In the modern e-commerce world, changing visitors to customers is the essential target for every digital enterprise. This is where sales funnel software proves valuable, and ClickFunnels remains one of the most prominent names in this industry.
Started by Russell Brunson in 2014, ClickFunnels has transformed the way entrepreneurs and businesses manage online sales, promising to streamline the purchase process from awareness to completed sale.
But is ClickFunnels a good value? Does it fulfill its expectations? Whether you’re a digital marketing veteran or building your business from scratch, this in-depth review will provide you with everything you need to make an informed decision about ClickFunnels.
Introducing ClickFunnels?
ClickFunnels is an complete marketing platform built to help businesses construct optimized sales funnels without requiring technical expertise or a team of developers. At its foundation, ClickFunnels allows users to build landing pages, make email sequences, handle payments, and administer customer relationships-all within a single platform.
The Fundamentals of Sales Funnels
Ahead of diving deeper into ClickFunnels, it’s critical to understand what a sales funnel is. A sales funnel illustrates the progression customers go through from becoming aware of your product or service to finalizing a sale.
It typically includes phases like exposure, curiosity, evaluation, and transaction.
Conventional sites are often constructed without a clear path for visitors to take. This can cause high bounce rates and missed potential customers. Sales funnels, by contrast, are methodically developed to direct visitors through a defined path, enhancing the likelihood of success at each step.
ClickFunnels’ System
ClickFunnels has made easier the process of creating these funnels with its visual editor and pre-built templates. The platform’s methodology centers around not just designing web pages but creating powerful conversion paths that transition visitors into customers and customers into dedicated followers.
Main Capabilities of ClickFunnels
1. Funnel Construction Kit
The core 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 offering products or services
- Webinar funnels: To advertise and register users for webinars
- Membership funnels: For recurring products
The user-friendly interface makes it simple to add features like text, images, videos, forms, and buttons without producing a single line of code.
2. Pre-built Templates
ClickFunnels offers over many professionally created templates for different industries and purposes. These templates, created by marketing experts, are engineered for sales and can be customized to match your brand.
3. Split Testing
Understanding what resonates with your audience is crucial for increasing conversions. ClickFunnels’ A/B testing function allows you to create multiple versions of your pages and test different elements to see which converts higher.
4. Email Automation
ClickFunnels integrates email marketing capabilities, allowing you to design automated email sequences activated by specific actions. This feature helps develop leads and move them further down the sales funnel.
5. Payment Integration
The platform effortlessly integrates with payment processors like different payment solutions, permitting you to accept payments directly through your funnels without redirecting customers to external sites.
6. Member Sections
For creators selling courses or subscription content, ClickFunnels provides the ability to create restricted membership areas where members can access restricted content.
7. Performance Tracking
ClickFunnels provides in-depth analytics on funnel performance, including page views, conversions, and earnings. These statistics help users refine their funnels for improved results.
8. Affiliate Tracking
If you have an affiliate program, ClickFunnels makes it straightforward to handle your affiliates, analyze their performance, and administer commission payments.
ClickFunnels 2.0: The Upgrade
In 2022, ClickFunnels released its most substantial update: ClickFunnels 2.0. This new version represents a complete rebuild of the platform with improved features and capabilities.
What’s New in 2.0?
- Better Website Builder: A more robust website builder that allows for total website creation, not just funnels
- Expanded E-commerce Capabilities: Better product management, inventory tracking, and order fulfillment
- Blog Creation: The ability to create and manage a blog directly within ClickFunnels
- Advanced Customization: More flexibility 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 capable customer relationship management tools
The upgrade to 2.0 addresses many of the shortcomings users experienced with the original version, making it a more robust marketing solution.
Price Plans
ClickFunnels features different pricing tiers to match businesses of various sizes:
Basic Plan
The Basic plan (now called the “Standard” plan in ClickFunnels 2.0) comes in 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 features:
- 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 includes:
- 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 provide a 14-day free trial, allowing users to assess the platform before paying financially.
The Positives of Using ClickFunnels
1. All-In-One Solution
Perhaps the main advantage of ClickFunnels is that it unifies multiple tools into one platform. Instead of handling different services for landing pages, email marketing, payment processing, and membership sites, users can administer all these aspects in one place.
2. No Programming Expertise Required
The platform’s drag-and-drop interface negates the need for coding or design skills. This simplifies the funnel-building process, making it accessible to entrepreneurs without technical backgrounds.
3. Time Efficiency
With pre-built templates and a smooth workflow, ClickFunnels significantly minimizes the time needed to release a marketing campaign. What might take weeks with custom development can be finished in days or even hours.
4. User Community
ClickFunnels has fostered a thriving community of users who share 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 extensive documentation, tutorials, and responsive customer support.
5. Verified Conversion Frameworks
The templates and funnel structures within ClickFunnels are derived from proven marketing principles and tested conversion strategies. This means users employ established best practices rather than building from zero.
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 valuable marketing insights, while the ClickFunnels training programs offer systematic learning opportunities.
Limitations and Drawbacks
Despite its many advantages, ClickFunnels isn’t without limitations:
1. Pricing
Starting at $147 per month, ClickFunnels represents a major investment, especially for small businesses or startups with limited budgets. Many competitors offer more economical entry-level options.
2. Learning Curve
While designed to be straightforward, mastering all of ClickFunnels’ features and understanding funnel strategy needs time and dedication. New users might feel overwhelmed by the platform’s capabilities.
3. Modest Design Flexibility
Though the intuitive editor is strong, designers accustomed to more advanced tools might find it confining. The balance between simplicity and flexibility sometimes favors 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 Restrictions
While ClickFunnels offers email marketing features, they’re not as comprehensive 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 contested. Here’s how ClickFunnels measures against its main competitors:
1. Kartra
Positives relative to ClickFunnels:
- More extensive marketing automation
- Built-in video hosting and advanced video marketing features
- More advanced email marketing capabilities
- Helpdesk and ticket system included
Drawbacks:
- Steeper learning curve
- Fewer templates specifically optimized for sales funnels
- Less active community
2. Leadpages
Strong points:
- More affordable entry point ($37/month)
- Strong focus on lead generation
- Excellent mobile-responsive designs
- Solid WordPress integration
Disadvantages:
- Less complete 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 customizable 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
Strong points:
- Significantly more economical (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 comprehensive feature set
- Smaller community and fewer educational resources
5. Instapage
Strong points:
- Superior design flexibility and customization
- Advanced collaboration features
- Excellent analytics and heatmaps
- Strong AdWords and Facebook Ads integration
Shortcomings:
- 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)
Advantages:
- Most budget-friendly option if you already have WordPress
- Ultimate flexibility and customization
- Complete ownership and control
- One-time purchases versus subscription model
Shortcomings:
- 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 Is Ideal For ClickFunnels?
ClickFunnels is particularly appropriate 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 easy to deliver content to paying customers.
2. Online Retail Businesses
With ClickFunnels 2.0’s improved e-commerce features, online retailers can create effective product funnels that boost average order value through upsells, downsells, and order bumps.
3. Client Service Businesses
Professionals, agencies, and service providers can use ClickFunnels to produce leads, book appointments, and sell service packages without complex website development.
4. Digital Affiliates
The platform’s optimization for conversions makes it appropriate 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 offer books while collecting reader information for long-term relationship building.
6. Design-Inexperienced Entrepreneurs
Those without coding or design skills will benefit from ClickFunnels’ accessible interface and pre-built templates.
Who Should Consider Alternatives Elsewhere?
ClickFunnels may not be the best fit for:
1. Startups with Limited Budgets
The monthly investment might be costly 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 ideal, though ClickFunnels 2.0 has made improvements in this area.
3. Design Specialists Seeking Complete Creative Control
Those who require flawless designs and extensive customization might prefer platforms with more design flexibility.
4. Large Scale Businesses with Complex Requirements
Very large organizations with complex integration needs and custom requirements might need more bespoke solutions.
Starting Out with ClickFunnels: Tips for Success
If you decide to try ClickFunnels, here are some tips to improve your experience:
1. Start with the Right Funnel Type
Decide on a funnel template that fits 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 effective 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. Join the Community
The ClickFunnels Facebook group provides important insights and support from fellow users who can help fix issues or suggest optimization strategies.
5. Test and Optimize
Use the A/B testing features to consistently refine your funnels based on actual user behavior and conversion data.
6. Start with Available Templates
Rather than building from scratch, alter existing high-converting templates to match your brand and offering.
Conclusion: Is ClickFunnels Worth It?
ClickFunnels represents a considerable investment, but for many businesses, the payoff on that investment can be considerable. The platform’s strength lies in its ability to uncomplicate the complex process of creating effective sales funnels while providing the tools needed to develop leads and convert customers.
The decision ultimately depends on your specific business needs, technical comfort level, and budget. If you’re serious about optimizing your online sales process and appreciate an all-in-one solution that doesn’t require technical expertise, ClickFunnels offers a convincing package-especially with the upgraded capabilities of ClickFunnels 2.0.
For businesses that can afford the monthly subscription and are committed to implementing effective sales funnels, ClickFunnels provides both the tools and the strategic framework to prosper in today’s competitive digital landscape. The platform keeps evolve, resolving previous limitations and increasing its capabilities to serve a broader range of marketing needs.
Whether you’re selling online courses, merchandise, or expertise, ClickFunnels offers a simplified path from stranger to customer-and that, for many businesses, is well worth the investment.