Marketing software pricing can be a minefield for small businesses. You've got per-user pricing that penalizes solopreneurs, usage-based pricing that can spike your bills unexpectedly, and "enterprise" packages loaded with features you'll never use.
The pricing models that work best for small businesses are straightforward: pay one monthly or annual fee, get all the features you need, know exactly what it costs every month. No surprises, no bill shock, no paying for users you don't have.
Avoid per-user pricing if you're a solopreneur or small team. Tools like HubSpot or Salesforce that charge $50+ per user per month can get expensive fast, even if you only need basic features. Look for tools that charge based on the business value they provide, not how many people use them.
Usage-based pricing sounds fair but can be unpredictable. Tools that charge per email sent, per post scheduled, or per contact can create bill anxiety. You shouldn't have to worry about your tool costs going up just because your marketing is working.
The best model for most small businesses? All-inclusive pricing with annual discounts. You pay one predictable fee, get access to all features, and save money by paying annually instead of monthly. That's exactly how Enji structures its pricing—no hidden fees, no user limits, no usage charges.
Red flags to watch for: "Contact us for pricing" (usually means expensive), multiple add-ons that should be included, and pricing that increases dramatically between tiers. Good small business pricing should be transparent, predictable, and fair.
