In today’s digital marketplace, moving leads to sales is the primary objective for every digital enterprise. This is where sales funnel software shows its worth, and ClickFunnels stands as one of the most popular names in this space.
Established by Russell Brunson in 2014, ClickFunnels has reshaped the way businesses and digital marketers approach online sales, promising to enhance the user experience from discovery to final purchase.
But is ClickFunnels cost-effective? Does it match its promises? Whether you’re a marketing professional or building your business from scratch, this complete review will provide you with all the insights you need to make an smart choice about ClickFunnels.
All About ClickFunnels?
ClickFunnels is an unified marketing platform developed to help businesses construct optimized sales funnels without requiring technical expertise or a team of developers. At its essence, ClickFunnels allows users to develop landing pages, make email sequences, execute payments, and administer customer relationships-all within a unified platform.
The Fundamentals of Sales Funnels
Preceding diving deeper into ClickFunnels, it’s critical to understand what a sales funnel is. A sales funnel represents the path customers go through from first learning about your product or service to buying.
It typically includes steps like recognition, attention, assessment, and purchase.
Regular sites are often built without a logical progression for visitors to navigate. This can lead to high bounce rates and missed potential customers. Sales funnels, in comparison, are strategically designed to navigate visitors through a predetermined path, enhancing the likelihood of sales at each step.
ClickFunnels’ Strategy
ClickFunnels has uncomplicated the process of creating these funnels with its drag-and-drop editor and ready-to-use templates. The platform’s strategy centers around not just building web pages but creating effective conversion paths that convert visitors into customers and customers into repeat buyers.
Primary Elements of ClickFunnels
1. Funnel Construction Kit
The foundation of ClickFunnels is its easy-to-use funnel builder. Users can pick a variety of funnel types, including:
- Opt-in funnels: Built to collect email addresses
- Sales funnels: For marketing products or services
- Webinar funnels: To promote and register users for webinars
- Membership funnels: For recurring products
The intuitive interface makes it easy to add parts like text, images, videos, forms, and buttons without creating a single line of code.
2. Template Templates
ClickFunnels delivers over a hundred pre-built templates for numerous industries and purposes. These templates, created by professional marketers, are designed for sales and can be customized to match your brand.
3. A/B Testing
Knowing what connects with your audience is essential for optimizing conversions. ClickFunnels’ A/B testing feature allows you to create multiple versions of your pages and analyze different elements to see which is more effective.
4. Email Automation
ClickFunnels features email marketing capabilities, allowing you to create automated email sequences launched by specific actions. This feature helps nurture leads and move them further down the sales funnel.
5. Transaction Handling
The platform effortlessly integrates with payment processors like multiple payment options, facilitating you to accept payments immediately through your funnels without redirecting customers to external sites.
6. Member Portals
For experts selling courses or subscription content, ClickFunnels features the ability to create secure membership areas where customers can access special content.
7. Performance Tracking
ClickFunnels provides in-depth analytics on funnel performance, including page views, conversions, and earnings. These insights help users improve their funnels for better results.
8. Referral System
If you have an affiliate program, ClickFunnels makes it effortless to administer your affiliates, analyze their performance, and distribute commission payments.
ClickFunnels 2.0: The Improvement
In 2022, ClickFunnels released its most noteworthy update: ClickFunnels 2.0. This new version represents a complete reconstruction of the platform with upgraded features and capabilities.
Enhancements in 2.0?
- Improved Website Builder: A more robust website builder that allows for complete website creation, not just funnels
- Upgraded E-commerce Capabilities: Better product management, inventory tracking, and order fulfillment
- Blog Creation: The ability to develop and maintain a blog directly within ClickFunnels
- Enhanced Customization: More versatility in design and functionality
- Enhanced User Interface: A more elegant dashboard and editor
- Speed Enhancements: Faster page loading times and better mobile responsiveness
- Expanded CRM Features: More advanced customer relationship management tools
The upgrade to 2.0 solves many of the limitations users experienced with the original version, making it a more comprehensive marketing solution.
Membership Levels
ClickFunnels presents different pricing tiers to accommodate businesses of various sizes:
Fundamental 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
Premium 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
Ultimate 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 feature a 14-day free trial, allowing users to experience the platform before investing financially.
The Advantages of Using ClickFunnels
1. All-In-One Solution
Perhaps the greatest advantage of ClickFunnels is that it consolidates multiple tools into one platform. Instead of managing different services for landing pages, email marketing, payment processing, and membership sites, users can control all these aspects in one place.
2. No Technical Background Required
The platform’s point-and-click interface takes away the need for coding or design skills. This opens up the funnel-building process, making it accessible to entrepreneurs without technical backgrounds.
3. Quick Setup
With existing templates and a efficient workflow, ClickFunnels significantly minimizes the time needed to start a marketing campaign. What might take weeks with custom development can be achieved in days or even hours.
4. Community and Support
ClickFunnels has built a thriving community of users who provide strategies, successes, and advice. The official ClickFunnels Facebook group has over 250,000 members, creating a beneficial resource for marketers at all levels. Additionally, the platform offers comprehensive documentation, tutorials, and responsive customer support.
5. Tested Conversion Frameworks
The templates and funnel structures within ClickFunnels are founded on proven marketing principles and tested conversion strategies. This means users employ established best practices rather than building from zero.
6. Learning Materials
Beyond the software itself, ClickFunnels offers a collection of educational resources. Russell Brunson’s books, such as “DotCom Secrets” and “Expert Secrets,” provide useful marketing insights, while the ClickFunnels training programs offer methodical learning opportunities.
Disadvantages and Drawbacks
Despite its many strengths, ClickFunnels isn’t without limitations:
1. Price Point
Starting at $147 per month, ClickFunnels represents a substantial investment, especially for freelancers or startups with limited budgets. Many competitors offer more cost-effective entry-level options.
2. Learning Process
While designed to be easy to use, mastering all of ClickFunnels’ features and understanding funnel strategy calls for time and dedication. New users might feel overwhelmed by the platform’s capabilities.
3. Finite Design Flexibility
Though the point-and-click editor is effective, designers accustomed to more advanced tools might find it constraining. The balance between simplicity and flexibility sometimes tilts toward the former.
4. Page Loading Speed
Prior to 2.0, some users reported concerns with page loading speed, which can diminish SEO and user experience. While ClickFunnels 2.0 has improved performance, optimizing for speed calls for attention.
5. Email Marketing Constraints
While ClickFunnels features email marketing features, they’re not as powerful as dedicated email marketing platforms. Power users might still need additional tools for advanced email campaigns.
ClickFunnels Competition: How They Compare
The sales funnel and landing page builder market has become increasingly contested. Here’s how ClickFunnels measures against its main competitors:
1. Kartra
Advantages relative to ClickFunnels:
- More complete marketing automation
- Built-in video hosting and advanced video marketing features
- More sophisticated email marketing capabilities
- Helpdesk and ticket system included
Disadvantages:
- Steeper learning curve
- Fewer templates specifically optimized for sales funnels
- Less active community
2. Leadpages
Strong points:
- More inexpensive entry point ($37/month)
- Strong focus on lead generation
- Excellent mobile-responsive designs
- Solid WordPress integration
Weaknesses:
- Less extensive than ClickFunnels (primarily focuses on landing pages)
- Limited checkout and payment processing options
- No built-in email marketing
3. Unbounce
Positives:
- Advanced A/B testing capabilities
- Highly adaptable design options
- Strong analytics and conversion intelligence
- More affordable starting point
Shortcomings:
- Primarily focused on landing pages rather than complete funnels
- No built-in payment processing
- Less simple for non-technical users
4. Systeme.io
Benefits:
- Significantly more inexpensive (starting at $27/month, with a free plan available)
- All-in-one solution similar to ClickFunnels
- Simple, intuitive interface
Disadvantages:
- Fewer templates and design options
- Less robust feature set
- Smaller community and fewer educational resources
5. Instapage
Strengths:
- Superior design flexibility and customization
- Advanced collaboration features
- Excellent analytics and heatmaps
- Strong AdWords and Facebook Ads integration
Weaknesses:
- 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)
Strengths:
- Most inexpensive 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 Should Use ClickFunnels?
ClickFunnels is particularly ideal for:
1. Digital Educators and Coaches
The platform works great for creating sales funnels for digital products like courses, coaching programs, and membership sites. The built-in membership functionality makes it simple to deliver content to paying customers.
2. Digital Sales Businesses
With ClickFunnels 2.0’s improved e-commerce features, online retailers can create effective product funnels that enhance average order value through upsells, downsells, and order bumps.
3. Client Service Businesses
Specialists, agencies, and service providers can use ClickFunnels to create leads, book appointments, and sell service packages without complex website development.
4. Digital Affiliates
The platform’s optimization for conversions makes it perfect for affiliate marketers looking to optimize their commissions from promotional campaigns.
5. Writers and Content Creators
ClickFunnels provides effective book funnel templates that help authors sell books while gathering reader information for long-term relationship building.
6. Technically Challenged Entrepreneurs
Those without coding or design skills will value ClickFunnels’ user-friendly interface and pre-built templates.
Who Should Explore Other Options Elsewhere?
ClickFunnels may not be the optimal solution for:
1. Startups with Limited Budgets
The monthly investment might be too high for businesses just starting out or with tight marketing budgets.
2. Publishing-Oriented Websites
Businesses that rely heavily on blog content and SEO might find traditional CMS platforms like WordPress more appropriate, though ClickFunnels 2.0 has made improvements in this area.
3. Professional Designers Seeking Complete Creative Control
Those who require meticulous 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 tailored solutions.
Launching with ClickFunnels: Tips for Success
If you decide to try ClickFunnels, here are some tips to maximize 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. Focus 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. Leverage the Training Resources
Take advantage of the extensive training materials, including ClickFunnels’ onboarding sequence and the FunnelFlix training library.
4. Participate in the Community
The ClickFunnels Facebook group provides beneficial insights and support from fellow users who can help resolve issues or suggest optimization strategies.
5. Analyze and Optimize
Use the A/B testing features to continuously refine your funnels based on actual user behavior and conversion data.
6. Start with Pre-built Templates
Rather than building from scratch, alter existing high-converting templates to match your brand and offering.
Summary: Is ClickFunnels Worth It?
ClickFunnels represents a major investment, but for many businesses, the yield on that investment can be remarkable. The platform’s strength lies in its ability to streamline the complex process of creating effective sales funnels while providing the tools needed to develop leads and convert customers.
The decision ultimately hinges on your specific business needs, technical comfort level, and budget. If you’re dedicated to optimizing your online sales process and prioritize an all-in-one solution that doesn’t require technical expertise, ClickFunnels offers a compelling package-especially with the advanced 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 succeed in today’s competitive digital landscape. The platform consistently evolve, solving previous limitations and extending its capabilities to serve a broader range of marketing needs.
Whether you’re selling information products, merchandise, or services, ClickFunnels offers a optimized path from stranger to customer-and that, for many businesses, is deserving of the investment.