You’ve got the ambition, the vision, and the dream of making affiliate commissions roll in while you sleep (or at least nap in peace). But choosing your tools? Yeah... that part can feel like trying to pick a meal off a 20-page diner menu.
Let’s make it simple.
1. What stage are you in?
Are you brand new? Scaling? Running multiple offers?
Beginner: Focus on simplicity and affordability.
Intermediate: Look for automation and growth features.
Advanced/Agency: Prioritize power, scalability, and multi-client functionality.
2. What’s your budget?
Are you bootstrapping or investing to grow?
$0–$30/month: Systeme.io, Groove.cm (if lifetime deal still available)
$30–$100/month: Builderall, Kartra
$100–$300+/month: ClickFunnels, GoHighLevel, KajabiLorem ipsum dolor sit amet
3. What kind of business are you building?
tBlog/Content Focus: Systeme.io, Builderall
Video/YouTube Focus: Kartra, Kajabi
Funnels + Ads: ClickFunnels, GoHighLevel
Courses + Coaching: Kajabi, Kartra, Systeme.io
Client Services or Agencies: GoHighLevel
🚀 If You’re a Total Beginner
Pick: Systeme.io or Groove.cm
Why: You can start for free, and they cover everything you need to build your first funnel and email list.
🤖 If You Want To Focus on Content + SEO
Pick: Builderall or Systeme.io
Why: Blog tools + funnel builders + email marketing = one-stop solution.
🚪 If You Want To Sell Courses or Coaching
Pick: Kajabi, Kartra, or Systeme.io
Why: All three offer course delivery, funnels, and CRM tools to grow your audience.
💼 If You’re Building Funnels and Running Paid Ads
Pick: ClickFunnels or GoHighLevel
Why: High-converting templates + automation to scale your campaigns quickly.
🪬 If You’re Running an Agency or Serving Clients
Pick: GoHighLevel
Why: Manage multiple client accounts, automate lead flows, and even white-label the platform.
Here’s a breakdown of the essential tools you’ll need to replicate an all-in-one platform if you prefer to build your tech stack piece by piece:
🔑 Must-Have Tools (Bare Minimum to Launch)
Tool Purpose Average
Monthly Cost
Web Hosting (Bluehost, Host your website $5–$10 SiteGround)
Website Builder (WordPress Build landing pages, Free–$10
+ Theme) blog, site
Page Builder Plugin (Elementor, Design high- $10–$19
Thrive Architect) converting pages
Email Autoresponder Build and email your $0–$29
(MailerLite, ConvertKit, AWeber) list
Affiliate Product/Link Track affiliate offers Free–$10
Management (manual or plugin)
🧱 Good-to-Have Tools (To Scale and Automate)
Tool Purpose Average
Monthly Cost
CRM (HubSpot Free, Manage leads $0–$30
FluentCRM, Zoho) and contacts
Funnel Builder (CartFlows, Create guided $25–$47
OptimizePress) funnels
Form Builder Plugin Custom $5–$10
(WPForms, Gravity Forms) opt-ins/forms
Popup Tools (ConvertBox, Grow your email $9–$29
OptinMonster) list
Analytics (Google Analytics, Track results Free–$17
ClickMagick) and links
🚀 Advanced/Professional Tools (For Power Users)
Tool Purpose Average
Monthly Cost
Course Platform (Teachable, Sell digital courses $29–$99
Podia, Thinkific)
Affiliate Management Run your own $15–$49
(AffiliateWP, Tapfiliate) affiliate program
Live Chat or Helpdesk Customer support Free–$25
(Tawk.to, HelpScout)
SMS Marketing Tool SMS follow-ups $5–$30
(Twilio, ClickSend)
💡 If you piece it all together, the basic setup might cost you around $30–$60/month, while a fully-featured tech stack can range from $100–$300/month or more.
For many beginners, using an all-in-one platform like Systeme.io or Groove.cm helps avoid the hassle of connecting all these parts manually.
Let's face it, do you want to become an expert at many different platforms and software, then learn to connect them all together.
-OR-
Just get started building your online empire???
Here’s the truth: almost all of these tools can get the job done. The best one is the one you’ll actually use.
Start small.
Get your first funnel up.
Collect your first leads.
Then upgrade when you’re ready to grow.
“Done is better than perfect.
Simple is better than complicated.”
Or...
Want a personalized recommendation? DM me or email me your goals, and I’ll help you match the perfect tool to your business.
Let’s keep it simple and profitable.
Let’s build something epic.
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