How to Build a High ROAS Funnel on WhatsApp and Telegram Without Heavy Ad Spending
What is a sales funnel on WhatsApp and Telegram?
A sales funnel on WhatsApp and Telegram is the strategic sequence that transforms a stranger into a follower, the follower into a lead, and the lead into a customer. Unlike traditional funnels based on landing pages and email marketing, the WhatsApp/Telegram funnel takes place within the platform itself — using content, DMs, and automation.
The great advantage is that you can build a funnel with a high ROAS (Return on Ad Spend) without solely relying on paid ads. Organic content, when well-structured and combined with automation, generates results comparable to or better than paid traffic.
The 4 stages of the funnel on WhatsApp and Telegram
1. Top of the funnel — Discovery and reach
The goal here is to appear to as many people as possible. The most effective formats for the top of the funnel are:
- Reels: greater potential for organic reach. Create content that entertains or educates in under 30 seconds
- Informative carousels: generate saves and shares, expanding reach
- Collaborations (collabs): posts in partnership with other profiles broaden the audience
Key metrics: reach, impressions, new followers.
2. Middle of the funnel — Engagement and relationship
Here the follower already knows your profile. The goal is to build trust and authority:
- Daily Stories: show behind-the-scenes, client results, testimonials
- Lives: live interaction generates a stronger emotional connection
- In-depth carousels: valuable content that positions you as a reference
Key metrics: engagement (likes, comments, saves), viewing time.
3. Bottom of the funnel — Conversion
The follower is warmed up and ready to buy. Activate conversion with:
- Posts with direct CTA: "Comment WANT to receive the link"
- Stories with link: to product, sales page, or scheduling
- Automated DM: when the follower interacts, they receive a personalized offer via automation
Key metrics: link clicks, DMs initiated, conversion rate.
4. Post-sale — Retention and referral
Satisfied customers buy again and refer others. Maintain the relationship with:
- Follow-up messages via automated DM
- Exclusive content for clients (Stories with Close Friends)
- Referral programs: reward those who bring in new customers
How to calculate the ROAS of your organic funnel
ROAS measures how much you earn for each real invested. In the case of organic funnels, the "investment" is your time and the automation tool.
Formula: ROAS = Revenue Generated / Total Cost
Practical example: If you earn R$15,000/month from sales coming from WhatsApp/Telegram and invest R$300/month (R$150 in tools + R$150 estimated in time), your ROAS is 50x.
Comparing with paid traffic, where a ROAS of 3-5x is considered good, the organic funnel with automation offers exponentially greater returns for those with an engaged audience.
Automation as the engine of the funnel
Automation is what turns...
The questions our community asks the most
These are the questions that come up the most in our groups and support channels about this topic. Each one is answered straight to the point.
How do I post to many groups at once?
By organising your offer catalogue and schedule in one place: you set the times and the system publishes to every connected group and channel. That is what keeps dozens of channels active without copy-pasting all day.
Which affiliate program is best to start with?
Start with the store your audience already buys from: fashion audiences fit Shein and Shopee, tech audiences fit Amazon, AliExpress and Mercado Livre. Once you have rhythm, add a digital product for the higher commission per sale.
How do I become an affiliate?
Pick a program (marketplace or digital product), register for free with the account you already use, list where you will promote and wait for approval, which usually takes one to two days.
How much do affiliates earn?
Marketplaces pay a percentage of each order, typically single to low double digits, while digital products pay far more per sale. Consistency across channels matters more than the program you pick.
Do I need a company or a large audience to start?
No. Most programs accept individuals, and groups with a few dozen engaged people are enough to be approved and make the first sales.
Do I need a company to be an affiliate?
Not to start. Most programs accept individuals and pay directly to the registered bank account. Incorporating becomes a choice once revenue grows.