In today’s competitive online environment, converting visitors into customers is the main aim for every digital enterprise. This is where sales funnel software shows its worth, and ClickFunnels positions itself as one of the most well-known names in this space.
Started by Russell Brunson in 2014, ClickFunnels has reimagined the way companies and business owners conduct online sales, striving to improve the customer journey from discovery to buying decision.
But is ClickFunnels a good value? Does it live up to its claims? Whether you’re a seasoned marketer or just starting your entrepreneurial journey, this complete review will provide you with all the details you need to make an informed decision about ClickFunnels.
Defining ClickFunnels?
ClickFunnels is an all-in-one marketing platform built to help businesses build optimized sales funnels without the need for technical expertise or a team of developers. At its foundation, ClickFunnels allows users to design landing pages, create email sequences, execute payments, and administer customer relationships-all within a integrated platform.
The Fundamentals of Sales Funnels
Prior to diving deeper into ClickFunnels, it’s necessary to understand what a sales funnel is. A sales funnel symbolizes the process customers go through from becoming aware of your product or service to converting.
It typically includes steps like exposure, attention, deliberation, and conversion.
Conventional sites are often built without a obvious direction for visitors to trace. This can lead to high bounce rates and forfeited potential customers. Sales funnels, conversely, are methodically developed to lead visitors through a structured path, boosting the likelihood of conversion at each step.
ClickFunnels’ Approach
ClickFunnels has made easier the process of creating these funnels with its point-and-click editor and ready-to-use templates. The platform’s approach centers around not just designing web pages but creating powerful conversion paths that transform visitors into customers and customers into brand ambassadors.
Primary Elements of ClickFunnels
1. Funnel Development Tool
The foundation of ClickFunnels is its straightforward funnel builder. Users can decide between a variety of funnel types, including:
- Opt-in funnels: Built to collect email addresses
- Sales funnels: For retailing products or services
- Webinar funnels: To publicize and register users for webinars
- Membership funnels: For recurring products
The visual interface makes it simple to add components like text, images, videos, forms, and buttons without typing a single line of code.
2. Pre-designed Templates
ClickFunnels includes over a hundred prepared templates for multiple industries and purposes. These templates, created by marketing specialists, are created for success and can be tailored to match your brand.
3. Comparative Testing
Understanding what engages your audience is key for optimizing conversions. ClickFunnels’ A/B testing option allows you to design multiple versions of your pages and compare different elements to see which converts higher.
4. Email Automation
ClickFunnels integrates email marketing capabilities, allowing you to build automated email sequences triggered by specific actions. This feature helps foster leads and direct them further down the sales funnel.
5. Billing Integration
The platform seamlessly integrates with payment processors like multiple payment options, enabling you to accept payments immediately through your funnels without moving customers to external sites.
6. Member Portals
For marketers selling courses or subscription content, ClickFunnels provides the ability to create exclusive membership areas where users can access premium content.
7. Results Monitoring
ClickFunnels provides thorough analytics on funnel success, including page views, conversions, and earnings. These information help users perfect their funnels for greater results.
8. Affiliate Tracking
If you have an affiliate program, ClickFunnels makes it effortless to oversee your affiliates, measure their performance, and handle commission payments.
ClickFunnels 2.0: The Evolution
In 2022, ClickFunnels released its most substantial update: ClickFunnels 2.0. This new version constitutes a complete redesign of the platform with expanded features and capabilities.
What’s New in 2.0?
- Enhanced Website Builder: A more robust website builder that allows for full website creation, not just funnels
- Upgraded E-commerce Capabilities: Better product management, inventory tracking, and order fulfillment
- Blog Creation: The ability to build and maintain a blog directly within ClickFunnels
- Improved Customization: More options in design and functionality
- Better User Interface: A more streamlined dashboard and editor
- Technical Improvements: Faster page loading times and better mobile responsiveness
- Expanded CRM Features: More powerful customer relationship management tools
The upgrade to 2.0 addresses many of the restrictions users experienced with the original version, making it a more all-encompassing marketing solution.
Membership Levels
ClickFunnels provides different pricing tiers to suit businesses of various sizes:
Fundamental 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 offers:
- 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 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 feature a 14-day free trial, allowing users to experience the platform before paying financially.
The Advantages of Using ClickFunnels
1. Integrated Solution
Perhaps the largest advantage of ClickFunnels is that it merges multiple tools into one platform. Instead of switching between different services for landing pages, email marketing, payment processing, and membership sites, users can operate all these aspects in one place.
2. No Coding Knowledge Required
The platform’s user-friendly interface negates the need for coding or design skills. This opens up the funnel-building process, making it accessible to entrepreneurs without technical backgrounds.
3. Fast Implementation
With prepared templates and a streamlined workflow, ClickFunnels significantly reduces the time needed to initiate a marketing campaign. What might take weeks with custom development can be achieved in days or even hours.
4. User Community
ClickFunnels has created a thriving community of users who provide 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 detailed documentation, tutorials, and responsive customer support.
5. Tested Conversion Frameworks
The templates and funnel structures within ClickFunnels are derived from proven marketing principles and tested conversion strategies. This means users leverage established best practices rather than creating from nothing.
6. Educational Resources
Beyond the software itself, ClickFunnels offers a abundance of educational resources. Russell Brunson’s books, such as “DotCom Secrets” and “Expert Secrets,” provide beneficial marketing insights, while the ClickFunnels training programs offer systematic learning opportunities.
Downsides and Drawbacks
Despite its many strengths, ClickFunnels isn’t without limitations:
1. Pricing
Starting at $147 per month, ClickFunnels represents a major investment, especially for one-person operations or startups with limited budgets. Many competitors offer more affordable entry-level options.
2. Training Requirement
While designed to be intuitive, mastering all of ClickFunnels’ features and understanding funnel strategy needs time and dedication. New users might feel intimidated by the platform’s capabilities.
3. Modest Design Flexibility
Though the point-and-click editor is effective, designers accustomed to more advanced tools might find it confining. The balance between simplicity and flexibility sometimes favors the former.
4. Page Load Time
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 requires attention.
5. Email Marketing Constraints
While ClickFunnels offers email marketing features, they’re not as advanced as dedicated email marketing platforms. Power users might still need additional tools for high-level email campaigns.
ClickFunnels Competition: How They Compare
The sales funnel and landing page builder market has become increasingly crowded. Here’s how ClickFunnels compares to its main competitors:
1. Kartra
Advantages relative to ClickFunnels:
- More extensive marketing automation
- Built-in video hosting and advanced video marketing features
- More powerful 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 inexpensive entry point ($37/month)
- Strong focus on lead generation
- Excellent mobile-responsive designs
- Solid WordPress integration
Limitations:
- Less robust 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 adaptable 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 simple 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 robust 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
Weaknesses:
- 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 Will Love ClickFunnels?
ClickFunnels is particularly ideal for:
1. E-learning Providers 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 easy to deliver content to paying customers.
2. Digital Sales 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
Advisors, 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 appropriate for affiliate marketers looking to improve their commissions from promotional campaigns.
5. Writers and Content Creators
ClickFunnels provides effective book funnel templates that help authors sell books while securing reader information for long-term relationship building.
6. Technology Novice Entrepreneurs
Those without coding or design skills will value ClickFunnels’ user-friendly interface and pre-built templates.
Who Should Explore Other Options Elsewhere?
ClickFunnels may not be the ideal choice 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 appropriate, though ClickFunnels 2.0 has made improvements in this area.
3. Professional Designers Seeking Complete Creative Control
Those who require pixel-perfect 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 tailored solutions.
Getting Started 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 matches your specific goal, whether it’s lead generation, product sales, or webinar registration.
2. Emphasize 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. Employ the Training Resources
Take advantage of the detailed 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 troubleshoot issues or suggest optimization strategies.
5. Experiment and Optimize
Use the A/B testing features to regularly refine your funnels based on actual user behavior and conversion data.
6. Start with Existing 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 benefit on that investment can be significant. The platform’s strength lies in its ability to uncomplicate the complex process of creating effective sales funnels while providing the tools needed to cultivate leads and convert customers.
The decision ultimately hinges on your specific business needs, technical comfort level, and budget. If you’re serious about optimizing your online sales process and prioritize an all-in-one solution that doesn’t require technical expertise, ClickFunnels offers a attractive package-especially with the improved capabilities of ClickFunnels 2.0.
For businesses that can manage 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 regularly evolve, resolving previous limitations and extending its capabilities to serve a broader range of marketing needs.
Whether you’re selling downloadable items, physical goods, or coaching, ClickFunnels offers a efficient path from stranger to customer-and that, for many businesses, is warranted for the investment.