In today’s competitive online environment, turning prospects into buyers is the main aim for all internet companies. This is where sales funnel software comes into play, and ClickFunnels exists as one of the most established names in this sector.
Created by Russell Brunson in 2014, ClickFunnels has transformed the way companies and business owners conduct online sales, working to simplify the customer journey from discovery to final purchase.
But is ClickFunnels a good value? Does it meet its expectations? Whether you’re a established entrepreneur or just starting your entrepreneurial journey, this detailed review will provide you with everything you need to make an calculated decision about ClickFunnels.
Understanding ClickFunnels?
ClickFunnels is an comprehensive marketing platform created to help businesses construct optimized sales funnels without requiring technical expertise or a team of developers. At its essence, ClickFunnels allows users to build landing pages, generate email sequences, manage payments, and handle customer relationships-all within a unified platform.
The Idea of Sales Funnels
Preceding diving deeper into ClickFunnels, it’s necessary to understand what a sales funnel is. A sales funnel shows the route customers go through from becoming aware of your product or service to buying.
It typically includes parts like discovery, engagement, assessment, and commitment.
Traditional websites are often created without a logical progression for visitors to pursue. This can cause high bounce rates and forfeited potential customers. Sales funnels, on the other hand, are methodically developed to lead visitors through a defined path, enhancing the likelihood of success at each step.
ClickFunnels’ Strategy
ClickFunnels has streamlined the process of creating these funnels with its drag-and-drop editor and pre-built templates. The platform’s philosophy centers around not just designing web pages but creating powerful conversion paths that transition visitors into customers and customers into repeat buyers.
Key Features of ClickFunnels
1. Funnel Builder
The heart of ClickFunnels is its straightforward funnel builder. Users can pick a variety of funnel types, including:
- Opt-in funnels: Created to collect email addresses
- Sales funnels: For marketing products or services
- Webinar funnels: To advertise and register users for webinars
- Membership funnels: For ongoing products
The intuitive interface makes it uncomplicated to add elements like text, images, videos, forms, and buttons without coding a single line of code.
2. Prepared Templates
ClickFunnels features over numerous pre-designed templates for diverse industries and purposes. These templates, created by experienced designers, are created for results and can be tailored to match your brand.
3. A/B Testing
Knowing what engages your audience is vital for optimizing conversions. ClickFunnels’ A/B testing function allows you to build multiple versions of your pages and examine different elements to see which performs better.
4. Email Sequences
ClickFunnels includes 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. Payment Processing
The platform flawlessly integrates with payment processors like various payment gateways, enabling you to accept payments straight through your funnels without transferring customers to external sites.
6. Subscription Areas
For professionals selling courses or subscription content, ClickFunnels delivers the ability to create secure membership areas where customers can access protected content.
7. Results Monitoring
ClickFunnels delivers thorough analytics on funnel performance, including page views, conversions, and earnings. These statistics help users perfect their funnels for greater results.
8. Referral System
If you have an affiliate program, ClickFunnels makes it uncomplicated to manage your affiliates, measure their performance, and administer commission payments.
ClickFunnels 2.0: The Next Generation
In 2022, ClickFunnels released its most substantial update: ClickFunnels 2.0. This new version constitutes a complete overhaul of the platform with upgraded features and capabilities.
Upgrades in 2.0?
- Upgraded Website Builder: A more capable website builder that allows for complete website creation, not just funnels
- Improved E-commerce Capabilities: Better product management, inventory tracking, and order fulfillment
- Blog Creation: The ability to establish and administer a blog directly within ClickFunnels
- Superior Customization: More versatility in design and functionality
- Improved User Interface: A more streamlined dashboard and editor
- Technical Improvements: Faster page loading times and better mobile responsiveness
- Improved CRM Features: More capable customer relationship management tools
The upgrade to 2.0 addresses many of the constraints users experienced with the original version, making it a more thorough marketing solution.
Cost Options
ClickFunnels offers different pricing tiers to serve businesses of various sizes:
Starter Plan
The Basic plan (now called the “Standard” plan in ClickFunnels 2.0) runs $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
Plus 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
Ultimate 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 feature a 14-day free trial, allowing users to evaluate the platform before paying financially.
The Perks of Using ClickFunnels
1. Complete Solution
Perhaps the primary advantage of ClickFunnels is that it unifies multiple tools into one platform. Instead of coordinating different services for landing pages, email marketing, payment processing, and membership sites, users can administer all these aspects in one place.
2. No Programming Expertise Required
The platform’s user-friendly interface does away with the need for coding or design skills. This democratizes the funnel-building process, making it available to entrepreneurs without technical backgrounds.
3. Time Savings
With pre-built templates and a streamlined workflow, ClickFunnels significantly minimizes the time needed to deploy a marketing campaign. What might take weeks with custom development can be completed in days or even hours.
4. Community and Support
ClickFunnels has developed a thriving community of users who offer strategies, successes, and advice. The official ClickFunnels Facebook group has over 250,000 members, creating a helpful resource for marketers at all levels. Additionally, the platform offers comprehensive documentation, tutorials, and responsive customer support.
5. Established Conversion Frameworks
The templates and funnel structures within ClickFunnels are created from proven marketing principles and tested conversion strategies. This means users utilize established best practices rather than working from nothing.
6. Learning Materials
Beyond the software itself, ClickFunnels offers a multitude of educational resources. Russell Brunson’s books, such as “DotCom Secrets” and “Expert Secrets,” provide beneficial marketing insights, while the ClickFunnels training programs offer organized learning opportunities.
Downsides and Drawbacks
Despite its many benefits, ClickFunnels isn’t without limitations:
1. Pricing
Starting at $147 per month, ClickFunnels represents a major investment, especially for solopreneurs or startups with limited budgets. Many competitors offer more economical entry-level options.
2. Adjustment Period
While designed to be easy to use, 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. Modest Design Flexibility
Though the drag-and-drop editor is strong, designers accustomed to more advanced tools might find it limiting. The balance between simplicity and flexibility sometimes favors the former.
4. Page Response Time
Prior to 2.0, some users reported issues with page loading speed, which can reduce SEO and user experience. While ClickFunnels 2.0 has improved performance, optimizing for speed demands attention.
5. Email Marketing Shortcomings
While ClickFunnels provides 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 Competitors: How They Compare
The sales funnel and landing page builder market has become increasingly competitive. Here’s how ClickFunnels fares against its main competitors:
1. Kartra
Strengths 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
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
Disadvantages:
- Less robust than ClickFunnels (primarily focuses on landing pages)
- Limited checkout and payment processing options
- No built-in email marketing
3. Unbounce
Positives:
- Advanced A/B testing capabilities
- Highly customizable design options
- Strong analytics and conversion intelligence
- More affordable starting point
Limitations:
- Primarily focused on landing pages rather than complete funnels
- No built-in payment processing
- Less easy for non-technical users
4. Systeme.io
Benefits:
- Significantly more affordable (starting at $27/month, with a free plan available)
- All-in-one solution similar to ClickFunnels
- Simple, intuitive interface
Weaknesses:
- Fewer templates and design options
- Less extensive feature set
- Smaller community and fewer educational resources
5. Instapage
Benefits:
- 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)
Advantages:
- Most economical option if you already have WordPress
- Ultimate flexibility and customization
- Complete ownership and control
- One-time purchases versus subscription model
Limitations:
- 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 Right For ClickFunnels?
ClickFunnels is particularly ideal for:
1. E-learning Providers 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 simple 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. Client Service Businesses
Specialists, 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 ideal for affiliate marketers looking to increase their commissions from promotional campaigns.
5. Writers and Content Creators
ClickFunnels provides effective book funnel templates that help authors promote books while gathering reader information for long-term relationship building.
6. Technically Challenged Entrepreneurs
Those without coding or design skills will appreciate ClickFunnels’ straightforward interface and pre-built templates.
Who May Not Be Ideal Elsewhere?
ClickFunnels may not be the ideal choice for:
1. Small Businesses with Limited Budgets
The monthly investment might be prohibitive 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 ideal, though ClickFunnels 2.0 has made improvements in this area.
3. Creative Professionals Seeking Complete Creative Control
Those who require flawless 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.
Starting Out 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
Select a funnel template that matches 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 effective funnel before moving on to the next.
3. Leverage the Training Resources
Take advantage of the comprehensive training materials, including ClickFunnels’ onboarding sequence and the FunnelFlix training library.
4. Connect with the Community
The ClickFunnels Facebook group provides beneficial insights and support from fellow users who can help solve 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 Ready-made Templates
Rather than building from scratch, customize 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 streamline the complex process of creating effective sales funnels while providing the tools needed to develop leads and convert customers.
The decision ultimately comes down to your specific business needs, technical comfort level, and budget. If you’re committed to optimizing your online sales process and prefer an all-in-one solution that doesn’t require technical expertise, ClickFunnels offers a convincing package-especially with the enhanced capabilities of ClickFunnels 2.0.
For businesses that can support the monthly subscription and are invested in implementing effective sales funnels, ClickFunnels provides both the tools and the strategic framework to prosper in today’s competitive digital landscape. The platform is always evolve, fixing previous limitations and enhancing its capabilities to serve a broader range of marketing needs.
Whether you’re selling information products, tangible products, or consulting, ClickFunnels offers a streamlined path from stranger to customer-and that, for many businesses, is worth the investment.