In the modern e-commerce world, changing visitors to customers is the main aim for every e-commerce venture. This is where conversion funnel tools becomes essential, and ClickFunnels exists as one of the most established names in this industry.
Established by Russell Brunson in 2014, ClickFunnels has reshaped the way companies and business owners conduct online sales, working to optimize the purchase process from discovery to checkout.
But is ClickFunnels worth pursuing? Does it match its claims? Whether you’re a seasoned marketer or a beginner in digital marketing, this in-depth review will provide you with all the insights you need to make an calculated decision about ClickFunnels.
Introducing ClickFunnels?
ClickFunnels is an complete marketing platform created to help businesses develop optimized sales funnels without calling for technical expertise or a team of developers. At its core, ClickFunnels allows users to develop landing pages, generate email sequences, manage payments, and administer customer relationships-all within a integrated platform.
The Principle of Sales Funnels
Ahead of diving deeper into ClickFunnels, it’s necessary to understand what a sales funnel is. A sales funnel depicts the journey customers go through from initially discovering your product or service to finalizing a sale.
It typically includes levels like discovery, engagement, consideration, and commitment.
Standard websites are often constructed without a structured journey for visitors to follow. This can result in high bounce rates and wasted potential customers. Sales funnels, in comparison, are purposefully created to navigate visitors through a structured path, enhancing the likelihood of positive outcomes at each step.
ClickFunnels’ Philosophy
ClickFunnels has uncomplicated the process of creating these funnels with its point-and-click editor and template templates. The platform’s approach centers around not just developing web pages but creating powerful conversion paths that change visitors into customers and customers into brand ambassadors.
Core Functions of ClickFunnels
1. Funnel Development Tool
The core of ClickFunnels is its user-friendly funnel builder. Users can opt for a variety of funnel types, including:
- Opt-in funnels: Designed to collect email addresses
- Sales funnels: For selling products or services
- Webinar funnels: To promote and register users for webinars
- Membership funnels: For membership products
The drag-and-drop interface makes it straightforward to add components like text, images, videos, forms, and buttons without coding a single line of code.
2. Template Templates
ClickFunnels offers over one hundred prepared templates for numerous industries and purposes. These templates, produced by professional marketers, are optimized for conversions and can be customized to match your brand.
3. Variant Testing
Identifying what appeals to your audience is vital for enhancing conversions. ClickFunnels’ A/B testing option allows you to create multiple versions of your pages and evaluate different elements to see which is more effective.
4. Email Marketing
ClickFunnels integrates email marketing capabilities, allowing you to establish automated email sequences activated by specific actions. This feature helps develop leads and direct them further down the sales funnel.
5. Checkout System
The platform seamlessly integrates with payment processors like PayPal, Stripe, and more, permitting you to accept payments instantly through your funnels without transferring customers to external sites.
6. Member Sections
For marketers selling courses or subscription content, ClickFunnels provides the ability to create secure membership areas where customers can access special content.
7. Results Monitoring
ClickFunnels provides comprehensive analytics on funnel success, including page views, conversions, and earnings. These metrics help users optimize their funnels for stronger results.
8. Affiliate Management
If you have an affiliate program, ClickFunnels makes it uncomplicated to administer your affiliates, track their performance, and distribute commission payments.
ClickFunnels 2.0: The Next Generation
In 2022, ClickFunnels released its most noteworthy update: ClickFunnels 2.0. This new version marks a complete reconstruction of the platform with expanded features and capabilities.
New Features in 2.0?
- Advanced Website Builder: A more sophisticated website builder that allows for comprehensive website creation, not just funnels
- Enhanced 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 adaptability in design and functionality
- Better User Interface: A simpler dashboard and editor
- Speed Enhancements: Faster page loading times and better mobile responsiveness
- Upgraded CRM Features: More advanced customer relationship management tools
The upgrade to 2.0 fixes many of the weaknesses users experienced with the original version, making it a more comprehensive marketing solution.
Price Plans
ClickFunnels includes different pricing tiers to support businesses of various sizes:
Entry-Level Plan
The Basic plan (now called the “Standard” plan in ClickFunnels 2.0) costs $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
Advanced 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 features:
- 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 evaluate the platform before subscribing financially.
The Advantages of Using ClickFunnels
1. Unified Solution
Perhaps the largest advantage of ClickFunnels is that it unifies multiple tools into one platform. Instead of switching between different services for landing pages, email marketing, payment processing, and membership sites, users can handle all these aspects in one place.
2. No Development Experience Required
The platform’s intuitive interface removes the need for coding or design skills. This streamlines the funnel-building process, making it manageable to entrepreneurs without technical backgrounds.
3. Quick Setup
With ready-made templates and a simplified workflow, ClickFunnels significantly reduces the time needed to release a marketing campaign. What might take weeks with custom development can be done in days or even hours.
4. Network and Assistance
ClickFunnels has built a thriving community of users who contribute 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 complete documentation, tutorials, and responsive customer support.
5. Established Conversion Frameworks
The templates and funnel structures within ClickFunnels are founded on proven marketing principles and tested conversion strategies. This means users benefit from established best practices rather than creating from nothing.
6. Instructional Assets
Beyond the software itself, ClickFunnels offers a multitude 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 considerable investment, especially for individual entrepreneurs or startups with limited budgets. Many competitors offer more economical entry-level options.
2. Training Requirement
While designed to be easy to use, mastering all of ClickFunnels’ features and understanding funnel strategy demands time and dedication. New users might feel overwhelmed by the platform’s capabilities.
3. Limited Design Flexibility
Though the builder editor is strong, designers accustomed to more advanced tools might find it confining. The balance between simplicity and flexibility sometimes tilts toward the former.
4. Page Loading Speed
Prior to 2.0, some users reported problems with page loading speed, which can harm SEO and user experience. While ClickFunnels 2.0 has improved performance, optimizing for speed takes attention.
5. Email Marketing Shortcomings
While ClickFunnels features email marketing features, they’re not as comprehensive as dedicated email marketing platforms. Power users might still need additional tools for advanced email campaigns.
ClickFunnels Contenders: How They Compare
The sales funnel and landing page builder market has become increasingly populated. Here’s how ClickFunnels measures against its main competitors:
1. Kartra
Positives relative to ClickFunnels:
- More comprehensive marketing automation
- Built-in video hosting and advanced video marketing features
- More robust email marketing capabilities
- Helpdesk and ticket system included
Drawbacks:
- Steeper learning curve
- Fewer templates specifically optimized for sales funnels
- Less active community
2. Leadpages
Positives:
- More cost-effective entry point ($37/month)
- Strong focus on lead generation
- Excellent mobile-responsive designs
- Solid WordPress integration
Shortcomings:
- Less comprehensive 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 simple for non-technical users
4. Systeme.io
Advantages:
- Significantly more budget-friendly (starting at $27/month, with a free plan available)
- All-in-one solution similar to ClickFunnels
- Simple, intuitive interface
Drawbacks:
- 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
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 inexpensive option if you already have WordPress
- Ultimate flexibility and customization
- Complete ownership and control
- One-time purchases versus subscription model
Disadvantages:
- 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. 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 easy to deliver content to paying customers.
2. Online 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. Consulting Businesses
Experts, agencies, and service providers can use ClickFunnels to create leads, book appointments, and sell service packages without complex website development.
4. Affiliate Marketers
The platform’s optimization for conversions makes it excellent for affiliate marketers looking to maximize their commissions from promotional campaigns.
5. Content Creators and Content Creators
ClickFunnels provides effective book funnel templates that help authors offer books while capturing reader information for long-term relationship building.
6. Technology Novice Entrepreneurs
Those without coding or design skills will welcome ClickFunnels’ simple interface and pre-built templates.
Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere?
ClickFunnels may not be the best fit for:
1. New Ventures with Limited Budgets
The monthly investment might be excessive 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 beneficial, though ClickFunnels 2.0 has made improvements in this area.
3. Design Specialists Seeking Complete Creative Control
Those who require pixel-perfect designs and extensive customization might prefer platforms with more design flexibility.
4. Enterprise-Level Businesses with Complex Requirements
Very large organizations with complex integration needs and custom requirements might need more specialized solutions.
First Steps with ClickFunnels: Tips for Success
If you decide to try ClickFunnels, here are some tips to enhance your experience:
1. Start with the Right Funnel Type
Opt for a funnel template that aligns with your specific goal, whether it’s lead generation, product sales, or webinar registration.
2. Target 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. Become part of the Community
The ClickFunnels Facebook group provides useful insights and support from fellow users who can help solve issues or suggest optimization strategies.
5. Experiment and Optimize
Use the A/B testing features to persistently refine your funnels based on actual user behavior and conversion data.
6. Start with Existing Templates
Rather than building from scratch, modify existing high-converting templates to match your brand and offering.
Final Thoughts: Is ClickFunnels Worth It?
ClickFunnels represents a important investment, but for many businesses, the return on that investment can be remarkable. The platform’s strength lies in its ability to simplify the complex process of creating effective sales funnels while providing the tools needed to foster leads and convert customers.
The decision ultimately rests on your specific business needs, technical comfort level, and budget. If you’re dedicated to optimizing your online sales process and value an all-in-one solution that doesn’t require technical expertise, ClickFunnels offers a appealing package-especially with the enhanced capabilities of ClickFunnels 2.0.
For businesses that can handle 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 continues to evolve, tackling previous limitations and expanding its capabilities to serve a broader range of marketing needs.
Whether you’re selling online courses, physical goods, or consulting, ClickFunnels offers a direct path from stranger to customer-and that, for many businesses, is deserving of the investment.