Introduction
In the crowded world of online marketing, the ability to create high-converting sales funnels is a superpower. For years, the name synonymous with quick, effective, and accessible funnel design was Kathryn Jones – CF Design School. This program, born from a dorm room in 2018, revolutionized how entrepreneurs and freelancers approached funnel creation, teaching a methodology known as “design hacking.” However, the landscape has evolved. The original standalone course is no longer available, having been acquired and integrated into the much larger ClickFunnels ecosystem. This isn’t an end, but a powerful evolution. The core principles and transformative teachings of the Kathryn Jones – CF Design School now live on, supercharged and expanded within the official ClickFunnels coaching and certification program. This review will explore the legacy of the original course, what made it so impactful, and how you can now access its powerful secrets through the new Sell Funnels Challenge, where Kathryn Jones herself serves as the creator and director. This is your complete guide to understanding the past, present, and future of this renowned funnel design training.
Course Description
The original Kathryn Jones – CF Design School was a laser-focused program built on a single, powerful premise: you don’t need to be a professional designer or a tech wizard to create beautiful, 7-figure funnels. The course’s signature methodology, “design hacking,” was all about speed and efficiency. It taught students how to perform a “design facelift” on a funnel in as little as 30 minutes, dramatically improving its aesthetics and, more importantly, its conversion rates. The teaching style was direct, practical, and results-oriented, stripping away the fluff and complex theory that plagues many design courses. It was designed for the doer, the entrepreneur who needed results yesterday, not the artist who wanted to ponder color theory for weeks.
Today, that legacy has been absorbed and amplified. Recognizing its immense value, Russell Brunson and ClickFunnels brought Kathryn Jones on board to lead their funnel building education. The curriculum has been expanded beyond just design to include the most critical missing piece for most freelancers and agencies: how to consistently sell these funnels for top dollar. The new home for these teachings is the Sell Funnels Challenge. It retains the core design hacking principles but adds a proven, 3-step process for acquiring clients and building a profitable business, making it a far more comprehensive program for those looking to turn their skills into income.
Ideal Student
- Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Individuals with a business idea or product who need to build a sales funnel themselves but are intimidated by design and technology. They want a fast, cost-effective way to get a professional-looking funnel live.
- Freelancers & aspiring Agency Owners: Writers, social media managers, VAs, or anyone looking to add a high-value, in-demand skill to their service offerings. They want to learn how to build and sell funnels to create a more profitable and scalable business.
- Marketers & Conversion Optimizers: Existing marketers who understand strategy but struggle with the execution and design of high-converting pages. They want to learn the specific design psychological triggers that boost sales.
- Complete Beginners with No Tech Skills: The course was famously designed for people with zero background in web design, coding, or graphic software. If you can use a web browser, you have the prerequisite skills to start.
- Existing ClickFunnels Users: Anyone already using the ClickFunnels platform who feels they are not getting the results they could be. They want to learn how to maximize the platform’s potential and create funnels that truly convert.
Learning Outcomes
- Master the “design hacking” methodology to create stunning, high-converting funnels in a fraction of the time it takes traditional designers.
- Understand the core psychology behind effective funnel design, including layout, color, typography, and calls-to-action that compel users to buy.
- Implement a proven 3-step process for finding, pitching, and closing clients who are willing to pay premium prices for funnel building services.
- Gain the confidence and skills to build a full-funnel business, from lead generation to client onboarding and project delivery.
- Learn how to perform a “design facelift” on existing, underperforming funnels to dramatically increase their sales and conversion rates.
- Earn a valuable certification from within the ClickFunnels ecosystem, instantly boosting your credibility and marketability as a funnel expert.
Course Modules
The curriculum, now housed in the Sell Funnels Challenge, is a comprehensive journey that takes you from a complete novice to a confident, certified funnel builder and seller. It meticulously combines the design principles of the original Kathryn Jones – CF Design School with the business acumen required to thrive. Below is a detailed breakdown of the modules you can expect, designed to provide a holistic education in building and selling funnels for profit.
Module 1: The Design Hacking Foundation & Mindset
This foundational module sets the stage for your entire journey. You’ll be introduced to the core philosophy that made the Kathryn Jones – CF Design School a phenomenon: “Design Hacking.” Kathryn Jones herself will walk you through the mindset shift required to move from slow, perfectionist design to fast, results-driven implementation. You’ll learn why “ugly funnels are costing you sales” and how a simple facelift can be more profitable than a complete overhaul. This module demystifies design, proving that it’s not about innate artistic talent but about following a proven system.
- Understanding the “Design Hacking” philosophy.
- The psychology behind why people buy from well-designed pages.
- Debunking the myth that you need expensive software or a design background.
- Setting up your “designer’s mindset” for speed and efficiency.
Module 2: The 30-Minute Funnel Makeover
This is where the magic happens. In this hands-on module, you’ll learn the exact step-by-step process for performing a complete funnel makeover in just 30 minutes. Kathryn breaks down her signature system into actionable, bite-sized steps. You’ll discover the critical elements to focus on that deliver 80% of the results with 20% of the effort. From choosing the right template to tweaking fonts, colors, and imagery, you’ll learn the secrets to rapid transformation. By the end of this module, you will have the confidence to take any basic funnel and make it look like it was built by a high-priced agency.
- The pre-makeover checklist: what to analyze before you start.
- Template selection and the art of the “head start.”
- Quick-win adjustments for typography, spacing, and color.
- How to source and implement high-quality imagery and icons in minutes.
Module 3: The Anatomy of a 7-Figure Funnel
Beyond just looking good, a funnel must be strategically structured to guide the user toward a purchase. This module dissects the anatomy of a successful, 7-figure funnel. You’ll go page by page—from the opt-in and squeeze page to the order form and OTO (One-Time Offer)—learning the specific design and copy elements required for each stage. This is where design and direct-response marketing principles merge. You’ll learn how to use design to create a seamless flow, build trust, and eliminate friction, ensuring your funnel doesn’t just attract visitors, but converts them into loyal customers.
- Designing landing pages for maximum opt-in rates.
- Creating compelling and trustworthy sales pages.
- The psychology of the order form and reducing cart abandonment.
- Designing effective OTO pages and thank you pages for increased customer value.
Module 4: ClickFunnels Mastery for Designers
While the principles are universal, this module provides a deep dive into the tool of choice: ClickFunnels. You’ll move beyond the basics and learn the platform inside and out from a designer’s perspective. This isn’t just about how to use the features; it’s about how to leverage ClickFunnels’ capabilities to execute the design hacking methodology with maximum efficiency. You’ll learn advanced tricks, shortcuts, and workflow strategies that the pros use to build complex, beautiful funnels in record time. This module ensures you are not just a user of the software, but a master of it.
- Advanced element styling and customization within the ClickFunnels editor.
- Using columns and rows to create complex, professional layouts.
- Integrating custom CSS for unique design touches (without being a coder).
- Workflow optimization: saving elements, using blueprints, and speeding up your build process.
Module 5: Crafting Your Irresistible Funnel Service Offer
Here, the curriculum pivots from building to selling. A great skill is useless without a great offer. This module, a key addition in the new program, teaches you how to package your newfound design skills into a service that clients can’t refuse. You’ll learn how to define your niche, structure your service packages, and price them for maximum profitability and perceived value. Kathryn shares her insights on what clients are *really* looking for and how to position yourself not just as a “builder,” but as a strategic partner who can deliver results.
- Identifying your ideal client and profitable niche.
- Structuring your service packages (e.g., Funnel Build, Funnel Makeover, Full Marketing Retainer).
- Pricing strategies: from project fees to monthly retainers.
- Crafting a proposal that clearly communicates value and justifies your price.
Module 6: The 3-Step Client Acquisition System
This is the heart of the “selling” component and a cornerstone of the Sell Funnels Challenge. Kathryn unveils her simple yet devastatingly effective 3-step process for finding and attracting clients who are ready and willing to pay top-dollar for funnel services. This system is designed to work without a massive ad budget or a pre-existing following. It’s about proactive, targeted outreach that positions you as an expert and leads to a steady stream of high-quality leads. You’ll learn exactly what to do, day-by-day, to build a pipeline of potential clients.
- Step 1: Identifying “warm” opportunities in your existing network and beyond.
- Step 2: The “value-first” outreach method that gets responses.
- Step 3: The simple strategy for turning conversations into consultations.
- How to automate parts of this process to scale your client acquisition.
Module 7: The Consultation Call: From Pitch to Close
Getting a lead on a call is one thing; closing the deal is another. This module prepares you for the all-important sales consultation. You’ll get scripts, frameworks, and role-playing scenarios to build your confidence. You’ll learn how to conduct a discovery session that uncovers the client’s deepest needs and pain points, how to present your solution (your funnel service) as the perfect answer, and how to handle objections and ask for the sale with authority and authenticity. This module turns you from a designer into a confident business owner.
- Pre-call research and preparation.
- The key questions to ask on every discovery call.
- Presenting your offer and building value.
- Handling common objections (“it’s too expensive,” “I need to think about it”).
Module 8: Project Management and Client Delivery
Once you’ve closed the client, the real work begins. This module provides a playbook for successfully managing and delivering funnel projects on time and on budget. You’ll learn how to set clear expectations, create a simple project timeline, gather assets and information from the client, and manage the feedback and revision process without getting stuck in “revision hell.” This is the operational side of the business that ensures happy clients who give testimonials and referrals, creating a flywheel for your business growth.
- Onboarding your new client and setting the stage for success.
- Creating a simple Statement of Work (SOW) or project agreement.
- Managing feedback and revisions professionally.
- The final delivery process and how to get a glowing testimonial.
Module 9: Scaling Your Funnel Business
You’ve landed clients and delivered results. Now what? This module is about taking your income and impact to the next level. You’ll explore strategies for scaling your operations, from hiring your first virtual assistant to building a team of funnel builders. You’ll also learn how to productize your services with templates or training programs, creating more leveraged income streams. This module is for those who don’t just want a job, but want to build a true asset and a recognized brand in the funnel-building space.
- When and how to hire your first team member.
- Creating standard operating procedures (SOPs) for repeatable tasks.
- Exploring leveraged income models (templates, courses, coaching).
- Building your brand and authority in the market.
Module 10: Certification and Your Next Level
In the final module, you’ll tie everything together and prepare for your official certification. This isn’t just a piece of paper; it’s a mark of excellence backed by ClickFunnels and Kathryn Jones. You’ll review the key concepts from design hacking to client acquisition and complete your final project to earn your designation. The module concludes with a forward-looking discussion on your career path, whether it’s building a six-figure agency, becoming an in-demand freelancer, or leveraging your skills to grow your own online empire. This is your graduation and launchpad into the world of professional funnel building.
Real-World Applications and Success Stories
The skills taught in the Kathryn Jones – CF Design School lineage are not theoretical; they are designed for immediate, real-world application across a vast range of online businesses. An e-commerce store owner can use the design hacking principles to redesign their product and checkout pages, reducing cart abandonment and boosting average order value. A coach or consultant can transform their bland website into a powerful client-acquisition machine with a high-converting application funnel. Local service businesses, like plumbers or dentists, can leverage these skills to build lead-generation funnels that dominate their local market, attracting a steady stream of new customers without relying on expensive and unpredictable traditional advertising. The core methodology is platform-agnostic in its principles, even if taught within ClickFunnels, making it a versatile skill for any digital marketer.
The success stories that emerged from the original course are a testament to its power. Consider the story of an 18-year-old with no professional experience, who, after learning the 30-minute makeover process, began offering funnel design services on freelance platforms. Within a few months, they were able to build a portfolio, raise their rates, and generate a full-time income, all from their laptop. Then there’s the 65-year-old who felt left behind by technology but used the step-by-step training to build a beautiful funnel for her passion project—a small online store for handmade crafts. Not only did her sales increase, but she gained a new sense of confidence and purpose. Perhaps the most compelling story is of a service provider who was struggling to charge $500 a month. After applying the “design facelift” technique to their own offer funnel, they were able to clearly communicate their value and raise their prices to $6,500 a month, completely transforming their business and lifestyle. These are the types of transformations the training aims to achieve.
Pricing
The original Kathryn Jones – CF Design School was offered at various price points, reflecting its immense value. However, as the program is now fully integrated into the ClickFunnels ecosystem, it is no longer sold as a standalone product. Access to the core design principles, along with the expanded curriculum on selling funnels, is now exclusively available through enrollment in the Sell Funnels Challenge.
- One-Time Payment: The Sell Funnels Challenge is typically available for a one-time investment. This payment grants you full access to the entire training library, including the design hacking modules, the 3-step client acquisition system, the community, and the opportunity to earn certification. The exact price is set by ClickFunnels and may vary during promotional periods.
This investment includes not just the “what” of funnel design, but the critical “how” of building a business around it. It’s a comprehensive package designed to provide a clear return on investment through the acquisition of high-paying clients, making it a strategic purchase for anyone serious about entering the funnel-building industry.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Taught by a Proven Expert: Kathryn Jones is a recognized authority in funnel design who has a proven track record, not just for herself but for her thousands of students. Her methods are battle-tested and proven to work.
- Backed by ClickFunnels: Being integrated into the ClickFunnels universe lends immense credibility. The training is officially endorsed and provides a certification that is recognized within the largest funnel-building community in the world.
- Practical and Results-Oriented: There is no fluff. The curriculum is 100% focused on teaching actionable skills that you can immediately use to build funnels and make money. The “design hacking” method is built for speed.
- Teaches Both Design and Business: This is a huge advantage. Most courses teach one or the other. This program gives you the complete A-Z toolkit: how to build the product (a funnel) and how to sell it.
- No Prior Experience Required: The course is famously designed for absolute beginners. It breaks down complex topics into simple, manageable steps, making it accessible to everyone.
- Focus on a High-Income Skill: Funnel building is one of the most in-demand and highest-paying skills in the digital economy. This training provides a direct path to a lucrative career or business.
Cons
- Original Course No Longer Available: For those who specifically wanted the original, standalone CF Design School, it’s no longer an option. You must commit to the new, broader challenge.
- Requires a Significant Investment: High-quality training is never free. The one-time payment for the challenge may be a barrier for some individuals, though it’s positioned as an investment in a business.
- Heavily Focused on ClickFunnels: While the design principles are universal, the practical training and tool mastery are centered exclusively on the ClickFunnels platform, which may not be ideal for those who prefer other builders.
- Success is Not Guaranteed: As with any program, your results will depend entirely on your effort, your ability to apply the teachings, and your persistence in client acquisition. The course provides the map, but you have to walk the path.
- Potential for Information Overload: The curriculum is comprehensive and covers a vast amount of material, from design to sales. For some, it may feel overwhelming and require a significant time commitment to master.
- Evolving Program: Since it’s now part of a larger, dynamic company, the exact curriculum and delivery format may change over time, which could be a pro or a con depending on your perspective.
FAQs
Is the original Kathryn Jones – CF Design School still available for purchase?
No, the original CF Design School is no longer sold as a standalone product. It has been acquired and fully integrated into ClickFunnels, and its teachings are now a core part of the Sell Funnels Challenge.
What exactly is the “Sell Funnels Challenge”?
The Sell Funnels Challenge is the new home for the CF Design School curriculum. It’s an intensive program that teaches you not only how to design high-converting funnels using Kathryn’s “design hacking” method but also how to sell those services to clients for top dollar.
Do I need any prior design, coding, or tech skills to succeed?
Not at all. The entire methodology was created for people with zero technical or design background. The training is designed to take you from a complete beginner to a confident funnel builder.
Will this course teach me how to find and get clients?
Yes, this is a major focus of the new program. A significant portion of the curriculum is dedicated to Kathryn’s 3-step client acquisition system, teaching you exactly how to find, pitch, and close high-paying funnel clients.
Is this training only useful if I use ClickFunnels?
The practical, hands-on training is centered on ClickFunnels. However, the core principles of “design hacking”—the psychology of layout, color, and flow—are universal and can be applied to any funnel-building platform.
Who is Kathryn Jones and why should I learn from her?
Kathryn Jones is a self-made entrepreneur who started CF Design School in her dorm room and became a leading expert in funnel design. Her methods are so effective that she was hired by Russell Brunson to be the face and creator of ClickFunnels’ official funnel-building education.
Final Verdict
The Kathryn Jones – CF Design School was, without a doubt, a game-changer in the world of online marketing education. It democratized funnel design, empowering countless individuals to create professional-level sales assets without the traditional barriers of time, cost, and technical skill. Its evolution into the Sell Funnels Challenge is not a step down but a giant leap forward. By integrating the brilliant “design hacking” methodology with a robust system for client acquisition and business building, the program has transformed from a skill-based course into a complete business-in-a-box. For anyone serious about building a real, profitable business as a funnel builder, this new iteration is arguably more valuable than the original ever was. The combination of Kathryn Jones’ design expertise and the platform authority of ClickFunnels creates an unparalleled opportunity. It is an intensive program that demands commitment and investment, but for the right individual—the ambitious freelancer, the struggling entrepreneur, the aspiring marketer—it offers a clear, proven, and potent roadmap to a six-figure career. The verdict is clear: the spirit of CF Design School is alive and well, and it’s more powerful than ever.