All-In-One Platforms Review: What Tools Like Kajabi Are Really Costing Your Small Business
All-in-one platforms are advertised as the one-stop shop solution every small business owner needs.
But are they really a magical unicorn that can solve all of your business problems? Or are they overpriced and overhyped solutions that promise the world, and then leave you wanting more?
In this blog, I’m sharing my honest review of all-in-one platforms so you can learn the pros and cons of using these tools (and whether it’s time to say goodbye). Because at the end of the day, your tech tools should work for you…not the other way around.
What Are All-in-One Platforms?
If you've ever Googled “best all-in-one platform for small business,” chances are you've come across tools like Kajabi, Kartra, Go High Level, and Ontraport.
These are what the industry calls all-in-one platforms because they bundle together multiple business tools—email marketing, website hosting, course creation, funnels, landing pages, client management, payment processing—into one software.
The promise? You no longer have to juggle 5+ different platforms to run your business. Instead, you can login once and (theoretically) manage everything from a single dashboard.
The Benefits of Platforms Like Kajabi, Kartra, and Go High Level
To be clear, I'm not here to dunk on any of these platforms. There are benefits to using all-in-one tools for the right business and stage of growth.
All-in-ones are a potentially good option for newer business owners because they give you the opportunity to test different marketing tools without committing to a custom tech stack.
They save you time by streamlining your workflow. They can be easier to learn and simpler to use for non-techy people. And they MIGHT save you money because you’re only paying for one subscription (‘might’ being the keyword here!).
You also don’t have to worry about integrating different tools when setting up automations and funnels because everything is in one place.
Sounds convenient…right? Convenience is likely the biggest draw of using these platforms, but there are some downsides as well.
The Hidden Costs of All-In-Ones
Let’s talk about the not-so-glamorous side of using an all-in-one platform. While convenience is nice, it often comes with trade-offs—ones that aren’t always obvious until you're too deep in the trenches.
Jack of All Trades, Master of None
Here’s the main problem: All-in-ones are good at a lot of things, but usually not great at any one thing.
As a result, their features are super limited when you want to tackle more advanced marketing strategies, workflows, and automations. Think of it as a “jack of all trades, master of none” dilemma.
For example, many all-in-one tools lack advanced email marketing capabilities like analytics, segmentation, tagging, A/B testing, design, and trigger automations. This might be fine when your email list is small, but as you grow, these capabilities can become super essential for your email strategy.
Basic Design Options
You won’t be winning any website awards with their web design capabilities either. Many of the templates look similar, the builders can be clunky, and your options for making things look how you want them to (i.e. pretty or unique) are very limited.
The Cost Isn’t Always Worth It
We also can’t ignore the cost factor. Many of these platforms start at $100+/month and increase rapidly. You might technically save money by bundling multiple tools—but only if you’re using them all. Otherwise, you’re paying a premium for a bunch of features you may not need.
Migration Headaches
But the biggest problem with investing in an all-in-one platform?
Once you’ve built everything inside one system—your email list, your courses, your funnels, your checkout pages—it’s not exactly easy to pack up and leave. Migrating your content and workflows to multiple systems can be a time-consuming and overwhelming process (though not impossible).
(And if you need help with this, my team and I are here!)
Are All-in-One Business Tools Right for You?
While there are setbacks to using an all-in-one, they can be a good fit in some scenarios:
Maybe you’re brand new to online business and need something simple to get your first offer off the ground.
Maybe you’re a coach or course creator who wants to sell digital products without duct-taping together a dozen different tools.
Or maybe you prioritize simplicity over customization and just want something that’s all in one place (which by the way…is totally okay!)
But if you're starting to bump up against limitations that stall your growth, it might be a sign that your all-in-one setup isn't cutting it anymore (or was never the right fit for you).
All-in-ones are not great for:
Advanced digital marketers who need more sophisticated funnel-building and analytic capabilities
Brand-conscious businesses that need higher design flexibility
Service-based business owners who don’t need all the bells and whistles of an all-in-one (and the price tag that comes with it)
A Word of Caution: The MLMs of All-In-Ones
One more word of caution about these platforms:
Because many all-in-ones offer generous affiliate commissions, there’s an incentive for consultants and tech specialists to push these platforms—even when they might not be the best fit for your business. Many of these affiliates profit again by offering to set everything up for you.
In other words…they might have a hidden (profitable) agenda for recommending these tools.
To be clear, not everyone is doing this in bad faith.
But I’ve seen too many clients who were promised the world, and ended up with clunky, confusing platforms that didn’t deliver what they needed. And worse, they were left with no proper training or support.
Before you commit to an all-in-one, do your own research, ask hard questions, and chat with community help desks. Get advice from someone who isn’t trying to sell you anything, and if they are, make sure their services are reputable and genuinely helpful.
Above all, make sure you’re choosing something that truly supports your needs—not just someone else’s business model.
What to Use Instead: Smarter, Scalable Alternatives to All-in-One Platforms
The truth is, all-in-ones are designed for simplicity—not scalability.
If you’re paying for features you aren’t using, are tired of working around glitchy automations, or want more advanced marketing capabilities, here’s what you should do:
Build a simple tech stack based on your business’s actual needs
Start by getting clear on your budget, where you’re losing time, and what tools will help you work more efficiently or deliver a better client experience. Do your research, take advantage of free trials, and make sure you actually like the platform and can see yourself using it.
Instead of defaulting to the cheapest option, think about scalability. Choose tools that not only support where you are now but where your business is headed.
Not sure where to start?
Watch my free training: How to Choose the RIGHT Tech Stack for Your Business
Lean on integration tools to make your systems work together
Free tools like Zapier can connect your different software, like your email platform, checkout software, CRM, and more. This can help you set up seamless automations, and streamline your backend, giving you the same convenience as an all-in-one (minus the limitations).
Not sure which tools are out there?
Download my Online Business Tech Guide for some ideas.
When in doubt…ask for help!
If the idea of picking tools, setting them up, and connecting everything sounds overwhelming, you don’t have to do it alone. Outsourcing to someone who understands both the tech side of things and your business goals can save you a lot of time and headaches.
My team and I are here to help you:
Audit your current platforms to help you decide what’s working, and where your systems are holding you back.
Create a custom tech stack with your unique business in mind
Set up your new systems so you can stop spending all your time with tech support and start using your tools with confidence
Ready to ditch the all-in-one headaches and finally build a system that works for you? Let BizMagic help you choose the perfect tools for your business:
