In the current online business landscape, moving leads to sales is the ultimate goal for any online business. This is where digital sales pipelines comes into play, and ClickFunnels is recognized as one of the most established names in this sector.
Launched by Russell Brunson in 2014, ClickFunnels has transformed the way businesses and digital marketers handle online sales, working to optimize the customer journey from awareness to completed sale.
But is ClickFunnels worth your money? Does it meet its expectations? Whether you’re a marketing professional or new to online business, this detailed review will provide you with all the details you need to make an informed decision about ClickFunnels.
All About ClickFunnels?
ClickFunnels is an unified marketing platform designed to help businesses design optimized sales funnels without calling for technical expertise or a team of developers. At its foundation, ClickFunnels allows users to develop landing pages, create email sequences, handle payments, and handle customer relationships-all within a unified platform.
The Principle of Sales Funnels
Preceding diving deeper into ClickFunnels, it’s essential to understand what a sales funnel is. A sales funnel shows the path customers go through from initially discovering your product or service to finalizing a sale.
It typically includes phases like awareness, appeal, deliberation, and action.
Typical web pages are often built without a defined route for visitors to pursue. This can produce high bounce rates and squandered potential customers. Sales funnels, alternatively, are purposefully created to direct visitors through a defined path, boosting the likelihood of results at each step.
ClickFunnels’ Approach
ClickFunnels has streamlined the process of creating these funnels with its user-friendly editor and ready-made templates. The platform’s concept centers around not just creating web pages but creating effective conversion paths that transform visitors into customers and customers into brand ambassadors.
Primary Elements of ClickFunnels
1. Funnel Designer
The essence of ClickFunnels is its easy-to-use funnel builder. Users can pick a variety of funnel types, including:
- Opt-in funnels: Made to collect email addresses
- Sales funnels: For promoting products or services
- Webinar funnels: To boost 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 creating a single line of code.
2. Pre-built Templates
ClickFunnels provides over 100 ready-made templates for multiple industries and purposes. These templates, designed by professional marketers, are created for results and can be personalized to match your brand.
3. Split Testing
Determining what engages your audience is crucial for improving conversions. ClickFunnels’ A/B testing option allows you to produce multiple versions of your pages and compare different elements to see which works best.
4. Email Marketing
ClickFunnels combines email marketing capabilities, allowing you to develop automated email sequences launched by specific actions. This feature helps cultivate leads and move them further down the sales funnel.
5. Payment Integration
The platform flawlessly integrates with payment processors like Stripe, PayPal, and others, facilitating you to accept payments right through your funnels without sending customers to external sites.
6. Protected Content
For professionals selling courses or subscription content, ClickFunnels offers the ability to create protected membership areas where clients can access special content.
7. Statistics and Metrics
ClickFunnels furnishes comprehensive analytics on funnel performance, including page views, conversions, and earnings. These metrics help users optimize their funnels for stronger results.
8. Referral System
If you have an affiliate program, ClickFunnels makes it simple to handle your affiliates, track their performance, and process commission payments.
ClickFunnels 2.0: The Improvement
In 2022, ClickFunnels released its most major update: ClickFunnels 2.0. This new version represents a complete overhaul of the platform with expanded features and capabilities.
Enhancements in 2.0?
- Better 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 manage a blog directly within ClickFunnels
- Enhanced Customization: More options in design and functionality
- Refined User Interface: A more elegant dashboard and editor
- Technical Improvements: Faster page loading times and better mobile responsiveness
- Expanded CRM Features: More capable customer relationship management tools
The upgrade to 2.0 fixes many of the shortcomings users experienced with the original version, making it a more thorough marketing solution.
Price Plans
ClickFunnels presents different pricing tiers to accommodate businesses of various sizes:
Basic 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
Premium 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 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 Strengths 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 managing 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 point-and-click interface eliminates the need for coding or design skills. This makes accessible the funnel-building process, making it usable to entrepreneurs without technical backgrounds.
3. Quick Setup
With prepared templates and a streamlined workflow, ClickFunnels significantly minimizes the time needed to initiate a marketing campaign. What might take weeks with custom development can be accomplished in days or even hours.
4. Network and Assistance
ClickFunnels has created a active community of users who offer 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 complete documentation, tutorials, and responsive customer support.
5. Proven Conversion Frameworks
The templates and funnel structures within ClickFunnels are created from proven marketing principles and tested conversion strategies. This means users leverage established best practices rather than beginning anew.
6. Training Content
Beyond the software itself, ClickFunnels offers a variety 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.
Weaknesses and Drawbacks
Despite its many positives, ClickFunnels isn’t without limitations:
1. Cost
Starting at $147 per month, ClickFunnels represents a noteworthy investment, especially for freelancers or startups with limited budgets. Many competitors offer more affordable entry-level options.
2. Learning Curve
While designed to be easy to use, mastering all of ClickFunnels’ features and understanding funnel strategy takes time and dedication. New users might feel confused 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 inflexible. The balance between simplicity and flexibility sometimes leans toward the former.
4. Page Response Time
Prior to 2.0, some users reported difficulties with page loading speed, which can hurt SEO and user experience. While ClickFunnels 2.0 has improved performance, optimizing for speed takes attention.
5. Email Marketing Limitations
While ClickFunnels includes email marketing features, they’re not as comprehensive as dedicated email marketing platforms. Power users might still need additional tools for advanced email campaigns.
ClickFunnels Competitors: How They Compare
The sales funnel and landing page builder market has become increasingly contested. Here’s how ClickFunnels fares against its main competitors:
1. Kartra
Positives 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
Disadvantages:
- Steeper learning curve
- Fewer templates specifically optimized for sales funnels
- Less active community
2. Leadpages
Benefits:
- More economical entry point ($37/month)
- Strong focus on lead generation
- Excellent mobile-responsive designs
- Solid WordPress integration
Drawbacks:
- 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 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 straightforward for non-technical users
4. Systeme.io
Advantages:
- Significantly more inexpensive (starting at $27/month, with a free plan available)
- All-in-one solution similar to ClickFunnels
- Simple, intuitive interface
Disadvantages:
- Fewer templates and design options
- Less extensive feature set
- Smaller community and fewer educational resources
5. Instapage
Positives:
- 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)
Strengths:
- Most economical option if you already have WordPress
- Ultimate flexibility and customization
- Complete ownership and control
- One-time purchases versus subscription model
Shortcomings:
- 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 Will Love ClickFunnels?
ClickFunnels is particularly perfect for:
1. Information Product Creators 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 straightforward to deliver content to paying customers.
2. Web Store Businesses
With ClickFunnels 2.0’s advanced e-commerce features, online retailers can create effective product funnels that grow average order value through upsells, downsells, and order bumps.
3. Consulting Businesses
Professionals, 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 suitable for affiliate marketers looking to optimize 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. Design-Inexperienced Entrepreneurs
Those without coding or design skills will appreciate ClickFunnels’ user-friendly interface and pre-built templates.
Who Should Consider Alternatives Elsewhere?
ClickFunnels may not be the perfect match for:
1. Micro Businesses 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 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. Corporate Businesses with Complex Requirements
Very large organizations with complex integration needs and custom requirements might need more specialized 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
Opt for a funnel template that fits 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 profitable funnel before moving on to the next.
3. Employ the Training Resources
Take advantage of the abundant training materials, including ClickFunnels’ onboarding sequence and the FunnelFlix training library.
4. Participate in the Community
The ClickFunnels Facebook group provides helpful insights and support from fellow users who can help address issues or suggest optimization strategies.
5. Test and Optimize
Use the A/B testing features to continuously refine your funnels based on actual user behavior and conversion data.
6. Start with Prepared Templates
Rather than building from scratch, adjust existing high-converting templates to match your brand and offering.
Summary: Is ClickFunnels Worth It?
ClickFunnels represents a significant investment, but for many businesses, the return on that investment can be considerable. 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 intent on optimizing your online sales process and appreciate 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 focused on implementing effective sales funnels, ClickFunnels provides both the tools and the strategic framework to excel in today’s competitive digital landscape. The platform regularly evolve, addressing previous limitations and growing its capabilities to serve a broader range of marketing needs.
Whether you’re selling downloadable items, merchandise, or professional assistance, ClickFunnels offers a streamlined path from stranger to customer-and that, for many businesses, is worth the investment.