In the current online business landscape, converting visitors into customers is the main aim for any online business. This is where digital sales pipelines comes into play, and ClickFunnels remains one of the most popular names in this space.
Founded by Russell Brunson in 2014, ClickFunnels has reshaped the way marketers and organizations approach online sales, striving to enhance the user experience from awareness to completed sale.
But is ClickFunnels a good value? Does it match its potential? Whether you’re a digital marketing veteran or launching your first venture, this thorough review will provide you with all the details you need to make an informed decision about ClickFunnels.
Understanding ClickFunnels?
ClickFunnels is an complete marketing platform engineered to help businesses construct optimized sales funnels without calling for technical expertise or a team of developers. At its core, ClickFunnels allows users to construct landing pages, generate email sequences, facilitate payments, and manage customer relationships-all within a one platform.
The Principle of Sales Funnels
Preceding diving deeper into ClickFunnels, it’s crucial to understand what a sales funnel is. A sales funnel shows the route customers go through from being introduced to your product or service to finalizing a sale.
It typically includes levels like visibility, interest, deliberation, and transaction.
Conventional sites are often developed without a clear path for visitors to navigate. This can create high bounce rates and missed potential customers. Sales funnels, by contrast, are methodically developed to steer visitors through a structured path, enhancing the likelihood of success at each step.
ClickFunnels’ Approach
ClickFunnels has simplified the process of creating these funnels with its intuitive editor and pre-built templates. The platform’s philosophy centers around not just developing web pages but creating high-converting conversion paths that turn visitors into customers and customers into loyal fans.
Key Features of ClickFunnels
1. Funnel Designer
The heart of ClickFunnels is its easy-to-use funnel builder. Users can decide between a variety of funnel types, including:
- Opt-in funnels: Developed to collect email addresses
- Sales funnels: For selling products or services
- Webinar funnels: To advertise and register users for webinars
- Membership funnels: For continuity 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-designed Templates
ClickFunnels delivers over numerous pre-designed templates for numerous industries and purposes. These templates, developed by industry professionals, are created for sales and can be adjusted to match your brand.
3. Comparative Testing
Recognizing what works for your audience is critical for maximizing conversions. ClickFunnels’ A/B testing tool allows you to design multiple versions of your pages and analyze different elements to see which is more effective.
4. Email Marketing
ClickFunnels integrates email marketing capabilities, allowing you to establish automated email sequences started by specific actions. This feature helps cultivate leads and guide them further down the sales funnel.
5. Payment Processing
The platform easily integrates with payment processors like various payment gateways, permitting you to accept payments right through your funnels without moving customers to external sites.
6. Member Sections
For entrepreneurs selling courses or subscription content, ClickFunnels delivers the ability to create private membership areas where users can access exclusive content.
7. Results Monitoring
ClickFunnels furnishes in-depth analytics on funnel success, including page views, conversions, and earnings. These data help users enhance their funnels for better results.
8. Commission Management
If you have an affiliate program, ClickFunnels makes it uncomplicated to oversee your affiliates, monitor their performance, and handle 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 upgraded features and capabilities.
What’s New in 2.0?
- Improved Website Builder: A more robust website builder that allows for complete website creation, not just funnels
- Expanded E-commerce Capabilities: Better product management, inventory tracking, and order fulfillment
- Blog Creation: The ability to establish and manage a blog directly within ClickFunnels
- Sophisticated Customization: More flexibility in design and functionality
- Better User Interface: A more intuitive dashboard and editor
- Technical Improvements: Faster page loading times and better mobile responsiveness
- Improved CRM Features: More sophisticated customer relationship management tools
The upgrade to 2.0 addresses many of the constraints users experienced with the original version, making it a more complete marketing solution.
Membership Levels
ClickFunnels offers different pricing tiers to serve businesses of various sizes:
Fundamental 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
Professional Plan
At $197 per month, the Pro plan provides:
- Unlimited funnels
- Unlimited pages
- 9 payment gateways
- 9 domains
- 3 admin users
- Advanced automation
- Enhanced analytics
Ultimate 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 provide a 14-day free trial, allowing users to try the platform before subscribing financially.
The Positives of Using ClickFunnels
1. Integrated Solution
Perhaps the greatest advantage of ClickFunnels is that it combines multiple tools into one platform. Instead of coordinating different services for landing pages, email marketing, payment processing, and membership sites, users can manage all these aspects in one place.
2. No Technical Background Required
The platform’s intuitive interface does away with the need for coding or design skills. This opens up the funnel-building process, making it manageable to entrepreneurs without technical backgrounds.
3. Time Savings
With existing templates and a smooth workflow, ClickFunnels significantly reduces the time needed to initiate a marketing campaign. What might take weeks with custom development can be finished in days or even hours.
4. Support Network
ClickFunnels has created a thriving community of users who share strategies, successes, and advice. The official ClickFunnels Facebook group has over 250,000 members, creating a useful resource for marketers at all levels. Additionally, the platform offers thorough documentation, tutorials, and responsive customer support.
5. Validated Conversion Frameworks
The templates and funnel structures within ClickFunnels are built upon 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 multitude of educational resources. Russell Brunson’s books, such as “DotCom Secrets” and “Expert Secrets,” provide useful marketing insights, while the ClickFunnels training programs offer organized learning opportunities.
Downsides and Drawbacks
Despite its many advantages, ClickFunnels isn’t without limitations:
1. Price Point
Starting at $147 per month, ClickFunnels represents a major investment, especially for solopreneurs or startups with limited budgets. Many competitors offer more cost-effective entry-level options.
2. Learning Curve
While designed to be accessible, mastering all of ClickFunnels’ features and understanding funnel strategy requires time and dedication. New users might feel challenged by the platform’s capabilities.
3. Modest Design Flexibility
Though the intuitive editor is strong, designers accustomed to more advanced tools might find it restrictive. The balance between simplicity and flexibility sometimes prioritizes the former.
4. Page Response Time
Prior to 2.0, some users reported difficulties with page loading speed, which can harm SEO and user experience. While ClickFunnels 2.0 has improved performance, optimizing for speed needs 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 advanced email campaigns.
ClickFunnels Competition: How They Compare
The sales funnel and landing page builder market has become increasingly saturated. Here’s how ClickFunnels compares 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 sophisticated email marketing capabilities
- Helpdesk and ticket system included
Shortcomings:
- 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 comprehensive than ClickFunnels (primarily focuses on landing pages)
- Limited checkout and payment processing options
- No built-in email marketing
3. Unbounce
Positives:
- Advanced A/B testing capabilities
- Highly versatile 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
Positives:
- Significantly more cost-effective (starting at $27/month, with a free plan available)
- All-in-one solution similar to ClickFunnels
- Simple, intuitive interface
Shortcomings:
- Fewer templates and design options
- Less powerful feature set
- Smaller community and fewer educational resources
5. Instapage
Strengths:
- 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)
Positives:
- Most affordable option if you already have WordPress
- Ultimate flexibility and customization
- Complete ownership and control
- One-time purchases versus subscription model
Weaknesses:
- 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. Digital Educators 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. Online Retail Businesses
With ClickFunnels 2.0’s improved e-commerce features, online retailers can create effective product funnels that enhance average order value through upsells, downsells, and order bumps.
3. Professional Services Businesses
Experts, agencies, and service providers can use ClickFunnels to acquire 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 offer books while obtaining reader information for long-term relationship building.
6. Code-Averse Entrepreneurs
Those without coding or design skills will enjoy ClickFunnels’ simple interface and pre-built templates.
Who May Not Be Ideal Elsewhere?
ClickFunnels may not be the optimal solution for:
1. Solo Entrepreneurs with Limited Budgets
The monthly investment might be excessive for businesses just starting out or with tight marketing budgets.
2. Editorial 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 precise designs and extensive customization might prefer platforms with more design flexibility.
4. Major Businesses with Complex Requirements
Very large organizations with complex integration needs and custom requirements might need more customized 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
Pick a funnel template that fits 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 performing funnel before moving on to the next.
3. Employ the Training Resources
Take advantage of the extensive training materials, including ClickFunnels’ onboarding sequence and the FunnelFlix training library.
4. Participate in the Community
The ClickFunnels Facebook group provides valuable insights and support from fellow users who can help resolve 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, alter existing high-converting templates to match your brand and offering.
Summary: Is ClickFunnels Worth It?
ClickFunnels represents a considerable investment, but for many businesses, the yield on that investment can be considerable. The platform’s strength lies in its ability to ease the complex process of creating effective sales funnels while providing the tools needed to nurture leads and convert customers.
The decision ultimately revolves around your specific business needs, technical comfort level, and budget. If you’re focused on 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 expanded 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 is always evolve, addressing previous limitations and increasing its capabilities to serve a broader range of marketing needs.
Whether you’re selling e-products, physical goods, or consulting, ClickFunnels offers a streamlined path from stranger to customer-and that, for many businesses, is justified for the investment.