In the current online business landscape, changing visitors to customers is the ultimate goal for any online business. This is where digital sales pipelines shows its worth, and ClickFunnels exists as one of the most recognized names in this space.
Created by Russell Brunson in 2014, ClickFunnels has reshaped the way businesses and digital marketers conduct online sales, striving to streamline the purchase process from first interaction to completed sale.
But is ClickFunnels worth pursuing? Does it deliver on its claims? Whether you’re a seasoned marketer or just starting your entrepreneurial journey, this complete review will provide you with the complete picture you need to make an well-informed choice about ClickFunnels.
All About ClickFunnels?
ClickFunnels is an integrated marketing platform created to help businesses design optimized sales funnels without calling for technical expertise or a team of developers. At its essence, ClickFunnels allows users to construct landing pages, establish email sequences, manage payments, and handle customer relationships-all within a centralized 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 route customers go through from first learning about your product or service to finalizing a sale.
It typically includes levels like exposure, interest, consideration, and action.
Typical web pages are often built without a clear path for visitors to trace. This can create high bounce rates and lost potential customers. Sales funnels, in comparison, are strategically designed to lead visitors through a established path, boosting the likelihood of conversion at each step.
ClickFunnels’ System
ClickFunnels has simplified the process of creating these funnels with its user-friendly editor and prepared templates. The platform’s concept centers around not just creating web pages but creating effective conversion paths that convert visitors into customers and customers into loyal fans.
Core Functions of ClickFunnels
1. Funnel Designer
The essence of ClickFunnels is its easy-to-use funnel builder. Users can opt for a variety of funnel types, including:
- Opt-in funnels: Built to collect email addresses
- Sales funnels: For offering products or services
- Webinar funnels: To promote and register users for webinars
- Membership funnels: For recurring products
The drag-and-drop interface makes it easy to add components like text, images, videos, forms, and buttons without creating a single line of code.
2. Template Templates
ClickFunnels includes over numerous pre-designed templates for different industries and purposes. These templates, crafted by industry professionals, are created for success and can be modified to match your brand.
3. Split Testing
Identifying what works for your audience is essential for maximizing conversions. ClickFunnels’ A/B testing capability allows you to build multiple versions of your pages and compare different elements to see which works best.
4. Email Campaigns
ClickFunnels combines email marketing capabilities, allowing you to build automated email sequences started by specific actions. This feature helps develop leads and guide them further down the sales funnel.
5. Payment Processing
The platform easily integrates with payment processors like multiple payment options, empowering you to accept payments right through your funnels without redirecting customers to external sites.
6. Member Portals
For experts selling courses or subscription content, ClickFunnels includes the ability to create protected membership areas where members can access restricted content.
7. Results Monitoring
ClickFunnels furnishes thorough analytics on funnel performance, including page views, conversions, and earnings. These insights help users improve their funnels for improved results.
8. Referral System
If you have an affiliate program, ClickFunnels makes it uncomplicated to manage your affiliates, track their performance, and handle commission payments.
ClickFunnels 2.0: The Next Generation
In 2022, ClickFunnels released its most substantial update: ClickFunnels 2.0. This new version embodies a complete reconstruction of the platform with upgraded features and capabilities.
What’s New in 2.0?
- Improved Website Builder: A more powerful website builder that allows for complete website creation, not just funnels
- Enhanced E-commerce Capabilities: Better product management, inventory tracking, and order fulfillment
- Blog Creation: The ability to establish and run a blog directly within ClickFunnels
- Sophisticated Customization: More freedom in design and functionality
- Improved User Interface: A simpler dashboard and editor
- Efficiency Gains: Faster page loading times and better mobile responsiveness
- Improved 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.
Membership Levels
ClickFunnels features different pricing tiers to match businesses of various sizes:
Standard 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
Professional Plan
At $197 per month, the Pro plan provides:
- 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 assess the platform before deciding financially.
The Advantages of Using ClickFunnels
1. Integrated 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 control all these aspects in one place.
2. No Programming Expertise Required
The platform’s visual interface does away with the need for coding or design skills. This simplifies the funnel-building process, making it usable to entrepreneurs without technical backgrounds.
3. Rapid Deployment
With prepared templates and a simplified workflow, ClickFunnels significantly cuts the time needed to release a marketing campaign. What might take weeks with custom development can be finished in days or even hours.
4. Community and Support
ClickFunnels has established a dynamic 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 thorough documentation, tutorials, and responsive customer support.
5. Validated 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 building from zero.
6. Training Content
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 systematic learning opportunities.
Disadvantages and Drawbacks
Despite its many advantages, ClickFunnels isn’t without limitations:
1. Expense
Starting at $147 per month, ClickFunnels represents a substantial investment, especially for individual entrepreneurs or startups with limited budgets. Many competitors offer more affordable entry-level options.
2. Adjustment Period
While designed to be accessible, mastering all of ClickFunnels’ features and understanding funnel strategy demands time and dedication. New users might feel challenged by the platform’s capabilities.
3. Constrained Design Flexibility
Though the intuitive editor is powerful, designers accustomed to more advanced tools might find it constraining. The balance between simplicity and flexibility sometimes prioritizes the former.
4. Page Speed Performance
Prior to 2.0, some users reported difficulties with page loading speed, which can hurt SEO and user experience. While ClickFunnels 2.0 has improved performance, optimizing for speed needs attention.
5. Email Marketing Restrictions
While ClickFunnels contains 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 Alternatives: How They Compare
The sales funnel and landing page builder market has become increasingly saturated. Here’s how ClickFunnels stacks up against its main competitors:
1. Kartra
Positives relative to ClickFunnels:
- More complete 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
Advantages:
- More economical entry point ($37/month)
- Strong focus on lead generation
- Excellent mobile-responsive designs
- Solid WordPress integration
Limitations:
- 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 adjustable 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 straightforward for non-technical users
4. Systeme.io
Advantages:
- Significantly more economical (starting at $27/month, with a free plan available)
- All-in-one solution similar to ClickFunnels
- Simple, intuitive interface
Limitations:
- Fewer templates and design options
- Less extensive 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)
Positives:
- 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. Information Product Creators and Coaches
The platform specializes in 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. Internet Retail Businesses
With ClickFunnels 2.0’s improved e-commerce features, online retailers can create effective product funnels that increase average order value through upsells, downsells, and order bumps.
3. Consulting Businesses
Advisors, agencies, and service providers can use ClickFunnels to produce leads, book appointments, and sell service packages without complex website development.
4. Partnership Marketers
The platform’s optimization for conversions makes it perfect for affiliate marketers looking to enhance their commissions from promotional campaigns.
5. Writers and Content Creators
ClickFunnels provides effective book funnel templates that help authors distribute books while securing reader information for long-term relationship building.
6. Design-Inexperienced Entrepreneurs
Those without coding or design skills will benefit from ClickFunnels’ intuitive interface and pre-built templates.
Who May Want to Consider Other Solutions Elsewhere?
ClickFunnels may not be the ideal choice for:
1. Small Businesses 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 appropriate, though ClickFunnels 2.0 has made improvements in this area.
3. Design Specialists Seeking Complete Creative Control
Those who require precise designs and extensive customization might prefer platforms with more design flexibility.
4. Corporate Businesses with Complex Requirements
Very large organizations with complex integration needs and custom requirements might need more tailored solutions.
Starting Out 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
Opt for a funnel template that corresponds to 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 performing funnel before moving on to the next.
3. Leverage the Training Resources
Take advantage of the detailed training materials, including ClickFunnels’ onboarding sequence and the FunnelFlix training library.
4. Become part of the Community
The ClickFunnels Facebook group provides valuable insights and support from fellow users who can help solve issues or suggest optimization strategies.
5. Analyze and Optimize
Use the A/B testing features to regularly refine your funnels based on actual user behavior and conversion data.
6. Start with Prepared Templates
Rather than building from scratch, adapt existing high-converting templates to match your brand and offering.
Wrapping Up: Is ClickFunnels Worth It?
ClickFunnels represents a substantial investment, but for many businesses, the yield on that investment can be significant. The platform’s strength lies in its ability to streamline the complex process of creating effective sales funnels while providing the tools needed to cultivate leads and convert customers.
The decision ultimately depends on your specific business needs, technical comfort level, and budget. If you’re committed 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 improved 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 prosper in today’s competitive digital landscape. The platform continues to evolve, addressing previous limitations and enhancing its capabilities to serve a broader range of marketing needs.
Whether you’re selling e-products, physical goods, or services, ClickFunnels offers a optimized path from stranger to customer-and that, for many businesses, is well worth the investment.