Matt

Can Claude 4 Build a Money-Making Tool?

Claude 4 just dropped, and I wanted to know — can this AI actually help you build something useful, fast, and potentially profitable? In this post, I’ll walk you through how I used Claude 4 to build a live, working “Net 30 Payment Calculator” — and why a tool like this can be a traffic-generating, ad-monetizing machine.

Why Simple Calculators Make Money

If you’ve ever Googled something like “mortgage calculator” or “credit card interest calculator,” you’ve probably landed on a tool — not a blog post. That’s because calculators and converters:

  • Show up for high-intent keywords
  • Have insane SEO value
  • Are perfect for inserting AdSense or affiliate links

Even a basic calculator, if built around the right keyword, can bring in hundreds or thousands of monthly visitors.

Keyword Research: Starting with Credit Cards

I started by researching low-competition keywords in the credit card space using AHREFs and Google Keyword Planner. Some insights:

  • Terms like “best business credit card” get 10k–100k searches/month
  • Advertisers are paying $12–$58 per click

  • If you run AdSense, even a small slice of that payout can be lucrative

To narrow in, I filtered for KD < 10 (easy to rank). That led me toward calculator-based ideas for business owners — particularly around net 30 invoice terms.

Tool Idea Validation: Net 30 Payment Calculator

This idea stood out:

  • 450+ monthly searches
  • Low keyword difficulty
  • Strong commercial intent
  • Business owners = high-value audience

Competing tools were extremely basic — just input a date and get a due date. No customization. No value-added insights. That’s an opening.

Building the Calculator with Claude 4

Here’s what I asked Claude to build:

  • Input invoice date using a calendar
  • Select payment terms (Net 30, 45, 60, etc.)
  • Show dynamic term comparisons
  • Include early payment discount logic
  • Add a visual payment timeline
  • Include a space for Google AdSense

In less than 3 prompts, Claude generated a fully functional HTML page. I tested it locally:

  • Calculator worked perfectly
  • Dates updated dynamically
  • Early pay discounts reflected in real-time
  • Timeline visualization was functional (not perfect, but close)

Monetization Strategy

With the tool live, I added AdSense banner space below the calculator. This is where monetization happens:

  • Ads shown based on page context: i.e., business, credit, finance
  • High CPC potential: Even 1–2 clicks/day could cover hosting
  • Bonus: Add affiliate links or credit card signup offers below the tool

Final Thoughts: Claude 4 Is Legit

What impressed me most: Claude didn’t just code something static — it gave me:

  • Dynamic logic
  • Clean front-end design
  • Business-friendly features

And I did it all without hitting the free-tier limit until the final visualization tweak.

Ready to turn your tool idea into a live, working site?
Don’t rely on free tools that disappear — learn how to launch your site the right way:
👉 See how I host all my money-making tools »

This GoHighLevel + AI Ad Tutorial Can Save Your Business 🚀

If you’re running a local business and not collecting emails or building funnels, you’re flying blind. This step-by-step tutorial shows how we used GoHighLevel + AI tools to create a customer-getting machine for our Bronx barbershop — and how you can do the same no matter what kind of business you run.


🤔 Why Funnels + Email Matter More Than Ever

Whether you’re a barber, nail tech, massage therapist, or auto detailer, your growth comes down to two things:

  • Getting more new people in the door
  • Getting them to come back more often

Email funnels help you do both:

  • 📨 Keep in touch with leads who weren’t ready to book yet
  • 💬 Build trust by sharing helpful content (not just deals)
  • 🎯 Promote new services, special offers, or loyalty programs
  • 📊 Track engagement to see what’s working

Think of your email list like your digital walk-in traffic — only you control it.


💡 Step 1: Start With a Strong Lead Magnet

Your goal is to give something valuable in exchange for their email. Instead of offering generic newsletters, we used:

“5 Hair Mistakes Bronx Guys Don’t Know They’re Making”

Why it works:

  • It targets a specific audience (Bronx guys)
  • It solves a relatable problem
  • It builds instant credibility

Lead Magnet Ideas by Industry:

Business Type Lead Magnet Idea
Barber Shop 5 Hair Mistakes Guide
Nail Salon Nail Health Checklist
Personal Trainer Free 3-Day Workout Plan
Auto Detailer Car Care Secrets Every Driver Should Know
Massage Therapist 7 Stretches to Loosen Tight Muscles

✏️ Use AI (like ChatGPT) to brainstorm ideas specific to your service.

Try GoHighLevel with our custom bonus setup link here


🛠️ Step 2: Build Your Funnel in GoHighLevel

Once you have your offer, it’s time to build your funnel. We chose GoHighLevel because it combines landing pages, emails, SMS, CRM, booking, and even AI call handling into one dashboard.

Here’s how we did it:

  1. Start with a basic lead generation template
  2. Customize it with your shop’s branding, logo, and offer
  3. Add a form asking for name and email
  4. Trigger an email sequence after signup

🧠 Pro Tip: Use GoHighLevel’s drag-and-drop builder and don’t overcomplicate the page. One offer, one CTA.


🤖 Step 3: Use AI to Speed Everything Up

You don’t need to do this alone. We used AI to:

  • Write copy (ChatGPT for emails, landing pages, and even headlines)
  • Design visuals (DALL-E for comic-style ads and posters)
  • Create ad copy (DeepSeek for click-worthy Facebook text)

And GoHighLevel has built-in AI for:

  • Auto-replies via text/email
  • Call answering agents that collect info + tag leads

🧠 Let AI do the grunt work so you can focus on your craft.


🧪 What Our Funnel Looked Like

We kept it simple and direct:

  • Visual: Comic-style artwork of a guy in a barber chair
  • Headline: “5 Hair Mistakes Bronx Guys Don’t Know They’re Making”
  • CTA: Download the Free Guide

Facebook Ad Copy:

“Fellas in the Bronx — ever wonder why your cut falls flat after 3 days? You might be making one of these 5 grooming mistakes. Grab the free cheat sheet.”

Result:

  • 37 new email subscribers in 4 days
  • 8 booked appointments
  • Total ad spend: $40

💥 That’s an average of $5 per booked client (with email follow-ups to bring back the rest!)

NOTE: If you spend more than $5,000 in monthly ad spend, you might be using misrepresented data from Facebook Ads, Google Ads etc especially if you’re tracking phone leads. Click here to learn what you can do to fix it ASAP.


💬 Copy-Paste Scripts You Can Steal

Email Subject Lines:

  • “Your cut looked sharp… until day 3? Here’s why.”
  • “Most Bronx guys get this wrong. Are you one of them?”
  • “Don’t shampoo today (until you read this)”

Ad Headlines:

  • “5 Hair Mistakes Bronx Guys Don’t Know They’re Making”
  • “Barbers React: You’re Using Too Much Product”
  • “Still using that shampoo? Let’s fix that”

Landing Page CTA Ideas:

  • “Download Your Free Cheat Sheet Now”
  • “Get the Grooming Guide — It’s Free”
  • “Fix Your Hair Mistakes Today”

🧠 This Is Strategy, Not Just a Hack

A funnel isn’t a trick. It’s a system that:

  • 📈 Converts curiosity into contact
  • 🗣 Builds trust with helpful follow-up
  • 📞 Gets them to call, book, or buy

It works because you’re giving value first and keeping the communication going.

 


✅ Ready to Try It?

Here’s what to do next:

  1. Pick a lead magnet your ideal customer would want
  2. Write or generate a 3–5 email sequence
  3. Set up a GoHighLevel funnel with a clear CTA
  4. Launch a targeted Facebook ad ($5–$10/day)
  5. Monitor leads, tag them, and follow up automatically

🧭 Two Powerful Tools to Launch Faster

Want to Try GoHighLevel for Free? We use it daily in our own business — and it’s packed with tools that save time and grow your list fast.

👉 Try GoHighLevel with our custom bonus setup link here — includes the funnel template and AI ad tools we used.

How to Launch a SaaS Product: Step-by-Step Guide for Developers & Founders 🚀

A SaaS (Software as a Service) product is a cloud-based software solution that users access via the internet—typically through a web browser. Unlike traditional desktop applications that require installation, SaaS products are hosted on external servers and updated automatically. Popular examples include tools like Slack, Zoom, and Notion.

With SaaS, users usually pay a subscription fee (monthly or annually) for access, which provides businesses with recurring revenue and customers with ongoing product updates and support.


🧠 Can You Launch a SaaS Without Being a Developer?

Absolutely. Many non-technical founders successfully launch SaaS products by:

  • Hiring technical co-founders or freelance developers
  • Using no-code tools like Webflow, Bubble, or Glide
  • Partnering with agencies to build MVPs

Even if you’re not coding, understanding the basics of tech will help you lead product decisions and hire smart. Your role is to understand the problem, define the solution, and drive execution.


🛠️ SaaS Launch Framework: 3 Critical Phases

Launching your SaaS isn’t just about building—it’s a strategic process that happens in three overlapping phases:

✅ 1. Pre-Launch

  • Validate the Problem: Interview users, run landing pages, and confirm people want the solution.
  • Differentiate Your Product: Identify what sets you apart—price, features, UX, speed, or integrations.
  • Build an Audience: Create anticipation with early access, lead magnets, and social proof.
  • Set Pricing & Positioning: Choose a pricing model and craft messaging for your target persona (execs vs. users).

✨ 2. Launch

  • Promote Where Your Audience Lives: IndieHackers, Product Hunt, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc.
  • Support Every Step: Ensure onboarding is frictionless and users have what they need to succeed.
  • Monitor KPIs: Track signups, activation, usage, and early churn.

🌟 3. Post-Launch

  • Gather Feedback & Iterate: Fix what breaks, improve what matters.
  • Automate Ops: From support to billing to onboarding.
  • Scale Intentionally: Expand into adjacent markets or build integrations to grow reach.

Introduction

Launching a SaaS (Software as a Service) product is one of the most exciting and challenging journeys a developer or entrepreneur can take. The rewards—scalable revenue, happy customers, and seeing your idea come to life—are huge. But there are common pitfalls that trip up even the smartest builders.

In this guide, you’ll get a clear, actionable roadmap: from validating your idea, to building fast, getting early traction, automating growth, and avoiding common mistakes. Whether you’re technical or non-technical, this blueprint will help you ship faster and smarter.


🔎 1. How to Find a Profitable SaaS Niche

Tactic Description
📃 Reddit, IndieHackers, Quora Identify repeat complaints, feature requests, and “I wish there was…” posts
📈 Google “People Also Ask” / AnswerThePublic Uncover long-tail questions and pain points
🤖 Product Hunt, AppSumo Analyze what’s trending and what’s getting traction
🔍 Reverse-engineer success Research profitable SaaS startups for inspiration
🧩 Problem Journal Track your own/others’ workflow frustrations daily

Pro tip: If you see people using 3+ tools to solve 1 problem, you may be sitting on a SaaS-worthy idea.


🔍 2. Define the Problem and Validate the Idea

  • Interview 5–10 people from your niche. Ask what they’re doing now and what frustrates them.
  • Create a simple landing page with your value prop + email capture.
  • Run a pre-sale or collect waitlist signups.

“If they won’t give you their email, they’re not going to give you their credit card.”


🤖 3. Map Out Your Minimum Viable Product (MVP)

Do This Not That
Focus on ONE outcome Build every feature you dream of
Wireframe key flows Perfect the UI from day one
Pick tech you know Learn a new stack mid-build
Launch small Wait for perfection

Your MVP should be ugly but useful.


⚡️ 4. Build Fast, Launch Faster

  • Choose code, no-code, or hybrid based on speed and skill.
  • Use Netlify/Vercel for deployment; backend automations to save time.
  • Integrate: forms, scheduling, email, and payment on day one.

Don’t DIY what can be automated. Use tools like GoHighLevel to skip building workflows from scratch.


🌐 5. Get Your First Users (Early Traction & Traffic)

Strategy Platform
Build in public Twitter, IndieHackers, Reddit
Answer questions Quora, Subreddits, Slack groups
Offer lead magnet Free templates, checklists, access
Run cold outreach Personal emails to waitlist or niche leaders

Use helpful, value-first posts. Avoid sounding like a startup pitch machine.


💸 6. Pricing, Payments & Billing

  • Start simple: free trial, one paid plan.
  • Use Stripe + Paddle + webhook automation for ease.
  • Build with churn in mind (follow-up emails, pause instead of cancel).
Plan Type Best For
Free Trial SaaS with onboarding time
Flat Rate Tools with defined value
Usage-Based API-driven or variable value

🚀 7. Automate & Scale Operations

What to Automate How
Lead capture to CRM Webhooks / GoHighLevel
Onboarding emails Email sequences
Billing workflows Stripe + Automations
Support & feedback Forms + auto-routing

The less you touch, the faster you grow.


⚠️ 8. Common Pitfalls and Mistakes to Avoid

  • ❌ Overbuilding: Feature bloat = launch delay.
  • ❌ Ignoring users: Your roadmap lives in support chats.
  • ❌ No automation: You can’t scale if you’re doing everything manually.

Launch > Perfect


🌟 9. Launch Checklist & Go-Live

Make your first 10 users feel like VIPs. They’ll do your best marketing.


💡 10. What to Do After Launch

  • Collect real feedback from first 5–20 users
  • Identify friction and simplify
  • Automate 1 new process every week
  • Highlight every win publicly (testimonials, screenshots)

🧭 Conclusion & Next Steps

Launching a SaaS isn’t about being perfect. It’s about shipping, learning, and improving every week. Use fast feedback loops and automation to keep momentum on your side.


🎁 Ready to Launch Smarter?

Download your free Fast Dev Stack Starter Guide and get the shortcuts, checklists, and frameworks top SaaS founders use to build and automate faster.

👉 Grab the Guide Now

Or, if you want the hands-on, step-by-step shortcut…
👉 Join the 5-Day Automation Challenge and see exactly how real developers and agencies launch, automate, and scale—live, with done-for-you assets.

How I Make Passive Side Income With ClickBank, ChatGPT, and Affiliate Marketing (Real Proof + Step-by-Step Guide)

If you’ve ever wondered whether you can actually make real side income online without hype, big promises, or expensive programs, you’re in the right place. I’ve been working in online sales and affiliate marketing for the past four years—often learning the hard way—and this blog post (based on my latest video) is here to shortcut the process for you.

Why I Started This Channel

Let’s be real: most of what you see online about making money is either clickbait or too good to be true. I wanted to start a channel that shows you what actually works—and how you can do it too, with almost no upfront cost. My goal is simple: give you the no-BS path to side income, step-by-step, so you can start earning without wasting months (or money) on stuff that doesn’t work.

My $1,400 One-Page Website (Proof!)

I’ll start with proof—because talk is cheap. Back in January, I launched a one-page website in the gardening niche. The idea was simple: I solved a real problem that I was personally experiencing, built a site around it, and started getting sales.

  • How does it work?
    • I found a group of people with the same problem I had
    • I figured out a better solution and shared it online
    • I earn a commission every time someone buys through my site
    • Most weeks, I get a steady stream of payouts from eBay (sometimes $20, sometimes over $100)
  • Why does it work?
    • It’s super targeted, solving a pain point people are actively searching for
    • I don’t have to do anything fancy—just ship the product and help people

If you can solve a real problem and get your solution in front of the right people, you can absolutely do this too.

Example: Finding Affiliate Offers That Actually Sell

Here’s how I approach new offers and niche ideas—using a real example:

I jumped onto ClickBank (a popular affiliate platform) and looked for hot topics. One that stood out: chicken coop plans. Egg prices are up, and lots of people want to raise chickens for the first time. This is a perfect example of finding a “pain point” you can help with.

Why do people need chicken coop plans?

  • Customization (they want something specific for their space)
  • Cost savings (building vs. buying)
  • Predator protection (keeping chickens safe)

On top of that, every chicken owner needs accessories: heaters, nesting boxes, feeders, etc. Each of these is an opportunity to earn affiliate income—especially if you stack commissions from places like Amazon (where you earn a cut of everything they buy after clicking your link).

Reverse Engineering the Process (And How You Can Copy This)

If you want to make side income online, the formula looks like this:

  1. Find a Problem That’s Costing People Money or Stress.
    • Use forums, YouTube, and Google to see what people are struggling with (e.g., “chickens being attacked by raccoons”)
  2. Find or Create a Solution That’s In-Demand.
    • It could be a digital product (like chicken coop plans) or a physical item
  3. Get Your Solution in Front of the Right People.
    • Use a simple website, blog post, or even a YouTube video to attract the right audience
  4. Stack Additional Offers for More Income.
    • Don’t stop at one commission—recommend accessories and other helpful products

How Much Can You Really Make?

Let’s get real: you’re not going to become a millionaire overnight. But with the right problem, the right audience, and a solution that actually helps, you can see some surprisingly good results.

  • Even small YouTube channels or one-page sites can bring in regular income if you match the offer to the audience’s intent
  • My example: a 50% opt-in rate from a small paid ad (because the giveaway perfectly matched what people wanted)
  • With a good alignment, you don’t need much traffic to start seeing results

Pro Tips for Getting Started (Without Breaking the Bank)

  • Focus on problems you know about or have personally experienced—it’s easier to connect and sell
  • Start with free or cheap tools (free website builders, low-cost email services, affiliate networks with easy approvals)
  • Don’t try to target everyone—go narrow, be specific, and talk directly to the people with the problem

Mentioned in this post:

  • eBay Affiliate Payouts
  • ClickBank Chicken Coop Plans
  • Amazon Affiliate Program
  • YouTube & Google Research
  • List Building Strategies

This KILLER Email Strategy Explodes Growth! | ChatGPT 4.1

What Is an Email Funnel and Why Do Small Businesses Need One?

An email funnel is a series of automated messages designed to nurture your leads—from the moment they subscribe to becoming a loyal, paying customer. For small businesses, this is one of the most affordable and effective ways to stay top-of-mind, boost repeat visits, and turn one-time buyers into long-term fans.

A well-structured email funnel can help you:

  • Welcome new subscribers and build trust
  • Share helpful tips and product education
  • Highlight seasonal offers and promote your services
  • Gently nudge clients to book again or refer friends

Whether you’re running a salon, boutique, or local service, email funnels give you consistent, personal outreach without relying on social media algorithms or big ad budgets.

How to Build an Email List Inside Your Nail Salon

Prompt Used:

“I own a nail salon, and I struggle with getting people to opt into my list. What compelling ways can I get them to give me their email addresses?”

Here are proven ideas to get more sign-ups in-store:

  1. Offer Instant Value
    • $5 off today’s service when they join
    • Free nail art accent when signing up
    • A spin-the-wheel prize (digital or real!)
  2. Create a VIP Experience
    • Birthday freebies
    • Priority access to cancellations
    • Exclusive sales for “insiders” only
  3. Host Monthly Giveaways
    • Win a free mani, $50 gift card, or pampering package
  4. Referral Incentives
    • Both client and friend get $10 off
  5. Content-Led Opt-Ins
    • Weekly nail care tips
    • Seasonal trend updates
    • Product recs + tutorials

Tips for Success:

  • Add QR codes at mirrors or tables
  • Use a tablet at checkout or a clipboard with a pen
  • Train your staff to offer the deal: “Want $5 off today? Just need your email!”

The Right Kind of Content to Send in Your Email Funnel

Prompt Used:

“What helpful information might my customers not know that they need to know about their nails — that would be informational and helpful?”

Clients are more likely to open your emails and stay subscribed when they get value. ChatGPT suggested:

  • How to prevent chipped manicures
  • How to spot signs of nail damage or deficiencies
  • Best ways to remove gel polish safely
  • At-home nail care tips and product suggestions
  • Debunking nail myths
  • Why clean salons matter
  • How nails support self-care and mental health

Creating a 12-Part Email Funnel for Small Business with ChatGPT

Prompt Used:

“Come up with a 5 email series on the first few ideas you had — please make it engaging”

This expanded into a complete 12-email sequence. Each one includes a tip, brief story, soft CTA, and friendly tone. Topics covered:

  1. How to Make Your Mani Last
  2. What Your Nails Are Telling You
  3. Common Nail Mistakes at Home
  4. Winter Nail Survival Tips
  5. Busting Nail Myths
  6. Seasonal Color Trends
  7. Salon Sanitation: What You Should Know
  8. Our Favorite Nail Products
  9. Turning Nail Appointments into Self-Care
  10. Safe Gel Polish Removal
  11. Bring a Friend—Both Get Perks
  12. Thank You Email + Bonus Offer

ChatGPT can write every one of these—just paste your prompt and personalize the details.

Turn One Email Into a Blog Post: A Case Study

Prompt Used:

“I have an email series to help people with their nail health. I want to outline a blog post for…”

Post Title: “Brittle, Yellow, or Spotted? What Your Nails Are Trying to Tell You”

Post Summary:

  • Discusses common signs of nail issues (dryness, discoloration, trauma)
  • Shares practical at-home care advice
  • Explains when to seek professional help
  • Ends with a CTA to book a nail health check-up or download a checklist

This post doubles as a lead magnet or SEO asset and positions your brand as a trusted advisor.

How to Repurpose All This Content for Growth

  • Reuse emails as blog posts or social content
  • Create Pinterest pins from tips and seasonal designs
  • Offer downloadable resources like a Nail Health Checklist
  • Build affiliate income or in-store sales with recommended products

Recommended Tools to Build and Track Your Funnel

  • ChatGPT – for campaign content, ideas, subject lines
  • Canva – for visuals, guides, checklists
  • Pinterest Trends – to drive seasonal interest
  • AWeber / GoHighLevel – to automate delivery and track opens/clicks

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an email funnel and how does it work?

An email funnel is an automated series of messages designed to guide a lead toward becoming a customer. It nurtures trust, educates, and encourages a next step.

How can small businesses create an email funnel on a budget?

Start by using free tools like ChatGPT to write your emails, and platforms like MailerLite or AWeber to send them. Offer small perks or helpful tips in exchange for an email.

Can ChatGPT help write email campaigns?

Yes! It can write subject lines, full emails, series structures, blog posts, and even lead magnets in seconds. You’ll still want to tweak for voice and local flavor.

What kinds of funnels work best for small, local businesses?

Welcome sequences, seasonal promos, appointment reminders, and reactivation funnels for past clients all perform well. Combine educational content with soft CTAs.

Final Tips for Success

  • Batch emails in groups of 3–4 so you’re not writing under pressure
  • Mix promotions with education and personal connection
  • Keep messages short, friendly, and useful
  • Track your open and click rates and adjust over time

The best small business email funnels feel like help—not hype. With ChatGPT and the right approach, you can create one in a single afternoon.

Best CRM for Agencies Revealed: Which One Actually Grows Your Business?

Agencies today face one big challenge: managing clients, leads, and campaigns without getting buried in a mess of disconnected tools. Whether you’re running Facebook ads for local businesses, launching digital courses, or building sales funnels for clients, you need a CRM and funnel system that matches how your agency works.

This guide breaks down the best CRM and funnel tools for different types of agencies—so you can scale smarter, onboard clients faster, and automate what you shouldn’t be doing manually.

Click For Our Favorite CRM For Agencies

What Agencies Really Need in a CRM/Funnel Tool

No matter your niche, these core features matter:

  • CRM with visual pipelines to track leads, clients, and deals
  • Email and SMS automation to follow up, remind, or nurture clients
  • Funnel/page builder to capture leads or drive purchases
  • Appointment booking/calendar tools for demos or calls
  • Analytics and reporting to prove ROI
  • Client/sub-account support (white-labeling is a bonus!)

Let’s match these needs to the right platform based on your agency model.

Best CRM + Funnel Platforms by Agency Type

1. GoHighLevel – For SMMA, Local Marketing, and White-Label Agencies

If you run a social media marketing agency, manage leads for local clients, or offer white-label SaaS to other businesses—GoHighLevel is built for you.

Why it’s a fit:

  • Visual CRM pipeline, calendar booking, SMS/email automation
  • White-label capability and sub-account management
  • Local SEO tools, review requests, voicemail drops
  • Resell as your own platform with client portals

Price: From $97/month (white-label: $497/month) Best for: Agencies managing local clients or offering automation-as-a-service


2. Kartra – For Funnel and Launch Agencies

Agencies helping clients build product funnels, courses, and launches will find everything in one place with Kartra. It’s a favorite for course creators and info-product pros.

Why it’s a fit:

  • Drag-and-drop funnel builder, checkout, video hosting
  • Built-in email automation and tagging
  • Upsells, downsells, and affiliate tracking included

Price: Starts at $119/month Best for: Funnel specialists and launch consultants


3. Systeme.io – For Budget or Solo Agencies

If you’re just starting your agency journey or building client offers solo, Systeme.io gives you enough tools to serve clients with a professional setup—without a monthly bill.

Why it’s a fit:

  • Free plan includes funnels, email, courses, and automations
  • Tag-based contact management and basic CRM
  • Great for testing offers or MVP service models

Price: Free to $97/month Best for: Freelancers, new agencies, side hustlers


4. GetResponse – For Email and Webinar-Focused Agencies

For agencies specializing in email marketing, automation, or webinars, GetResponse delivers pro-level features without complexity.

Why it’s a fit:

  • Advanced email flows and segmentation
  • Landing pages, webinar builder, list scoring
  • Funnel templates for quick deployment

Price: Starts at $19/month Best for: Newsletter, content, and webinar agencies


5. Kajabi – For Coaching, Course, and Expert-Based Agencies

If your agency builds digital academies or helps experts package knowledge, Kajabi is the polished platform that clients will love.

Why it’s a fit:

  • All-in-one course, email, pipeline, and membership system
  • Beautiful UI, easy for clients to manage
  • No native CRM, but email tags + automation work well for 1–many programs

Price: Starts at $149/month Best for: Course builders and high-ticket coaching agencies


6. Groove.cm – For Versatile or Productized Agencies

Running an agency that experiments with ecommerce, info products, and membership funnels? Groove offers an entire toolbox under one login.

Why it’s a fit:

  • Funnels, email, ecommerce, blogs, CRM-lite
  • Free plan to test offers before scaling
  • Still growing, but very feature-rich for the price

Price: Free to $299/month Best for: Agencies selling varied services, or testing new markets

Click For Our Favorite CRM For Agencies


Summary Table: Best Tool by Agency Type

Agency Type Best Tool Key Reason
SMMA / Local Lead Gen GoHighLevel White-label, automation, CRM + SMS/email
Funnel / Launch Agency Kartra Complete funnel and digital product suite
Budget / Solo Consultant Systeme.io Free, all-in-one for early-stage agencies
Email / Webinar Agency GetResponse Advanced email flows and webinar tools
Course / Coaching Agency Kajabi Best-in-class content delivery tools
Productized / Experimentation Groove.cm Multi-tool platform with strong free tier

Final Thoughts: Matching Tools to Your Growth Model

The best CRM/funnel tool for your agency is the one that saves time, scales with you, and helps clients win.

  • Starting solo? Go with Systeme.io or GetResponse.
  • Running client funnels? Kartra or GoHighLevel.
  • Launching courses? Kajabi.
  • Serving multiple use cases? Groove gives you flexibility.

Don’t let tool overwhelm stall your growth. Pick the one closest to your current model—and upgrade once the revenue supports it.


🚀 Get Your FREE Client Funnel Builder Starter Kit

Win high-ticket clients with a proven plug-and-play system — even if you’re just getting started.

Inside your free kit:
Done-for-you Funnel Templates (for local biz, coaches & service providers)
5-Day Email & SMS Follow-Up Scripts to close deals automatically
Automation Blueprint to impress clients & save hours a week
Outreach Playbook to land your next client — fast

👉 Download the Starter Kit Now and launch your agency like a pro.

25 Best ClickFunnels Alternatives for Every Budget and Business Model (2025)

ClickFunnels is a well-known tool in the digital marketing world—but it’s far from the only option. Whether you’re frustrated by ClickFunnels’ pricing, limited flexibility, or missing features like built-in CRM or email automation, you’re not alone. This guide explores 25 top ClickFunnels alternatives, tailored to different budgets, business models, and marketing needs.

Why People Look for ClickFunnels Alternatives

  • ⚡️ High monthly cost (starts at $147/month)
  • 🔹 Need for more flexible integrations or customization
  • Desire for all-in-one tools with CRM, email, e-commerce
  • ❤️ Looking for easier tools for beginners or small budgets
  • 💼 Agencies need white-label or client accounts

What to Look for in a Funnel Builder

  • Drag-and-drop funnel builder
  • A/B testing and analytics
  • Built-in or integrated email automation
  • CRM capabilities
  • Payment processing (Stripe, PayPal, etc.)
  • Course hosting or membership tools
  • Affiliate management

Quick Comparison Table

Platform Best For Starting Price Free Plan CRM/Email Membership White-Label
GoHighLevel Agencies & SMMA $97/mo No Yes Yes Yes
Kartra All-in-one for SMBs $119/mo No Yes Yes No
Systeme.io Budget & beginners $0/mo Yes Yes Yes No
GetResponse Email + Funnels $19/mo Yes Yes Limited No
Builderall Budget all-in-one $17/mo No Yes Yes No
Groove.cm Feature-rich (growing) $0/mo+ Yes Yes Yes Yes
Kajabi Courses & memberships $149/mo No Yes Yes No
ThriveCart Checkout optimization $495 (lifetime) No Integrates No No
LeadPages Landing pages $49/mo Trial No No No

(See detailed breakdowns below)

Top 25 ClickFunnels Alternatives (Detailed Reviews)

1. GoHighLevel – Best for Agencies and White-Label SaaS

  • All-in-one platform: CRM, funnels, email, SMS, calendars, memberships
  • Ideal for agencies and freelancers managing clients
  • From $97/month (white-label from $497/month)
  • Client accounts, automation, and resell potential

2. Kartra – Best All-in-One for Digital Products

  • Full suite: funnels, email, memberships, affiliate management, video
  • From $119/month
  • Ideal for course creators and SMBs who need advanced automation

3. Systeme.io – Best Free Alternative

  • Completely free plan for funnels, emails, memberships
  • Upgrade to $97/month for unlimited everything
  • Great for beginners, solopreneurs

4. GetResponse – Best for Email + Funnel Combo

  • Elite email marketing + landing pages + webinars
  • From $19/month
  • Visual automation workflows + CRM-lite features

5. Builderall – Budget-Friendly Funnel Platform

  • Over 40 tools: funnel builder, email, webinar, e-commerce
  • Starts at $17/month
  • Powerful but interface can overwhelm beginners

6. Groove.cm – Most Features on a Free Plan

  • Free tier includes funnels, email, cart, membership, blog
  • Premium plan offers full access (around $99–$299/mo)
  • Still evolving, but great value

7. Kajabi – Best for Course and Membership Creators

  • Beautiful LMS + pipelines + email
  • From $149/month
  • Ideal for digital educators and high-ticket coaches

8. ThriveCart – Best for Checkout Optimization

  • One-time $495 or $690 fee
  • One-click upsells, bump offers, subscriptions, affiliate tracking
  • Use with your own funnel or page builder

9–25. (Include summaries for each platform such as LeadPages, Unbounce, WPFunnels, Instapage, Shopify, etc.)

Best Alternatives by Use Case

Use Case Best Alternative
White-Label for Agencies GoHighLevel
Budget-Friendly Funnel Builder Systeme.io
Funnel + Email Combo GetResponse
Course or Membership Platform Kajabi
E-Commerce Funnels GrooveKart / Shopify
WordPress Funnels WPFunnels / Thrive
Checkout Optimization ThriveCart

Why GoHighLevel Is Dominating for Agencies

  • Includes CRM, email, SMS, funnels, calendar, review mgmt
  • Client sub-accounts & SaaS resale features
  • Replace 6–10 tools with one platform
  • From $97/month, white-label starts at $497/month

Final Thoughts: Which One Is Right for You?

  • Just getting started? → Try Systeme.io (free)
  • Want beautiful email automations? → Use GetResponse
  • Selling a course? → Kajabi is your go-to
  • Running client accounts? → GoHighLevel is unbeatable

FAQ

Is there a free alternative to ClickFunnels? Yes — Systeme.io and Groove.cm both offer robust free plans.

What’s the best ClickFunnels alternative for agencies? GoHighLevel, due to its CRM + white-label SaaS capabilities.

Can I use WordPress to build funnels? Yes — try WPFunnels, Thrive Themes, or CartFlows.

Do I need a funnel builder or just a landing page tool? If you want to capture leads and nurture them through upsells, a full funnel builder is more effective.

🎁 Bonus: Grab Your Free Funnel Marketing Toolkit

Want step-by-step guidance, templates, and a proven roadmap for building high-converting funnels?

👉 Download the FREE Funnel Builder Starter Guide — only available on our homepage.

Includes:

  • Funnel strategy checklist
  • Email sequence templates
  • Offer planning worksheet
  • Recommended tools & stack

Perfect for beginners, agency owners, and anyone tired of piecing everything together.

➡️ Go here now to grab your copy

 

Sales Funnel vs Sales Pipeline: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters

“Sales funnel” and “sales pipeline” might sound similar, but they describe two very different parts of the customer journey. If you’re running a business, leading a marketing team, or choosing sales software, knowing the difference isn’t just helpful — it’s essential.

This guide breaks down what each term really means, how they differ, and why both are key to growing your revenue.

What Is a Sales Funnel?

A sales funnel is a customer-centric model that visualizes the journey a prospect takes from discovering your brand to making a purchase. It’s called a “funnel” because the number of prospects decreases at each stage.

Typical Stages of a Sales Funnel:

  • Awareness (TOFU): Prospect discovers your product/service via ads, SEO, social media, etc.
  • Interest (MOFU): They engage by subscribing to a newsletter, downloading a lead magnet, or browsing product pages.
  • Consideration (MOFU/BOFU): They compare your offerings, watch demos, or read reviews.
  • Action (BOFU): The prospect makes a purchase.
  • (Optional) Loyalty & Advocacy: The customer becomes a repeat buyer or refers others.

Benefits of a Sales Funnel:

  • Tracks how prospects engage at each stage
  • Highlights drop-off points to improve conversion
  • Enables better segmentation and lead nurturing
  • Aligns marketing strategies with buyer behavior

Buyer Tip: Look for tools like landing page builders, email marketing platforms, and lead scoring software to support funnel management.

 

What Is a Sales Pipeline?

A sales pipeline is an internal tool that helps sales teams track and manage the steps they take to close deals. It focuses on the company’s actions rather than the customer’s behavior.

Typical Stages of a Sales Pipeline:

  • Lead Generation: New contacts from inbound or outbound efforts
  • Qualification: Assess fit using criteria like BANT
  • Meeting/Discovery: Sales rep learns about the prospect’s needs
  • Proposal/Presentation: A solution is pitched
  • Negotiation: Final terms are discussed
  • Closing: Deal is won or lost
  • Post-Sale: Onboarding or account handoff

Benefits of a Sales Pipeline:

  • Supports accurate sales forecasting
  • Helps sales managers allocate resources
  • Tracks rep performance and deal progression
  • Allows for process optimization

Buyer Tip: Choose CRM platforms that allow custom stages, automated reminders, reporting, and forecasting.

 

Key Differences: Sales Funnel vs Sales Pipeline

FeatureSales FunnelSales Pipeline

Focus Buyer’s journey Sales team actions

Perspective External (customer-centric) Internal (company/sales-centric)

Tracks How prospects move toward purchase What reps do to close deals

Purpose Optimize marketing and lead nurturing Manage workflow and forecast revenue

Tools Needed Marketing automation, analytics CRM, pipeline automation, sales tools

 

How They Work Together

These two models are not competitors – they are collaborators.

  • The funnel feeds the pipeline: Marketing captures leads and nurtures them into MQLs. These are handed off to sales as SQLs.
  • Pipeline activity supports funnel conversion: A well-managed pipeline ensures qualified leads don’t stall.
  • Data from both informs strategy: Marketing learns from funnel drop-offs. Sales improves based on pipeline analytics.

For optimal growth, align your funnel and pipeline strategies. Regularly review metrics on both sides to identify gaps and opportunities.

 

Final Thoughts

The sales funnel maps the customer journey. The sales pipeline tracks your team’s actions. Both are essential.

To grow effectively:

  • Use funnel data to guide top-of-funnel efforts
  • Use pipeline metrics to streamline closing processes
  • Choose tools that support both sides of the equation

Want help choosing the right software for funnels or pipelines? 👉 Download our free buyer’s guide

HubSpot vs. GoHighLevel: Choosing Your All-in-One Marketing & Sales Powerhouse

In the ever-evolving landscape of digital marketing and sales technology, businesses are increasingly seeking comprehensive, all-in-one platforms to streamline operations, enhance customer relationships, and drive growth. Two prominent contenders in this space are HubSpot and GoHighLevel. Both offer a formidable array of tools, but they cater to different primary audiences and have distinct philosophical approaches to how they deliver their solutions. For a prospective buyer in 2025, navigating the choice between these two powerhouses requires a clear understanding of their core strengths, target markets, feature sets, and pricing models. This in-depth comparison aims to provide that clarity, drawing on recent analyses to help you make an informed decision that aligns with your business needs.

At a high level, as highlighted by industry observers like Stewart Gauld in early 2025, HubSpot is positioned as a versatile CRM-centric platform suitable for businesses of all types and sizes, from startups to large enterprises. Its strength lies in its robust, scalable CRM, complemented by specialized

Hubs” for Marketing, Sales, Service, CMS (Content Management System), and Operations. It offers an impressive free plan, making it accessible, though its more advanced features and larger-scale use can become costly.

GoHighLevel, conversely, is primarily designed as an all-in-one sales and marketing platform for marketing agencies and service-based businesses. Its standout feature is its robust white-labeling capability, allowing agencies to brand the entire platform as their own and offer it to their clients. While its entry-level paid plans might seem more expensive than HubSpot’s free offering, GoHighLevel aims to consolidate a vast array of tools that an agency would otherwise subscribe to separately, potentially offering overall cost savings and operational efficiency for its target niche.

Deconstructing the Platforms: A Feature and Philosophy Deep Dive

Understanding the core differences in their target audience and philosophy is key to evaluating their specific features.

1. Target Audience and Core Focus:

  • HubSpot: Caters to a broad spectrum of businesses. Its core focus is providing a powerful, integrated CRM that serves as the central nervous system for all customer-facing activities.
  • GoHighLevel: Specifically targets marketing agencies and businesses that operate like agencies (e.g., consultants offering a suite of services).

Prospective Buyer Insight: If you are a marketing agency looking to streamline your tech stack, manage multiple clients efficiently, and offer a white-labeled software solution, GoHighLevel is built with your needs in mind. If you are a business (of any size, including agencies not focused on white-labeling software) seeking a powerful CRM with modular, best-in-class tools for marketing, sales, and service, HubSpot is likely the more direct fit.

2. Feature Set: Breadth vs. Depth and Specialization

  • HubSpot: Known for the depth of its features within each Hub. For instance, its Marketing Hub offers sophisticated automation, lead nurturing, and analytics that are considered industry-leading at its higher tiers. Similarly, its Sales Hub provides advanced pipeline management and sales automation tools. The CMS Hub is a robust platform for building and managing websites with a focus on inbound marketing.
    • Key HubSpot Features: Centralized CRM, advanced marketing automation, sales automation and pipeline management, comprehensive email marketing, landing page builder, robust blogging and SEO tools, customer service tools (ticketing, live chat, knowledge base), detailed reporting and analytics, Operations Hub for data syncing and automation.
  • GoHighLevel: Offers an impressive breadth of features, aiming to be a true all-in-one solution for agencies. It includes tools that an agency might otherwise pay for separately, such as funnel builders, website builders, email marketing, SMS marketing, call tracking, appointment scheduling, reputation management, social media scheduling, and a CRM.
    • Key GoHighLevel Features: CRM, funnel builder, website builder, email and SMS marketing (often with 2-way SMS), call tracking, unified inbox, appointment scheduling, survey builder, reputation management (review requests), social media scheduler, analytics, and strong white-labeling capabilities.

Prospective Buyer Insight: If your priority is best-in-class depth in specific areas like marketing automation or CRM, and you are willing to pay for that depth, HubSpot is a strong contender. If you are an agency looking for a wide array of

good-enough” integrated tools to manage client campaigns and your own agency under one brand, GoHighLevel offers a compelling package. The depth of each individual GoHighLevel tool might be less than a specialized standalone product, but its strength lies in the integration and breadth for agency operations.

3. Pricing Structure and Value Proposition:

  • HubSpot: Offers a freemium model with a robust free CRM and basic versions of its Marketing, Sales, and Service Hub tools. This provides an excellent entry point for small businesses. However, as needs grow and more advanced features or higher contact/user limits are required, the cost can escalate significantly. Paid plans are typically per Hub and per tier (Starter, Professional, Enterprise), and some advanced features might be add-ons.
  • GoHighLevel: Does not typically offer a free plan. Its pricing is generally simpler, with a few core tiers (e.g., Agency Starter around $97/month, Agency Unlimited around $297/month, and a higher tier for white-label mobile apps). The value proposition is that even the starter paid plans include a vast suite of features, aiming to replace multiple other subscriptions an agency might have (e.g., for funnel building, email marketing, scheduling, CRM for clients).

Prospective Buyer Insight: If you’re starting out or have limited budget, HubSpot’s free plan is an attractive way to access powerful CRM and basic marketing/sales tools. Be prepared for costs to increase as you scale or need more advanced features. For agencies, GoHighLevel’s pricing, while higher at the entry paid tier, might offer better overall value if it genuinely replaces a multitude of other software subscriptions and if its white-labeling capability is a key requirement.

4. White-Labeling Capabilities:

  • HubSpot: Is designed to be used as HubSpot. It does not offer white-labeling in the sense of rebranding the entire platform as your own to resell to clients.
  • GoHighLevel: This is a core differentiator. GoHighLevel offers strong white-labeling features, allowing agencies to present the platform to their clients under their own branding, including custom domains and even a white-labeled mobile app at higher tiers.

Prospective Buyer Insight: If you are a marketing agency whose business model includes providing software access to your clients under your own brand, GoHighLevel is specifically built for this. For most other businesses, this feature is not relevant.

5. Ease of Use and Learning Curve:

  • HubSpot: Generally renowned for its user-friendly interface, especially for its core CRM functionalities. HubSpot also invests heavily in educational resources, with the HubSpot Academy offering extensive free courses and certifications on inbound marketing, sales, and using their platform.
  • GoHighLevel: Due to the sheer number of features packed into the platform, GoHighLevel can have a steeper learning curve. While it aims to consolidate tools, mastering the full suite can take time. Support and community resources are available, but the breadth of functionality means there’s more to learn.

Prospective Buyer Insight: If ease of use and access to comprehensive, free training resources are high priorities, HubSpot often has an edge. If you are an agency willing to invest time in learning a comprehensive platform to manage all aspects of your and your clients’ marketing, GoHighLevel’s learning curve may be a worthwhile investment.

6. Specific Tool Comparisons:

  • Funnel Building: GoHighLevel has a strong, integrated funnel builder. HubSpot offers landing pages and can be used to create funnels, but it’s often less direct than a dedicated funnel builder and might require connecting various elements (landing pages, emails, workflows) more manually.
  • SMS Marketing: GoHighLevel is often highlighted for its robust, integrated 2-way SMS marketing and automation capabilities, which can be a significant advantage for businesses using SMS extensively.
  • Reputation Management: GoHighLevel includes tools for review requests and management, a feature not as central to HubSpot’s offering.
  • Blogging and Content Management (CMS): HubSpot has a very powerful and well-regarded CMS Hub, designed for content-rich websites and inbound marketing strategies. GoHighLevel offers website building, but its CMS capabilities are generally less advanced than HubSpot’s dedicated CMS Hub.

Prospective Buyer Insight: Consider your specific tool needs. If advanced funnel building or integrated 2-way SMS are critical, GoHighLevel has specific strengths. If a best-in-class CMS for inbound marketing is a priority, HubSpot’s CMS Hub is a leader.

Making the Decision: HubSpot or GoHighLevel for Your Business?

The choice between HubSpot and GoHighLevel depends heavily on your business model, primary needs, and strategic priorities.

Choose HubSpot if:

  • You are a business of any size (startup, SMB, enterprise, or even an agency not focused on white-labeling software) that needs a powerful, scalable CRM as the central hub for your operations.
  • You prioritize deep functionality and best-in-class tools in specific areas like marketing automation, sales pipeline management, customer service, or content management.
  • You value a user-friendly interface and extensive free educational resources (HubSpot Academy).
  • You want the flexibility of starting with a robust free plan and scaling your investment as your needs grow.
  • Your strategy is heavily focused on inbound marketing and content creation, leveraging tools like blogging and advanced SEO.
  • You require a large ecosystem of third-party integrations.

Choose GoHighLevel if:

  • You are a marketing agency or a service-based business that wants to offer a comprehensive suite of digital marketing tools to clients under your own brand (white-labeling).
  • You are looking for an all-in-one platform to consolidate your tech stack and potentially replace multiple existing software subscriptions (e.g., for funnel building, email marketing, SMS, scheduling, CRM for client accounts).
  • Strong, integrated 2-way SMS marketing, funnel building, and reputation management are key requirements.
  • You manage multiple client accounts and need a platform designed for agency workflows and client management.
  • You are comfortable with a potentially steeper learning curve in exchange for a broad, integrated feature set tailored for agency operations.

ClickFunnels vs. GoHighLevel

Choosing the right platform to build sales funnels and manage marketing efforts is a pivotal decision for entrepreneurs and marketing agencies alike. Two prominent names that frequently surface in this discussion are ClickFunnels and GoHighLevel. While both offer robust funnel-building capabilities, they cater to slightly different primary audiences and come with distinct feature sets and philosophies. For a prospective buyer in 2025, understanding these nuances is crucial to selecting the platform that best aligns with their specific business model, operational needs, and growth ambitions. This in-depth comparison will dissect ClickFunnels and GoHighLevel, drawing on recent analyses to illuminate their strengths, weaknesses, and ideal user profiles.
As established by industry comparisons, such as insights from FreedomBoundBusiness.com, ClickFunnels is renowned as a dedicated website and sales funnel builder primarily targeted toward entrepreneurs and small businesses. Its core strength lies in simplifying the creation of high-converting sales funnels. GoHighLevel, on the other hand, is positioned as an all-in-one sales and marketing platform specifically built for marketing agencies. While it also features powerful funnel and website builders, its broader scope includes comprehensive agency-focused tools like white-labeling, advanced CRM for client management, and a wider array of integrated marketing services.

Core Offerings and Target Audiences: Setting the Stage

  • ClickFunnels: The brainchild of marketer Russell Brunson, ClickFunnels has long been a go-to for individuals and businesses focused on direct response marketing and selling products or services through structured sales funnels. Its ecosystem includes tools for email marketing (Follow-Up Funnels), affiliate management (Backpack), landing page creation, and basic e-commerce functionalities.
  • GoHighLevel: Founded with the agency model in mind, GoHighLevel aims to be the central operating system for marketing agencies. It seeks to replace a multitude of disparate tools by offering an integrated suite that includes CRM, funnel and website building, email and 2-way SMS marketing, appointment scheduling, call tracking, reputation management, and, critically, white-labeling capabilities.
Prospective Buyer Insight: If you are an entrepreneur or a small business owner primarily focused on creating effective sales funnels for your own products or services, ClickFunnels offers a specialized and relatively user-friendly environment. If you are a marketing agency looking to manage multiple clients, offer a branded software solution, and consolidate your agency’s tech stack, GoHighLevel is designed with your operational needs at the forefront.

Feature-by-Feature Breakdown: Where They Shine and Diverge

Let’s explore how these two platforms compare across key functionalities vital for prospective buyers.

1. Funnel Builder and Page Builder:

This is a core strength for both platforms. Interestingly, many comparisons note that the funnel and page builder interfaces in GoHighLevel are remarkably similar, almost identical, to those in ClickFunnels. Both utilize a grid-based system for page editing, allowing users to drag and drop elements within rows and columns. Both offer templates and the ability to create multi-step funnels.
  • ClickFunnels: Excels in its singular focus on funnel creation, with a vast library of templates and extensive training resources dedicated to funnel strategy and optimization.
  • GoHighLevel: Matches ClickFunnels in the mechanics of funnel building and even allows for the import of funnels built on ClickFunnels, which can be a significant advantage for users considering a switch. Its builder is integrated within a broader suite of agency tools.
Prospective Buyer Insight: In terms of the raw funnel-building experience, both platforms are highly capable and share a similar user experience. The choice here might come down to the surrounding ecosystem of tools and the primary use case (individual business vs. agency serving multiple clients).

2. Website Builder:

Both platforms extend their page-building capabilities to allow for the creation of full websites, not just standalone funnels.
  • ClickFunnels 2.0: Significantly expanded its website building capabilities compared to its classic version, allowing for blogs, e-commerce storefronts, and more traditional website structures alongside funnels.
  • GoHighLevel: Also includes a robust website builder, enabling agencies to create sites for themselves and their clients, often integrated with its CRM and marketing automation features.
Prospective Buyer Insight: If building a comprehensive website with integrated marketing and sales tools is a priority, both platforms now offer solid options. The decision may hinge on which platform’s broader feature set (e.g., ClickFunnels’ e-commerce focus vs. GoHighLevel’s agency tools) better aligns with your needs.

3. Email Marketing and Automation:

  • ClickFunnels: Offers integrated email marketing (Follow-Up Funnels in Classic, expanded in 2.0) allowing for broadcasts and automated sequences tied to funnel actions. It also supports 1-way SMS in some contexts.
  • GoHighLevel: Provides comprehensive email marketing and automation, often with more advanced features like 2-way SMS conversations, a unified inbox, and the ability to manage campaigns for multiple client accounts from a central dashboard.
Prospective Buyer Insight: For basic email follow-ups within funnels, ClickFunnels is adequate. If you require more sophisticated email automation, robust 2-way SMS capabilities, or need to manage email marketing for multiple clients, GoHighLevel offers a more comprehensive and agency-centric solution.

4. CRM and Client Management:

  • ClickFunnels: Includes CRM features for managing contacts and tracking their journey through funnels. ClickFunnels 2.0 has enhanced these capabilities.
  • GoHighLevel: Features an advanced CRM designed for agencies to manage their own leads as well as their clients’ leads. Its sub-account structure is a key differentiator, allowing agencies to provide each client with their own isolated environment within the platform, often white-labeled.
Prospective Buyer Insight: If your CRM needs are primarily for your own business and funnel contacts, ClickFunnels can suffice. For agencies needing to manage multiple client CRMs, offer white-labeled CRM access, and utilize features like unlimited sub-accounts (on higher GHL plans), GoHighLevel is purpose-built for this.

5. Agency-Specific Features (White-Labeling, Sub-Accounts):

  • ClickFunnels: Primarily designed for a single business entity. While it allows for multiple users on higher plans, it is not structured for white-labeling or managing a large roster of distinct client businesses within one master account in the same way GoHighLevel is.
  • GoHighLevel: This is where GoHighLevel stands out significantly. Its strong white-labeling capabilities allow agencies to brand the entire platform as their own. The Agency Unlimited plan, for instance, typically offers unlimited sub-accounts, enabling agencies to onboard and manage numerous clients seamlessly.
Prospective Buyer Insight: If you are a marketing agency and a core part of your business model involves providing clients with access to a marketing platform under your brand, GoHighLevel is the clear leader. This feature is generally not a primary offering of ClickFunnels.

6. Ease of Use and Learning Curve:

  • ClickFunnels: Often cited as being easier to use, especially for entrepreneurs focused solely on funnel building. Its interface is generally considered cleaner and more intuitive for its core purpose.
  • GoHighLevel: Due to its extensive feature set encompassing a wide range of marketing and sales tools, GoHighLevel can have a steeper learning curve. It aims to replace many tools, which means there’s more to learn to leverage its full potential.
Prospective Buyer Insight: If simplicity and a quick learning curve for funnel building are top priorities, ClickFunnels might feel more approachable initially. If you are an agency willing to invest time in mastering a comprehensive platform that can manage most of your operations, GoHighLevel’s broader capabilities might be worth the learning investment.

7. Pricing and Value:

  • ClickFunnels: Typically offers a few tiered plans (e.g., starting around $97/month, with higher tiers like $297/month or more for ClickFunnels 2.0 with more features). The value is in its specialized funnel-building prowess and integrated marketing tools for a single business.
  • GoHighLevel: Also offers tiered plans (e.g., Agency Starter around $97/month, Agency Unlimited around $297/month). While the entry price might be similar to ClickFunnels, the value proposition for agencies is that it can replace a multitude of other software subscriptions (for CRM, email marketing, SMS, scheduling, funnel building for multiple clients), potentially leading to significant overall cost savings for an agency.
Prospective Buyer Insight: For an individual business, compare the features you need against the pricing tiers of both. For an agency, calculate the total cost of your current software stack and compare it to GoHighLevel’s pricing, considering the added benefit of white-labeling and client management features.

Who Should Choose ClickFunnels?

ClickFunnels is generally the better choice for:
  • Entrepreneurs and small to medium-sized businesses focused on building and optimizing sales funnels for their own products or services.
  • Users who prioritize ease of use and a streamlined experience specifically for funnel creation.
  • Businesses that need a strong funnel builder with integrated (though perhaps less extensive than GHL) email marketing and e-commerce capabilities for their own brand.
  • Those who value a large, active user community and extensive training resources focused on funnel marketing.

Who Should Choose GoHighLevel?

GoHighLevel is the superior option for:
  • Marketing agencies looking for an all-in-one platform to manage their own business and serve multiple clients.
  • Businesses that require white-labeling capabilities to offer a branded software solution to their clients.
  • Agencies needing to consolidate their tech stack and replace multiple tools for CRM, email marketing, SMS, funnel building, scheduling, and reputation management across numerous client accounts.
  • Users who need robust 2-way SMS marketing and advanced client management features like unlimited sub-accounts.

The Final Verdict: Tailoring the Platform to Your Purpose

Both ClickFunnels and GoHighLevel are powerful platforms, but they are optimized for different primary users. ClickFunnels excels as a specialized tool for businesses focused on building high-converting sales funnels for their own offerings, with an emphasis on user-friendliness for that core task. GoHighLevel shines as a comprehensive, agency-centric platform designed to provide marketing agencies with a vast, integrated toolkit to manage their operations and serve their clients effectively, often under their own brand.