Should I get an all-in-one CRM or use separate tools?

All-in-one CRMs (GoHighLevel, Thryv, Keap) promise to replace multiple tools: CRM + email marketing + social media + scheduling + invoicing. The appeal is simplicity: one login, one bill. The risk is getting a tool that does everything adequately but nothing excellently.

Specialized tools (Long Drive Leads for CRM, Mailchimp for email, QuickBooks for invoicing, Calendly for scheduling) each excel at their specific function. The tradeoff is managing multiple logins and potentially multiple bills, though the total cost is often lower than an all-in-one.

For most small businesses, the best approach is a focused CRM for lead management plus 1-2 specialized tools for other functions. Long Drive Leads + QuickBooks + a scheduling tool costs $50-100/mo total and outperforms most $200+/mo all-in-one platforms at each individual function.