Website vs marketing funnels - the case for doing both

Websites and sales funnels are a dime a dozen. They’re everywhere from a flick of the wrist to the click of a mouse. 

Both have become quite popular over the years and many use them interchangeably not knowing what their specific functions are.

Such changes have even led to fiery debates from certain well-known “experts” saying one is dead while the other is obsolete.

But what really is the difference between a website and a funnel?

The Oxford dictionary defines a website as a set of related web pages located under a single domain name, typically produced by a single person or organization.

Put simply, it’s a set of pages where people go to find information about a particular brand, entity, product, or service.

A marketing funnel is a method of breaking down a path a user follows towards the desired action. That could be a sale, filling out an application for a service, or signing up to receive a free offer.

Examples of marketing funnels include consulting pages or product pages.

However what typically confuses those newer to marketing and promoting their products and services online isn’t the definition, but how they’re used.

The terms “Funnel website” and “website sales funnel” have gathered steam lately.

And while they may both be used for sales purposes, having a well set-up “funnel” doesn’t imply one doesn’t need a website.

Why websites are NOT useless (or dead)

A website is created for several purposes. 

The first is selling products and services. Whether it’s asking to register for your free masterclass, webinar, or a direct invite to purchase your $199 course - your website would be ideal for that as well (more on that later).

The second is to entertain. People don’t come to Facebook, and YouTube to be sold to. They’re there to blow off steam, ease off some tension after the long day, or simply because they’re bored. Whether it’s binging on your favorite episodes or catching up on what a content creator has put out, it is where most people spend their time.

People were shown to be streaming as much as 5-8 hours per day during lockdown

To educate and inform. You’re subscribed to your favorite blog and podcast because you get value from their articles and shows. You may use it to better yourself and also once in a while act on their recommendations 

Connection and communication. Our favorite social media and messaging platforms are permanently attached to most of us wherever we go. The internet goes crazy when an app like Clubhouse goes down or Instagram for some reason stops working. 

Sadly such platforms have gotten so popular they are increasingly looked to for news and credible information also the interaction with family and friends more than we do offline.

With all those uses it’s obvious that websites (whether you use the web version / the app) aren’t dead.

Did you know previously it was once said that email marketing was going away too?

It is still as popular as ever.

With that being said, the term “funnel website” has been dubbed an alternative to traditional websites.

What's a “Funnel Website”?

Coined by Russel Brunson of Clickfunnels (which is a once popular but massively overpriced builder), a funnel website is simply page templates applied to a funnel-building platform.

While on the surface they may seem similar, it is typically a one-pager (1-page website) summarizing a particular offer with a call to action (invite to do something next).

The thing is a website is meant to cater for multiple actions a user can take depending on the page they’re on. With a funnel website setup, the content is limited and all leads to a funnel.

While some may propose such a setup may be “high converting” ideal for some, as we touched upon earlier not all website owners want to / should make it all about the sale.

Even if you do have your products and services to sell. It is still vital to build a relationship with your visitors through helpful blog content so you can gain their trust and ensure they’re a better fit for your brand.

The value first approach doesn’t only lead to more sales over time but top better customers who may have consumed your free content and feel like you’ve helped them first.

Is Clickfunnels a website builder?

The short answer is no. Honestly, the concept on their end, is actually disingenuous and a marketing ploy to only use their overpriced service.

Here’s one that does all they do for free.

Clickfunnels is simply for building out marketing funnels, selling products. While Groovefunnels does all of this and a lot more.

Can ClickFunnels replace your website?

No, it can’t and you shouldn’t. 

One key advantage of having your own website is that you’re not a slave to the exorbitant fees of any platform. While you may pay for web hosting, the website itself is yours and you can customize as you please and choose your hosting provider.

Is ClickFunnels a website?

Technically speaking they are (ironic right). What they offer though is marketing funnels and the ability to host your own courses.

Do you need a website to have a sales funnel?

The answer to that question is no. Whether we use Groovefunnels (which we strongly recommend) or another platform you can create one without needing a website.

Advantages of websites

Optimize for search engine rankings. Hosting a blog, for example, allows you more flexibility to help your future customers by providing valuable content to them.

On a website platform (like WordPress) you’re also able to optimize each of your pages and not just be restricted to the few limited options a funnel platform may offer.

A website generally is cheaper to start and maintain. This makes it a lot easier to get started and makes the upfront investment quite minimal.

You can also use it to showcase your work.

Whether it’s your portfolio for your future clients to see or answers to commonly asked questions, or so people fully understand what you do and how you can serve them, you can use it as a quick reference for important information.

Advantages of funnel

A marketing funnel provides a narrower path to the desired result. Whether it’s selling a product, signing up for an upcoming class, or going through your various offers in a particular order, it may be better to use a funnel.

A website typically has navigation (menu items on top and bottom of page) and many actions a user can take away other than the one you’d like them to.

It can be automated. All of the responses to actions can be pre-determined. In order words when one purchases a product, tries to exit a page, or even says no to an upsell you can determine what happens next

Eliminates human error. Due to the dependence on automated action, once setup properly having a funnel in place reduces the likelihood of human error if things were being done manually.

Disadvantages of Websites

Too many options can confuse the user and cause them to bounce (leave). Whether it’s the navigation, sidebar advertisement, or even unnecessary information - users have limited attention spans and expect a quick path to anything they’re looking for. Otherwise, they’ll go elsewhere.

Disadvantages of Marketing Funnels

Can go for the sale too quickly. All buyer journeys aren’t linear. In order words, viewers who are viewing your marketing funnels may not be at the stage where they’re ready to purchase as yet. 

That can turn them off and cause you to lose them forever. 

Does not cater to customers at every stage of the buying cycle. Prospective customers may not even have a chance to engage with your brand if they’re forced to make a purchase decision upfront. 

Others may be ready to buy but simply need to be educated first or just need to see something other than a pitch to ensure they actually trust you. Whichever stage one is at it doesn’t always present all the necessary information especially to one who is new to you or your company.

Here are some of the reasons why you actually need both

Now that we’ve touched on why each is important, let's look at why it really isn’t a case of one against the other but why you actually need both.

First of all, I understand that this website and funnel terms can be so confusing.

I’ve been there too and it’s normal. The truth is they’re both useful and which one you lean towards depends on what your needs are.

Conclusion - Do you need a website and a sales funnel?

The overall point is that while they may both have benefits, one isn’t more important than the other.

Thankfully now there is a platform that offers both options and that’s Groovefunnels.

And while their paid options blow any competition away by a mile, it’s free to start. In fact, you’re able to host your pages and sell your products without paying.

Websites are not dead and are here to stay.

Every viable business needs both to fully stand out and grow to its full potential. Marketing funnels though relatively new have their place and can be extremely profitable when done well.

The option is for you to choose what’s best and get the customers and sales you’ve been dreaming about.