The tools I build client websites and follow-up on.
These are the platforms behind the websites, booking and automated follow-up I build for clients. Each one is here because I use it on real client work, and each entry says who it suits and who it doesn't.
Last reviewed September 2026 by Clarke Hosp.
HighLevel
CRM, booking and follow-upYour contacts, booking calendar, website forms, email and text follow-up, and sales pipeline live in one account. For most small businesses that replaces several separate subscriptions.
Why I use it: HospTools runs on it, and it's where I build every client automation: the confirmation after a booking, the reminder before an appointment, the follow-up when someone goes quiet.
Suits: service businesses and experts who take bookings and need people followed up automatically. Not for you if: you only need to send a newsletter. It's more than you need.
Start HighLevel's 14-day free trial Affiliate link. Opens HighLevel's own sign-up page.ActiveCampaign
Email marketingNewsletters and automated email sequences, with detailed control over who gets which message and when.
Why I use it: it's what I recommend when a business mainly needs strong email marketing and already has its website and booking handled elsewhere.
Suits: businesses whose growth runs through an email list. Not for you if: you want booking, texting and a CRM in the same place. HighLevel covers that.
Visit ActiveCampaignCloudflare
Hosting and domainsHosting, domain settings and security for websites, served from locations close to your visitors so pages load quickly.
Why I use it: this website runs on it, and so do the sites I build. The free plan covers most small-business sites.
Suits: anyone who wants a fast site without paying for hosting. Not for you if: you'd rather never touch a domain setting. That part is worth handing off.
Visit CloudflareStripe
PaymentsCard payments on your own website: deposits, workshop seats, products and subscriptions, paid straight to your bank.
Why I use it: it's how the sites I build take payment, and it connects to HighLevel so a payment can start the right follow-up.
Suits: anyone selling directly from their site. Not for you if: you only take payment in person.
Visit StripeRather have it set up for you?
Setting these up yourself is realistic, but it takes time to get right. HospTools is the done-for-you version: the same platform, built and maintained for you.
See how HospTools works