In the current online business landscape, converting visitors into customers is the essential target for any online business. This is where customer journey software demonstrates importance, and ClickFunnels is recognized as one of the most recognized names in this space.
Started by Russell Brunson in 2014, ClickFunnels has reimagined the way entrepreneurs and online sellers manage online sales, offering to streamline the customer journey from first contact to buying decision.
But is ClickFunnels a good value? Does it fulfill its promises? Whether you’re a marketing professional or a beginner in digital marketing, this in-depth review will provide you with everything you need to make an smart choice about ClickFunnels.
Defining ClickFunnels?
ClickFunnels is an integrated marketing platform built to help businesses develop optimized sales funnels without calling for technical expertise or a team of developers. At its center, ClickFunnels allows users to develop landing pages, generate email sequences, facilitate payments, and manage customer relationships-all within a unified platform.
The Theory of Sales Funnels
Prior to diving deeper into ClickFunnels, it’s crucial to understand what a sales funnel is. A sales funnel illustrates the progression customers go through from being introduced to your product or service to finalizing a sale.
It typically includes steps like exposure, engagement, consideration, and action.
Traditional websites are often constructed without a clear path for visitors to navigate. This can result in high bounce rates and lost potential customers. Sales funnels, conversely, are methodically developed to lead visitors through a predetermined path, improving the likelihood of sales at each step.
ClickFunnels’ Approach
ClickFunnels has reduced complexity in the process of creating these funnels with its drag-and-drop editor and ready-to-use templates. The platform’s strategy centers around not just creating web pages but creating impactful conversion paths that transform visitors into customers and customers into dedicated followers.
Main Capabilities of ClickFunnels
1. Funnel Builder
The foundation of ClickFunnels is its simple funnel builder. Users can select a variety of funnel types, including:
- Opt-in funnels: Made 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 drag-and-drop interface makes it straightforward to add parts like text, images, videos, forms, and buttons without creating a single line of code.
2. Pre-designed Templates
ClickFunnels offers over 100 pre-built templates for various industries and purposes. These templates, crafted by marketing specialists, are created for results and can be personalized to match your brand.
3. Variant Testing
Knowing what connects with your audience is key for maximizing conversions. ClickFunnels’ A/B testing option allows you to design multiple versions of your pages and evaluate different elements to see which is more effective.
4. Email Sequences
ClickFunnels incorporates email marketing capabilities, allowing you to build automated email sequences launched by specific actions. This feature helps cultivate leads and guide them further down the sales funnel.
5. Checkout System
The platform effortlessly integrates with payment processors like multiple payment options, facilitating you to accept payments instantly through your funnels without sending customers to external sites.
6. Member Sections
For marketers selling courses or subscription content, ClickFunnels provides the ability to create secure membership areas where customers can access exclusive content.
7. Statistics and Metrics
ClickFunnels supplies detailed analytics on funnel metrics, including page views, conversions, and earnings. These information help users optimize their funnels for greater results.
8. Affiliate Tracking
If you have an affiliate program, ClickFunnels makes it straightforward to oversee your affiliates, monitor their performance, and handle commission payments.
ClickFunnels 2.0: The Evolution
In 2022, ClickFunnels released its most noteworthy update: ClickFunnels 2.0. This new version constitutes a complete reconstruction of the platform with enhanced features and capabilities.
What’s New in 2.0?
- Upgraded Website Builder: A more comprehensive 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 produce and maintain a blog directly within ClickFunnels
- Sophisticated Customization: More freedom in design and functionality
- Improved User Interface: A more elegant dashboard and editor
- Technical Improvements: Faster page loading times and better mobile responsiveness
- Upgraded CRM Features: More comprehensive customer relationship management tools
The upgrade to 2.0 solves many of the shortcomings users experienced with the original version, making it a more comprehensive marketing solution.
Price Plans
ClickFunnels features different pricing tiers to serve businesses of various sizes:
Standard 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
Premium 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
Funnel Hacker 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 provide a 14-day free trial, allowing users to try the platform before deciding financially.
The Benefits of Using ClickFunnels
1. Complete Solution
Perhaps the main advantage of ClickFunnels is that it integrates multiple tools into one platform. Instead of switching between different services for landing pages, email marketing, payment processing, and membership sites, users can handle all these aspects in one place.
2. No Technical Skills Required
The platform’s drag-and-drop interface negates the need for coding or design skills. This streamlines the funnel-building process, making it accessible to entrepreneurs without technical backgrounds.
3. Rapid Deployment
With template templates and a simplified workflow, ClickFunnels significantly cuts the time needed to launch a marketing campaign. What might take weeks with custom development can be completed in days or even hours.
4. Support Network
ClickFunnels has created a dynamic community of users who share strategies, successes, and advice. The official ClickFunnels Facebook group has over 250,000 members, creating a useful resource for marketers at all levels. Additionally, the platform offers comprehensive documentation, tutorials, and responsive customer support.
5. Verified Conversion Frameworks
The templates and funnel structures within ClickFunnels are built upon proven marketing principles and tested conversion strategies. This means users take advantage of established best practices rather than beginning anew.
6. Knowledge Base
Beyond the software itself, ClickFunnels offers a collection of educational resources. Russell Brunson’s books, such as “DotCom Secrets” and “Expert Secrets,” provide valuable marketing insights, while the ClickFunnels training programs offer structured learning opportunities.
Downsides and Drawbacks
Despite its many benefits, ClickFunnels isn’t without limitations:
1. Cost
Starting at $147 per month, ClickFunnels represents a noteworthy investment, especially for solopreneurs or startups with limited budgets. Many competitors offer more affordable entry-level options.
2. Adoption Challenge
While designed to be intuitive, mastering all of ClickFunnels’ features and understanding funnel strategy needs time and dedication. New users might feel challenged by the platform’s capabilities.
3. Constrained Design Flexibility
Though the visual editor is powerful, designers accustomed to more advanced tools might find it limiting. The balance between simplicity and flexibility sometimes leans toward the former.
4. Page Speed Performance
Prior to 2.0, some users reported problems with page loading speed, which can reduce 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 high-level email campaigns.
ClickFunnels Rivals: How They Compare
The sales funnel and landing page builder market has become increasingly populated. Here’s how ClickFunnels fares against its main competitors:
1. Kartra
Strengths relative to ClickFunnels:
- More comprehensive marketing automation
- Built-in video hosting and advanced video marketing features
- More capable email marketing capabilities
- Helpdesk and ticket system included
Weaknesses:
- Steeper learning curve
- Fewer templates specifically optimized for sales funnels
- Less active community
2. Leadpages
Positives:
- More economical entry point ($37/month)
- Strong focus on lead generation
- Excellent mobile-responsive designs
- Solid WordPress integration
Disadvantages:
- Less full-featured than ClickFunnels (primarily focuses on landing pages)
- Limited checkout and payment processing options
- No built-in email marketing
3. Unbounce
Benefits:
- Advanced A/B testing capabilities
- Highly adjustable design options
- Strong analytics and conversion intelligence
- More affordable starting point
Disadvantages:
- Primarily focused on landing pages rather than complete funnels
- No built-in payment processing
- Less easy for non-technical users
4. Systeme.io
Strengths:
- Significantly more cost-effective (starting at $27/month, with a free plan available)
- All-in-one solution similar to ClickFunnels
- Simple, intuitive interface
Drawbacks:
- Fewer templates and design options
- Less powerful 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
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)
Strong points:
- Most economical option if you already have WordPress
- Ultimate flexibility and customization
- Complete ownership and control
- One-time purchases versus subscription model
Drawbacks:
- 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 Would Benefit From ClickFunnels?
ClickFunnels is particularly appropriate for:
1. Online Course Creators and Coaches
The platform works great 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. Web Store Businesses
With ClickFunnels 2.0’s enhanced e-commerce features, online retailers can create effective product funnels that grow average order value through upsells, downsells, and order bumps.
3. B2B Service Businesses
Specialists, agencies, and service providers can use ClickFunnels to obtain leads, book appointments, and sell service packages without complex website development.
4. Affiliate Marketers
The platform’s optimization for conversions makes it excellent for affiliate marketers looking to improve their commissions from promotional campaigns.
5. Publishers and Content Creators
ClickFunnels provides effective book funnel templates that help authors sell books while capturing reader information for long-term relationship building.
6. Technically Challenged Entrepreneurs
Those without coding or design skills will enjoy ClickFunnels’ user-friendly interface and pre-built templates.
Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere?
ClickFunnels may not be the optimal solution for:
1. Solo Entrepreneurs 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. Creative Professionals Seeking Complete Creative Control
Those who require meticulous 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.
Beginning Your Journey 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
Choose a funnel template that suits 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 successful funnel before moving on to the next.
3. Utilize 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 useful 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 persistently refine your funnels based on actual user behavior and conversion data.
6. Start with Available 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 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 nurture leads and convert customers.
The decision ultimately rests on your specific business needs, technical comfort level, and budget. If you’re focused on optimizing your online sales process and desire 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 budget for the monthly subscription and are invested in 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 growing its capabilities to serve a broader range of marketing needs.
Whether you’re selling digital products, tangible products, or professional assistance, ClickFunnels offers a streamlined path from stranger to customer-and that, for many businesses, is justified for the investment.