How to Create Automated Upsell Funnels on Payhip? (From Trial to Triumph)

Back when I launched my first ebook, a bite-sized guide for freelance writers — I priced it low on purpose. Something like $7. I figured cheap = more sales, right?

Well… sort of. I made sales, sure, but it didn’t move the needle the way I’d hoped. Then I tried adding an upsell offer right after checkout: a $29 mini course called “Pitch Like a Pro.” And guess what? Roughly 15% of buyers clicked yes. Just like that, my average order value jumped without me lifting another finger. That’s when it clicked. THIS is the magic of a good funnel.

If you’re using Payhip and wondering how to build something similar without needing tech skills or fancy software, I got you. Here’s how I did it — mistakes, wins, and all.

Step 1: Start with a Low-Ticket “No-Brainer” Product

You can’t upsell until someone buys. So your front-end offer needs to be irresistible. I’m talking:

• A digital product priced under $10

• Super specific outcome (like “Write Your First Cold Pitch in 30 Minutes”)

• Quick win, low friction, easy yes

For me, that was my starter ebook. On Payhip, I uploaded the file, wrote a snappy description, and hit publish. Done.

If you’re still figuring out what pairs well with a low-ticket item, check out these 15 best cross-sell products for digital creators from real experience to spark ideas.

Step 2: Set Up an Upsell Offer in Payhip

Here’s the cool part: Payhip already has built-in upsell functionality. No Zapier. No ThriveCart. No stress.

Just go to your product dashboard, click on your main product, then scroll to the “After Purchase” section. From there:

• Select “Add an Upsell”

• Choose the upsell product you’ve already uploaded (mine was the $29 mini course)

• Write a quick pitch for the upsell page (headline + bullet points + optional image)

I kept my copy simple. Something like:

“Want to land paid gigs even faster? Upgrade now and get my Pitch Like a Pro video training — normally $49, today only $29.”

One-time offer, baby. Classic sales psychology. Works like a charm. If you need help with this part, read how to write high-converting upsell copy to make your pitch irresistible.

Step 3: Deliver the Upsell Instantly

No one wants to wait for access.

Payhip automatically delivers the upsell content once purchased — either via download or access link, depending on your product type (PDF, course, etc.). If you’re selling a course, make sure it’s already set up and published inside your Payhip Courses dashboard.

If you’re selling templates, guides, or bundles, upload them as a ZIP file. That way, the buyer gets everything at once and doesn’t feel like they’re chasing down files.

Want to boost urgency and conversions? Consider using scarcity to boost upsell conversions with phrases like “limited-time offer” or countdown-style messaging.

Step 4: Test, Track, and Tweak

This part’s easy to skip, but please don’t.

After my funnel had about 100 sales, I checked my Payhip analytics. Turns out, my upsell conversion rate was sitting at 14.7%. Not bad, but not perfect.

So I tested:

• A new headline

• Different pricing ($29 vs $19 vs $37)

• A bonus PDF add-on

• An A/B test using the “Add Discount Code” option to see what resonated

Eventually, I landed on the combo that worked best: $29 price + bonus swipe file. That version converted closer to 20%.

If you’re curious what others are doing, check out these 11 case studies of successful upsell strategies that actually worked. Real examples can shortcut your testing phase.

Lessons Learned (So You Don’t Repeat My Mistakes)

• Don’t upsell just to upsell. Make sure it actually enhances the first product.

• Make the offer feel exclusive. Words like “Today Only” or “Only for Buyers” help.

• Keep the upsell simple. One choice, one click. No checkout again.

• Track your AOV. If your upsell isn’t improving average order value, it needs tweaking.

Want to go deeper? These 7 best tips on how to increase order value with upsells can give you even more ideas for boosting performance.

Examples of Great Payhip Upsell Funnels

• Ebook + Video Training: Sell a low-priced guide, then upsell a workshop replay or tutorial bundle.

• Template Pack + Masterclass: Offer templates first, then upsell a paid training on how to use them effectively.

• Mini Course + Coaching Call: After a $17 course, upsell a 1:1 coaching slot or audit session.

• Freebie + Paid Product: Even after a free lead magnet, you can upsell a low-ticket item as a tripwire.

Final Thoughts

I’m not exaggerating when I say this: setting up a simple upsell funnel on Payhip changed my entire business. It didn’t require a team. Or fancy tools. Or a $997 funnel course.

It just took paying attention to what my buyers actually needed next — then offering that thing in a no-pressure, post-purchase way.

If you’re selling anything on Payhip and not using upsells yet? You’re leaving easy money on the table.

Go create that upsell page, write a quick pitch, and test it out. You’ll be surprised at how many people say “yes.”