In the modern e-commerce world, moving leads to sales is the ultimate goal for any online business. This is where sales funnel software comes into play, and ClickFunnels is recognized as one of the most established names in this sector.
Created by Russell Brunson in 2014, ClickFunnels has revolutionized the way marketers and organizations handle online sales, promising to enhance the purchase process from discovery to completed sale.
But is ClickFunnels worth the investment? Does it meet its claims? Whether you’re a established entrepreneur or building your business from scratch, this in-depth review will provide you with all the insights you need to make an smart choice about ClickFunnels.
Defining ClickFunnels?
ClickFunnels is an comprehensive marketing platform created to help businesses design optimized sales funnels without requiring technical expertise or a team of developers. At its heart, ClickFunnels allows users to create landing pages, generate email sequences, execute payments, and supervise customer relationships-all within a unified platform.
The Principle of Sales Funnels
Ahead of diving deeper into ClickFunnels, it’s crucial to understand what a sales funnel is. A sales funnel depicts the process customers go through from being introduced to your product or service to completing a transaction.
It typically includes levels like awareness, engagement, decision, and conversion.
Standard websites are often created without a clear path for visitors to follow. This can produce high bounce rates and forfeited potential customers. Sales funnels, conversely, are strategically designed to direct visitors through a defined path, improving the likelihood of sales at each step.
ClickFunnels’ Methodology
ClickFunnels has simplified the process of creating these funnels with its point-and-click editor and pre-built templates. The platform’s strategy centers around not just building web pages but creating high-converting conversion paths that change visitors into customers and customers into repeat buyers.
Primary Elements of ClickFunnels
1. Funnel Development Tool
The essence of ClickFunnels is its user-friendly funnel builder. Users can decide between a variety of funnel types, including:
- Opt-in funnels: Built to collect email addresses
- Sales funnels: For selling products or services
- Webinar funnels: To boost and register users for webinars
- Membership funnels: For subscription-based products
The visual interface makes it uncomplicated to add parts like text, images, videos, forms, and buttons without writing a single line of code.
2. Pre-built Templates
ClickFunnels features over many ready-made templates for multiple industries and purposes. These templates, designed by marketing experts, are optimized for sales and can be tailored to match your brand.
3. A/B Testing
Determining what resonates with your audience is essential for improving conversions. ClickFunnels’ A/B testing function allows you to produce multiple versions of your pages and examine different elements to see which converts higher.
4. Email Campaigns
ClickFunnels combines email marketing capabilities, allowing you to establish automated email sequences launched by specific actions. This feature helps develop leads and guide them further down the sales funnel.
5. Checkout System
The platform smoothly integrates with payment processors like Stripe, PayPal, and others, facilitating you to accept payments immediately through your funnels without moving customers to external sites.
6. Member Portals
For entrepreneurs selling courses or subscription content, ClickFunnels features the ability to create exclusive membership areas where customers can access exclusive content.
7. Performance Tracking
ClickFunnels offers extensive analytics on funnel metrics, including page views, conversions, and earnings. These data help users enhance their funnels for improved results.
8. Referral System
If you have an affiliate program, ClickFunnels makes it effortless to handle your affiliates, monitor their performance, and distribute commission payments.
ClickFunnels 2.0: The Advancement
In 2022, ClickFunnels released its most major update: ClickFunnels 2.0. This new version marks a complete rebuild of the platform with advanced features and capabilities.
Improvements in 2.0?
- Upgraded Website Builder: A more sophisticated website builder that allows for comprehensive website creation, not just funnels
- Upgraded E-commerce Capabilities: Better product management, inventory tracking, and order fulfillment
- Blog Creation: The ability to develop and run a blog directly within ClickFunnels
- Enhanced Customization: More versatility in design and functionality
- Refined User Interface: A simpler dashboard and editor
- Technical Improvements: Faster page loading times and better mobile responsiveness
- Advanced CRM Features: More powerful customer relationship management tools
The upgrade to 2.0 fixes many of the weaknesses users experienced with the original version, making it a more complete marketing solution.
Cost Options
ClickFunnels provides different pricing tiers to suit businesses of various sizes:
Starter 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 delivers:
- 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 feature a 14-day free trial, allowing users to try the platform before subscribing financially.
The Positives of Using ClickFunnels
1. All-In-One Solution
Perhaps the greatest advantage of ClickFunnels is that it merges multiple tools into one platform. Instead of handling 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 point-and-click interface removes the need for coding or design skills. This simplifies the funnel-building process, making it manageable to entrepreneurs without technical backgrounds.
3. Time Savings
With pre-built templates and a efficient workflow, ClickFunnels significantly reduces the time needed to start a marketing campaign. What might take weeks with custom development can be accomplished in days or even hours.
4. Support Network
ClickFunnels has created a thriving community of users who offer strategies, successes, and advice. The official ClickFunnels Facebook group has over 250,000 members, creating a important resource for marketers at all levels. Additionally, the platform offers extensive documentation, tutorials, and responsive customer support.
5. Validated Conversion Frameworks
The templates and funnel structures within ClickFunnels are based on proven marketing principles and tested conversion strategies. This means users take advantage of 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 valuable marketing insights, while the ClickFunnels training programs offer methodical learning opportunities.
Downsides and Drawbacks
Despite its many advantages, ClickFunnels isn’t without limitations:
1. Investment
Starting at $147 per month, ClickFunnels represents a noteworthy investment, especially for small businesses or startups with limited budgets. Many competitors offer more cost-effective entry-level options.
2. Adoption Challenge
While designed to be intuitive, mastering all of ClickFunnels’ features and understanding funnel strategy takes time and dedication. New users might feel daunted by the platform’s capabilities.
3. Constrained Design Flexibility
Though the visual editor is effective, designers accustomed to more advanced tools might find it confining. The balance between simplicity and flexibility sometimes leans toward the former.
4. Page Performance
Prior to 2.0, some users reported issues with page loading speed, which can diminish SEO and user experience. While ClickFunnels 2.0 has improved performance, optimizing for speed needs attention.
5. Email Marketing Limitations
While ClickFunnels provides email marketing features, they’re not as powerful as dedicated email marketing platforms. Power users might still need additional tools for sophisticated email campaigns.
ClickFunnels Rivals: How They Compare
The sales funnel and landing page builder market has become increasingly contested. Here’s how ClickFunnels fares against its main competitors:
1. Kartra
Advantages 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
Shortcomings:
- Steeper learning curve
- Fewer templates specifically optimized for sales funnels
- Less active community
2. Leadpages
Positives:
- More inexpensive entry point ($37/month)
- Strong focus on lead generation
- Excellent mobile-responsive designs
- Solid WordPress integration
Shortcomings:
- Less robust than ClickFunnels (primarily focuses on landing pages)
- Limited checkout and payment processing options
- No built-in email marketing
3. Unbounce
Strengths:
- Advanced A/B testing capabilities
- Highly versatile 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 easy for non-technical users
4. Systeme.io
Positives:
- Significantly more cost-effective (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
Strengths:
- 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 budget-friendly 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 Will Love ClickFunnels?
ClickFunnels is particularly appropriate for:
1. Course Developers and Coaches
The platform is optimized for 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. Online Retail Businesses
With ClickFunnels 2.0’s improved e-commerce features, online retailers can create effective product funnels that raise average order value through upsells, downsells, and order bumps.
3. Consulting Businesses
Professionals, agencies, and service providers can use ClickFunnels to generate leads, book appointments, and sell service packages without complex website development.
4. Referral Marketers
The platform’s optimization for conversions makes it perfect for affiliate marketers looking to improve their commissions from promotional campaigns.
5. Book Publishers and Content Creators
ClickFunnels provides effective book funnel templates that help authors market books while obtaining reader information for long-term relationship building.
6. Code-Averse Entrepreneurs
Those without coding or design skills will benefit from ClickFunnels’ simple interface and pre-built templates.
Who May Not Be Ideal Elsewhere?
ClickFunnels may not be the optimal solution for:
1. Startups 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. Advanced Designers Seeking Complete Creative Control
Those who require flawless 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 customized solutions.
Beginning Your Journey 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
Select 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 profitable 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 valuable insights and support from fellow users who can help resolve issues or suggest optimization strategies.
5. Try and Optimize
Use the A/B testing features to continuously 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.
Summary: Is ClickFunnels Worth It?
ClickFunnels represents a significant 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 grow leads and convert customers.
The decision ultimately hinges on your specific business needs, technical comfort level, and budget. If you’re intent on optimizing your online sales process and desire an all-in-one solution that doesn’t require technical expertise, ClickFunnels offers a persuasive package-especially with the enhanced capabilities of ClickFunnels 2.0.
For businesses that can budget for the monthly subscription and are committed to implementing effective sales funnels, ClickFunnels provides both the tools and the strategic framework to flourish in today’s competitive digital landscape. The platform keeps evolve, addressing previous limitations and enhancing its capabilities to serve a broader range of marketing needs.
Whether you’re selling information products, merchandise, or expertise, ClickFunnels offers a efficient path from stranger to customer-and that, for many businesses, is warranted for the investment.