In the current online business landscape, changing visitors to customers is the primary objective for any online business. This is where customer journey software shows its worth, and ClickFunnels exists as one of the most well-known names in this sector.
Started by Russell Brunson in 2014, ClickFunnels has reshaped the way businesses and digital marketers execute online sales, aiming to enhance the customer journey from initial interest to completed sale.
But is ClickFunnels a good value? Does it live up to its promises? Whether you’re a established entrepreneur or new to online business, this detailed review will provide you with everything you need to make an smart choice about ClickFunnels.
Introducing ClickFunnels?
ClickFunnels is an unified marketing platform engineered to help businesses build optimized sales funnels without requiring technical expertise or a team of developers. At its essence, ClickFunnels allows users to design landing pages, make email sequences, execute payments, and handle customer relationships-all within a centralized platform.
The Principle of Sales Funnels
Ahead of diving deeper into ClickFunnels, it’s essential to understand what a sales funnel is. A sales funnel illustrates the path customers go through from initially discovering your product or service to buying.
It typically includes levels like discovery, appeal, evaluation, and commitment.
Standard websites are often created without a logical progression for visitors to follow. This can lead to high bounce rates and lost potential customers. Sales funnels, conversely, are purposefully created to lead visitors through a predetermined path, raising the likelihood of sales at each step.
ClickFunnels’ Philosophy
ClickFunnels has simplified the process of creating these funnels with its user-friendly editor and pre-built templates. The platform’s approach centers around not just building web pages but creating powerful conversion paths that turn visitors into customers and customers into advocates.
Main Capabilities of ClickFunnels
1. Funnel Creator
The essence 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 marketing products or services
- Webinar funnels: To publicize and register users for webinars
- Membership funnels: For ongoing products
The drag-and-drop interface makes it easy to add parts like text, images, videos, forms, and buttons without writing a single line of code.
2. Pre-designed Templates
ClickFunnels provides over numerous professionally created templates for various industries and purposes. These templates, created by marketing specialists, are designed for results and can be personalized to match your brand.
3. A/B Testing
Identifying what appeals to your audience is vital for optimizing conversions. ClickFunnels’ A/B testing feature allows you to build multiple versions of your pages and compare different elements to see which is more effective.
4. Email Automation
ClickFunnels incorporates email marketing capabilities, allowing you to build automated email sequences launched by specific actions. This feature helps grow leads and push them further down the sales funnel.
5. Transaction Handling
The platform smoothly integrates with payment processors like PayPal, Stripe, and more, allowing you to accept payments immediately through your funnels without shifting customers to external sites.
6. Membership Areas
For entrepreneurs selling courses or subscription content, ClickFunnels features the ability to create restricted membership areas where clients can access exclusive content.
7. Statistics and Metrics
ClickFunnels furnishes comprehensive analytics on funnel results, including page views, conversions, and earnings. These metrics help users improve their funnels for improved results.
8. Affiliate Tracking
If you have an affiliate program, ClickFunnels makes it simple to manage your affiliates, monitor their performance, and administer commission payments.
ClickFunnels 2.0: The Improvement
In 2022, ClickFunnels released its most substantial update: ClickFunnels 2.0. This new version marks a complete overhaul of the platform with expanded features and capabilities.
New Features in 2.0?
- Upgraded Website Builder: A more powerful website builder that allows for full website creation, not just funnels
- Improved E-commerce Capabilities: Better product management, inventory tracking, and order fulfillment
- Blog Creation: The ability to establish and maintain a blog directly within ClickFunnels
- Superior Customization: More freedom in design and functionality
- Refined User Interface: A more streamlined dashboard and editor
- Speed Enhancements: Faster page loading times and better mobile responsiveness
- Upgraded CRM Features: More comprehensive customer relationship management tools
The upgrade to 2.0 addresses many of the shortcomings users experienced with the original version, making it a more comprehensive marketing solution.
Pricing Structure
ClickFunnels offers different pricing tiers to suit businesses of various sizes:
Standard Plan
The Basic plan (now called the “Standard” plan in ClickFunnels 2.0) is available for $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 delivers:
- 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 provide a 14-day free trial, allowing users to test the platform before deciding financially.
The Strengths of Using ClickFunnels
1. Integrated Solution
Perhaps the greatest advantage of ClickFunnels is that it consolidates multiple tools into one platform. Instead of handling different services for landing pages, email marketing, payment processing, and membership sites, users can control all these aspects in one place.
2. No Technical Background Required
The platform’s user-friendly interface negates the need for coding or design skills. This opens up the funnel-building process, making it attainable to entrepreneurs without technical backgrounds.
3. Time Savings
With pre-built templates and a smooth workflow, ClickFunnels significantly minimizes the time needed to release a marketing campaign. What might take weeks with custom development can be achieved in days or even hours.
4. Network and Assistance
ClickFunnels has created a active community of users who exchange strategies, successes, and advice. The official ClickFunnels Facebook group has over 250,000 members, creating a valuable resource for marketers at all levels. Additionally, the platform offers comprehensive 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 benefit from established best practices rather than beginning anew.
6. Educational Resources
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 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 small businesses or startups with limited budgets. Many competitors offer more budget-friendly entry-level options.
2. Adjustment Period
While designed to be straightforward, mastering all of ClickFunnels’ features and understanding funnel strategy needs time and dedication. New users might feel challenged by the platform’s capabilities.
3. Limited Design Flexibility
Though the drag-and-drop editor is strong, designers accustomed to more advanced tools might find it confining. The balance between simplicity and flexibility sometimes emphasizes the former.
4. Page Performance
Prior to 2.0, some users reported concerns with page loading speed, which can reduce SEO and user experience. While ClickFunnels 2.0 has improved performance, optimizing for speed calls for attention.
5. Email Marketing Restrictions
While ClickFunnels features email marketing features, they’re not as powerful as dedicated email marketing platforms. Power users might still need additional tools for elaborate email campaigns.
ClickFunnels Alternatives: 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
Strong points 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
Drawbacks:
- 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
Limitations:
- Less comprehensive 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 customizable 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
Benefits:
- Significantly more cost-effective (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 comprehensive feature set
- Smaller community and fewer educational resources
5. Instapage
Advantages:
- Superior design flexibility and customization
- Advanced collaboration features
- Excellent analytics and heatmaps
- Strong AdWords and Facebook Ads integration
Disadvantages:
- 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 economical 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 Is Right For ClickFunnels?
ClickFunnels is particularly well-suited for:
1. Digital Educators 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. Web Store Businesses
With ClickFunnels 2.0’s upgraded e-commerce features, online retailers can create effective product funnels that grow average order value through upsells, downsells, and order bumps.
3. Service-Based 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 optimize their commissions from promotional campaigns.
5. Content Creators and Content Creators
ClickFunnels provides effective book funnel templates that help authors market books while securing reader information for long-term relationship building.
6. Code-Averse Entrepreneurs
Those without coding or design skills will benefit from ClickFunnels’ intuitive interface and pre-built templates.
Who Should Explore Other Options Elsewhere?
ClickFunnels may not be the best fit for:
1. Solo Entrepreneurs with Limited Budgets
The monthly investment might be unaffordable for businesses just starting out or with tight marketing budgets.
2. Media-Rich Websites
Businesses that rely heavily on blog content and SEO might find traditional CMS platforms like WordPress more suitable, though ClickFunnels 2.0 has made improvements in this area.
3. Design Experts 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 specialized solutions.
Starting Out with ClickFunnels: Tips for Success
If you decide to try ClickFunnels, here are some tips to increase your experience:
1. Start with the Right Funnel Type
Select a funnel template that corresponds to your specific goal, whether it’s lead generation, product sales, or webinar registration.
2. Focus on 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 extensive training materials, including ClickFunnels’ onboarding sequence and the FunnelFlix training library.
4. Participate in the Community
The ClickFunnels Facebook group provides beneficial insights and support from fellow users who can help fix 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 Pre-built Templates
Rather than building from scratch, customize existing high-converting templates to match your brand and offering.
The Bottom Line: Is ClickFunnels Worth It?
ClickFunnels represents a substantial investment, but for many businesses, the return on that investment can be impressive. The platform’s strength lies in its ability to streamline the complex process of creating effective sales funnels while providing the tools needed to foster leads and convert customers.
The decision ultimately depends on your specific business needs, technical comfort level, and budget. If you’re dedicated to 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 upgraded capabilities of ClickFunnels 2.0.
For businesses that can budget for the monthly subscription and are dedicated to implementing effective sales funnels, ClickFunnels provides both the tools and the strategic framework to flourish 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 digital products, retail products, or coaching, ClickFunnels offers a streamlined path from stranger to customer-and that, for many businesses, is warranted for the investment.