Nowadays, there is a hype surrounding funnels that I just don’t understand. Don’t me get wrong, funnels are great. However, no matter how many different ways marketers try to convince you, funnels cannot replace your website. They just can’t. 

You may be convinced that using a web funnel will bring you more leads than you would receive on a website, but don’t be fooled. There are several indisputable differences between web funnels and websites that you should know before you make any final decisions. 

Marketers may try to convince you that funnels are all you need, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Yes, funnels have their own specific purpose. There is a reason that they exist, and when utilized correctly, can be a very effective way to bring in leads. But, trust me when I say, they’re not all that and a bag of chips, despite what you may have been told! You absolutely need a website.

I’m getting ahead of myself. Have you ever heard of a web funnel? If not, let me explain. That’s what this article is about, right?

What is a web funnel? 

A web funnel is basically an automated sales process that controls every stage of the customer’s journey. Funnels essentially guide users to a web page that sell your products or services. The funnel process is simple. It usually starts with a user clicking a URL from an email, a social media post, or online ad. That click would take the user to a capture page that introduces them to the product or service you are trying to sell. The capture page usually includes a call-to-action (CTA) button that entices the user to purchase, download, or receive something from you. The catch? You get their information. 

The more capture pages there are in a funnel, the more chances a person gets at obtaining information and upselling their product.

This is what marketers are not telling you…

Marketers say websites are in the past, irrelevant, and dead. To be completely honest with you, that couldn’t be further from the truth. 

What those marketers aren’t telling you is that web funnels limit you in what you are able to do. Funnels do not allow you to share your brand story. They don’t allow you to add extra information regarding who you are or why your customers need your product. You have control over how the page looks and it’s content, but you do not have control over how much you are able to add. It’s essentially a sales page.

Marketers say that web funnels allow you to sell a product online, faster and easier, than you ever have before. They say that click funnels take you through the steps of what they want you to do. That part is true, but that’s their entire purpose. That’s all they can do.

Think of it like a house…

Hostirian’s Success Manager, Brian Montgomery Jr., metaphorically related web funnels to a single room in an entire house.

“Think of it like a house,” he said, “A funnel is like the bedroom. You can only do one thing in there- sleep. Just like a funnel, there’s only one function. Think of the rest of the house like a website. With a website, you have so many opportunities to show your brand to the world. Just like a house has a variety of rooms that are made for specific things.” 

I thought Brian provided an incredible visual for those who are struggling to understand the difference between a funnel and a website. When you think about it, you wouldn’t be able to just live in your bedroom, right? You would need a bathroom, a kitchen, and some space to walk elsewhere. It’s similar to a website! Your website provides all of those extra “rooms” or in this case, pages, for you to tell your brand’s story, sell products, and list virtually any information you would like. It is nonsense to assume that you don’t need a website. I am also not saying that you don’t need a funnel. In fact, funnels can be incredibly helpful. But, you need a website first; It completes your house.

Which is better?

When considering which route you should go, we suggest investing in a website. There are so many things that you cannot do when only utilizing a web funnel. Trust me, I’ve heard all the excuses! 

“Websites are too expensive.” 

“I’m not tech savvy.” 

“I don’t have the time to manage one.” 

No matter what you may come up with, my team and I have heard it all! But, did you know that nearly 81% of people research a business or service on the internet prior to purchasing an item? There are so many positives to having a website that marketers do not mention. Websites also have incredible potential to generate leads if you build your website the right way.

Having a website adds instant credibility to your brand. Over 55% of people say they will not trust a brand that doesn’t have a website. A website helps build a great first impression. Websites are designed to attract new customers to your business and make you more money. A website will save you time, as the answers to questions and inquiries will already be listed on your website. Having a website also isn’t as hard or expensive as you might think. Most web hosting companies, like Hostirian, make the process quick and simple, so you don’t have to spend days or weeks worrying about making your site look just right. Although I could go on and on about the positives of websites, the most important part of having a website is having control of your brand. Your website acts as a platform that shapes the perception of your business that funnels or social media cannot provide. 

When it comes down to it, I cannot answer the question “which is better?”, simply because there is no competition. The fact is that you need a website. A web funnel should be an extra addition that you add to your social media, emails, or online ads. A web funnel will never be able to replace what your website can do for your brand.