In the modern e-commerce world, changing visitors to customers is the ultimate goal for every e-commerce venture. This is where customer journey software demonstrates importance, and ClickFunnels stands as one of the most well-known names in this niche.
Started by Russell Brunson in 2014, ClickFunnels has changed the way companies and business owners approach online sales, working to improve the user experience from first contact to checkout.
But is ClickFunnels worth pursuing? Does it match its hype? Whether you’re a experienced business owner or building your business from scratch, this thorough review will provide you with all the insights you need to make an well-informed choice about ClickFunnels.
Understanding ClickFunnels?
ClickFunnels is an unified marketing platform engineered to help businesses design optimized sales funnels without demanding technical expertise or a team of developers. At its core, ClickFunnels allows users to create landing pages, generate email sequences, handle payments, and oversee customer relationships-all within a one platform.
The Idea of Sales Funnels
Before diving deeper into ClickFunnels, it’s critical to understand what a sales funnel is. A sales funnel illustrates the path customers go through from becoming aware of your product or service to completing a transaction.
It typically includes stages like visibility, curiosity, consideration, and commitment.
Traditional websites are often designed without a clear path for visitors to navigate. This can lead to high bounce rates and forfeited potential customers. Sales funnels, alternatively, are purposefully created to steer visitors through a predetermined path, raising the likelihood of conversion at each step.
ClickFunnels’ Approach
ClickFunnels has uncomplicated the process of creating these funnels with its drag-and-drop editor and template templates. The platform’s philosophy centers around not just constructing web pages but creating impactful conversion paths that turn visitors into customers and customers into brand ambassadors.
Essential Components of ClickFunnels
1. Funnel Development Tool
The center of ClickFunnels is its easy-to-use funnel builder. Users can opt for a variety of funnel types, including:
- Opt-in funnels: Developed to collect email addresses
- Sales funnels: For marketing products or services
- Webinar funnels: To promote and register users for webinars
- Membership funnels: For ongoing products
The user-friendly interface makes it simple to add parts like text, images, videos, forms, and buttons without producing a single line of code.
2. Prepared Templates
ClickFunnels provides over numerous prepared templates for multiple industries and purposes. These templates, developed by industry professionals, are engineered for performance and can be modified to match your brand.
3. Comparative Testing
Knowing what resonates with your audience is key for maximizing conversions. ClickFunnels’ A/B testing option allows you to build multiple versions of your pages and analyze different elements to see which is more effective.
4. Automated Emails
ClickFunnels features email marketing capabilities, allowing you to design automated email sequences triggered by specific actions. This feature helps develop leads and transition them further down the sales funnel.
5. Transaction Handling
The platform smoothly integrates with payment processors like different payment solutions, allowing you to accept payments straight through your funnels without redirecting customers to external sites.
6. Member Portals
For creators selling courses or subscription content, ClickFunnels offers the ability to create restricted membership areas where members can access special content.
7. Results Monitoring
ClickFunnels supplies comprehensive analytics on funnel results, including page views, conversions, and earnings. These metrics help users enhance their funnels for better results.
8. Commission Management
If you have an affiliate program, ClickFunnels makes it straightforward to manage your affiliates, track their performance, and handle commission payments.
ClickFunnels 2.0: The Upgrade
In 2022, ClickFunnels released its most important update: ClickFunnels 2.0. This new version signifies a complete rebuild of the platform with improved features and capabilities.
New Features in 2.0?
- Enhanced Website Builder: A more sophisticated website builder that allows for full website creation, not just funnels
- Upgraded E-commerce Capabilities: Better product management, inventory tracking, and order fulfillment
- Blog Creation: The ability to develop and handle a blog directly within ClickFunnels
- Advanced Customization: More versatility in design and functionality
- Upgraded User Interface: A more streamlined dashboard and editor
- Performance Improvements: Faster page loading times and better mobile responsiveness
- Improved 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 all-encompassing marketing solution.
Membership Levels
ClickFunnels offers different pricing tiers to serve 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
Plus Plan
At $197 per month, the Pro plan offers:
- Unlimited funnels
- Unlimited pages
- 9 payment gateways
- 9 domains
- 3 admin users
- Advanced automation
- Enhanced analytics
Top-tier Plan
For $997 per month, the Funnel Hacker plan provides:
- 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 come with a 14-day free trial, allowing users to try the platform before subscribing financially.
The Perks of Using ClickFunnels
1. Integrated Solution
Perhaps the main advantage of ClickFunnels is that it integrates 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 user-friendly interface takes away the need for coding or design skills. This streamlines the funnel-building process, making it usable to entrepreneurs without technical backgrounds.
3. Rapid Deployment
With ready-made templates and a streamlined workflow, ClickFunnels significantly minimizes the time needed to deploy a marketing campaign. What might take weeks with custom development can be completed in days or even hours.
4. Network and Assistance
ClickFunnels has created a thriving 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 thorough documentation, tutorials, and responsive customer support.
5. Proven Conversion Frameworks
The templates and funnel structures within ClickFunnels are founded on proven marketing principles and tested conversion strategies. This means users leverage established best practices rather than working from nothing.
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 formal learning opportunities.
Limitations and Drawbacks
Despite its many benefits, ClickFunnels isn’t without limitations:
1. Investment
Starting at $147 per month, ClickFunnels represents a significant investment, especially for freelancers or startups with limited budgets. Many competitors offer more inexpensive entry-level options.
2. Training Requirement
While designed to be user-friendly, mastering all of ClickFunnels’ features and understanding funnel strategy takes time and dedication. New users might feel confused by the platform’s capabilities.
3. Finite Design Flexibility
Though the drag-and-drop editor is powerful, designers accustomed to more advanced tools might find it inflexible. The balance between simplicity and flexibility sometimes favors the former.
4. Page Response Time
Prior to 2.0, some users reported concerns with page loading speed, which can diminish SEO and user experience. While ClickFunnels 2.0 has improved performance, optimizing for speed needs attention.
5. Email Marketing Limitations
While ClickFunnels features email marketing features, they’re not as robust as dedicated email marketing platforms. Power users might still need additional tools for elaborate email campaigns.
ClickFunnels Rivals: How They Compare
The sales funnel and landing page builder market has become increasingly crowded. Here’s how ClickFunnels stands up to its main competitors:
1. Kartra
Benefits relative to ClickFunnels:
- More all-encompassing marketing automation
- Built-in video hosting and advanced video marketing features
- More advanced email marketing capabilities
- Helpdesk and ticket system included
Limitations:
- Steeper learning curve
- Fewer templates specifically optimized for sales funnels
- Less active community
2. Leadpages
Benefits:
- More cost-effective entry point ($37/month)
- Strong focus on lead generation
- Excellent mobile-responsive designs
- Solid WordPress integration
Weaknesses:
- Less full-featured 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 adaptable 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
Advantages:
- Significantly more economical (starting at $27/month, with a free plan available)
- All-in-one solution similar to ClickFunnels
- Simple, intuitive interface
Limitations:
- Fewer templates and design options
- Less robust 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
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)
Advantages:
- Most cost-effective 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 appropriate for:
1. E-learning Providers 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. E-commerce 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. Client Service Businesses
Specialists, 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 suitable for affiliate marketers looking to optimize their commissions from promotional campaigns.
5. Publishers and Content Creators
ClickFunnels provides effective book funnel templates that help authors promote books while gathering reader information for long-term relationship building.
6. Technically Challenged 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 right option for:
1. Micro Businesses with Limited Budgets
The monthly investment might be too high 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 ideal, though ClickFunnels 2.0 has made improvements in this area.
3. Design Specialists 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 dedicated solutions.
Launching 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
Choose 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 converting funnel before moving on to the next.
3. Leverage the Training Resources
Take advantage of the detailed training materials, including ClickFunnels’ onboarding sequence and the FunnelFlix training library.
4. Connect with the Community
The ClickFunnels Facebook group provides helpful insights and support from fellow users who can help fix issues or suggest optimization strategies.
5. Experiment and Optimize
Use the A/B testing features to continuously refine your funnels based on actual user behavior and conversion data.
6. Start with Existing 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 major investment, but for many businesses, the yield 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 foster leads and convert customers.
The decision ultimately comes down to your specific business needs, technical comfort level, and budget. If you’re committed to optimizing your online sales process and appreciate an all-in-one solution that doesn’t require technical expertise, ClickFunnels offers a appealing package-especially with the upgraded capabilities of ClickFunnels 2.0.
For businesses that can manage the monthly subscription and are committed to implementing effective sales funnels, ClickFunnels provides both the tools and the strategic framework to prosper in today’s competitive digital landscape. The platform regularly evolve, fixing previous limitations and enhancing its capabilities to serve a broader range of marketing needs.
Whether you’re selling downloadable items, tangible products, or expertise, ClickFunnels offers a optimized path from stranger to customer-and that, for many businesses, is deserving of the investment.