The Only 3 Tools You Need to Build Your Online Business
I’ve tested dozens of platforms. These are the only ones worth your money. Pick the right stack for your goals and budget.
My Top 3 Recommendations
Click any tool to read the full review, or scroll down for detailed comparisons.
Start with free plans, upgrade when revenue justifies it. Simple as that.
Systeme.io
BEST VALUEAll-in-one platform that replaces 5+ expensive tools
- Sales funnels + email marketing
- Course hosting + automation
- 60% lifetime recurring commission
- FREE plan available forever
Rytr
BEST FOR AI WRITINGBudget-friendly AI for all your content needs
- 40+ specialized copywriting templates
- Perfect for ads & email copy
- 20% recurring commission
- 10K characters/month on free plan
ClickFunnels
PREMIUM CHOICEPremium funnel builder with beautiful templates
- Best-in-class funnel templates
- Advanced upsell features
- All-in-one business platform
- 14-day free trial
🤔 Which Tool Should YOU Choose?
💰 “I’m bootstrapping and every dollar counts”
You need to build funnels, email lists, and courses without breaking the bank. You’re making less than $2K/month (or $0) and can’t afford expensive subscriptions.
→ Start with Systeme.io ($0-27/month)
📝 “I need AI writing for content creation”
You’re creating blog posts, ads, emails, and social media content. You need AI help but can’t justify expensive tools.
→ Get Rytr ($9/month)
📢 “I run ads and need high-converting copy”
You’re spending money on Facebook/Google ads and need to test 50+ ad variations quickly. You also send lots of marketing emails and social posts.
→ Get Rytr ($9/month)
🚀 “I’m already making $5K+/month and want premium tools”
You have revenue and want the best funnel templates available. Design matters, you value speed over savings, and $297/month is pocket change compared to your income.
→ Get ClickFunnels ($297/month)
🏢 “I run an agency and manage client content”
You’re building funnels and creating content for multiple clients. You need professional results at scale and can afford to invest in premium tools.
→ Get ClickFunnels + Rytr
🎓 “I’m selling online courses or coaching”
You need webinar funnels, course hosting, email marketing, and payment processing—all working together seamlessly.
→ Systeme.io (budget) or ClickFunnels (premium)
Complete Feature Comparison
| Feature | Systeme.io | Rytr | ClickFunnels |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $0 (Free) / $27/mo | $0 (Free) / $9-29/mo | $97-297/month |
| Best For | Complete business platform | AI content & copywriting | Premium sales funnels |
| Sales Funnels | ✓ Included | ✗ Not included | ✓ Best-in-class |
| Email Marketing | ✓ Included | ✗ Not included | ✓ Included (CF 2.0) |
| Course Hosting | ✓ Included | ✗ Not included | ✓ Included |
| AI Writing | ✗ Not included | ✓ 40+ templates | ✗ Not included |
| Templates | Functional, not fancy | 40+ use cases | Premium, proven designs |
| Free Plan | ✓ Yes (2,000 contacts) | ✓ Yes (10K characters/mo) | ✓ 14-day trial only |
| Affiliate Commission | 60% lifetime recurring | 20% recurring | 40% recurring |
| Learning Curve | Easy | Easy | Moderate-Steep |
💡 Recommended Tool Combinations
Here’s how to combine these tools based on your budget and goals:
The Bootstrapper Stack
Perfect for starting out with minimal investment
Build funnels, collect emails, and write marketing copy—all without spending a dime.
The Growth Stack
For businesses making $2K+/month ready to scale
Professional funnels + AI content = complete online business for just $36/month.
The Premium Stack
For established businesses making $5K+/month
Premium funnels + unlimited AI writing = professional-grade business infrastructure.
Jay’s Bottom Line: What I’d Do
If I Were Starting From Zero Today…
Month 1-3: Start Free
Systeme.io Free Plan ($0) – Build funnels, collect emails, validate your idea
Rytr Free Plan ($0) – Write your first landing pages and emails
Total investment: $0. Prove your concept first.
Month 4-6: Upgrade When You’re Making Money
Systeme.io Startup ($27/mo) – More contacts, remove branding, scale up
Rytr Saver ($9/mo) – 100K characters/month for content creation
Total investment: $36/month. Only upgrade when revenue justifies it.
Month 7+: Scale When Profitable
Option A: Stay with Systeme.io + AI tools ($76-127/mo total) – 90% of businesses never need more
Option B: Upgrade to ClickFunnels ($297/mo) only if you’re making $10K+/month and want premium templates
Don’t upgrade just because you “should.” Upgrade when it makes financial sense.
The trap most people fall into: Buying expensive tools before making money. Don’t be that person.
Ready to Build Your Stack?
Pick the tools that match your budget and goals. Start free, scale when revenue justifies it.
All tools have free trials or free plans. Test before you commit.