Last updated on December 31st, 2025 at 12:58 pm
As Internet marketers, it’s easy to forget that not all funnel-hacking takes place online and in the office.
Ask yourself: do you have the essentials in your backpack ready for when you’re building your empire on the go?
Our list of five funnel-hacking essentials will ensure that you can stay productive, regardless of whether or not you’re online.
Modern Internet marketers can’t afford to neglect the tools in their toolbox when they’re offline.
Some of the biggest business time-wasters involve chit-chatting with colleagues or getting stuck in useless meetings; therefore, sometimes it makes sense to work away from the riff raff.
After all, more and more marketers are working remotely, either from the comfort of coffee shops or co-working spaces.
However, such locations are not always equipped with the bells and whistles of the modern office.
Likewise, why should our productivity suffer because of an Internet outrage, computer shut-down or other technical factors beyond our control?
There’s nothing more frustrating than reaching a breakthrough on a project and then realizing you’re running out of battery or your programs have all locked up.
When it comes to funnel-hacking, it always pays to be prepared.
Chances are, you’ve already got your online essentials.
The question remains: are you prepared for the unexpected when it comes to funnel-hacking offline?
If you were stuck in the middle of the woods with nothing more than your backpack and a brilliant idea for a funnel, would you be able to build something right then and there?
If not, consider the five essentials that every funnel builder should have on deck, especially if they’re on the go.
Smartphone
For serious funnel-hackers, smartphones are about much more than just texting your friends, Snapchatting during your lunch break or playing Pokémon Go.
Conventional wisdom tells us that relying on our phones decreases our productivity; however, in the right hands (quite literally), smartphones have the potential to increase our work output.
How so?
- Smartphones allow us to get in contact with fellow funnel-hackers on the go, either through messaging apps such as Google Talk and Skype, or project management software such as Trello. If you’re stuck without connectivity, you can always rely on a traditional text message or phone call.
- Serving as an alternative to a laptop or desktop computer, smartphones offer a simple, swift means of getting business done anywhere. With good battery life and the proper apps at your disposal, you can do just about anything on mobile that you could do on a traditional computer.
- Using file-sharing platforms such as Google Docs or other cloud-based apps, you can keep your docs constantly updated and available, automatically saving as you go (especially in the case of an Internet outage).
Regardless of whether you choose Apple or Android, keep in mind your data needs and how often you’re working on the go.
Chances are, you may be surprised how much data you actually need.
With the proper smartphone and accompanying apps at your disposal, you can build a powerful business in the palm of your hand.
Laptop
If you want to make the most of building your funnels with ClickFunnels, chances are you’re going to need something more powerful and robust than a smartphone.
To take your funnel-hacking to the next level, make sure that you have a laptop in your arsenal to build the best funnels possible and show them off to clients and colleagues while you’re out and about.
Laptops literally come in all shapes and sizes; however, the price can vary wildly depending on built-in features and functionalities.
Whether you’re looking to invest in a new laptop or you’re buying one for the first time, keep the following four-point checklist in mind to ensure that you’re making the most sensible choice possible:
Budget – When it comes to laptops, you often get what you pay for.
While there are laptops out there for under $500, their functionalities and capabilities will obviously be limited.
For example, Google’s Chromebook (which is priced at approximately $250, depending on the model) may be a sensible option for a writer or student working away from home.
However, since the Chromebook is limited to a specific suite of apps, has limited RAM and is only fully functional when connected to the Internet, such a PC is probably not ideal for the typical funnel-hacker.
Although you don’t necessarily need to spend thousands of dollars to get what you need, keep in mind that your laptop is an investment for your business.
Size – Size and weight matter when it comes to your laptop.
For example, if you’re doing intensive design work or are using your laptop to present work to clients, a larger display is ideal.
On the flip side, you may want to opt for a smaller, lightweight PC to make for easier travel. While some of us may not mind an extra five or so pounds in our messenger bag, such a load may be a deal-breaker for others.
OS – The debate of whether Windows, OS X or Linux reigns supreme in the world of operating systems is moot; rather, you should figure out which OS fits the needs of your funnel and remains congruent with your home system.
If you work primarily with Apple software and products at home, it would probably make sense to invest in a Macbook, for example.
Going back and forth between operating systems and file types can quickly become a headache when you run into incompatibility issues.
Hardware – These days, just about any laptop is more than likely able to run ClickFunnels without a problem.
However, if you’re doing lots of graphic design, web development or video editing, you’re probably going to need a machine with a larger hard-drive and RAM.
This can drive up the price of your PC; however, it’s better to pay a bit extra to get what you need rather than regret your purchase down the road.
Portable Mobile Charger
Whether you’re relying on your smartphone, laptop or both, you can take your concerns about battery life and turn them into a relic of the past by investing in a portable mobile charger.
Such chargers are relatively cheap (many on Amazon are less than $20), especially for phones, meaning that there’s no reason not to have one at least in the case of an emergency.
Mobile chargers ensure that you never lose your progress and ease your mind if you’re in the middle of a project.
When looking into a mobile charger, keep the following in mind:
- Buy a charger that’s compatible with your respective device, whether it be Android, Apple or a laptop
- Be wary of Chargers with questionable brands or reputations: do your homework by reading ratings and reviews to ensure the longevity of your charger and the safety of your mobile devices
- Figure out how many charges you can get out the charger and price it out accordingly (for example, you may have a device with outstanding battery life that doesn’t require an excessive number of charges)
In short, mobile chargers allow you an endless amount of time to work in case you’re stuck somewhere without an outlet.
Notebook to Plan Funnels
Sometimes it’s best to bust out some pen and paper to record your fresh ideas.
While the old-school approach of using a notebook to jot down ideas may seem antiquated, keep in mind that some of our best ideas come on paper.
Likewise, you may be stuck in a situation where you’re not allowed to use electronics, such as on an airplane, meaning that the old-fashioned way is your only option.
Notebooks are relatively inexpensive and can last you years depending on your frequency of use.
Brands such as Whitelines and Moleskin offer style and sensibility when it comes to jotting down notes and building funnels on paper.
Staying Nourished
Many marketers fail to keep their physical well-being in mind when it comes to getting down to business, which can have a long-lasting impact on our health.
Between the hustle-and-bustle of running your own business to the expectation always to be coming up with brilliant ideas, the physical stresses of marketing can quickly wear us down.
In other words, we can’t be productive if we’re not properly nourished.
For this reason, funnel-hackers should also have a snack and water on stand-by in the case or an emergency or an impromptu all-nighter.
There are a variety of high-protein bars available on the cheap to keep you nourished.
Likewise, you can stay hydrated in style with a ClickFunnels water bottle by your side.
You should never put yourself in a situation where you can’t focus because you’re not properly nourished.
Keep your backpack stocked accordingly to avoid a hunger-strike.
Any Other Essentials?
It seems like funnel-hackers are constantly plugged in, one way or another.
However, sometimes it pays to get away from our traditional environment to freshen our minds and remain productive.
Are there any other essentials in your backpack?
I’ve moved my entire business to a Chromebook. It has forced me to stop doing things I should be outsourcing anyway. The only limitations I’ve encountered are related to audio editing, video editing or graphic design. And yet I can still do all of those things, when needed, on a smaller scale.
It literally takes 5 seconds to boot.
You are right that you must have a good Internet connection. As well many of the one-time software purchases I used to make are now monthly subscriptions. However the cost is about the same in the long-run – if I’m going to have the latest versions.
Chromebooks do have some limitations but the upside outweighs them IMHO. One of the best choices I’ve made.