In today’s competitive digital landscape, businesses need effective tools to build high-converting sales funnels, automate processes, and scale operations. Two of the leading funnel builders—ClickFunnels and GoHighLevel (GHL)—offer powerful solutions for creating and managing funnels, but they cater to slightly different needs.

This guide will compare ClickFunnels and GoHighLevel to help you determine which platform is best for your business.

1. Overview of ClickFunnels and GoHighLevel

ClickFunnels

• Founded: 2014
• Focus: Primarily a funnel builder for marketers, small businesses, and entrepreneurs.
• Key Features: Drag-and-drop funnel builder, templates, split testing, and sales automation.
• Target Audience: Businesses looking to create high-converting sales funnels quickly.

GoHighLevel (GHL)

• Founded: 2018
• Focus: All-in-one CRM, sales, and funnel automation platform for agencies and service-based businesses.
• Key Features: Funnel builder, email and SMS automation, CRM, pipeline management, and white-label options.
• Target Audience: Marketing agencies and service-based businesses looking for an all-in-one solution.

2. Funnel Building and Design

Both platforms excel at creating high-converting funnels, but there are notable differences in their design capabilities.

ClickFunnels

• Ease of Use: ClickFunnels provides a user-friendly, drag-and-drop builder that allows anyone to create funnels without technical skills.
• Templates: Offers a vast library of pre-designed funnel templates for lead generation, sales, webinars, and more.
• Customization: While highly customizable, design options are limited compared to advanced tools.

Best For: Businesses looking for a quick, intuitive way to create high-converting funnels without extra features.

GoHighLevel

• Ease of Use: GHL also offers a drag-and-drop funnel builder but has a steeper learning curve due to its comprehensive features.
• Templates: Fewer pre-built templates compared to ClickFunnels, but funnels can be customized for advanced users.
• Advanced Design: GHL allows for greater design flexibility, with additional customization options for experienced marketers.

Best For: Agencies and businesses that want advanced funnel design capabilities and integration with other tools.

3. Automation Features

Automation is essential for scaling a business, and both platforms provide tools to automate customer journeys and follow-ups.

ClickFunnels

• Email Automation: Integrates with third-party tools like ActiveCampaign, MailChimp, and ConvertKit for email sequences.
• Basic Follow-Ups: Offers a built-in Follow-Up Funnels feature for email marketing and follow-ups.
• Limited Native Tools: While effective, ClickFunnels relies heavily on integrations for advanced automation.

GoHighLevel

• Built-In Automation: GHL offers robust native tools for email, SMS, and workflow automation.
• CRM Integration: Seamlessly integrates automation with pipeline management and lead nurturing.
• Workflows: Allows users to create complex, multi-channel workflows to automate the customer journey.

Best For: Businesses and agencies requiring advanced, all-in-one automation tools for CRM, emails, and SMS follow-ups.

4. CRM and Lead Management

Effective funnel builders should also provide tools to manage leads and customer relationships.

ClickFunnels

• CRM Features: ClickFunnels offers basic lead tracking and management through its funnel dashboard.
• Integrations: Requires third-party CRMs like HubSpot or Zoho for advanced pipeline management.

GoHighLevel

• Comprehensive CRM: GHL offers a built-in CRM that includes lead tracking, pipeline management, and task automation.
• Lead Nurturing: Automates lead follow-ups through email, SMS, and workflows directly within the CRM.
• Pipeline Management: Visualize leads across stages, assign tasks, and track customer journeys seamlessly.

Best For: Agencies and businesses needing an all-in-one CRM and funnel management solution.

5. Pricing and Affordability

Pricing is often a deciding factor when choosing a funnel builder. Here’s a breakdown of each platform’s costs:

ClickFunnels Pricing

1. Basic Plan: $97/month
   • 20 funnels, 100 pages, and 20,000 visitors/month.
2. Pro Plan: $297/month
   • Unlimited funnels, Follow-Up Funnels, and advanced analytics.
3. Two-Week Free Trial: Allows users to test the platform.

GoHighLevel Pricing

1. Agency Starter Plan: $97/month
   • All core features, including funnel builder and CRM.
2. Agency Unlimited Plan: $297/month
   • Unlimited accounts, white-labeling, and advanced features.
3. White-Label Option: Ideal for agencies that want to resell GHL under their own branding.

Best For: Businesses with advanced needs and agencies will find GHL more cost-effective due to its all-in-one offerings, while ClickFunnels is ideal for simple funnel-building needs.

6. Support and Community

Customer support and access to a helpful community can greatly impact the user experience.

ClickFunnels

• Support: 24/7 support via chat and tickets.
• Community: Strong user community with Facebook groups, forums, and events like Funnel Hacking Live.

GoHighLevel

• Support: Support is available but less responsive compared to ClickFunnels.
• Community: GHL has a growing community, but it’s not as large as ClickFunnels’ established network.

Best For: ClickFunnels users benefit from a more responsive support team and a larger, active community.

Final Verdict: ClickFunnels vs. GoHighLevel

Choosing between ClickFunnels and GoHighLevel depends on your business’s specific needs and goals:

Choose ClickFunnels If:

• You need a user-friendly funnel builder to quickly launch high-converting funnels.
• Your focus is on lead generation and sales funnels without the need for advanced CRM tools.
• You prefer a platform with a strong support system and a vibrant community.

Choose GoHighLevel If:

• You’re an agency or service-based business needing an all-in-one platform for funnels, automation, CRM, and client management.
• You want advanced automation features for email, SMS, and lead nurturing.
• You require white-label options to resell the platform under your brand.

Both platforms are powerful tools, but GoHighLevel stands out as a comprehensive solution for agencies and advanced users, while ClickFunnels remains the best choice for businesses looking for simplicity and speed in funnel building.

Ready to Choose the Right Funnel Builder?

Evaluate your business needs, test the platforms with their free trials, and choose the tool that aligns best with your goals. Whether it’s ClickFunnels for fast funnel building or GoHighLevel for advanced automation, investing in the right platform will help you scale your online business effectively.