In today’s competitive online environment, converting visitors into customers is the ultimate goal for all internet companies. This is where conversion funnel tools comes into play, and ClickFunnels is recognized as one of the most recognized names in this niche.
Launched by Russell Brunson in 2014, ClickFunnels has reshaped the way companies and business owners approach online sales, working to streamline the customer journey from initial interest to buying decision.
But is ClickFunnels a good value? Does it deliver on its claims? Whether you’re a seasoned marketer or a beginner in digital marketing, this thorough review will provide you with all the insights 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 essence, ClickFunnels allows users to design landing pages, establish email sequences, process payments, and supervise customer relationships-all within a one platform.
The Fundamentals of Sales Funnels
Before diving deeper into ClickFunnels, it’s important to understand what a sales funnel is. A sales funnel symbolizes the route customers go through from becoming aware of your product or service to making a purchase.
It typically includes stages like discovery, curiosity, consideration, and transaction.
Regular sites are often developed without a structured journey for visitors to follow. This can lead to high bounce rates and missed potential customers. Sales funnels, in comparison, are purposefully created to navigate visitors through a defined path, improving the likelihood of results at each step.
ClickFunnels’ System
ClickFunnels has made easier the process of creating these funnels with its visual editor and prepared templates. The platform’s concept centers around not just designing web pages but creating impactful conversion paths that convert visitors into customers and customers into loyal fans.
Main Capabilities of ClickFunnels
1. Funnel Construction Kit
The center of ClickFunnels is its straightforward funnel builder. Users can pick a variety of funnel types, including:
- Opt-in funnels: Designed to collect email addresses
- Sales funnels: For offering products or services
- Webinar funnels: To publicize and register users for webinars
- Membership funnels: For recurring products
The intuitive interface makes it easy to add parts like text, images, videos, forms, and buttons without coding a single line of code.
2. Pre-built Templates
ClickFunnels includes over 100 professionally created templates for numerous industries and purposes. These templates, produced by marketing experts, are engineered for success and can be modified to match your brand.
3. Comparative Testing
Knowing what works for your audience is crucial for enhancing conversions. ClickFunnels’ A/B testing option allows you to create multiple versions of your pages and compare different elements to see which is more effective.
4. Email Automation
ClickFunnels includes email marketing capabilities, allowing you to develop automated email sequences activated by specific actions. This feature helps develop leads and guide them further down the sales funnel.
5. Checkout System
The platform flawlessly integrates with payment processors like various payment gateways, facilitating you to accept payments straight through your funnels without shifting customers to external sites.
6. Subscription Areas
For experts selling courses or subscription content, ClickFunnels provides the ability to create secure membership areas where users can access restricted content.
7. Performance Tracking
ClickFunnels delivers comprehensive analytics on funnel performance, including page views, conversions, and earnings. These data help users optimize their funnels for greater results.
8. Affiliate Management
If you have an affiliate program, ClickFunnels makes it easy to administer your affiliates, track their performance, and distribute commission payments.
ClickFunnels 2.0: The Next Generation
In 2022, ClickFunnels released its most substantial update: ClickFunnels 2.0. This new version marks a complete rebuild of the platform with upgraded features and capabilities.
Upgrades in 2.0?
- Improved Website Builder: A more sophisticated website builder that allows for comprehensive website creation, not just funnels
- Improved E-commerce Capabilities: Better product management, inventory tracking, and order fulfillment
- Blog Creation: The ability to establish and run a blog directly within ClickFunnels
- Superior Customization: More versatility in design and functionality
- Enhanced User Interface: A cleaner dashboard and editor
- Loading Time Upgrades: Faster page loading times and better mobile responsiveness
- Expanded CRM Features: More advanced customer relationship management tools
The upgrade to 2.0 resolves many of the limitations users experienced with the original version, making it a more all-encompassing marketing solution.
Pricing Structure
ClickFunnels provides different pricing tiers to support businesses of various sizes:
Basic 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 includes:
- 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 features:
- 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 evaluate the platform before deciding financially.
The Benefits of Using ClickFunnels
1. Comprehensive Solution
Perhaps the largest advantage of ClickFunnels is that it combines multiple tools into one platform. Instead of handling different services for landing pages, email marketing, payment processing, and membership sites, users can manage all these aspects in one place.
2. No Coding Knowledge Required
The platform’s drag-and-drop interface removes the need for coding or design skills. This opens up the funnel-building process, making it accessible to entrepreneurs without technical backgrounds.
3. Time Efficiency
With prepared templates and a optimized 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. User Community
ClickFunnels has created a vibrant community of users who share 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 extensive documentation, tutorials, and responsive customer support.
5. Proven Conversion Frameworks
The templates and funnel structures within ClickFunnels are derived from proven marketing principles and tested conversion strategies. This means users benefit from established best practices rather than working from nothing.
6. Instructional Assets
Beyond the software itself, ClickFunnels offers a collection of educational resources. Russell Brunson’s books, such as “DotCom Secrets” and “Expert Secrets,” provide useful marketing insights, while the ClickFunnels training programs offer formal learning opportunities.
Limitations and Drawbacks
Despite its many merits, ClickFunnels isn’t without limitations:
1. Expense
Starting at $147 per month, ClickFunnels represents a major investment, especially for individual entrepreneurs or startups with limited budgets. Many competitors offer more inexpensive entry-level options.
2. Training Requirement
While designed to be straightforward, mastering all of ClickFunnels’ features and understanding funnel strategy takes time and dedication. New users might feel confused by the platform’s capabilities.
3. Constrained Design Flexibility
Though the drag-and-drop editor is strong, designers accustomed to more advanced tools might find it limiting. The balance between simplicity and flexibility sometimes tilts toward the former.
4. Page Response Time
Prior to 2.0, some users reported challenges 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 Restrictions
While ClickFunnels features email marketing features, they’re not as powerful as dedicated email marketing platforms. Power users might still need additional tools for elaborate email campaigns.
ClickFunnels Competition: How They Compare
The sales funnel and landing page builder market has become increasingly competitive. Here’s how ClickFunnels measures against its main competitors:
1. Kartra
Positives 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
Drawbacks:
- Steeper learning curve
- Fewer templates specifically optimized for sales funnels
- Less active community
2. Leadpages
Positives:
- More cost-effective entry point ($37/month)
- Strong focus on lead generation
- Excellent mobile-responsive designs
- Solid WordPress integration
Shortcomings:
- Less full-featured 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 adaptable design options
- Strong analytics and conversion intelligence
- More affordable starting point
Limitations:
- Primarily focused on landing pages rather than complete funnels
- No built-in payment processing
- Less intuitive for non-technical users
4. Systeme.io
Benefits:
- Significantly more inexpensive (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 comprehensive 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
Disadvantages:
- 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)
Benefits:
- Most budget-friendly 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 Should Use ClickFunnels?
ClickFunnels is particularly appropriate for:
1. Information Product Creators 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 straightforward to deliver content to paying customers.
2. Internet Retail Businesses
With ClickFunnels 2.0’s enhanced e-commerce features, online retailers can create effective product funnels that increase average order value through upsells, downsells, and order bumps.
3. Client Service Businesses
Advisors, agencies, and service providers can use ClickFunnels to obtain leads, book appointments, and sell service packages without complex website development.
4. Commission Marketers
The platform’s optimization for conversions makes it perfect for affiliate marketers looking to maximize their commissions from promotional campaigns.
5. Writers and Content Creators
ClickFunnels provides effective book funnel templates that help authors promote books while collecting reader information for long-term relationship building.
6. Technically Challenged Entrepreneurs
Those without coding or design skills will welcome ClickFunnels’ intuitive interface and pre-built templates.
Who May Want to Consider Other Solutions Elsewhere?
ClickFunnels may not be the right option for:
1. New Ventures with Limited Budgets
The monthly investment might be costly 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 beneficial, though ClickFunnels 2.0 has made improvements in this area.
3. Professional Designers Seeking Complete Creative Control
Those who require meticulous designs and extensive customization might prefer platforms with more design flexibility.
4. Large Scale Businesses with Complex Requirements
Very large organizations with complex integration needs and custom requirements might need more tailored solutions.
Launching with ClickFunnels: Tips for Success
If you decide to try ClickFunnels, here are some tips to optimize your experience:
1. Start with the Right Funnel Type
Decide on a funnel template that matches 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 effective funnel before moving on to the next.
3. Take advantage of 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 useful insights and support from fellow users who can help troubleshoot issues or suggest optimization strategies.
5. Experiment and Optimize
Use the A/B testing features to persistently 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.
Summary: Is ClickFunnels Worth It?
ClickFunnels represents a major investment, but for many businesses, the reward 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 foster leads and convert customers.
The decision ultimately hinges on your specific business needs, technical comfort level, and budget. If you’re dedicated 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 enhanced 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 consistently evolve, addressing previous limitations and enhancing its capabilities to serve a broader range of marketing needs.
Whether you’re selling online courses, retail products, or services, ClickFunnels offers a streamlined path from stranger to customer-and that, for many businesses, is well worth the investment.