What is the difference between CRM and email marketing?

A CRM manages individual lead relationships: who contacted you, what stage they are in, and what follow-up is needed. Email marketing manages bulk communication: newsletters, promotions, and drip campaigns to lists of contacts. They solve different problems.

CRM is for sales (converting a lead into a customer). Email marketing is for marketing (reaching many people with a message). Some tools like HubSpot and Keap combine both, but most businesses are better served by using a focused tool for each job.

For small businesses, start with a CRM. Lead management and follow-up have a more immediate impact on revenue than email newsletters. Add email marketing later when you have a list large enough to justify it. Long Drive Leads handles the CRM side at $19/mo.