Using marketing funnel builders for the first time can feel overwhelming. 

When I set up my first funnel, I used whatever free tools I could find. My landing page was clunky, the email follow-ups were barely delivered, and hardly anyone made it through to the end. 

It was frustrating to watch my efforts flop while others shared stories about effortless conversions.

It's been years since then, and now I've built funnels for my own business, learned from my mistakes, and figured out what tools work in real campaigns. 

This guide is based on first-hand experience. I'm not just listing features; I'm sharing step-by-step guidance on how I used these tools to build different types of funnels that convert. 

If you're just starting out or looking to make your funnels work harder, you'll see which options really move the needle. You’ll learn how each platform helped or hindered my process and what you can expect from the right funnel builder. And as I always say, let's get into it.

Table of Contents

• What I Look For in a Marketing Funnel Builder

  • Systeme.io: Setting Up a Full Funnel, Start to Finish

  • beehiiv + Notion + Stripe Stack

  • Kit (ConvertKit): 

  • ClickFunnels: Overkill or Perfect Fit?

• How I Decide Which Funnel Builder To Use: 

  • 1. Prioritizing Usability and Workflow Fit  

  • 2. What "Easy Integration" Really Means  

  • 3. Matching the Builder to Your Funnel Goals  

• My Full Setup for Lead Gen Funnels  

• My Full Setup for Paid Product Funnels  

  • Final Thoughts: Picking the Right Funnel Builder  

  • Checklist: 

What I Look For in a Marketing Funnel Builder

I always start with how well a marketing funnel builder fits into my daily workflow. 

Does the platform save me time? Does it help me automate where it matters? Will it make it easier for me to connect with leads? 

From all the funnels I’ve built, I know every tool comes with different strengths and limitations. 

Here’s how each one stacked up for me in a real, from-the-trenches breakdown.

Systeme.io: Setting Up a Full Funnel, Start to Finish

My journey with Systeme.io started when I used to post content on the clock app (TikTok) to build my email list. I wanted an all-in-one solution that would help funnel my TikTok followers to my email list, with the main goal of selling them affiliate products.

I wanted to build an end-to-end squeeze page funnel that consisted of an opt-in landing page, automated email sequences, and a simple upsell, without needing a single plugin or outside app, as quickly as possible.

Here's my experience:

Systeme.io allows you to create funnels for different goals and objectives, as seen below. I wanted to collect email addresses and contact information from my leads, so the obvious choice was the “Build an audience” objective.

After naming my funnel, the next step was to build it out. As someone who isn't tech-savvy, I was grateful for the loads of free funnel templates I could find on systeme.io. 

I wasn't going for anything extraordinary, so I picked the first template I saw, which looked pretty okay to me and solved my needs perfectly for both the opt-in and thank you page. 

I finished editing both pages in about 10 minutes, adding a sensible headline with an enticing copy that perfectly described what I was offering. 

On the thank you page, I included the next steps and what the leads should expect from my email list, plus how to access the lead magnet I was offering.

Around this time, my funnel was almost done. Now I had to set up automation rules that would automatically add every lead that subscribed to this funnel to a welcome sequence campaign.

Hence, I created a campaign, but I came across a roadblock: things started becoming too technical for me, and the process became a little stressful. I wanted something fast and quick. 

Now I had to get a domain and authenticate it just so I could use the built-in autoresponder feature on Systeme.io. I couldn't use my personal email. This was my first red flag.

The other option was to add a Sendgrid API key, but that was too stressful for me. I didn't want to sign up for a platform I didn't trust.

I decided to change my strategy. 

Initially, the plan was to create an opt-in page, then the thank-you page, and fix a trigger that would automatically add new opt-in subscribers to a three-day email sequence and then upsell the subscribers on a low-ticket product.

I couldn't do that quickly on Systeme.io, so I had to restrategize.

I ditched the thank-you page and instead created an upsell page. So immediately after readers hit the subscribe button on the opt-in funnel, they would be sent to a page like the one below (this is also a template on Systeme.io).

The call to action (CTA) looked like this.

Now I had to create my asset, which is quite hectic to set up on System.io, so instead I just created two products on Gumroad: one was free, and the other was a paid product. Then, I added the two links in the appropriate CTAs on the upsell site.

Some leads bought the low-ticket offer, and some just opted for the free ebook. Gumroad gives you access to their emails, and you can manually add these emails to different segments on your beehiiv newsletter.

This strategy allows you to follow up with the leads who opted for the free product instead of the low-ticket product, and you can upsell the leads who got the low-ticket product to higher-tier products like your services or coaching.

Here’s my verdict:

• Quick setup: I had a basic funnel running in less than an hour; but if I didn’t already have experience with building funnels using other software, it would have taken longer.

• All-in-one dashboard: Everything lives in one place, from emails to payment pages, but you might have to upgrade your plan to use most of the features; and you can’t use your personal emails for email automations.

• Simple upsells: Adding the native order bump or upsell feature from Systeme.io to the funnels stressed me out, and I ended up adding Gumroad to the stack.

Systeme.io can feel a little limiting if you outgrow its templates or want something more customized. Visually, the pages look clean, but heavy tweaking is tough if you want your brand to really stand out. 

For many, Systeme.io is perfectly fine. I’ll recommend it for link-in-bio sites and not for full-blown funnels, or else you’ll end up wrestling with tech as a beginner.

Why Trust Me: With five years of marketing experience, I've honed my ability to develop profitable marketing funnels and campaigns. I share some of my strategies in this article. Feel free to reach out to me on LinkedIn anytime!

beehiiv + Notion + Stripe Stack

If you want more control with your funnel, stitch together a funnel using beehiiv for subscriber signups, Notion for delivering gated content and mini-courses or templates, and Stripe for payments. 

Here’s how to do it:

First, subscribe to beehiiv. Then, set up your opt-in page. There are loads of site templates available to choose from, but you can go with something simple and basic like the graphic below. 

Add a welcome sequence to warm up new subscribers to your newsletter using this video guide. 

Here’s what a beehiiv user, Jason Levin, has to say about using beehiiv automations for his newsletter’s welcome sequence.

“Automations are pretty sick. I sell my book on a whole different website, and I use Zapier to send it over to beehiiv. When somebody buys my book or joins my newsletter, they get a special email. Depending on how they answer their survey, they get a different email. It is not just one email; it's a series of emails. So I think the automation is super powerful, and I actually need to invest more time in it.”

Now head on to Notion to earn from your newly built newsletter and its subscribers by creating simple sellable products, courses, short guides, or productivity templates like Jennifer Chou.

Chou follows this exact same funnel strategy as documented in this case study. She used Instagram to grow her newsletter subscribers to over 10,000 subscribers and then created various paid templates and tutorials for her audience to help them live a happier, more organized life.

Chou uses Lemon Squeezy to manage subscriber membership for her Notion templates and tutorials. Lemon Squeezy handles the Stripe payments and Notion integrations with no monthly fee!

Alternatively, you can use sotion:

If you follow this process, you’ll be well on your way to making five figures and more from your beehiiv + Notion + Stripe funnel stack, just like Jennifer Chou, who earned $16,000+ with this funnel strategy in less than four months!

Here’s how simplified the funnel is:

1. Signup: beehiiv form/opt-in grabs emails and starts the onboarding/welcome flow.

2. Delivery: After Stripe checkout, new paid users get an automated email unlocking Notion links for their course or resource.

3. Gating: Notion pages handle the delivery and could be swapped or updated easily on the fly.

This combo offers flexibility, especially when you need to update course content frequently or test new lead magnets. If you value customization and don’t mind the occasional manual fix, this stack is hard to beat.

For more tips on getting newsletter signups that convert, this email newsletter tutorial by beehiiv walks you through building high-converting lead capture pages.

Kit (ConvertKit): 

Kit shines when you want to nurture leads over time instead of chasing quick wins. 

Keep reading to learn how I used Kit to build my funnel in less than an hour.

When you first create a Kit account, here is the first thing you’ll see on your dashboard:  

If you’re new to these tools, Kit puts you through the steps you need to take to set up your page and get it running in only a couple of minutes. It’s pretty straightforward.

You also get an array of simple site templates for different marketing objectives. 

I’ll use this funnel for a webinar as an example. 

I was able to edit the template I chose and got it published in just three minutes! 

Next, I worked on the backend, email content, automation, and the likes.

I created a three-day email sequence to nurture the subscribers who registered for the webinar.

Then, I used artificial intelligence (AI) tools to write the email content within 10 minutes and published it. 

Here’s how the email structure looked for the pre-webinar and post-webinar emails:

Pre-Webinar:

Email 1: Confirmation and Instructions

📩 Subject: "You’re Registered! Here’s How To Join"
📝 Content: 

• Thank subscribers for signing up.

• Webinar date/time + calendar link

• What to expect

Email 2: Reminder (1 Day Before)

📩 Subject: "Tomorrow: Don’t Miss [Webinar Topic]"
📝 Content: 

• Build excitement with a key takeaway.

• Reiterate the value.

Email 3: Last Chance (1 Hour Before)

📩 Subject: "Starting Soon! Join [Webinar Name]"
📝 Content: 

• Direct link to join

• Urgency: "Spots are limited!"

Post-Webinar:

Email 1: Replay and Bonus (Immediately After)

📩 Subject: "Missed the Webinar? Watch the Replay Here!"
📝 Content:

• Link to replay

• Bonus resource (PDF, checklist)

• Soft pitch for your offer

Email 2: Testimonials and Social Proof (1 Day Later)

📩 Subject: "What Others Are Saying About [Webinar Topic]"
📝 Content:

• Share success stories.

• Remind subscribers of the offer.

Email 3: Last Chance (2-3 Days Later)

📩 Subject: "Final Chance: [Offer Name] Closes Soon!"
📝 Content:

• Scarcity & urgency ("Offer expires in 24 hours!")

• Direct purchase link

The next step was to bring everything together with automations; and, with Kit, there’s also a template for that. 

Here’s how the finished automation setup looks:

The automation starts from the landing page opt-in. Then, all subscribers are added to the webinar welcome email sequence I created earlier.

After the webinar, an automatic recording is sent to subscribers, and any subscriber who watches the recording gets tagged “completed webinar.” Then, after a day, they get sent a post-webinar follow-up sequence.

All of these emails are automated. I just had to set them up, test, and launch once I was satisfied with the results.

In less than 30 minutes, I was done building my webinar funnel with Kit.

Kit seamlessly allowed me to perform the following actions:

• Assign tags based on user actions, such as link clicks

• Set up conditional email sequences personalized by tags

• Create a fully functioning landing page

Kit’s automation builder makes it easy to send the right message at the right time and slowly move subscribers toward a sale without pressure, regardless of the sequence. 

To see how beehiiv and other platforms compare to Kit, this beehiiv vs. Substack vs. ConvertKit comparison breaks down the strengths of each tool, based on their features.

ClickFunnels: Overkill or Perfect Fit?

Using Clickfunnels, I wanted to create a product launch funnel. After signing up, there were various funnel options to choose from, so my experience could be personalized, which I was grateful for.

Since I was building a product launch funnel, I went with the obvious choice. Here’s how I built this funnel step by step using Clickfunnels:

Step 1: I completed the onboarding flow by adding extra information about myself and my offer.

Step 2: I installed the funnel template created for me.

Step 3: I chose the type of product I wanted to launch/sell.

That was it!. I got a fully functioning funnel faster than I could say “abracadabra!”

I didn’t think I could create a funnel faster than I did with Kit, but Clickfunnels proved me wrong. I wasn’t surprised, as it's a platform created solely for funnels. 

Based on the pieces of information I added in the onboarding flow, I was able to get a complete funnel template set up for my offer without going technical.

All that was left to do was edit the template and add the contents in their appropriate sections. Here’s how the funnel setup looks: 

The funnel consisted of the following components: 

• The product launch opt-in form 

• The thank you page

• A 4-day video sequence to build up anticipation before launch 

• The launch order form + sales and site analytics 

• Order confirmation

Simple, straightforward, and efficient! It was perfect.

Most people might want more steps in their funnels. But I always make sure to keep my funnels simple, so I don’t break the user journey for my subscribers. Sometimes, less is more. 

The learning curve for Clickfunnels is straightforward for new users. They’ve changed their process from what it used to be a couple of years back, which I appreciate.

My advice: If your funnel is simple, you may not need the muscle of ClickFunnels, as it's filled with so many features that might get you off track as a beginner. But if you’re running a webinar sequence or product launch that needs advanced automations, it can pay off fast.

You can see a practical example of ClickFunnels in action in the sales funnel tutorial for newsletters, where it shows how to build a multistep sales flow tailored for newsletters.

How I Decide Which Funnel Builder To Use: 

When I’m trying to choose the right marketing funnel builder, I don’t just think about checking off a list of features. The real question I ask myself is: Can I actually get things done efficiently, or will this tool slow me down?  

I've made the mistake of switching platforms mid-launch and learned the hard way that what looks impressive in a demo can feel clunky when you're racing against a deadline. 

Over time, I've developed a system for evaluating funnel builders based on real-world usability, integrations, automation, and support.  

Here's my in-depth breakdown of how I decide which funnel builder to use, so you can avoid costly mistakes and pick the right tool for your business.  

1. Prioritizing Usability and Workflow Fit  

When building a funnel, speed and ease of use are non-negotiable. If I'm constantly clicking around to find basic settings or waiting for pages to load, I know I'll hit roadblocks when scaling.  

Key Usability Factors I Look For:  

• Intuitive drag-and-drop editors: The interface should feel natural, not like I'm fighting against it.  

• Customizable templates: I don't want my funnel to look like every other generic template out there.  

• Fast navigation: There’s no hidden menus or unnecessary reloading between steps.  

For example, Systeme.io had so many UX issues that I almost stopped building my funnel halfway.

Here’s one that almost made me pull my hair out. I kept clicking on the white box with the blue rectangle to edit the funnel with the name “ola” without realizing I had to click on the name.

My Simple Funnel Test:  

Before committing to a tool, here’s what I attempt to build:  

- A working opt-in form  

- A landing page  

- A basic email sequence  

If I can do all three in one sitting without frustration, the tool stays on my shortlist.  

2. What "Easy Integration" Really Means  

Many tools claim seamless integrations, but the reality is often different. Some require paid add-ons or complex workarounds just to connect essential apps.  

Must-Have Integrations for My Business:  

- Payment processors (Stripe, Paystack)  

- Email marketing tools (beehiiv, Kit, ActiveCampaign)  

- Content delivery platforms (Gumroad, Notion, Teachable)  

What I Verify Before Choosing a Builder:  

• Native integrations – Does it connect directly with my existing tools?  

• API/Zapier/Webhook access – Can I set up custom automations (e.g., Stripe → Notion)?  

• Built-in automation features – Can I tag users or trigger actions based on behavior?  

beehiiv stands out here. beehiiv’s forms seamlessly capture subscribers, trigger automations, and integrate with Notion and Stripe, reducing manual work.   

3. Matching the Builder to Your Funnel Goals  

Not all funnel builders serve the same purpose. Some excel at lead gen, others at E-commerce.  

My Funnel Selection Process:  

• Define the goal:

  • Lead capture: beehiiv 

  • Course sales: Kit or ClickFunnels

  • Client onboarding: ActiveCampaign 

• List required actions (payment processing, email sequences, content delivery)  

• Test the builder with a real funnel (build a mini-version before committing)  

For email-focused funnels, see these Email Newsletter Strategy Tips.  

My rule: If I can build a core funnel in a weekend without frustration, it's a winner.  

My Full Setup for Lead Gen Funnels  

To actually build lead gen funnels that get results, I use a setup I can trust during busy promotions and tight deadlines. 

My systems are designed to do the heavy lifting, so I can capture leads, deliver offers, and move every step closer to a customer without much manual involvement. 

Below, I share how I use my tools in practice, with exact steps and why each tool earns its spot in my build. 

1. Subscriber Capture: Forms & Landing Pages

For me, everything kicks off with a strong lead capture. I want sign-up forms that aren’t a hassle to embed or customize. Here’s my process:

• I choose a tool with an easy landing page builder and a solid reputation.

• I set up landing pages that only ask for what’s needed – usually just first name and email to reduce friction.

• I check the interface for speed. I hate delays when updating or tweaking pages.

• I add a clear call-to-action and social proof, like testimonials or social badges. 

• Tool Choice: beehiiv or Systeme.io (simple, fast editors).    

2. Automated Delivery: Payments + Content 

Once I collect a lead or a payment, I want the rest to run on autopilot. Here’s how I put that in place:

• Stripe handles the checkout (I always use a tested payment link or product page).

• A successful payment automatically triggers an email from beehiiv with access instructions to the Notion gated content.

• This keeps delivery flexible, and I can add or update resources on the fly. 

• Result: Zero manual deliveries – no one waits for their “unlock” link, and there are fewer support tickets.

• Tool Choice: beehiiv + Notion + Stripe

3. Nurture Sequences: Email Automation

You don’t just use a funnel to capture and deliver content. Your goal should be to build a tight-knit relationship with your leads/subscribers. For example, take a look at this post by JK Molina.

You can only get results like these when you’ve built a reputable relationship with your email list audience.

That’s why my next move is always building a sequence to follow up, educate, and gently nudge leads toward the next step:

• First, I build a tag-based automation. beehiiv and Kit both make this a breeze.

• Then, I create a sequence of 3-5 emails that’s a mix of lessons, value, and a soft pitch.

• Each email is scheduled a day or two apart, so the timing feels natural.

• Anyone who buys (or takes the next step) is moved out of the pitch sequence and into my main list or a new workflow (prevents awkward follow-ups).

• Tool Choice: beehiiv or Kit

For sequence planning, use this email sequence template.  

4. Optimization: Real-Time Testing

When I’m running a campaign, I care about data. I keep my funnel flexible, so I can tweak elements on the fly: 

• I check open and click rates after each send.

• I A/B test headlines and CTAs.  

• I track drop-off points (beehiiv and Kit have the best analytics reporting for this).  

Result: Small tweaks (like a headline change) doubled conversions from 17% → 34%.  

My Full Setup for Paid Product Funnels  

When I moved from building basic lead gen funnels to paid product funnels, the stakes got higher. I needed everything to be smooth for buyers, easy to track, and automated as much as possible. 

If you’re looking to actually sell digital products, courses, or premium content, here’s how I set up my marketing funnel builder stack to get those sweet conversions without messing up the flow or bombarding my support inbox.

Core Tools:  

• beehiiv (landing pages + email sequences)  

• Stripe (payments)  

• Notion (content delivery)  

• Kit (advanced segmentation, if needed)  

I found that each tool shines at its main job, and the integrations between them are solid. 

I prefer this combo because I don’t want a bloated all-in-one that slows everything down or locks my brand into a bland template.

• beehiiv: It keeps subscriber lists organized, sends out access automatically, and handles my nurture emails. The interface lets me quickly drop in forms, track opens, and split my list based on who bought what.

• Stripe: It’s the simplest way to get paid. There are no weird payment flows, customers trust it, and transactions just work.

• Notion: I tried hosting content on random platforms, but Notion keeps updates easy. If I spot a typo or want to add another lesson, I just edit the page – no developers needed and no headaches.

• ConvertKit: If I want advanced tagging such as triggering a retargeting campaign for people who don’t finish onboarding, I’ll add ConvertKit to the workflow; but most paid funnels run fine with beehiiv and Stripe alone.

Step-by-Step Paid Funnel:  

1. High-converting landing page (beehiiv's drag-and-drop editor)  

2. Stripe checkout (one-click upsells, discounts)  

3. Automated delivery (Stripe → beehiiv → Notion access)  

4. Post-purchase nurture sequence: 

• Day 1: Welcome and access links

• Day 2: Quick win tutorial or resource

• Day 4: Support, FAQs, and community invite

• Day 7: Upsell to a deeper offer or invite to a call

Why This Works:  

- No bloated all-in-one tools (fast, reliable, customizable)  

- Own your customer journey (no platform lock-in)  

- Test before launch (simulate the buyer's experience)  

Secret Sauce: Test, Test, Test

When I’m launching a new paid offer, I test each step as a real buyer would:

• Use a new email address for every test run.

• Track if onboarding emails hit the inbox fast.

• Check if access links work instantly, with no confusing steps.

This process exposes anything clunky or unclear. Remember, every extra click loses you buyers.

Final Thoughts: Picking the Right Funnel Builder  

Landing on the right marketing funnel builder can feel like choosing the perfect pair of running shoes—you don't realize how much the small differences matter until you're walking or running a mile in them.

A “perfect” tool doesn’t exist, and most will need a few compromises. Your goal? Pick a builder that fits your needs today, while giving you room to grow. 

Here are some practical ways to cross the finish line with the tool that’s best for you:

• Simplicity (Can you build fast?)  

• Automation (Does it reduce manual work?)  

• Integrations (Does it connect to your stack?)  

• Reporting (Can you track what matters?)  

Checklist: 

• Test with a real funnel. (Don't rely on demos)  

• Verify integrations. (Payment + email + CRM)  

• Simulate the buyer’s journey. (Catch snags early)    

Now, let's go build something that sells by signing up to beehiiv today!