We’re reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Best CRM Software for Small Business
Here are our top picks for the best crm for small business and entrepreneurs. A comparative analysis for your small, medium or a large business.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software has become an indispensable tool for entrepreneurs and business owners in today’s hyper-competitive market. With an array of CRM options available, selecting the right one can significantly impact a business’s efficiency, growth, and profitability.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore and compare four of the most popular CRM solutions for entrepreneurs and business owners: HubSpot, Pipedrive, Salesforce, and Monday.com.
Why does every business need a CRM?​
12 Best CRM for Small Business in 2024: A Comparative Analysis
Before diving into a detailed comparison, let’s establish why CRM software is crucial for entrepreneurs and business owners.
1. Streamlining Communication
Entrepreneurs and business owners are often engaged in multiple communication channels, from emails to phone calls, social media messages, and in-person meetings. CRM software helps consolidate all communication in one place, making it easier to track and respond to customer inquiries.
2. Efficient Lead Management
Leads are the lifeblood of any business. Effective lead management is essential for entrepreneurs and business owners to nurture potential customers and convert them into loyal clients. CRM systems assist in lead tracking, categorization, and follow-up, ensuring that no opportunity is missed.
3. Data Organization and Analysis
Entrepreneurs need access to relevant data to make informed decisions. CRM software not only organizes customer data but also provides analytics and reporting tools to help business owners better understand their customer base, sales trends, and areas for improvement.
4. Automation and Workflow Optimization
Time is a precious resource for entrepreneurs, and CRM software can automate various routine tasks. By creating workflows, entrepreneurs and business owners can save time and reduce the margin for error in manual processes.
5. Scalability
As businesses grow, so do their CRM needs. A good CRM system should be scalable to accommodate the expanding customer base and additional staff members.
What is the Best CRM for businesses?
Let’s take a closer look at four popular CRM solutions for entrepreneurs and business owners and compare their features, pricing, and overall performance.
Pros
- All-in-one platform
- Excellent support
- App Marketplace
Cons
- Expensive
Hubspot
CRM Suite cost-
1,000 marketing contacts
-
Sales Hub Starter
-
Service Hub Starter
HubSpot is renowned for its inbound marketing and CRM software. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools to manage customer relationships and marketing efforts, making it an excellent choice for entrepreneurs and business owners looking for an all-in-one solution.
Key Features
- Contact Management
HubSpot allows users to manage an extensive list of contacts, segment them based on various criteria, and access a detailed contact timeline to track interactions.
- Lead Management
The system offers lead tracking, lead scoring, and lead nurturing features to help users convert leads into paying customers.
- Marketing Automation
HubSpot’s marketing automation tools enable users to create email marketing campaigns, landing pages, and web forms. It provides lead generation, lead nurturing, and analytics functionalities.
- Sales Automation
The CRM includes a sales automation module with features like deal tracking, task management, and email tracking. This is particularly useful for small and medium-sized businesses.
- Customer Support
HubSpot offers a ticketing system for customer support, live chat, and knowledge base tools, enhancing the overall customer experience.
Hubspot's Pricing
HubSpot’s pricing includes free and paid plans. The free plan provides basic CRM and marketing tools, while the paid plans start at $30 per month per user, offering advanced features such as marketing automation and sales tools.
- All-in-one solution for marketing, sales, and customer support.
- User-friendly interface.
- Extensive integration options.
- Excellent support and resources for users.
- Pricing can be steep for small businesses.
- The free version has limitations on features.
Pros
- User-friendly interface
- Affordable pricing
- Strong focus on sales management
Cons
- Limited marketing & customer support features
Pipedrive
Essential-
Lead, deal, contact, calendar and pipeline management
-
400+ integrations
-
24/7 multi-language support
Key Features
- Sales Pipeline Management
Pipedrive’s main strength lies in its intuitive and visual sales pipeline management, helping users track deals and stay organized throughout the sales process.
- Contact Management
Users can easily manage and segment contacts, keep detailed records, and set reminders for follow-ups.
- Email Integration
Pipedrive integrates with email services, ensuring that all communication is captured within the CRM. This helps users stay informed and responsive.
- Task and Activity Management
The platform offers task management features to schedule follow-up tasks and appointments, which is invaluable for sales professionals.
- Reporting and Analytics
Pipedrive provides valuable insights into sales performance, enabling data-driven decision-making.
Pipedrive's Pricing
Pipedrive offers a 14-day free trial, and their paid plans start at $15 per month per user. While it may not offer as many marketing and customer support features as HubSpot, it’s more budget-friendly for businesses focused primarily on sales.
- Intuitive and user-friendly interface.
- Strong focus on sales management.
- Affordable pricing.
- Efficient sales pipeline tracking.
- Limited marketing and customer support features compared to HubSpot.
- Might not be ideal for businesses requiring comprehensive marketing tools.
Pros
- Unparalleled scalability & customization
- Strong community support
- Ideal for larger enterprises
Cons
- Steeper learning curve
- Higher pricing, which may not be feasible for small businesses.
Salesforce
Essential-
Email Integration
-
Account, Contact, Lead, and Opportunity Management
-
Customizable Reports and Dashboards
Salesforce
Salesforce is one of the pioneers in CRM software and a powerhouse in the industry. It’s known for its scalability and extensive customization options, making it suitable for businesses of all sizes.
Key Features
- Contact and Lead Management
Salesforce provides advanced contact and lead management features, allowing users to create detailed records and workflows for efficient follow-up.
- Automation
The platform offers automation tools through Process Builder and Workflow rules, making it easy to create custom automation flows.
- Marketing Cloud
Salesforce’s Marketing Cloud is a powerful tool for marketing automation, email campaigns, and customer journey mapping.
- Sales Cloud
The Sales Cloud module offers robust sales automation features, including opportunity management, task management, and forecasting.
- Customer Service
Salesforce’s Service Cloud is an advanced customer support solution, offering case management, knowledge base, and live chat.
Salesforce Pricing
Salesforce’s pricing can be high, starting at $25 per month per user for their Essentials plan. However, for larger businesses with complex needs, the investment is often justified.
Pros of Salesforce
- Unparalleled scalability and customization.
- Wide range of integrated tools.
- Strong community support and resources.
- Ideal for larger enterprises.
Cons of Salesforce
- Steeper learning curve.
- Higher pricing, which may not be feasible for small businesses.
Pros
- Highly customizable
- User-friendly and visually appealing
- Affordable pricing
Cons
- Limited CRM features
Monday.com
Starter-
Unlimited customizable pipelines
-
iOS & Android apps
-
Unlimited boards
Monday.com
Monday.com is a versatile work operating system that can function as a CRM system with the right setup. It’s known for its user-friendly interface and extensive flexibility.
Key Features
- Customization
Monday.com’s boards and templates can be tailored to fit CRM needs, allowing users to create their CRM system from scratch.
- Task Management
The platform excels in task and project management, making it a great choice for businesses with complex workflow needs.
- Communication
Monday.com provides tools for team collaboration, communication, and document sharing, which can be valuable for managing customer relationships.
- Integration
The software can integrate with various third-party applications, enabling users to expand its functionality.
- Reporting and Analytics
While not as advanced as other CRM systems, Monday.com offers basic reporting and analytics features.
Monday.com’s pricing starts at $10 per month per user. It’s one of the most affordable options, but businesses may need to invest time in customizing it to serve as a CRM.
Pros of Monday.com
- Highly customizable and adaptable to various needs.
- User-friendly and visually appealing.
- Affordable pricing.
- Great for task and project management.
Cons of Monday.com
- Limited CRM features compared to specialized solutions.
- Requires manual setup to function as a CRM.
Comparative Analysis
Now that we’ve explored each CRM solution in detail, let’s compare them based on critical factors for entrepreneurs and business owners.
Ease of Use
HubSpot: User-friendly with a straightforward interface.
Pipedrive: Extremely user-friendly, focusing on sales processes.
Salesforce: Has a steeper learning curve, especially for customization.
Monday.com: Very user-friendly and visually appealing.
Features
HubSpot: Comprehensive suite with marketing, sales, and support features.
Pipedrive: Primarily focused on sales management, offering fewer marketing and support tools.
Salesforce: Offers a wide range of features with strong customization.
Monday.com: Flexible but requires customization to serve as a CRM.
Pricing
HubSpot: Offers both free and paid plans, with paid plans starting at $45 per month per user.
Pipedrive: Offers a 14-day free trial and starts at $15 per month per user for paid plans.
Salesforce: Begins at $25 per month per user but can be costly for larger implementations.
Monday.com: Affordable, starting at $10 per month per user, but may require more setup.
Scalability
HubSpot: Suitable for businesses of all sizes.
Pipedrive: Ideal for small to medium-sized businesses.
Salesforce: Scalable for both small businesses and large enterprises.
Monday.com: Scalable but primarily geared toward task and project management.
Customization
HubSpot: Limited customization compared to Salesforce but suitable for most businesses.
Pipedrive: Customizable within its scope as a sales-focused CRM.
Salesforce: Highly customizable, allowing businesses to tailor it to their specific needs.
Monday.com: Highly customizable but may require more setup for CRM functionality.
Integration
HubSpot: Offers extensive integration options.
Pipedrive: Integrates with key tools but lacks the breadth of HubSpot and Salesforce.
Salesforce: Offers a wide range of integrations and a strong ecosystem.
Monday.com: Can integrate with various third-party apps to expand its functionality.
Making the Right Choice
Choosing the best CRM for entrepreneurs and business owners depends on your specific needs, goals, and budget. Here are some key takeaways to help you make an informed decision:
HubSpot is a well-rounded solution that offers a comprehensive suite of tools. It’s best for businesses looking for an all-in-one marketing, sales, and customer support solution. However, it can be expensive, particularly for small businesses.
Pipedrive is perfect for businesses that prioritize sales management. Its intuitive sales pipeline tracking and affordability make it an excellent choice for small to medium-sized businesses.
Salesforce is a heavyweight CRM that is highly customizable and scalable. It’s suitable for larger enterprises with complex CRM needs but might be overkill for smaller businesses due to its price and complexity.
Monday.com is a flexible work operating system that can be customized to function as a CRM. It’s a cost-effective solution for businesses with unique needs that don’t fit neatly into traditional CRM categories.
Remember that the best CRM for your business is the one that aligns most closely with your specific objectives, size, and available resources. Consider your long-term goals, potential for growth, and the learning curve associated with each CRM platform before making a final decision. Regardless of your choice, implementing a CRM system can significantly improve your customer relationships, sales processes, and overall business performance.
Honorable Mentions for Best CRM Software for Small Business
We wanted to highlight some exceptional CRM’s besides the top 4 that we mentioned earlier, that could be a perfect fit for your business.Â
In this comprehensive review, we’ll compare and contrast seven popular CRM solutions: Freshworks, Salesmate, Salesflare, PipelineDeals, Agile, Zendesk, Nimble, and EngageBay. We’ll delve into their features, ease of use, pricing, and unique strengths to help you make an informed choice for your business.
5. Zoho CRM Plus
Unified Customer View: Zoho CRM Plus provides a unified customer view by integrating customer data from various sources, allowing you to have a 360-degree view of your customers.
Sales Automation: It offers tools for sales teams to automate their workflows, manage leads and contacts, track deals, and forecast sales.
Marketing Automation: You can create and execute marketing campaigns, email marketing, and lead nurturing within the CRM Plus suite.
Customer Support: Zoho CRM Plus includes customer support features for managing tickets, providing multi-channel support, and monitoring customer service performance.
Analytics and Reporting: The platform provides robust analytics and reporting capabilities to help you make data-driven decisions.
Workflow Automation: You can automate routine tasks and processes, improving efficiency and reducing manual work.
Social Media Integration: Zoho CRM Plus integrates with social media platforms to help you engage with customers and monitor social activity.
Email Integration: It supports email synchronization and tracking, which is crucial for sales and customer support teams.
Mobile Accessibility: Zoho CRM Plus offers mobile apps, making it accessible for on-the-go sales and support professionals.
Ease of Use:Â Zoho CRM Plus is designed to be user-friendly, with an intuitive interface and user support resources. Zoho typically offers training and documentation to help users get started quickly. The user experience may vary depending on the user’s familiarity with CRM systems and their specific needs.
Pricing:Â Pricing for Zoho CRM Plus may vary based on factors such as the number of users, the level of customization required, and the specific modules and features you want to use. Zoho typically offers a subscription-based pricing model, and they have various plans to choose from. It’s advisable to visit the Zoho website or contact their sales team for the most up-to-date pricing information.
Unique Strength:Â One of the unique strengths of Zoho CRM Plus is its comprehensive suite of integrated applications for managing sales, marketing, and customer support. This all-in-one approach can be a significant advantage for businesses that want to streamline their customer engagement processes. Zoho’s extensive ecosystem also includes various other business applications, and Zoho CRM Plus can be easily integrated with them to create a cohesive solution for your entire organization. Additionally, Zoho is known for its commitment to user data security and data privacy compliance, which can be a strong selling point for businesses that prioritize data protection and compliance.
12 Best CRM for Small Business in 2024: A Comparative Analysis
6. Freshworks
Features: Freshworks CRM boasts a wide array of features, including lead management, email tracking, AI-driven insights, and robust reporting. It excels in automating repetitive tasks and provides a 360-degree view of your customers.
Ease of Use: Users appreciate Freshworks’ user-friendly interface. It’s easy to set up, customize, and navigate, making it an ideal choice for businesses of all sizes.
Pricing: Pricing is competitive, with a variety of plans to choose from. The free trial option allows you to test its suitability for your specific needs.
Unique Strength: Freshworks shines in its AI capabilities, which help in predicting deals and automating routine tasks. Its customer support and onboarding are also highly regarded.
7. Salesmate
Features: Salesmate offers a robust set of features, including contact management, sales automation, and email marketing. It focuses on streamlining sales processes for small and medium-sized businesses.
Ease of Use: Users find Salesmate intuitive, with an emphasis on simplifying complex sales tasks. Its mobile app allows on-the-go access.
Pricing: Pricing is competitive, and it provides value for money, especially for smaller businesses. A 15-day free trial is available.
Unique Strength: Salesmate’s strength lies in its automation capabilities, making it a great choice for businesses looking to increase efficiency. However, it may lack some advanced features found in enterprise-level CRMs.
8. Salesflare
Features: Salesflare focuses on automation, lead tracking, and contact management. It’s known for its ease of use and its integration with other tools.
Ease of Use: Salesflare’s simplicity is its standout feature. The minimalistic interface is designed for quick adoption, especially for sales teams.
Pricing: The pricing is reasonable and straightforward, offering value for smaller businesses. A 14-day free trial is available.
Unique Strength: Salesflare’s strength is in its intuitive interface and automated data entry. However, it may lack some advanced features required by larger enterprises.
9. PipelineDeals
Features: PipelineDeals offers robust sales and contact management, reporting, and collaboration tools. It’s geared toward medium-sized businesses.
Ease of Use: Users find it easy to navigate and customize. It may have a steeper learning curve than some other options.
Pricing: Pricing is competitive for its target market. A free trial is available, but pricing details may not be readily available on their website.
Unique Strength: PipelineDeals excels in providing a platform for medium-sized businesses to streamline sales operations. It offers strong reporting and customization options.
10. Agile
Features: Agile CRM offers a wide range of features, including contact management, marketing automation, and sales tracking. It’s an all-in-one solution.
Ease of Use: While Agile CRM offers a wealth of features, some users find it overwhelming. It may require some time to master.
Pricing: Agile CRM’s pricing is competitive, with a free plan for up to 10 users. Paid plans are available for more extensive needs.
Unique Strength: Agile CRM’s strength lies in its comprehensive suite of tools. It’s a solid option for businesses looking for an all-in-one CRM and marketing solution.
11. Zendesk
Features: Zendesk is primarily known as a customer support platform. While it has CRM features, it excels in customer service and ticket management.
Ease of Use: Zendesk is user-friendly for customer service teams. However, it might not be as feature-rich as other dedicated CRMs.
Pricing: Pricing can be on the higher side, especially for the full suite of Zendesk features. It’s more suitable for businesses with a strong focus on customer support.
Unique Strength: Zendesk’s unique strength is in customer support and ticket management. It may not be the best choice for sales-focused operations.
12. Nimble
Features: Nimble focuses on social CRM, contact management, and email tracking. It’s designed to help businesses build and nurture relationships.
Ease of Use: Nimble’s simplicity is its strong suit, and its integrations with social media are highly appreciated.
Pricing: Pricing is competitive, especially for its target audience of small and medium-sized businesses. A free trial is available.
Unique Strength: Nimble excels in social CRM and contact management. It’s ideal for businesses that prioritize relationship-building and engagement.
13. EngageBay
Features: EngageBay offers CRM, marketing automation, and customer service tools. It’s an all-in-one platform for small and medium-sized businesses.
Ease of Use: EngageBay provides a user-friendly interface, making it easy for teams to manage customer interactions.
Pricing: Pricing is competitive, with a free plan and affordable paid options for businesses looking for an all-in-one solution.
Unique Strength: EngageBay’s strength is in its all-in-one approach, offering CRM, marketing, and customer service tools in a single platform. It’s an excellent choice for small to medium-sized businesses with multifaceted needs.
