A funnel is a marketing model that illustrates the customer journey from awareness to purchase. It typically consists of several stages, including awareness, interest, consideration, and decision. At the top of the funnel, a large number of potential customers become aware of a product or service, and as they move down, fewer individuals progress to the next stages. Businesses use funnels to identify where they may lose potential customers and to optimize their marketing strategies. By analyzing each stage, companies can improve their conversion rates and enhance customer engagement, ultimately leading to increased sales and customer loyalty.