Our journalism is supported by our discerning readers. Purchases you make through our links may earn Guardian Nigeria a commission.
Small businesses need robust sales funnel builders to convert prospects into customers effectively. We’ve rigorously tested and evaluated the leading platforms available in 2025, examining their ease of use, conversion capabilities, pricing structures, and integration options. Our comprehensive analysis focused on real-world performance metrics, user experience, and value for money across various business scenarios.
ClickFunnels emerges as our top overall choice, delivering exceptional conversion rates and comprehensive marketing automation in a user-friendly package. Meanwhile, Systeme.io proves most intriguing for budget-conscious entrepreneurs, offering an all-in-one solution that rivals platforms costing significantly more whilst maintaining professional-grade functionality.
Summary of Recommendations
Platform | Best For | Affiliate Link |
ClickFunnels | Best Overall | Visit ClickFunnels → |
Kajabi | Best for Course Creators | Visit Kajabi → |
Instapage | Best for Landing Pages | Visit Instapage → |
Kartra | Most Comprehensive Suite | Visit Kartra → |
Systeme.io | Best Budget Option | Visit Systeme.io → |
Best Overall Funnel Builder: ClickFunnels
Best Features:
- Drag-and-drop funnel builder with 100+ proven templates
- Integrated payment processing and order management
- Advanced split-testing capabilities for conversion optimisation
- Comprehensive email marketing automation
- Built-in affiliate management system
- Mobile-responsive designs across all templates
ClickFunnels stands as the gold standard for sales funnel creation, offering an intuitive platform that transforms complex marketing processes into streamlined conversion machines. The platform’s strength lies in its proven templates, each designed around specific business models and optimised through millions of real-world interactions. Its visual editor allows even non-technical users to create professional funnels within hours rather than weeks.
What sets ClickFunnels apart is its focus on conversion psychology, with every element designed to guide prospects naturally through the buying journey. The platform’s split-testing features enable continuous optimisation, whilst its comprehensive analytics provide actionable insights into customer behaviour and funnel performance.
Feature | Details | Notes |
---|---|---|
Template Library | 100+ professionally designed templates | Industry-specific designs with proven conversion rates |
Payment Integration | Stripe, PayPal, and 12+ gateways | Seamless checkout experience reduces cart abandonment |
Email Automation | Advanced sequence builder with triggers | Sophisticated nurturing capabilities rival dedicated email platforms |
Split Testing | Native A/B testing on all elements | Data-driven optimisation increases conversions by 15-30% |
Mobile Optimisation | Fully responsive across all devices | Critical for modern consumers who browse primarily on mobile |
Analytics Dashboard | Real-time conversion tracking | Comprehensive insights enable rapid funnel improvements |
Membership Sites | Built-in portal creation | Excellent for recurring revenue models |
Support Quality | 24/7 chat plus extensive training library | Industry-leading customer education and assistance |
Transform your small business marketing today with ClickFunnels’ proven conversion system that’s helped thousands of entrepreneurs scale their revenue.
Best for Course Creators: Kajabi
Best Features:
- Comprehensive online course creation platform
- Built-in community features and student engagement tools
- Advanced student progress tracking and assessments
- Integrated coaching and community management
- Professional website builder with course-specific themes
- Automated course delivery and drip content scheduling
Kajabi has established itself as the premier platform for knowledge entrepreneurs, seamlessly blending sales funnel creation with comprehensive course delivery and student management. The platform recognises that course creators need more than just funnel building—they require tools to deliver exceptional student experiences whilst maintaining strong sales processes. This dual focus has made Kajabi the preferred choice for educators, coaches, and consultants worldwide.
The platform’s sophisticated student portal creates an immersive learning environment that encourages completion and reduces refund rates, whilst its marketing tools ensure steady enrollment growth. Kajabi’s strength lies in understanding the unique challenges of selling and delivering educational content, providing solutions that work throughout the entire customer lifecycle.
Feature | Details | Notes |
---|---|---|
Course Builder | Drag-and-drop lesson creation with multimedia support | Professional presentation enhances perceived value |
Student Portal | Branded learning environment with progress tracking | Improves completion rates and student satisfaction |
Community Features | Built-in discussion forums and student interaction | Increases engagement and reduces isolation |
Assessment Tools | Quizzes, assignments, and certification tracking | Validates learning and increases course credibility |
Coaching Tools | One-on-one booking and group session management | Perfect for high-value coaching programs |
Website Builder | Professional themes optimised for course sales | Eliminates need for separate website platform |
Pipeline Templates | Pre-built funnels for course launches and evergreen sales | Proven templates reduce setup time significantly |
Analytics Dashboard | Student engagement and sales performance metrics | Data-driven insights improve course and marketing performance |
Launch your knowledge business with confidence using Kajabi’s proven platform trusted by thousands of successful course creators.
Best for Landing Pages: Instapage
Best Features:
- Advanced landing page builder with pixel-perfect design control
- Extensive A/B testing capabilities across all page elements
- Heat mapping and conversion analytics integration
- 500+ professionally designed templates
- Advanced personalisation based on traffic source
- Collaboration tools for team-based page creation
Instapage specialises exclusively in creating high-converting landing pages, bringing enterprise-level optimisation tools to small businesses at accessible pricing. Unlike general funnel builders, Instapage focuses intensively on the critical first touchpoint where visitors decide whether to engage further with your business. This specialisation has resulted in a platform that consistently delivers superior conversion rates through advanced testing and optimisation features.
The platform’s strength lies in its sophisticated approach to conversion rate optimisation, offering tools typically reserved for large enterprises with dedicated conversion teams. Small businesses can leverage these advanced capabilities to compete effectively against larger competitors, often achieving conversion rates that exceed industry averages by significant margins.
Feature | Details | Notes |
---|---|---|
Design Flexibility | Pixel-perfect control with professional design tools | Create unique pages that match brand identity perfectly |
Template Library | 500+ industry-specific templates | Professionally designed starting points for rapid deployment |
A/B Testing | Advanced split testing with statistical significance | Data-driven optimisation improves conversion rates by 20-40% |
Heatmap Integration | Visual user behaviour tracking | Understand exactly how visitors interact with pages |
Personalisation Engine | Dynamic content based on visitor source | Relevant messaging increases conversion likelihood |
Collaboration Features | Team workflows and approval processes | Streamlines page creation for businesses with multiple stakeholders |
Integration Ecosystem | 120+ marketing tool connections | Seamlessly connects with existing marketing stack |
Page Speed | Optimised hosting with global CDN | Fast-loading pages critical for mobile conversion rates |
Maximise your advertising ROI with Instapage’s conversion-optimised landing pages that turn more visitors into customers.
Most Comprehensive Suite: Kartra
Best Features:
- All-in-one business platform combining CRM, email, and funnels
- Advanced behavioural tracking and customer segmentation
- Built-in video hosting with engagement analytics
- Comprehensive affiliate management system
- Native calendar booking and appointment scheduling
- Powerful automation workflows with conditional logic
Kartra represents the evolution of marketing platforms, combining sales funnels with customer relationship management, email marketing, and business analytics in one comprehensive suite. This integration eliminates the complexity of managing multiple tools whilst providing deeper insights into customer behaviour across all touchpoints. The platform excels at creating sophisticated customer journeys that adapt based on user interactions and preferences.
The system’s strength lies in its ability to track customer behaviour across every interaction, from initial landing page visit through purchase and beyond. This data enables highly personalised marketing campaigns that significantly improve conversion rates and customer lifetime value for small businesses seeking to compete with larger enterprises.
Feature | Details | Notes |
---|---|---|
CRM Integration | Native customer database with lifecycle tracking | Eliminates need for separate CRM software |
Video Platform | Built-in hosting with detailed analytics | Saves £100+ monthly on external video hosting |
Automation Engine | Visual workflow builder with 200+ triggers | Creates sophisticated customer journeys automatically |
Affiliate System | Complete partner management portal | Enables rapid business scaling through partnerships |
Calendar Booking | Integrated scheduling with payment collection | Perfect for service-based businesses |
Helpdesk Portal | Customer support ticket system | Streamlines customer service operations |
Agency Tools | White-label options and client management | Ideal for marketing agencies serving multiple clients |
Template Variety | 50+ high-converting funnel templates | Covers most business models and industries |
Experience the power of having your entire marketing stack in one platform with Kartra’s comprehensive business solution.
Best Budget Option: Systeme.io
Best Features:
- Completely free plan for up to 2,000 contacts
- Unlimited funnels and email sends on all plans
- Built-in course creation and membership functionality
- Integrated affiliate program management
- Native blogging platform with SEO tools
- Simple drag-and-drop page builder
Systeme.io delivers remarkable value by offering a complete marketing suite at a fraction of traditional platform costs, making professional sales funnels accessible to the smallest businesses and solo entrepreneurs. The platform’s free tier provides genuine functionality rather than just a trial, allowing businesses to build and test their marketing systems without financial commitment. This approach has made it particularly popular among startups and bootstrap entrepreneurs.
Despite its budget-friendly positioning, Systeme.io doesn’t compromise on essential features, providing robust automation, professional templates, and reliable performance. The platform’s French development team has focused on simplicity without sacrificing power, creating a solution that works brilliantly for businesses that need results rather than complexity.
Feature | Details | Notes |
---|---|---|
Free Plan | 2,000 contacts, unlimited funnels | Genuine free tier, not just a trial |
Pricing Structure | Plans from free to £94/month | Exceptional value compared to competitors |
Course Platform | Built-in online course creation | Eliminates need for separate learning management system |
Email Marketing | Unlimited sends on all plans | Most platforms charge per email sent |
Affiliate Management | Complete partner tracking system | Advanced feature typically found in premium platforms |
Blogging Platform | Integrated content management | SEO-optimised blog functionality included |
Page Speed | Optimised hosting infrastructure | Fast-loading pages improve conversion rates |
Customer Support | Email support with quick response times | Responsive team despite lower pricing |
Start building professional sales funnels today with Systeme.io’s generous free plan that grows with your business.
How Our Tests Were Performed
We conducted extensive real-world testing over three months, creating and running live campaigns across multiple industries including e-commerce, professional services, and digital products. Our evaluation process focused on practical implementation rather than theoretical features, measuring actual conversion rates, user experience, and platform reliability under typical small business conditions.
- Conversion Rate Analysis – Built identical funnels across platforms and measured performance with £1,000 advertising spend per platform
- Ease of Use Assessment – Timed non-technical users building complete funnels from template to launch
- Integration Testing – Evaluated connectivity with popular small business tools including payment processors, email platforms, and analytics
- Support Quality Review – Tested customer service response times and solution effectiveness across different query types
- Mobile Performance Evaluation – Assessed mobile conversion rates and user experience across devices
- Pricing Value Analysis – Calculated total cost of ownership including features, limits, and additional tool requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a sales funnel builder and a website builder? Sales funnel builders focus specifically on guiding visitors through a conversion process, with templates and features designed to maximise sales. Website builders create general websites but typically lack the conversion-optimised elements essential for effective online selling.
How much should a small business expect to spend on a funnel builder? Most small businesses find success with plans ranging from free (Systeme.io) to £200 monthly for comprehensive platforms like ClickFunnels or Kartra. The investment typically pays for itself through improved conversion rates within the first few months.
Can I migrate my existing funnels between platforms? Most platforms allow data export, though some manual recreation of pages and workflows is usually required. Systeme.io and ClickFunnels offer the smoothest migration processes, whilst more complex platforms like Kartra may require additional setup time.
Do I need technical skills to build effective sales funnels? Modern funnel builders are designed for non-technical users, with drag-and-drop interfaces and proven templates. Most small business owners can create professional funnels within a few hours of training, though complex automation may benefit from expert assistance.
Which platform integrates best with existing business tools? ClickFunnels and Kartra offer the most extensive integration libraries, connecting with over 100 popular business tools. Systeme.io provides essential integrations at lower cost, whilst Kajabi excels specifically at educational tool connections.
How quickly can I see results from implementing a sales funnel? Well-designed funnels typically show improved conversion rates within the first week of implementation. Most businesses report 20-50% improvement in lead conversion within the first month, with continued optimisation driving further improvements over time.