Let’s talk about marketing funnels. If you’re using a basic, top-to-bottom model that ends at the sale, you’re missing the bigger picture. Enter the ‘See-Think-Do-Care’ framework, a customer journey model designed to reflect how people actually behave—messy, non-linear, and wonderfully human.
This framework, created by Avinash Kaushik, isn’t just a nice theory. It’s a practical, easy-to-apply tool that transforms how brands engage with their audiences. Forget the one-size-fits-all approach; this is marketing with nuance, and it’s how the best brands build relationships that last.
The ‘See-Think-Do-Care’ Framework
So, what is it? This model breaks down the customer journey into four distinct stages:
- See: The widest audience possible—people who might someday care about your brand.
- Think: Those who are starting to consider their options.
- Do: The action-takers, ready to buy, sign up, or commit.
- Care: Post-purchase customers, where the magic of loyalty and advocacy begins.
Simple? Yes. Effective? Absolutely.
How Each Stage Works
See: Getting Noticed
The first job of any marketer is to get noticed. In the ‘See’ stage, you’re casting a wide net, aiming for maximum brand awareness.
Think about billboards, viral content, and social media campaigns. The goal isn’t to convert people—it’s to make sure they know you exist.
Example: When working with Stoves Cookers, I used a mix of social media ads and content marketing to ensure the brand showed up everywhere its potential audience looked.
Think: Building Consideration
Now they know you exist, it’s time to start a conversation. The ‘Think’ stage is about nurturing interest and presenting your brand as the best option.
When I worked with HItachi Personal Finance, this stage included targeted email campaigns and educational content that helped potential customers compare products and make informed decisions. It’s not about selling; it’s about being the helpful friend who guides them.
Do: Driving Action
The ‘Do’ stage is where the rubber meets the road. Here, you focus on making it as easy as possible for people to say “yes.”
When Stoves Cookers wanted to boost conversions, we sharpened their calls to action, simplified the consideration process, and added time-sensitive offers. The result? A noticeable lift in sales.
Care: Fostering Loyalty
Most brands stop at the sale. Don’t. The ‘Care’ stage is where long-term growth happens. It’s about looking after your existing customers so they stick around—and tell others.
With Hitachi, we implemented personalised follow-ups and a robust loyalty programme. The payoff was twofold: repeat business and glowing word-of-mouth recommendations.
Why This Model Beats Traditional Funnels
Traditional funnels assume the customer journey ends at the sale. But in today’s world, retaining customers is just as important as attracting them. The ‘See-Think-Do-Care’ framework acknowledges that relationships don’t end with a transaction—they evolve.
This model also recognises that customers don’t move through the funnel in a straight line. Someone might jump from ‘See’ to ‘Do’ or linger in the ‘Think’ stage for months. The flexibility of this framework makes it far more effective in the real world.
A Framework for Success
The ‘See-Think-Do-Care’ framework isn’t just marketing theory—it’s a practical guide to building meaningful, lasting relationships with your customers. By understanding and addressing their needs at each stage, you’ll do more than drive sales. You’ll create loyal advocates who champion your brand.
Ready to go deeper into funnels and customise one for your brand? Check out my advanced blog on marketing funnels for expert insights and strategies.