Case Study: Building a Funnel with 100% Free AI Tools

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
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• 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.