In the current online business landscape, changing visitors to customers is the essential target for any online business. This is where customer journey software becomes essential, and ClickFunnels exists as one of the most established names in this niche.
Created by Russell Brunson in 2014, ClickFunnels has reimagined the way businesses and digital marketers conduct online sales, aiming to simplify the customer journey from discovery to checkout.
But is ClickFunnels cost-effective? Does it deliver on its claims? Whether you’re a digital marketing veteran or building your business from scratch, this detailed review will provide you with the complete picture you need to make an calculated decision about ClickFunnels.
All About ClickFunnels?
ClickFunnels is an unified marketing platform built to help businesses build optimized sales funnels without requiring technical expertise or a team of developers. At its heart, ClickFunnels allows users to design landing pages, generate email sequences, manage payments, and administer customer relationships-all within a integrated platform.
The Concept of Sales Funnels
Ahead of diving deeper into ClickFunnels, it’s critical to understand what a sales funnel is. A sales funnel shows the process customers go through from first encountering your product or service to finalizing a sale.
It typically includes steps like awareness, attention, assessment, and purchase.
Regular sites are often constructed without a structured journey for visitors to trace. This can create high bounce rates and lost potential customers. Sales funnels, conversely, are deliberately structured to direct visitors through a planned path, raising the likelihood of sales at each step.
ClickFunnels’ Approach
ClickFunnels has simplified the process of creating these funnels with its drag-and-drop editor and ready-to-use templates. The platform’s concept centers around not just constructing web pages but creating effective conversion paths that change visitors into customers and customers into dedicated followers.
Primary Elements of ClickFunnels
1. Funnel Designer
The core of ClickFunnels is its easy-to-use funnel builder. Users can choose from a variety of funnel types, including:
- Opt-in funnels: Developed to collect email addresses
- Sales funnels: For promoting products or services
- Webinar funnels: To market and register users for webinars
- Membership funnels: For membership products
The user-friendly interface makes it straightforward to add items like text, images, videos, forms, and buttons without coding a single line of code.
2. Ready-made Templates
ClickFunnels provides over 100 ready-made templates for numerous industries and purposes. These templates, created by marketing experts, are optimized for conversions and can be customized to match your brand.
3. Split Testing
Determining what connects with your audience is vital for enhancing conversions. ClickFunnels’ A/B testing tool allows you to build multiple versions of your pages and analyze different elements to see which works best.
4. Email Marketing
ClickFunnels features email marketing capabilities, allowing you to build automated email sequences launched by specific actions. This feature helps nurture leads and move them further down the sales funnel.
5. Checkout System
The platform effortlessly integrates with payment processors like multiple payment options, allowing you to accept payments instantly through your funnels without redirecting customers to external sites.
6. Member Portals
For entrepreneurs selling courses or subscription content, ClickFunnels delivers the ability to create private membership areas where users can access restricted content.
7. Performance Tracking
ClickFunnels offers comprehensive analytics on funnel metrics, including page views, conversions, and earnings. These metrics help users optimize their funnels for higher results.
8. Commission Management
If you have an affiliate program, ClickFunnels makes it effortless to handle your affiliates, track their performance, and handle commission payments.
ClickFunnels 2.0: The Upgrade
In 2022, ClickFunnels released its most significant update: ClickFunnels 2.0. This new version constitutes a complete overhaul of the platform with enhanced features and capabilities.
What’s New in 2.0?
- Improved Website Builder: A more capable website builder that allows for comprehensive website creation, not just funnels
- Expanded E-commerce Capabilities: Better product management, inventory tracking, and order fulfillment
- Blog Creation: The ability to establish and manage a blog directly within ClickFunnels
- Advanced Customization: More versatility in design and functionality
- Better User Interface: A more streamlined dashboard and editor
- Loading Time Upgrades: Faster page loading times and better mobile responsiveness
- Advanced CRM Features: More advanced customer relationship management tools
The upgrade to 2.0 resolves many of the shortcomings users experienced with the original version, making it a more thorough marketing solution.
Membership Levels
ClickFunnels offers 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
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
Funnel Hacker Plan
For $997 per month, the Funnel Hacker plan delivers:
- 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 experience the platform before investing financially.
The Positives of Using ClickFunnels
1. Integrated Solution
Perhaps the primary advantage of ClickFunnels is that it consolidates multiple tools into one platform. Instead of switching between different services for landing pages, email marketing, payment processing, and membership sites, users can manage all these aspects in one place.
2. No Development Experience Required
The platform’s visual interface negates the need for coding or design skills. This simplifies the funnel-building process, making it attainable to entrepreneurs without technical backgrounds.
3. Rapid Deployment
With existing templates and a simplified workflow, ClickFunnels significantly cuts the time needed to start a marketing campaign. What might take weeks with custom development can be done in days or even hours.
4. User Community
ClickFunnels has developed a engaged community of users who provide strategies, successes, and advice. The official ClickFunnels Facebook group has over 250,000 members, creating a useful resource for marketers at all levels. Additionally, the platform offers complete documentation, tutorials, and responsive customer support.
5. Verified Conversion Frameworks
The templates and funnel structures within ClickFunnels are based on proven marketing principles and tested conversion strategies. This means users benefit from established best practices rather than beginning anew.
6. Training Content
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 formal learning opportunities.
Weaknesses and Drawbacks
Despite its many advantages, ClickFunnels isn’t without limitations:
1. Price Point
Starting at $147 per month, ClickFunnels represents a considerable investment, especially for freelancers or startups with limited budgets. Many competitors offer more budget-friendly entry-level options.
2. Learning Process
While designed to be intuitive, mastering all of ClickFunnels’ features and understanding funnel strategy calls for time and dedication. New users might feel challenged by the platform’s capabilities.
3. Constrained Design Flexibility
Though the intuitive editor is effective, designers accustomed to more advanced tools might find it confining. The balance between simplicity and flexibility sometimes prioritizes the former.
4. Page Load Time
Prior to 2.0, some users reported concerns with page loading speed, which can negatively impact SEO and user experience. While ClickFunnels 2.0 has improved performance, optimizing for speed calls for attention.
5. Email Marketing Constraints
While ClickFunnels includes email marketing features, they’re not as sophisticated as dedicated email marketing platforms. Power users might still need additional tools for sophisticated email campaigns.
ClickFunnels Competition: How They Compare
The sales funnel and landing page builder market has become increasingly populated. Here’s how ClickFunnels fares against its main competitors:
1. Kartra
Positives relative to ClickFunnels:
- More extensive marketing automation
- Built-in video hosting and advanced video marketing features
- More robust email marketing capabilities
- Helpdesk and ticket system included
Weaknesses:
- 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
Weaknesses:
- Less complete than ClickFunnels (primarily focuses on landing pages)
- Limited checkout and payment processing options
- No built-in email marketing
3. Unbounce
Advantages:
- 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 budget-friendly (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 advanced 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
Limitations:
- 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)
Benefits:
- Most inexpensive option if you already have WordPress
- Ultimate flexibility and customization
- Complete ownership and control
- One-time purchases versus subscription model
Weaknesses:
- 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 perfect for:
1. E-learning Providers 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 advanced e-commerce features, online retailers can create effective product funnels that boost average order value through upsells, downsells, and order bumps.
3. B2B 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 suitable for affiliate marketers looking to optimize their commissions from promotional campaigns.
5. Content Creators and Content Creators
ClickFunnels provides effective book funnel templates that help authors sell books while capturing reader information for long-term relationship building.
6. Technically Challenged Entrepreneurs
Those without coding or design skills will benefit from ClickFunnels’ user-friendly interface and pre-built templates.
Who Should Explore Other Options Elsewhere?
ClickFunnels may not be the perfect match for:
1. Small Businesses with Limited Budgets
The monthly investment might be costly for businesses just starting out or with tight marketing budgets.
2. Editorial Websites
Businesses that rely heavily on blog content and SEO might find traditional CMS platforms like WordPress more fitting, though ClickFunnels 2.0 has made improvements in this area.
3. Design Experts Seeking Complete Creative Control
Those who require precise designs and extensive customization might prefer platforms with more design flexibility.
4. Major Businesses with Complex Requirements
Very large organizations with complex integration needs and custom requirements might need more bespoke solutions.
First Steps 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
Select a funnel template that aligns with your specific goal, whether it’s lead generation, product sales, or webinar registration.
2. Prioritize One Funnel at a Time
Rather than trying to build multiple funnels simultaneously, focus on creating and optimizing one successful funnel before moving on to the next.
3. Employ the Training Resources
Take advantage of the abundant 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 solve issues or suggest optimization strategies.
5. Evaluate 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, adjust existing high-converting templates to match your brand and offering.
The Bottom Line: Is ClickFunnels Worth It?
ClickFunnels represents a important investment, but for many businesses, the benefit 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 grow leads and convert customers.
The decision ultimately comes down to your specific business needs, technical comfort level, and budget. If you’re intent on optimizing your online sales process and prioritize an all-in-one solution that doesn’t require technical expertise, ClickFunnels offers a persuasive package-especially with the expanded capabilities of ClickFunnels 2.0.
For businesses that can afford 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 increasing its capabilities to serve a broader range of marketing needs.
Whether you’re selling e-products, physical goods, or coaching, ClickFunnels offers a simplified path from stranger to customer-and that, for many businesses, is worth the investment.