Funnel Marketing and the Texas Rangers (what?)

The Texas Rangers won the American League Conference Series last night and I am pumped. They play game one of the World Series this Friday. I can't wait!

However, this blog is about funnel marketing. What? How's funnel marketing relate to the Rangers playing baseball. 

This is how. Texas Ranger fans are excited right now, this moment, this very second. Therefore, marketers of Major League Baseball shirts, jerseys, and caps are popping everywhere. On Facebook this morning, I clicked on an add showing a cool Rangers hat, a classic one with the blue colors and logo. What happened? I was taken to a web site landing page for women's apparel!

What? Women's apparel? I'm interested in the Texas Rangers! I want a classic hat! I'm not a woman. I don't want stretch pants. 

Here's the problem: the funnel for this Facebook ad was nonexistent. It took me to a place I did not want to go. So I left immediately. That MLB marketer just lost a potential sale because their funnel was clogged up with debris. 

A marketing funnel describes your customer's journey with you from the initial stages when someone learns about your business, to the purchasing stage. The idea is to guide a specific buyer to a specific location to make a specific purchase. Easy and uncomplicated. If I click on an MLB-sponsored ad on Facebook looking for a baseball cap, I should land on a page full of caps. And not just any cap, but a Texas Rangers cap.

We live in a world begging for funnels. This is why many web sites are so pathetic and outdated. Typical websites are not funnels, they are feeding troughs. My dad owned pigs when I was growing up and he fed all three hogs in a feeding trough. It was a dirty, disgusting fifty-gallon barrel cut in half and turned on its side. He threw the pig slop in the trough and the pigs ran to it for dinner. 

Some web sites are primarily pig slop tossed into troughs. Good luck trying to find what you want.

My advice? If you place an ad on social media, use it to funnel a customer to where THEY want to go. I know. It's easier said than done. 

Small Man, Big Bat: Jose Altuve's Truimph Over Adversity

It's game five in the ALCS and the Texas Rangers lead the Houston Astros by two runs in the ninth inning, 4-2. The series tied 2-2, this fifth game is crucial and one might say a must win. The Rangers are set to take the win. But they need three outs. 

Jose Altuve comes to the plate with two on base. He hits a three-run homer to give the Astros the lead, 5-4, and the Rangers lose. It was a knockout punch. It will be a real test to see if the Rangers can recover. That hit from Altuve may have sent the Astros to the World Series. 

Did I mention that Jose Altuve is 5' 6" tall? He's the smallest player in the major leagues. 

In a world where height is often equated with power and prowess, especially in the realm of sports, there exists a shining exception. Jose Altuve, standing at just 5'6", has proven that true strength doesn't always come in the most expected packages. The star player for the Houston Astros, Altuve has redefined what it means to turn perceived weaknesses into undeniable strengths.

The Making of a Legend

Born on May 6, 1990, in Maracay, Venezuela, Jose Altuve grew up with a burning passion for baseball. Despite his smaller stature, which many deemed a limitation for a sport that often glorifies towering giants, Altuve's dedication to the game never wavered. He began his journey in the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League, catching the eyes of several Major League Baseball (MLB) scouts.

However, when Altuve tried out for the Houston Astros in 2006, he was initially dismissed because of his size. The scouts felt he lacked the necessary physique to compete at a major league level. But Altuve's spirit was indomitable. Returning the very next day, with encouragement and a second chance from Al Pedrique, a former MLB player and then the Astros' special assistant, Altuve finally earned a spot and signed with the Astros in 2007 as a free agent.

Rising Above the Odds

In 2011, Altuve made his MLB debut with the Astros. Instead of seeing his height as a limitation, he transformed it into an asset. His shorter stature granted him a smaller strike zone, making it difficult for pitchers to get a bead on him. His swift and agile nature allowed him to be a menace on the bases, stealing base after base and electrifying crowds. His bat speed was electric. How does one get such power from such a small package?

With each game, Altuve showcased that it wasn't about how tall you stood, but how fiercely you played. He became an example of perseverance, proving that with the right mindset and enough hard work, any "limitation" can become a unique advantage.

Turning Weaknesses into Strengths

One of the most remarkable aspects of Altuve's journey is his ability to capitalize on what many perceived as his weaknesses. In an arena with towering opponents, his quick reflexes, agility, and unmatched work ethic made him a force to be reckoned with.

By demonstrating relentless determination, Altuve taught fans and fellow players an invaluable lesson: every perceived weakness holds within it the seed of an unrivaled strength. It's all about perspective. While many initially focused on his height, Altuve shifted the narrative to highlight his remarkable skills and unwavering commitment to the sport.

A Legacy of Resilience

Jose Altuve's accolades and achievements with the Houston Astros, including multiple All-Star appearances, there's already a case to be made that Altuve is the greatest player in Astros history. He was a cornerstone on two World Series championship teams, won the AL MVP Award in 2012 and is in the top three in Houston's all-time offensive charts in many categories, alongside Hall of Famers Craig Biggio and Jeff Bagwell. 

However, his true legacy extends beyond the diamond. He stands as a beacon of hope for anyone who's ever felt limited by external perceptions or self-doubt.

Altuve's story is a powerful reminder that limitations are often self-imposed. It's not about the hand we're dealt, but how we play our cards. By embracing what sets us apart and harnessing our unique attributes, we can overcome any obstacle.

Jose Altuve's journey from a young boy in Maracay to a star player for the Houston Astros serves as an inspiration to all. He turned the narrative of "too small to play" on its head, proving that with passion, dedication, and a bit of ingenuity, one can transcend any limitation. As Altuve continues to grace the baseball field, he not only plays for the love of the game but also to inspire countless others to chase their dreams, regardless of the odds.