In today’s digital marketplace, moving leads to sales is the ultimate goal for all internet companies. This is where customer journey software becomes essential, and ClickFunnels is recognized as one of the most popular names in this space.
Launched by Russell Brunson in 2014, ClickFunnels has changed the way entrepreneurs and businesses approach online sales, working to streamline the customer journey from first contact to buying decision.
But is ClickFunnels worth your money? Does it deliver on its promises? Whether you’re a experienced business owner or just starting your entrepreneurial journey, this in-depth review will provide you with all the information you need to make an calculated decision about ClickFunnels.
Understanding ClickFunnels?
ClickFunnels is an comprehensive marketing platform engineered to help businesses create optimized sales funnels without necessitating technical expertise or a team of developers. At its center, ClickFunnels allows users to create landing pages, establish email sequences, handle payments, and manage customer relationships-all within a one platform.
The Principle of Sales Funnels
Before diving deeper into ClickFunnels, it’s crucial to understand what a sales funnel is. A sales funnel depicts the journey customers go through from becoming aware of your product or service to completing a transaction.
It typically includes stages like visibility, engagement, deliberation, and action.
Traditional websites are often designed without a clear path for visitors to trace. This can produce high bounce rates and wasted potential customers. Sales funnels, on the other hand, are intentionally built to lead visitors through a defined path, increasing the likelihood of conversion at each step.
ClickFunnels’ Methodology
ClickFunnels has streamlined the process of creating these funnels with its point-and-click editor and pre-built templates. The platform’s strategy centers around not just building web pages but creating high-converting conversion paths that transition visitors into customers and customers into repeat buyers.
Main Capabilities of ClickFunnels
1. Funnel Designer
The core of ClickFunnels is its easy-to-use funnel builder. Users can select a variety of funnel types, including:
- Opt-in funnels: Made to collect email addresses
- Sales funnels: For retailing products or services
- Webinar funnels: To market and register users for webinars
- Membership funnels: For recurring products
The user-friendly interface makes it straightforward to add items like text, images, videos, forms, and buttons without writing a single line of code.
2. Prepared Templates
ClickFunnels features over many ready-made templates for different industries and purposes. These templates, designed by industry professionals, are engineered for results and can be modified to match your brand.
3. Experimental Testing
Knowing what connects with your audience is key for increasing conversions. ClickFunnels’ A/B testing option allows you to produce multiple versions of your pages and examine different elements to see which is more effective.
4. Automated Emails
ClickFunnels features email marketing capabilities, allowing you to create automated email sequences initiated by specific actions. This feature helps foster leads and direct them further down the sales funnel.
5. Payment Processing
The platform smoothly integrates with payment processors like different payment solutions, empowering you to accept payments instantly through your funnels without moving customers to external sites.
6. Protected Content
For creators selling courses or subscription content, ClickFunnels includes the ability to create protected membership areas where users can access premium content.
7. Performance Tracking
ClickFunnels offers comprehensive analytics on funnel results, including page views, conversions, and earnings. These insights help users enhance their funnels for improved results.
8. Partner Program Tools
If you have an affiliate program, ClickFunnels makes it straightforward to manage your affiliates, analyze their performance, and handle commission payments.
ClickFunnels 2.0: The Advancement
In 2022, ClickFunnels released its most significant update: ClickFunnels 2.0. This new version constitutes a complete revamp of the platform with enhanced features and capabilities.
What’s New in 2.0?
- Upgraded Website Builder: A more comprehensive website builder that allows for entire website creation, not just funnels
- Upgraded E-commerce Capabilities: Better product management, inventory tracking, and order fulfillment
- Blog Creation: The ability to create and administer a blog directly within ClickFunnels
- Enhanced Customization: More flexibility in design and functionality
- Improved User Interface: A cleaner dashboard and editor
- Loading Time Upgrades: Faster page loading times and better mobile responsiveness
- Advanced CRM Features: More sophisticated customer relationship management tools
The upgrade to 2.0 fixes many of the constraints users experienced with the original version, making it a more robust marketing solution.
Pricing Structure
ClickFunnels includes different pricing tiers to suit businesses of various sizes:
Standard Plan
The Basic plan (now called the “Standard” plan in ClickFunnels 2.0) comes in at $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
Advanced 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
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 come with a 14-day free trial, allowing users to experience the platform before investing financially.
The Benefits of Using ClickFunnels
1. All-In-One 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 handle all these aspects in one place.
2. No Technical Background Required
The platform’s intuitive interface takes away the need for coding or design skills. This makes accessible the funnel-building process, making it accessible to entrepreneurs without technical backgrounds.
3. Fast Implementation
With prepared templates and a simplified workflow, ClickFunnels significantly lowers the time needed to deploy a marketing campaign. What might take weeks with custom development can be completed in days or even hours.
4. Help Resources
ClickFunnels has built a engaged community of users who provide 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 complete documentation, tutorials, and responsive customer support.
5. Tested Conversion Frameworks
The templates and funnel structures within ClickFunnels are built upon proven marketing principles and tested conversion strategies. This means users utilize established best practices rather than creating from nothing.
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 beneficial marketing insights, while the ClickFunnels training programs offer structured learning opportunities.
Downsides and Drawbacks
Despite its many advantages, ClickFunnels isn’t without limitations:
1. Cost
Starting at $147 per month, ClickFunnels represents a substantial investment, especially for solopreneurs or startups with limited budgets. Many competitors offer more inexpensive entry-level options.
2. Adoption Challenge
While designed to be straightforward, mastering all of ClickFunnels’ features and understanding funnel strategy demands time and dedication. New users might feel confused by the platform’s capabilities.
3. Constrained Design Flexibility
Though the builder editor is strong, designers accustomed to more advanced tools might find it confining. The balance between simplicity and flexibility sometimes tilts toward the former.
4. Page Performance
Prior to 2.0, some users reported concerns with page loading speed, which can harm SEO and user experience. While ClickFunnels 2.0 has improved performance, optimizing for speed takes attention.
5. Email Marketing Boundaries
While ClickFunnels features email marketing features, they’re not as robust as dedicated email marketing platforms. Power users might still need additional tools for advanced email campaigns.
ClickFunnels Alternatives: How They Compare
The sales funnel and landing page builder market has become increasingly crowded. Here’s how ClickFunnels compares to its main competitors:
1. Kartra
Advantages relative to ClickFunnels:
- More thorough marketing automation
- Built-in video hosting and advanced video marketing features
- More advanced email marketing capabilities
- Helpdesk and ticket system included
Weaknesses:
- Steeper learning curve
- Fewer templates specifically optimized for sales funnels
- Less active community
2. Leadpages
Advantages:
- More inexpensive 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
Strengths:
- Advanced A/B testing capabilities
- Highly versatile design options
- Strong analytics and conversion intelligence
- More affordable starting point
Drawbacks:
- Primarily focused on landing pages rather than complete funnels
- No built-in payment processing
- Less user-friendly for non-technical users
4. Systeme.io
Strong points:
- Significantly more budget-friendly (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 powerful 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
Shortcomings:
- 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 inexpensive 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 appropriate for:
1. Digital Educators and Coaches
The platform is optimized for creating sales funnels for digital products like courses, coaching programs, and membership sites. The built-in membership functionality makes it simple to deliver content to paying customers.
2. Digital Sales Businesses
With ClickFunnels 2.0’s enhanced e-commerce features, online retailers can create effective product funnels that enhance average order value through upsells, downsells, and order bumps.
3. Client Service Businesses
Professionals, agencies, and service providers can use ClickFunnels to obtain 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 increase their commissions from promotional campaigns.
5. Writers and Content Creators
ClickFunnels provides effective book funnel templates that help authors sell books while obtaining reader information for long-term relationship building.
6. Technically Challenged Entrepreneurs
Those without coding or design skills will welcome ClickFunnels’ straightforward 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 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 appropriate, 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. Enterprise-Level Businesses with Complex Requirements
Very large organizations with complex integration needs and custom requirements might need more tailored solutions.
First Steps 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 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 converting funnel before moving on to the next.
3. Employ 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 useful insights and support from fellow users who can help address issues or suggest optimization strategies.
5. Try and Optimize
Use the A/B testing features to continuously refine your funnels based on actual user behavior and conversion data.
6. Start with Pre-built Templates
Rather than building from scratch, customize existing high-converting templates to match your brand and offering.
The Bottom Line: Is ClickFunnels Worth It?
ClickFunnels represents a substantial investment, but for many businesses, the reward on that investment can be significant. 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 rests on your specific business needs, technical comfort level, and budget. If you’re intent on optimizing your online sales process and prefer an all-in-one solution that doesn’t require technical expertise, ClickFunnels offers a persuasive package-especially with the upgraded capabilities of ClickFunnels 2.0.
For businesses that can support the monthly subscription and are serious about implementing effective sales funnels, ClickFunnels provides both the tools and the strategic framework to excel in today’s competitive digital landscape. The platform consistently evolve, tackling previous limitations and expanding its capabilities to serve a broader range of marketing needs.
Whether you’re selling digital products, tangible products, or consulting, ClickFunnels offers a optimized path from stranger to customer-and that, for many businesses, is deserving of the investment.