Quick Start
This guide covers every ClickFunnels feature:
- Getting Started — Create your ClickFunnels account and basic setup
- How to Use Funnel Builder — Build sales funnels from pre-built templates in minutes
- How to Use Online Store Builder — Sell physical or digital products from your own store
- How to Use Customizable CRM — Manage leads and clients inside one pipeline
- How to Use Email Marketing — Send email campaigns and follow ups without extra servers
- How to Use Online Courses — Create online courses and run a membership site
- How to Use Reports & Analytics — See traffic, opt-ins, purchases, and revenue in one view
- How to Use Payments AI — Connect a payment gateway and collect payments online
- How to Use Funnel Automations — Trigger follow ups across the apps in your workspace
- How to Use Landing Pages — Publish landing pages and content pages fast
Time needed: 5 minutes per feature
Also in this guide: Pro Tips | Common Mistakes | Troubleshooting | Pricing | Alternatives
Why Trust This Guide
I have used ClickFunnels for two years and tested every feature here.
This tutorial comes from real hands-on work, not vendor screenshots.
ClickFunnels is a web-based SaaS platform for building an online business.
It helps you turn clicks into paying customers through a guided sales process.
Most people only ever touch the funnel builder and stop there.
This guide shows you how to use ClickFunnels end to end.
ClickFunnels Tutorial
This How to Use ClickFunnels tutorial walks through every feature, from your first funnel to advanced features most users never open.
ClickFunnels
Build high-converting sales funnels, websites, and online courses in one place. ClickFunnels handles pages, email marketing, and payments without extra tools. Start with the 14-day free trial.
Getting Started with ClickFunnels
Finish this one-time setup before you build anything.
It takes about three minutes.
Step 1: Create Your Account
Go to the ClickFunnels site and click Sign Up.
Enter your email, then start the 14-day free trial.
✓ Checkpoint: Check your inbox for the confirmation link.
Step 2: Open Your Workspace
ClickFunnels runs in the browser, so any device with Wi-Fi works.
No download is needed on desktop or mobile.
Here is what my own workspace looks like:
✓ Checkpoint: You should land on the main dashboard.
Step 3: Set Your General Settings
Open general settings and add your business name, time zone, and currency.
Connect a custom domain here so your funnels look professional.
There is no cap on how many domains one workspace can connect.
✅ Done: Your ClickFunnels account is ready for any feature below.
How to Use ClickFunnels Funnel Builder
The Funnel Builder is the reason most people call ClickFunnels the best funnel builder available.
Build a working marketing funnel without touching code. Here is how to use it step by step.
Step 1: Pick Your Funnel Type
Open the Funnels menu and click Create Funnel.
Choose a goal first: generating leads, selling, or hosting a webinar.
Step 2: Choose a Template
Browse the pre-built templates for lead, summit, book, and cart funnels.
You can also build from scratch for full control.
Here is what this looks like:
✓ Checkpoint: The screen should match the layout above.
Step 3: Add Your Steps
Add upsells, downsells, and an order bump to the checkout.
Name each step so your team knows the sales process at a glance.
✅ Result: You have a live funnel with a clear path to purchase.
💡 Pro Tip: One funnel should equal one goal. Splitting goals across different funnels lifts conversions every time.
How to Use ClickFunnels Online Store Builder
The Online Store Builder lets you manage inventory, pricing, and product details from one hub.
Run a store, a cart, and a checkout page in one place. Here is how to use it step by step.
Step 1: Add a Product
Open the Products app and click New Product.
Add pricing, images, and detailed information about what you sell.
Step 2: Build the Store Page
Pick a store template and drop your products onto the grid.
Here is what this looks like:
✓ Checkpoint: The screen should match the layout above.
Step 3: Test the Checkout
Switch on Test Mode and place a fake order.
Confirm the receipt lands before you send real traffic.
✅ Result: Your store is live and ready to take orders.
💡 Pro Tip: Add an order bump under the payment fields. It lifts average order value with zero extra traffic.
How to Use ClickFunnels Customizable CRM
The Customizable CRM keeps every contact, deal, and note beside the funnel that created it.
Track every contact from first click to closed sale. Here is how to use it step by step.
Step 1: Open the CRM App
Add the CRM app to your workspace from the apps menu.
Every opt-in from your funnels flows in automatically.
Step 2: Build Your Pipeline
Rename the default stages to match your own sales process.
Here is what this looks like:
✓ Checkpoint: The screen should match the layout above.
Step 3: Tag and Assign
Tag contacts by funnel type so segments stay clean.
Assign owners so no lead sits untouched.
✅ Result: Every lead now sits in a stage you can act on.
💡 Pro Tip: Import your old contact list before launch. Warm clients convert faster than cold ones.
How to Use ClickFunnels Email Marketer
Email Marketing sends broadcasts and automated sequences with no outside email hosting.
Reach your audience without paying for outside email hosting. Here is how to use it step by step.
Step 1: Verify Your Sending Domain
Open the Email app and add your sending domain.
Paste the DNS records into your host and wait for verification.
Step 2: Write the Broadcast
Draft your email, then pick the audience segment to receive it.
Here is what this looks like:
✓ Checkpoint: The screen should match the layout above.
Step 3: Build a Follow-Up Series
Create follow-up funnels that email everyone who signed up.
Space your follow ups two to three days apart.
✅ Result: Your email campaigns send from your own verified domain.
💡 Pro Tip: Write the 50/40/10 way: 50% emotion, 40% logic, 10% fear. It beats feature lists.
How to Use ClickFunnels Online Courses
Online Courses lets you create, manage, and deliver a course inside the same workspace.
Host lessons, videos, and student access in one app. Here is how to use it step by step.
Step 1: Create the Course
Open the Courses app and click New Course.
Name it, then add your modules and lessons.
Step 2: Upload Your Lessons
Upload videos, worksheets, and quizzes to each lesson.
Here is what this looks like:
✓ Checkpoint: The screen should match the layout above.
Step 3: Gate the Content
Link the course to a paid offer or a membership site.
Only buyers get access once the payment clears.
✅ Result: Students can log in and start learning today.
💡 Pro Tip: Drip lessons weekly instead of all at once. Completion rates climb and refunds fall.
How to Use ClickFunnels Reports & Analytics
Reports & Analytics shows the numbers behind every step of your marketing funnel.
Find the exact step where prospective customers drop off. Here is how to use it step by step.
Step 1: Open Funnel Stats
Click any funnel, then open the Stats tab.
You will see visitors, click-throughs, opt-ins, and conversions.
Step 2: Find the Drop-Off
Compare each step and spot where people leave.
Here is what this looks like:
✓ Checkpoint: The screen should match the layout above.
Step 3: Track Ad Spend
Match advertising cost against revenue per funnel.
Kill the campaigns that lose money.
✅ Result: You know exactly which step is costing you sales.
💡 Pro Tip: If your checkout page shows a high exit rate, cut form fields before touching the copy.
How to Use ClickFunnels Payments AI
Payments AI makes it easy to start collecting payments online without complex integrations.
Take money through Stripe or PayPal without custom code. Here is how to use it step by step.
Step 1: Connect a Payment Gateway
Open Payments AI and connect Stripe or PayPal.
No custom code or developer is needed.
Step 2: Set Your Products and Prices
Attach each product to the right price point and currency.
Here is what this looks like:
✓ Checkpoint: The screen should match the layout above.
Step 3: Run a Live Test
Place one real purchase, then refund it.
This proves the checkout page charges customers correctly.
✅ Result: Payments hit your bank without manual invoicing.
💡 Pro Tip: Turn on Test Mode first. A broken gateway on launch day is the costliest mistake here.
How to Use ClickFunnels Funnel Automations
Funnel Automations links the apps in your workspace so events trigger each other.
Let the platform handle repeat tasks while you sell. Here is how to use it step by step.
Step 1: Choose a Trigger
Pick the event that starts the workflow, such as a new opt-in.
One trigger per workflow keeps things readable.
Step 2: Add Your Actions
Send an email, add a tag, or push data through a custom webhook.
Here is what this looks like:
✓ Checkpoint: The screen should match the layout above.
Step 3: Connect Outside Apps
Link ActiveCampaign, HubSpot, or AWeber if you already use them.
Turn the workflow on and watch the first run.
✅ Result: Follow ups now run while you sleep.
💡 Pro Tip: Use the custom webhook for real-time data between ClickFunnels and outside platforms.
How to Use ClickFunnels Landing Pages
Landing Pages gives you a drag-and-drop editor and a library of proven templates.
Launch a sales page in an afternoon, not a week. Here is how to use it step by step.
Step 1: Add a Page
Open the Pages menu and click New Page.
Pick a squeeze page, sales page, or plain content page.
Step 2: Edit in the Page Editor
Drag headlines, images, and buttons into place.
Here is what this looks like:
✓ Checkpoint: The screen should match the layout above.
Step 3: Check Mobile and Publish
Switch to the mobile view and fix cramped sections.
A large share of traffic arrives on a phone.
✅ Result: Your landing pages load fast and read well on any screen.
💡 Pro Tip: Run a split test on the headline first. It moves conversions more than any button colour.
ClickFunnels Pro Tips and Shortcuts
After two years using ClickFunnels daily, these are the shortcuts I actually use.
Keyboard Shortcuts
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Save the page | Ctrl / Cmd + S |
| Undo last edit | Ctrl / Cmd + Z |
| Copy an element | Ctrl / Cmd + C |
| Preview the page | Ctrl / Cmd + P |
Hidden Features Most People Miss
- Smart Funnel Builder: An AI tool that drafts a whole funnel from a short brief.
- Affiliate program tools: Recruit partners to sell your services and pay them automatically.
- Custom webhooks: Push order data to any outside platform the second it happens.
Here is the benefit stack I show clients before they begin:
ClickFunnels Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake #1: Cramming Every Goal Into One Funnel
❌ Wrong: One funnel that sells a course, books calls, and grows a list.
✅ Right: Build different funnels, one goal each. Conversion rates climb when choices shrink.
Mistake #2: Skipping the Payment Test
❌ Wrong: Launching advertising before checking that the payment gateway charges correctly.
✅ Right: Run one live purchase, refund it, then open the doors.
Mistake #3: Ignoring Mobile Layout
❌ Wrong: Designing on a wide monitor and never opening the mobile preview.
✅ Right: Check every page on a phone-sized device before you publish.
ClickFunnels Troubleshooting
Problem: My custom domain shows an error
Cause: DNS records point somewhere else or have not spread yet.
Fix: Recheck the CNAME in general settings, then wait up to 24 hours.
Problem: Emails land in spam
Cause: Your sending domain is unverified, so mailboxes distrust it.
Fix: Verify the domain, then warm it with small email campaigns for two weeks.
Problem: Old Etison product features are missing
Cause: Legacy Etison Suite accounts sat on the older 2.0 build.
Fix: Migrate the workspace, then rebuild the funnel from a current template.
📌 Note: If none of these help, contact ClickFunnels support through the in-app chat.
What is ClickFunnels?
ClickFunnels is a funnel builder that helps businesses create high-converting sales funnels, websites, and landing pages.
Think of it as a shop, a mailing list, and a checkout desk under one roof.
A sales funnel is the journey a buyer takes before they purchase.
Watch this quick overview:
It includes these key features:
- Funnel Builder: Build sales funnels from pre-built templates in minutes
- Online Store Builder: Sell physical or digital products from your own store
- Customizable CRM: Manage leads and clients inside one pipeline
- Email Marketing: Send email campaigns and follow ups without extra servers
- Online Courses: Create online courses and run a membership site
- Reports & Analytics: See traffic, opt-ins, purchases, and revenue in one view
- Payments AI: Connect a payment gateway and collect payments online
- Funnel Automations: Trigger follow ups across the apps in your workspace
- Landing Pages: Publish landing pages and content pages fast
The platform pulls sales, marketing, and customer engagement into one place.
For the full breakdown, read our ClickFunnels review.
ClickFunnels Pricing
Here is what ClickFunnels costs in 2026:
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Launch | $81/month | Your first funnel and a small list |
| Scale | $164/month | Growing stores with steady traffic |
| Optimize | $248/month | Teams running many funnels at once |
| Dominate | $5,997/yr | High-volume sellers wanting every feature |
Free trial: Yes — a 14-day free trial with no feature limits.
Money-back guarantee: Not advertised, so treat the trial as your test window.
Launch works as the basic plan for anyone starting an online business.
Every tier includes unlimited funnels and unlimited domains.
💰 Best Value: Scale — enough room to grow without paying for advanced features you will not open yet.
ClickFunnels vs Alternatives
How does ClickFunnels work against the rest of the market?
| Tool | Best For | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| ClickFunnels | Selling with funnels | $81/mo | ⭐ 4.2 |
| GoHighLevel | Agencies | $97/mo | ⭐ 4.4 |
| Pipedrive | Deal pipelines | $24/mo | ⭐ 4.5 |
| Keap | Automation | $299/mo | ⭐ 4.1 |
| HubSpot | All-in-one growth | $20/mo | ⭐ 4.5 |
| ClickUp | Team projects | $7/mo | ⭐ 4.6 |
| Monday CRM | Visual pipelines | $15/mo | ⭐ 4.6 |
| Salesforce | Enterprise sales | $25/mo | ⭐ 4.4 |
Quick picks:
- Best overall: ClickFunnels — pages, payments, and courses in one login.
- Best budget: Capsule CRM — cheap contact management for solo sellers.
- Best for beginners: ClickFunnels — pre-built templates remove the blank page problem.
- Best for agencies: GoHighLevel — white-label access for every client you manage.
🎯 ClickFunnels Alternatives
Looking for ClickFunnels alternatives? Here are the options worth a look:
- 🚀 GoHighLevel: Agency-first platform with white-label funnels, CRM, and client sub-accounts under one login.
- 💼 Pipedrive: Deal-focused CRM for teams who track a long sales process instead of one-click checkout.
- 🔥 Keap: Small business automation with strong follow ups, invoicing, and built-in email campaigns.
- 🏢 HubSpot: Free CRM tier plus marketing tools that scale into full enterprise reporting.
- 🎨 Folk: Lightweight contact hub for agencies and freelancers who hate bloated CRM screens.
- ⚡ Instantly: Cold outreach at volume with inbox warm-up, ideal for generating leads before a funnel.
- 🔧 ClickUp: Project and task management for teams running launches, not selling from landing pages.
- 📊 Monday CRM: Visual boards for pipelines, with clear ownership on every deal and task.
- 👶 Capsule CRM: Simple, cheap CRM that beginners can set up correctly in one afternoon.
- 🌟 Insightly: CRM plus project delivery, useful for services businesses tracking work after the sale.
- 💰 Freshsales CRM: Affordable AI scoring and built-in phone, good for small sales teams on a budget.
- ⭐ Salesforce: The enterprise standard, endlessly configurable, with heavy setup and admin cost.
- 🎯 Zendesk: Support-led growth, better for ticket volume than for building high-converting sales funnels.
For the full list, see our ClickFunnels alternatives guide.
⚔️ ClickFunnels Compared
Here is how ClickFunnels stacks up head to head:
- ClickFunnels vs GoHighLevel: GoHighLevel wins for agencies reselling access. ClickFunnels wins on template quality and editor speed.
- ClickFunnels vs Pipedrive: Pipedrive is the stronger pipeline tool. ClickFunnels actually builds the pages that create the deal.
- ClickFunnels vs Keap: Keap has deeper automation branching. ClickFunnels is faster to launch and cheaper to start.
- ClickFunnels vs HubSpot: HubSpot has better reporting depth. ClickFunnels beats it on speed to a live sales page.
- ClickFunnels vs Folk: Folk keeps contacts tidy. ClickFunnels adds the store, checkout, and email engine Folk lacks.
- ClickFunnels vs Instantly: Instantly fills the top of the funnel. ClickFunnels converts that traffic once it lands.
- ClickFunnels vs ClickUp: ClickUp organizes the team. ClickFunnels sells the product. They solve different jobs entirely.
- ClickFunnels vs Monday CRM: Monday CRM is nicer to look at. ClickFunnels ships payments and courses out of the box.
- ClickFunnels vs Capsule CRM: Capsule is cheaper and simpler. ClickFunnels is the better funnel builder by a wide margin.
- ClickFunnels vs Insightly: Insightly handles post-sale projects. ClickFunnels handles everything before the invoice goes out.
- ClickFunnels vs Freshsales CRM: Freshsales costs far less per seat. ClickFunnels replaces five tools, so total spend often evens out.
- ClickFunnels vs Salesforce: Salesforce scales further. ClickFunnels gets a small team selling this week without a consultant.
- ClickFunnels vs Zendesk: Zendesk keeps customers happy after purchase. ClickFunnels gets them to purchase in the first place.
Start Using ClickFunnels Now
You now know how to use ClickFunnels across every major feature:
- ✅ Funnel Builder
- ✅ Online Store Builder
- ✅ Customizable CRM
- ✅ Email Marketing
- ✅ Online Courses
- ✅ Reports & Analytics
- ✅ Payments AI
- ✅ Funnel Automations
- ✅ Landing Pages
Next step: Pick one feature and try it today.
Most people begin with the Funnel Builder.
It takes less than five minutes to create your first funnel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ClickFunnels do?
ClickFunnels lets you build sales funnels, landing pages, online courses, and email campaigns in one tool. It also handles payments, so you can sell without stitching apps together.
How much does ClickFunnels cost?
Plans run from $81/month for Launch to $248/month for Optimize. The Dominate tier is $5,997/yr. Every plan includes unlimited funnels and unlimited domains.
Are ClickFunnels worth it?
If it replaces your page builder, email tool, and course host, yes. If you only need landing pages, cheaper tools exist and will serve you better.
Does ClickFunnels have a free trial?
Yes. The 14-day free trial opens every feature with no limits. After it ends, you must pick a paid plan to keep your funnels live.
Can I use a custom domain with ClickFunnels?
Yes. Add a custom domain under general settings and point your DNS records. There is no cap on how many domains one workspace can connect.
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