In the current online business landscape, changing visitors to customers is the key focus for any web-based business. This is where customer journey software becomes essential, and ClickFunnels stands as one of the most established names in this niche.
Founded by Russell Brunson in 2014, ClickFunnels has transformed the way businesses and digital marketers handle online sales, working to improve the customer journey from discovery to checkout.
But is ClickFunnels worth the investment? Does it meet its potential? Whether you’re a established entrepreneur or a beginner in digital marketing, this in-depth review will provide you with everything you need to make an well-informed choice about ClickFunnels.
Understanding ClickFunnels?
ClickFunnels is an complete marketing platform designed to help businesses develop optimized sales funnels without demanding technical expertise or a team of developers. At its center, ClickFunnels allows users to build landing pages, make email sequences, manage payments, and supervise customer relationships-all within a unified 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 making a purchase.
It typically includes parts like discovery, engagement, assessment, and commitment.
Standard websites are often developed without a logical progression for visitors to take. This can lead to high bounce rates and wasted potential customers. Sales funnels, in comparison, are intentionally built to navigate visitors through a planned path, raising the likelihood of success at each step.
ClickFunnels’ Approach
ClickFunnels has uncomplicated the process of creating these funnels with its drag-and-drop editor and ready-to-use templates. The platform’s methodology centers around not just designing web pages but creating powerful conversion paths that change visitors into customers and customers into brand ambassadors.
Primary Elements of ClickFunnels
1. Funnel Builder
The foundation of ClickFunnels is its intuitive funnel builder. Users can select a variety of funnel types, including:
- Opt-in funnels: Designed to collect email addresses
- Sales funnels: For offering products or services
- Webinar funnels: To advertise and register users for webinars
- Membership funnels: For recurring products
The user-friendly interface makes it easy to add components like text, images, videos, forms, and buttons without typing a single line of code.
2. Template Templates
ClickFunnels includes over numerous prepared templates for different industries and purposes. These templates, crafted by industry professionals, are engineered for results and can be tailored to match your brand.
3. Comparative Testing
Determining what connects with your audience is essential for optimizing conversions. ClickFunnels’ A/B testing tool allows you to produce multiple versions of your pages and compare different elements to see which performs better.
4. Email Sequences
ClickFunnels incorporates email marketing capabilities, allowing you to build automated email sequences triggered by specific actions. This feature helps cultivate leads and direct them further down the sales funnel.
5. Checkout System
The platform seamlessly integrates with payment processors like different payment solutions, allowing you to accept payments directly through your funnels without shifting customers to external sites.
6. Subscription Areas
For entrepreneurs selling courses or subscription content, ClickFunnels offers the ability to create private membership areas where members can access restricted content.
7. Data Analysis
ClickFunnels delivers in-depth analytics on funnel effectiveness, including page views, conversions, and earnings. These information help users perfect their funnels for greater results.
8. Referral System
If you have an affiliate program, ClickFunnels makes it simple to oversee your affiliates, monitor their performance, and distribute commission payments.
ClickFunnels 2.0: The Upgrade
In 2022, ClickFunnels released its most significant update: ClickFunnels 2.0. This new version signifies a complete redesign of the platform with improved features and capabilities.
Improvements in 2.0?
- Improved Website Builder: A more capable website builder that allows for complete website creation, not just funnels
- Upgraded E-commerce Capabilities: Better product management, inventory tracking, and order fulfillment
- Blog Creation: The ability to create and run a blog directly within ClickFunnels
- Improved Customization: More flexibility in design and functionality
- Improved User Interface: A more elegant dashboard and editor
- Speed Enhancements: Faster page loading times and better mobile responsiveness
- Advanced CRM Features: More capable customer relationship management tools
The upgrade to 2.0 fixes many of the limitations users experienced with the original version, making it a more all-encompassing marketing solution.
Membership Levels
ClickFunnels presents different pricing tiers to support 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
Advanced Plan
At $197 per month, the Pro plan provides:
- 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 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 include a 14-day free trial, allowing users to evaluate the platform before paying financially.
The Benefits of Using ClickFunnels
1. Unified Solution
Perhaps the main 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 manage all these aspects in one place.
2. No Technical Background Required
The platform’s point-and-click interface negates the need for coding or design skills. This democratizes the funnel-building process, making it accessible to entrepreneurs without technical backgrounds.
3. Rapid Deployment
With pre-built templates and a efficient workflow, ClickFunnels significantly cuts the time needed to launch a marketing campaign. What might take weeks with custom development can be done in days or even hours.
4. Help Resources
ClickFunnels has developed a dynamic community of users who offer 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 comprehensive documentation, tutorials, and responsive customer support.
5. Validated Conversion Frameworks
The templates and funnel structures within ClickFunnels are built upon proven marketing principles and tested conversion strategies. This means users utilize established best practices rather than starting from scratch.
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 systematic learning opportunities.
Downsides and Drawbacks
Despite its many benefits, ClickFunnels isn’t without limitations:
1. Price Point
Starting at $147 per month, ClickFunnels represents a major investment, especially for one-person operations or startups with limited budgets. Many competitors offer more budget-friendly entry-level options.
2. Learning Curve
While designed to be user-friendly, mastering all of ClickFunnels’ features and understanding funnel strategy demands time and dedication. New users might feel daunted by the platform’s capabilities.
3. Constrained Design Flexibility
Though the visual editor is robust, designers accustomed to more advanced tools might find it confining. The balance between simplicity and flexibility sometimes favors the former.
4. Page Loading Speed
Prior to 2.0, some users reported difficulties 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 Boundaries
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 Contenders: 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
Positives relative to ClickFunnels:
- More thorough 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
Strengths:
- More cost-effective 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
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
Shortcomings:
- Fewer templates and design options
- Less advanced 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
Shortcomings:
- 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 economical option if you already have WordPress
- Ultimate flexibility and customization
- Complete ownership and control
- One-time purchases versus subscription model
Weaknesses:
- 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 Should Use ClickFunnels?
ClickFunnels is particularly perfect for:
1. Course Developers and Coaches
The platform is perfect for 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. Internet Retail Businesses
With ClickFunnels 2.0’s expanded 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
Consultants, agencies, and service providers can use ClickFunnels to acquire leads, book appointments, and sell service packages without complex website development.
4. Digital Affiliates
The platform’s optimization for conversions makes it ideal for affiliate marketers looking to enhance their commissions from promotional campaigns.
5. Writers and Content Creators
ClickFunnels provides effective book funnel templates that help authors distribute books while gathering reader information for long-term relationship building.
6. Code-Averse Entrepreneurs
Those without coding or design skills will appreciate ClickFunnels’ straightforward interface and pre-built templates.
Who Should Explore Other Options Elsewhere?
ClickFunnels may not be the best fit for:
1. Micro Businesses with Limited Budgets
The monthly investment might be excessive for businesses just starting out or with tight marketing budgets.
2. Content-Heavy 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 pixel-perfect designs and extensive customization might prefer platforms with more design flexibility.
4. Enterprise-Level Businesses with Complex Requirements
Very large organizations with complex integration needs and custom requirements might need more customized 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
Opt for a funnel template that suits your specific goal, whether it’s lead generation, product sales, or webinar registration.
2. Target 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 abundant training materials, including ClickFunnels’ onboarding sequence and the FunnelFlix training library.
4. Become part of the Community
The ClickFunnels Facebook group provides important insights and support from fellow users who can help troubleshoot issues or suggest optimization strategies.
5. Evaluate 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.
The Bottom Line: Is ClickFunnels Worth It?
ClickFunnels represents a major investment, but for many businesses, the return on that investment can be remarkable. The platform’s strength lies in its ability to streamline 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 serious about optimizing your online sales process and value an all-in-one solution that doesn’t require technical expertise, ClickFunnels offers a attractive package-especially with the advanced capabilities of ClickFunnels 2.0.
For businesses that can handle the monthly subscription and are focused on implementing effective sales funnels, ClickFunnels provides both the tools and the strategic framework to prosper in today’s competitive digital landscape. The platform consistently evolve, fixing previous limitations and growing its capabilities to serve a broader range of marketing needs.
Whether you’re selling online courses, retail products, or services, ClickFunnels offers a efficient path from stranger to customer-and that, for many businesses, is worth the investment.