How to Build a Sales Funnel Without Paying for ClickFunnels

ClickFunnels is an industry leader in conversion optimization, providing a dedicated environment for creating systematic customer journeys—from initial click to final conversion. However, the platform’s fixed monthly cost, starting around $97/month, represents a significant fixed expense that can be prohibitive for startups, bootstrapped entrepreneurs, or new digital agencies operating on lean budgets. The search for a cost-effective, high-conversion alternative often leads back to the most flexible platform on the web: WordPress.

It is entirely possible to build a sales funnel without paying for ClickFunnels and still achieve sophisticated conversion mechanics. This approach replaces vendor dependence with platform ownership, dramatically improving long-term profitability. If you are starting out or simply need a customized solution, here are the best ways to build a funnel without recurring high SaaS fees. If you realize you need a full CRM solution rather than just funnels, review our comprehensive guide on the Best All-in-One Tools for Running a Digital Agency.

Option 1: The All-In-One Budget SaaS Alternatives

For users who still prefer an integrated, all-in-one environment but need significant savings, platforms like Systeme.io offer a robust alternative. Systeme.io provides a comprehensive suite that includes funnel builders, email marketing, course hosting, and integrated checkouts, often saving users over $1,100 per year compared to the equivalent ClickFunnels subscription. Other strong SaaS alternatives in this category include Kartra and Leadpages, which offer varying degrees of flexibility and integration. The trade-off here is similar to CF: you gain simplicity and affordability, but the entire infrastructure is still locked into a proprietary system.

Option 2: The WordPress Power Stack (The Ultimate Agency Solution)

The optimal solution for agencies already managing client websites is leveraging the flexibility and control of WordPress. This approach utilizes powerful, specialized plugins for funnel logic while maintaining full design control using modern page builders. This method gives the agency complete ownership of client data and infrastructure, replacing high, recurring SaaS fees with low annual license costs, significantly improving long-term profit margins.

Leveraging FunnelKit with Page Builders

Plugins like FunnelKit (a leading solution, formerly Funnel Builder) or WPFunnels are built specifically to introduce sophisticated funnel mechanics into the WordPress environment. These tools offer deep, native integration with major page builders, including Elementor, Oxygen Builder, Divi, and Gutenberg.

The value of this workflow is the ability to manage the entire sales conversion process—from opt-in pages to WooCommerce-driven checkouts, order bumps, one-click upsells, and A/B testing—all directly within the native WordPress dashboard. To maximize customization and conversion design control without requiring custom coding, integrating the funnel logic with a high-performance visual builder is essential. FunnelKit, for example, provides custom elements for designing crucial funnel steps like checkout pages and upsell screens within the Elementor or Oxygen interfaces.

Step-by-Step: Building a Lead Magnet Funnel on WordPress

Here is a simplified workflow for a lead generation funnel using the WordPress Power Stack:

1. Install Foundation Tools: Install your chosen funnel plugin (e.g., FunnelKit) and a compatible page builder like Elementor or Oxygen Builder.
2. Create Opt-in Page: Design a high-converting landing page using your page builder. This page should present the lead magnet offer and include an opt-in form to capture the necessary lead data.
3. Implement Automation Trigger: The funnel plugin manages the action taken upon form submission. If using Elementor Forms, you can set an automation to trigger personalized emails based on user response or immediately send the confirmation email.
4. Confirmation/Thank You Page: Customize the confirmation page (the final step of the opt-in funnel) to provide immediate access to the promised lead magnet and set the stage for further engagement.

Optimizing Your Funnel: Upsells, Downsells, and A/B Testing

Modern WordPress funnel solutions offer sophisticated features that were previously restricted to expensive standalone platforms like ClickFunnels. Agencies can deliver top-tier conversion optimization without the recurring high SaaS cost:

• Order Bumps and Upsells: Funnel plugins offer dedicated components for easily implementing one-click upsell and downsell pages after the initial purchase, which is crucial for immediately maximizing the Average Order Value (AOV).
• A/B Testing: High-quality funnel plugins allow robust A/B testing of pricing, page design, copy, product offers, and even entire funnel sequences, ensuring the agency maximizes conversion rates for clients.

To ensure these conversion pages load instantly—a critical factor for low friction—you must optimize the front-end performance. Using advanced caching and file optimization tools like WP Rocket is essential to complement your WordPress funnel stack and maximize Core Web Vitals scores.

ROI Analysis and Alternatives Matrix

The strategic advantage of using the WordPress power stack is rooted in control and long-term cost savings. By building funnels on WordPress, the agency owns the underlying platform and client data. They pay one-time license fees or low annual fees for the specialized plugins, completely replacing a high, recurring SaaS fee. This independence fundamentally improves long-term profitability.

Top Affordable WordPress Funnel Alternatives (Agency Choices)

Alternative	Core Strength	Builder Integration	Conversion Features
FunnelKit	Deep WooCommerce Integration/Automation	Elementor, Oxygen, Gutenberg	One-Click Upsells, Order Bumps, A/B Testing
Systeme.io	All-in-One, Affordable SaaS	Proprietary (non-WordPress)	Email Marketing, Course Hosting, Funnels
OptimizePress	Budget-Friendly Landing Pages	WordPress Integrated	Landing Pages, Basic Funnels

If you find that the lack of an integrated CRM and multi-channel communication is limiting your scale, consider upgrading to a fully integrated platform like HighLevel, as compared in our guide: HighLevel vs ClickFunnels: Which Platform Wins for Agencies?