In the modern e-commerce world, moving leads to sales is the key focus for every digital enterprise. This is where sales funnel software becomes essential, and ClickFunnels is recognized as one of the most prominent names in this field.
Created by Russell Brunson in 2014, ClickFunnels has revolutionized the way companies and business owners approach online sales, striving to streamline the user experience from discovery to final purchase.
But is ClickFunnels a good value? Does it deliver on its promises? Whether you’re a experienced business owner or building your business from scratch, this complete review will provide you with everything you need to make an smart choice about ClickFunnels.
What Is ClickFunnels?
ClickFunnels is an comprehensive marketing platform built to help businesses design optimized sales funnels without necessitating technical expertise or a team of developers. At its core, ClickFunnels allows users to design landing pages, generate email sequences, execute payments, and oversee customer relationships-all within a integrated platform.
The Idea of Sales Funnels
In advance of diving deeper into ClickFunnels, it’s essential to understand what a sales funnel is. A sales funnel shows the route customers go through from becoming aware of your product or service to making a purchase.
It typically includes phases like awareness, appeal, assessment, and commitment.
Conventional sites are often developed without a defined route for visitors to trace. This can lead to high bounce rates and squandered potential customers. Sales funnels, on the other hand, are methodically developed to steer visitors through a predetermined path, improving the likelihood of conversion at each step.
ClickFunnels’ Methodology
ClickFunnels has uncomplicated the process of creating these funnels with its drag-and-drop editor and ready-to-use templates. The platform’s approach centers around not just creating web pages but creating high-converting conversion paths that turn visitors into customers and customers into loyal fans.
Primary Elements of ClickFunnels
1. Funnel Creator
The center of ClickFunnels is its user-friendly funnel builder. Users can select a variety of funnel types, including:
- Opt-in funnels: Created to collect email addresses
- Sales funnels: For retailing products or services
- Webinar funnels: To promote and register users for webinars
- Membership funnels: For ongoing products
The intuitive interface makes it effortless to add elements like text, images, videos, forms, and buttons without creating a single line of code.
2. Pre-built Templates
ClickFunnels features over numerous ready-made templates for diverse industries and purposes. These templates, designed by marketing experts, are structured for results and can be personalized to match your brand.
3. A/B Testing
Recognizing what engages your audience is essential for increasing conversions. ClickFunnels’ A/B testing capability allows you to create multiple versions of your pages and compare different elements to see which performs better.
4. Email Automation
ClickFunnels features email marketing capabilities, allowing you to design automated email sequences triggered by specific actions. This feature helps develop leads and direct them further down the sales funnel.
5. Payment Processing
The platform easily integrates with payment processors like different payment solutions, allowing you to accept payments straight through your funnels without shifting customers to external sites.
6. Protected Content
For professionals selling courses or subscription content, ClickFunnels offers the ability to create restricted membership areas where customers can access special content.
7. Analytics and Reporting
ClickFunnels provides extensive analytics on funnel metrics, including page views, conversions, and earnings. These insights help users perfect their funnels for greater results.
8. Commission Management
If you have an affiliate program, ClickFunnels makes it uncomplicated to manage your affiliates, measure their performance, and manage commission payments.
ClickFunnels 2.0: The Upgrade
In 2022, ClickFunnels released its most important update: ClickFunnels 2.0. This new version embodies a complete overhaul of the platform with enhanced features and capabilities.
Enhancements in 2.0?
- Better Website Builder: A more robust website builder that allows for full website creation, not just funnels
- Expanded E-commerce Capabilities: Better product management, inventory tracking, and order fulfillment
- Blog Creation: The ability to create and maintain a blog directly within ClickFunnels
- Improved Customization: More flexibility in design and functionality
- Improved User Interface: A more streamlined 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 fixes many of the limitations users experienced with the original version, making it a more comprehensive marketing solution.
Pricing Structure
ClickFunnels provides 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
Pro 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
Elite Plan
For $997 per month, the Funnel Hacker plan includes:
- 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 evaluate the platform before paying financially.
The Positives of Using ClickFunnels
1. Integrated Solution
Perhaps the largest advantage of ClickFunnels is that it integrates multiple tools into one platform. Instead of coordinating different services for landing pages, email marketing, payment processing, and membership sites, users can operate all these aspects in one place.
2. No Programming Expertise Required
The platform’s intuitive interface takes away the need for coding or design skills. This streamlines the funnel-building process, making it attainable to entrepreneurs without technical backgrounds.
3. Fast Implementation
With existing templates and a streamlined workflow, ClickFunnels significantly cuts the time needed to start a marketing campaign. What might take weeks with custom development can be finished in days or even hours.
4. Support Network
ClickFunnels has established a vibrant 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 comprehensive documentation, tutorials, and responsive customer support.
5. Validated Conversion Frameworks
The templates and funnel structures within ClickFunnels are based on proven marketing principles and tested conversion strategies. This means users employ established best practices rather than creating from nothing.
6. Knowledge Base
Beyond the software itself, ClickFunnels offers a wealth of educational resources. Russell Brunson’s books, such as “DotCom Secrets” and “Expert Secrets,” provide insightful marketing insights, while the ClickFunnels training programs offer methodical learning opportunities.
Limitations and Drawbacks
Despite its many positives, ClickFunnels isn’t without limitations:
1. Expense
Starting at $147 per month, ClickFunnels represents a significant investment, especially for solopreneurs or startups with limited budgets. Many competitors offer more economical entry-level options.
2. Adjustment Period
While designed to be intuitive, mastering all of ClickFunnels’ features and understanding funnel strategy calls for 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 confining. The balance between simplicity and flexibility sometimes tilts toward the former.
4. Page Load Time
Prior to 2.0, some users reported challenges with page loading speed, which can negatively impact SEO and user experience. While ClickFunnels 2.0 has improved performance, optimizing for speed demands attention.
5. Email Marketing Limitations
While ClickFunnels includes email marketing features, they’re not as advanced as dedicated email marketing platforms. Power users might still need additional tools for sophisticated email campaigns.
ClickFunnels Alternatives: 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
Strengths relative to ClickFunnels:
- More extensive marketing automation
- Built-in video hosting and advanced video marketing features
- More powerful email marketing capabilities
- Helpdesk and ticket system included
Drawbacks:
- 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 robust 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
Strengths:
- Significantly more budget-friendly (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 advanced 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
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)
Positives:
- Most budget-friendly option if you already have WordPress
- Ultimate flexibility and customization
- Complete ownership and control
- One-time purchases versus subscription model
Limitations:
- 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. E-learning Providers 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 straightforward to deliver content to paying customers.
2. Web Store Businesses
With ClickFunnels 2.0’s improved e-commerce features, online retailers can create effective product funnels that raise average order value through upsells, downsells, and order bumps.
3. B2B Service Businesses
Advisors, agencies, and service providers can use ClickFunnels to generate leads, book appointments, and sell service packages without complex website development.
4. Commission Marketers
The platform’s optimization for conversions makes it suitable for affiliate marketers looking to improve their commissions from promotional campaigns.
5. Writers and Content Creators
ClickFunnels provides effective book funnel templates that help authors market books while collecting reader information for long-term relationship building.
6. Code-Averse Entrepreneurs
Those without coding or design skills will value ClickFunnels’ simple interface and pre-built templates.
Who Should Explore Other Options Elsewhere?
ClickFunnels may not be the optimal solution for:
1. Startups with Limited Budgets
The monthly investment might be prohibitive 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 ideal, though ClickFunnels 2.0 has made improvements in this area.
3. Creative Professionals 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 bespoke solutions.
Launching with ClickFunnels: Tips for Success
If you decide to try ClickFunnels, here are some tips to maximize your experience:
1. Start with the Right Funnel Type
Pick 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 converting funnel before moving on to the next.
3. Use the Training Resources
Take advantage of the comprehensive training materials, including ClickFunnels’ onboarding sequence and the FunnelFlix training library.
4. Engage with the Community
The ClickFunnels Facebook group provides important 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 regularly 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.
Final Thoughts: Is ClickFunnels Worth It?
ClickFunnels represents a major investment, but for many businesses, the return on that investment can be substantial. The platform’s strength lies in its ability to ease the complex process of creating effective sales funnels while providing the tools needed to cultivate leads and convert customers.
The decision ultimately hinges on your specific business needs, technical comfort level, and budget. If you’re focused on optimizing your online sales process and prefer an all-in-one solution that doesn’t require technical expertise, ClickFunnels offers a compelling package-especially with the enhanced capabilities of ClickFunnels 2.0.
For businesses that can afford the monthly subscription and are invested in implementing effective sales funnels, ClickFunnels provides both the tools and the strategic framework to succeed in today’s competitive digital landscape. The platform continues to evolve, fixing previous limitations and growing its capabilities to serve a broader range of marketing needs.
Whether you’re selling digital products, merchandise, or services, ClickFunnels offers a direct path from stranger to customer-and that, for many businesses, is warranted for the investment.