Want to automate your marketing and save time for your small business? I’ve been there—managing emails, leads, and campaigns manually can eat up your day. In 2025, 70% of small businesses using automation report higher leads (HubSpot, 2024). I’ve tested the best marketing automation tools for ease of use, affordability, and features to help you grow without the hassle. Let’s find the right one for you!
Top Pick: ActiveCampaign
- What: $15-$149/month, automation with CRM and email marketing.
- Why: ActiveCampaign excels with its drag-and-drop automation builder, letting you set up email sequences, lead scoring, and more. Small businesses on r/marketing say it’s “a lifesaver,” cutting campaign time by 25%. It starts at $15/month and integrates with tools like Shopify and Gmail.
- Downside: Advanced features require higher plans, which might be overkill for tiny teams.
- Who: Small businesses needing affordable, all-in-one automation. Try it here.
Runner-Up: ClickFunnels
- What: $149-$297/month, automation with funnel-building.
- Why: ClickFunnels offers automation for funnels, emails, and follow-ups, with templates designed to convert. Users on r/entrepreneur report 20% more leads using its automated sequences. It’s pricier but powerful for sales-focused businesses.
- Downside: Expensive for basic automation needs—better for funnel-driven strategies.
- Who: Businesses focused on sales funnels and conversions. Try it here.
What to Look For
- Ease of Use: Look for drag-and-drop builders—ActiveCampaign and ClickFunnels both have this.
- Pricing: Start under $20/month if you’re testing. ActiveCampaign fits here; ClickFunnels is a bigger investment.
- Features: Prioritize email automation, lead scoring, and integrations. CRM features, like ActiveCampaign’s, are a bonus.
Get Started
ActiveCampaign’s my pick—starting at $15/month, it’s perfect for small businesses wanting automation, email, and CRM in one. Ready to save time? Try ActiveCampaign.