In today’s competitive online environment, transforming browsers into purchasers is the key focus for every digital enterprise. This is where customer journey software becomes essential, and ClickFunnels stands as one of the most recognized names in this space.
Established by Russell Brunson in 2014, ClickFunnels has transformed the way companies and business owners manage online sales, striving to improve the purchase process from first interaction to completed sale.
But is ClickFunnels worth the investment? Does it deliver on its hype? Whether you’re a experienced business owner or building your business from scratch, this comprehensive review will provide you with all the information you need to make an smart choice about ClickFunnels.
Introducing ClickFunnels?
ClickFunnels is an integrated marketing platform developed to help businesses create optimized sales funnels without the need for technical expertise or a team of developers. At its center, ClickFunnels allows users to design landing pages, generate email sequences, execute payments, and handle customer relationships-all within a integrated platform.
The Theory of Sales Funnels
Preceding diving deeper into ClickFunnels, it’s crucial to understand what a sales funnel is. A sales funnel shows the journey customers go through from first encountering your product or service to converting.
It typically includes levels like exposure, appeal, decision, and commitment.
Traditional websites are often created without a structured journey for visitors to trace. This can result in high bounce rates and lost potential customers. Sales funnels, conversely, are purposefully created to guide visitors through a predetermined path, improving the likelihood of positive outcomes at each step.
ClickFunnels’ Methodology
ClickFunnels has streamlined the process of creating these funnels with its intuitive editor and ready-made templates. The platform’s philosophy centers around not just building web pages but creating powerful conversion paths that convert visitors into customers and customers into repeat buyers.
Essential Components of ClickFunnels
1. Funnel Builder
The heart of ClickFunnels is its intuitive funnel builder. Users can choose from a variety of funnel types, including:
- Opt-in funnels: Designed to collect email addresses
- Sales funnels: For selling products or services
- Webinar funnels: To advertise and register users for webinars
- Membership funnels: For ongoing products
The point-and-click interface makes it effortless to add elements like text, images, videos, forms, and buttons without writing a single line of code.
2. Template Templates
ClickFunnels features over 100 prepared templates for multiple industries and purposes. These templates, developed by experienced designers, are engineered for success and can be modified to match your brand.
3. Comparative Testing
Determining what engages your audience is key for improving conversions. ClickFunnels’ A/B testing capability allows you to produce multiple versions of your pages and evaluate different elements to see which performs better.
4. Email Sequences
ClickFunnels combines email marketing capabilities, allowing you to create automated email sequences started by specific actions. This feature helps nurture leads and direct them further down the sales funnel.
5. Checkout System
The platform seamlessly integrates with payment processors like PayPal, Stripe, and more, allowing you to accept payments instantly through your funnels without transferring customers to external sites.
6. Protected Content
For marketers selling courses or subscription content, ClickFunnels includes the ability to create restricted membership areas where members can access restricted content.
7. Analytics and Reporting
ClickFunnels furnishes detailed analytics on funnel results, including page views, conversions, and earnings. These data help users improve their funnels for stronger results.
8. Commission Management
If you have an affiliate program, ClickFunnels makes it easy to manage your affiliates, measure their performance, and administer commission payments.
ClickFunnels 2.0: The Next Generation
In 2022, ClickFunnels released its most significant update: ClickFunnels 2.0. This new version represents a complete reconstruction of the platform with expanded features and capabilities.
Improvements in 2.0?
- Better Website Builder: A more powerful website builder that allows for complete website creation, not just funnels
- Advanced E-commerce Capabilities: Better product management, inventory tracking, and order fulfillment
- Blog Creation: The ability to establish and administer a blog directly within ClickFunnels
- Sophisticated Customization: More flexibility in design and functionality
- Refined User Interface: A more streamlined dashboard and editor
- Performance Improvements: Faster page loading times and better mobile responsiveness
- Enhanced CRM Features: More powerful customer relationship management tools
The upgrade to 2.0 resolves many of the weaknesses users experienced with the original version, making it a more thorough marketing solution.
Subscription Plans
ClickFunnels offers 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
Pro 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
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 offer a 14-day free trial, allowing users to assess the platform before deciding financially.
The Perks of Using ClickFunnels
1. All-In-One Solution
Perhaps the primary advantage of ClickFunnels is that it merges multiple tools into one platform. Instead of juggling different services for landing pages, email marketing, payment processing, and membership sites, users can handle all these aspects in one place.
2. No Development Experience Required
The platform’s visual interface does away with the need for coding or design skills. This streamlines the funnel-building process, making it manageable to entrepreneurs without technical backgrounds.
3. Time Savings
With prepared templates and a simplified workflow, ClickFunnels significantly reduces the time needed to start a marketing campaign. What might take weeks with custom development can be finished in days or even hours.
4. User Community
ClickFunnels has built a thriving community of users who contribute 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 extensive documentation, tutorials, and responsive customer support.
5. Tested Conversion Frameworks
The templates and funnel structures within ClickFunnels are founded on proven marketing principles and tested conversion strategies. This means users employ established best practices rather than starting from scratch.
6. Knowledge Base
Beyond the software itself, ClickFunnels offers a variety of educational resources. Russell Brunson’s books, such as “DotCom Secrets” and “Expert Secrets,” provide helpful marketing insights, while the ClickFunnels training programs offer structured learning opportunities.
Disadvantages and Drawbacks
Despite its many positives, ClickFunnels isn’t without limitations:
1. Investment
Starting at $147 per month, ClickFunnels represents a substantial investment, especially for freelancers or startups with limited budgets. Many competitors offer more cost-effective entry-level options.
2. Adoption Challenge
While designed to be user-friendly, mastering all of ClickFunnels’ features and understanding funnel strategy needs time and dedication. New users might feel challenged by the platform’s capabilities.
3. Restricted Design Flexibility
Though the intuitive editor is effective, designers accustomed to more advanced tools might find it restrictive. The balance between simplicity and flexibility sometimes prioritizes the former.
4. Page Load 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 takes attention.
5. Email Marketing Shortcomings
While ClickFunnels features email marketing features, they’re not as advanced as dedicated email marketing platforms. Power users might still need additional tools for complex email campaigns.
ClickFunnels Alternatives: How They Compare
The sales funnel and landing page builder market has become increasingly contested. Here’s how ClickFunnels stands up to its main competitors:
1. Kartra
Advantages relative to ClickFunnels:
- More thorough 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
Positives:
- More affordable entry point ($37/month)
- Strong focus on lead generation
- Excellent mobile-responsive designs
- Solid WordPress integration
Drawbacks:
- 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 versatile design options
- Strong analytics and conversion intelligence
- More affordable starting point
Weaknesses:
- Primarily focused on landing pages rather than complete funnels
- No built-in payment processing
- Less easy for non-technical users
4. Systeme.io
Advantages:
- Significantly more budget-friendly (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
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)
Strengths:
- Most cost-effective 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 well-suited for:
1. Course Developers 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 expanded e-commerce features, online retailers can create effective product funnels that grow average order value through upsells, downsells, and order bumps.
3. Consulting Businesses
Specialists, agencies, and service providers can use ClickFunnels to create leads, book appointments, and sell service packages without complex website development.
4. Digital Affiliates
The platform’s optimization for conversions makes it appropriate for affiliate marketers looking to increase their commissions from promotional campaigns.
5. Content Creators and Content Creators
ClickFunnels provides effective book funnel templates that help authors distribute books while capturing reader information for long-term relationship building.
6. Design-Inexperienced Entrepreneurs
Those without coding or design skills will benefit from ClickFunnels’ simple interface and pre-built templates.
Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere?
ClickFunnels may not be the optimal solution for:
1. Startups with Limited Budgets
The monthly investment might be excessive for businesses just starting out or with tight marketing budgets.
2. Blog-Focused 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. Design Specialists Seeking Complete Creative Control
Those who require exact 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.
Starting Out 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
Select a funnel template that suits 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 performing funnel before moving on to the next.
3. Utilize the Training Resources
Take advantage of the detailed training materials, including ClickFunnels’ onboarding sequence and the FunnelFlix training library.
4. Engage with the Community
The ClickFunnels Facebook group provides beneficial insights and support from fellow users who can help resolve issues or suggest optimization strategies.
5. Evaluate and Optimize
Use the A/B testing features to regularly refine your funnels based on actual user behavior and conversion data.
6. Start with Pre-built Templates
Rather than building from scratch, adapt existing high-converting templates to match your brand and offering.
Summary: 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 develop 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 prioritize 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 afford the monthly subscription and are committed to implementing effective sales funnels, ClickFunnels provides both the tools and the strategic framework to excel in today’s competitive digital landscape. The platform consistently evolve, addressing previous limitations and extending its capabilities to serve a broader range of marketing needs.
Whether you’re selling online courses, items, or consulting, ClickFunnels offers a efficient path from stranger to customer-and that, for many businesses, is deserving of the investment.