1: Deliver the checklist.
- Day 2: Share a quick win.
- Day 3: Tell a story.
- Day 4: Highlight a common mistake.
- Day 5: Soft CTA to the affiliate offer.
Step 5: Test the Funnel
We clicked through every step ourselves:
- The opt-in worked.
- Emails delivered correctly.
- Links tracked via Bitly Free.
The result: a fully functioning funnel, built 100% with free tools.
(Q&A)
Q: Can I really build a funnel without paid software?
A: Yes. Free AI + free email platforms like MailerLite cover the basics.
Q: What's the main limitation of free funnels?
A: Subscriber caps and fewer design options, but they're fine for beginners.
Q: How many emails should a beginner funnel have?
A: Start with 3-5. Expand once you're comfortable.
Q: Do I need a custom domain for my funnel?
A: No – free plans provide hosted pages, though a domain looks more professional later.
Q: What's the biggest mistake to avoid?
A: Waiting until you can “afford” paid tools. Starting with free builds momentum.
- Comparisons, Roundups & Case Studies
“See the full Comparisons pillar for real-world experiments that test what's possible using free AI tools.” - Case Study: 7 Days of Affiliate Posts in 20 Minutes
“Learn how to batch-create a week's worth of affiliate content in under 20 minutes using free tools.” - Free AI Tools for Content Creation
“Explore Content Creation tools to craft scroll-stopping posts, videos, and articles that feed your funnels.”
Don't let expensive software hold you back. This case study proves you can build a functional funnel with nothing but free AI tools. Start small, keep it simple, and scale when you're ready.
