In the modern e-commerce world, transforming browsers into purchasers is the key focus for all internet companies. This is where digital sales pipelines comes into play, and ClickFunnels is recognized as one of the most prominent names in this industry.
Created by Russell Brunson in 2014, ClickFunnels has revolutionized the way entrepreneurs and online sellers conduct online sales, working to streamline the user experience from awareness to buying decision.
But is ClickFunnels worth pursuing? Does it deliver on its expectations? Whether you’re a marketing professional or building your business from scratch, this in-depth review will provide you with everything you need to make an informed decision about ClickFunnels.
Defining ClickFunnels?
ClickFunnels is an complete marketing platform designed to help businesses construct optimized sales funnels without requiring technical expertise or a team of developers. At its center, ClickFunnels allows users to construct landing pages, make email sequences, facilitate payments, and handle customer relationships-all within a centralized platform.
The Fundamentals of Sales Funnels
In advance of diving deeper into ClickFunnels, it’s essential to understand what a sales funnel is. A sales funnel illustrates the process customers go through from becoming aware of your product or service to completing a transaction.
It typically includes levels like awareness, interest, deliberation, and purchase.
Typical web pages are often developed without a defined route for visitors to follow. This can result in high bounce rates and lost potential customers. Sales funnels, in comparison, are purposefully created to navigate visitors through a defined path, improving the likelihood of results at each step.
ClickFunnels’ Approach
ClickFunnels has streamlined the process of creating these funnels with its point-and-click editor and ready-to-use templates. The platform’s concept centers around not just constructing web pages but creating powerful conversion paths that turn visitors into customers and customers into loyal fans.
Primary Elements of ClickFunnels
1. Funnel Development Tool
The core of ClickFunnels is its intuitive funnel builder. Users can pick a variety of funnel types, including:
- Opt-in funnels: Designed to collect email addresses
- Sales funnels: For promoting products or services
- Webinar funnels: To market and register users for webinars
- Membership funnels: For ongoing products
The user-friendly interface makes it effortless to add items like text, images, videos, forms, and buttons without typing a single line of code.
2. Template Templates
ClickFunnels features over 100 ready-made templates for multiple industries and purposes. These templates, developed by marketing experts, are structured for results and can be adjusted to match your brand.
3. A/B Testing
Knowing what appeals to your audience is essential for enhancing conversions. ClickFunnels’ A/B testing tool allows you to produce multiple versions of your pages and compare different elements to see which converts higher.
4. Email Campaigns
ClickFunnels includes email marketing capabilities, allowing you to build automated email sequences started by specific actions. This feature helps develop leads and move them further down the sales funnel.
5. Payment Processing
The platform easily integrates with payment processors like PayPal, Stripe, and more, enabling you to accept payments right through your funnels without shifting customers to external sites.
6. Protected Content
For entrepreneurs selling courses or subscription content, ClickFunnels delivers the ability to create restricted membership areas where clients can access protected content.
7. Data Analysis
ClickFunnels furnishes comprehensive analytics on funnel results, including page views, conversions, and earnings. These data help users enhance their funnels for stronger results.
8. Referral System
If you have an affiliate program, ClickFunnels makes it easy to manage your affiliates, monitor their performance, and distribute commission payments.
ClickFunnels 2.0: The Evolution
In 2022, ClickFunnels released its most noteworthy update: ClickFunnels 2.0. This new version signifies a complete redesign of the platform with advanced features and capabilities.
Upgrades in 2.0?
- Upgraded Website Builder: A more comprehensive website builder that allows for complete website creation, not just funnels
- Improved E-commerce Capabilities: Better product management, inventory tracking, and order fulfillment
- Blog Creation: The ability to develop and run a blog directly within ClickFunnels
- Advanced Customization: More flexibility in design and functionality
- Better User Interface: A more intuitive dashboard and editor
- Performance Improvements: Faster page loading times and better mobile responsiveness
- Expanded CRM Features: More powerful customer relationship management tools
The upgrade to 2.0 solves many of the weaknesses users experienced with the original version, making it a more comprehensive marketing solution.
Membership Levels
ClickFunnels features different pricing tiers to support businesses of various sizes:
Standard Plan
The Basic plan (now called the “Standard” plan in ClickFunnels 2.0) is priced at $147 per month and includes:
- Up to 20 funnels
- Up to 100 pages
- 3 payment gateways
- 3 domains
- 1 admin user
- Email automation
- Basic analytics
Plus Plan
At $197 per month, the Pro plan includes:
- Unlimited funnels
- Unlimited pages
- 9 payment gateways
- 9 domains
- 3 admin users
- Advanced automation
- Enhanced analytics
Elite Plan
For $997 per month, the Funnel Hacker plan contains:
- All Pro features
- Unlimited funnels and pages
- 27 payment gateways
- 27 domains
- 15 admin users
- Priority support
- Advanced API access
- Advanced training
All plans typically include a 14-day free trial, allowing users to try the platform before investing financially.
The Advantages of Using ClickFunnels
1. All-In-One Solution
Perhaps the primary advantage of ClickFunnels is that it unifies multiple tools into one platform. Instead of managing different services for landing pages, email marketing, payment processing, and membership sites, users can operate all these aspects in one place.
2. No Technical Background Required
The platform’s visual interface negates the need for coding or design skills. This opens up the funnel-building process, making it attainable to entrepreneurs without technical backgrounds.
3. Quick Setup
With template templates and a streamlined workflow, ClickFunnels significantly minimizes the time needed to launch a marketing campaign. What might take weeks with custom development can be accomplished in days or even hours.
4. Network and Assistance
ClickFunnels has established a thriving community of users who contribute strategies, successes, and advice. The official ClickFunnels Facebook group has over 250,000 members, creating a helpful resource for marketers at all levels. Additionally, the platform offers thorough documentation, tutorials, and responsive customer support.
5. Validated Conversion Frameworks
The templates and funnel structures within ClickFunnels are derived from proven marketing principles and tested conversion strategies. This means users take advantage of established best practices rather than creating from nothing.
6. Educational Resources
Beyond the software itself, ClickFunnels offers a collection of educational resources. Russell Brunson’s books, such as “DotCom Secrets” and “Expert Secrets,” provide insightful marketing insights, while the ClickFunnels training programs offer methodical learning opportunities.
Limitations and Drawbacks
Despite its many benefits, ClickFunnels isn’t without limitations:
1. Price Point
Starting at $147 per month, ClickFunnels represents a noteworthy investment, especially for individual entrepreneurs or startups with limited budgets. Many competitors offer more budget-friendly entry-level options.
2. Adjustment Period
While designed to be accessible, mastering all of ClickFunnels’ features and understanding funnel strategy takes time and dedication. New users might feel challenged by the platform’s capabilities.
3. Modest Design Flexibility
Though the drag-and-drop editor is robust, designers accustomed to more advanced tools might find it confining. The balance between simplicity and flexibility sometimes emphasizes the former.
4. Page Loading Speed
Prior to 2.0, some users reported issues with page loading speed, which can negatively impact SEO and user experience. While ClickFunnels 2.0 has improved performance, optimizing for speed takes attention.
5. Email Marketing Restrictions
While ClickFunnels features email marketing features, they’re not as advanced as dedicated email marketing platforms. Power users might still need additional tools for elaborate email campaigns.
ClickFunnels Contenders: How They Compare
The sales funnel and landing page builder market has become increasingly populated. Here’s how ClickFunnels compares to its main competitors:
1. Kartra
Strong points relative to ClickFunnels:
- More thorough marketing automation
- Built-in video hosting and advanced video marketing features
- More advanced email marketing capabilities
- Helpdesk and ticket system included
Weaknesses:
- Steeper learning curve
- Fewer templates specifically optimized for sales funnels
- Less active community
2. Leadpages
Positives:
- More affordable entry point ($37/month)
- Strong focus on lead generation
- Excellent mobile-responsive designs
- Solid WordPress integration
Limitations:
- Less full-featured than ClickFunnels (primarily focuses on landing pages)
- Limited checkout and payment processing options
- No built-in email marketing
3. Unbounce
Strong points:
- Advanced A/B testing capabilities
- Highly flexible design options
- Strong analytics and conversion intelligence
- More affordable starting point
Disadvantages:
- Primarily focused on landing pages rather than complete funnels
- No built-in payment processing
- Less straightforward for non-technical users
4. Systeme.io
Positives:
- Significantly more inexpensive (starting at $27/month, with a free plan available)
- All-in-one solution similar to ClickFunnels
- Simple, intuitive interface
Weaknesses:
- Fewer templates and design options
- Less robust feature set
- Smaller community and fewer educational resources
5. Instapage
Advantages:
- Superior design flexibility and customization
- Advanced collaboration features
- Excellent analytics and heatmaps
- Strong AdWords and Facebook Ads integration
Drawbacks:
- Higher price point (starting at $149/month)
- Focus on landing pages rather than complete funnels
- No built-in payment processing
6. WordPress + Plugins (DIY Approach)
Strong points:
- Most economical option if you already have WordPress
- Ultimate flexibility and customization
- Complete ownership and control
- One-time purchases versus subscription model
Drawbacks:
- Requires technical knowledge to set up and maintain
- Multiple plugins may cause compatibility issues
- No unified support system
- Time-intensive to implement and manage
Who Would Benefit From ClickFunnels?
ClickFunnels is particularly beneficial for:
1. Online Course Creators and Coaches
The platform excels at creating sales funnels for digital products like courses, coaching programs, and membership sites. The built-in membership functionality makes it effortless to deliver content to paying customers.
2. Internet Retail Businesses
With ClickFunnels 2.0’s expanded e-commerce features, online retailers can create effective product funnels that increase average order value through upsells, downsells, and order bumps.
3. Professional Services Businesses
Consultants, agencies, and service providers can use ClickFunnels to obtain leads, book appointments, and sell service packages without complex website development.
4. Partnership Marketers
The platform’s optimization for conversions makes it suitable for affiliate marketers looking to improve their commissions from promotional campaigns.
5. Content Creators and Content Creators
ClickFunnels provides effective book funnel templates that help authors sell books while collecting reader information for long-term relationship building.
6. Code-Averse Entrepreneurs
Those without coding or design skills will welcome ClickFunnels’ intuitive interface and pre-built templates.
Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere?
ClickFunnels may not be the perfect match for:
1. Startups with Limited Budgets
The monthly investment might be prohibitive for businesses just starting out or with tight marketing budgets.
2. Blog-Focused Websites
Businesses that rely heavily on blog content and SEO might find traditional CMS platforms like WordPress more suitable, though ClickFunnels 2.0 has made improvements in this area.
3. Advanced Designers Seeking Complete Creative Control
Those who require exact designs and extensive customization might prefer platforms with more design flexibility.
4. Multinational Businesses with Complex Requirements
Very large organizations with complex integration needs and custom requirements might need more specialized solutions.
Starting Out with ClickFunnels: Tips for Success
If you decide to try ClickFunnels, here are some tips to optimize your experience:
1. Start with the Right Funnel Type
Pick a funnel template that corresponds to your specific goal, whether it’s lead generation, product sales, or webinar registration.
2. Concentrate on One Funnel at a Time
Rather than trying to build multiple funnels simultaneously, focus on creating and optimizing one converting funnel before moving on to the next.
3. Employ the Training Resources
Take advantage of the comprehensive training materials, including ClickFunnels’ onboarding sequence and the FunnelFlix training library.
4. Join the Community
The ClickFunnels Facebook group provides helpful insights and support from fellow users who can help resolve issues or suggest optimization strategies.
5. Evaluate and Optimize
Use the A/B testing features to constantly refine your funnels based on actual user behavior and conversion data.
6. Start with Existing Templates
Rather than building from scratch, adjust existing high-converting templates to match your brand and offering.
Summary: Is ClickFunnels Worth It?
ClickFunnels represents a important investment, but for many businesses, the yield on that investment can be substantial. The platform’s strength lies in its ability to streamline the complex process of creating effective sales funnels while providing the tools needed to grow leads and convert customers.
The decision ultimately comes down to your specific business needs, technical comfort level, and budget. If you’re serious about optimizing your online sales process and prioritize an all-in-one solution that doesn’t require technical expertise, ClickFunnels offers a appealing package-especially with the upgraded capabilities of ClickFunnels 2.0.
For businesses that can budget for the monthly subscription and are serious about implementing effective sales funnels, ClickFunnels provides both the tools and the strategic framework to flourish in today’s competitive digital landscape. The platform regularly evolve, resolving previous limitations and increasing its capabilities to serve a broader range of marketing needs.
Whether you’re selling online courses, items, or services, ClickFunnels offers a optimized path from stranger to customer-and that, for many businesses, is well worth the investment.