Build vs Buy: the spreadsheet that won't die

Build vs Buy: the spreadsheet that won't die
Before you pay for a content tool, the honest comparison:
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Spreadsheet — best for 1-2 people, full control, zero learning curve, and conditional formatting that does 80% of the job [free]
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Dedicated tool (CoSchedule, Planable, etc.) — best when approvals, client comments, and auto-publish matter [paid]
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The switch signal — you're buying a tool the day someone outside the sheet needs to approve a post
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Hidden cost — a tool you abandon in month two is worse than a tidy sheet you actually open
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Gateway move — add a status column and a filter view to your sheet first; if that's enough, stay
Saved you the scroll.