The concept and the term CRM were coined in the early 1970s, but a lot has changed since 1970. CRM (customer relationship management) is software that helps organizations categorize large volumes of data. The most basic functionality of it is data management and data storage. They are eliminating a situation where one has to dig through thousands of files to find a single piece of information. Therefore, Prospective clients’ data is stored in one place, making it accessible all the time.
CRM is no more a luxury, and it is a need as B2B businesses are emerging at a rate faster than ever before. 87% of people believe that major benefit of CRM is improved sales. The global business-to-business e-commerce market was valued at USD 7,907.07 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 20.2% from 2023 to 2030.
We created a guide for best CRM for small businesses. New and existing B2B ventures can benefit from the standard resource we provide here in the blogs, with years of experience facilitating B2B businesses to reach their highest potential.
Presently What Are the Best CRM Software for Small Businesses
In 2021 the top 10 CRM software accounted for 59.4% of the global CRM app market. The market grew by 15.7%, up to $52.8 billion, with maintenance, license, and subscription revenue. The heightened growth of CRM software has generated a need among small business owners to find a CRM platform for their business.
Check out the table to know what features are available in the leading CRM platforms.
| CRM | Starting Price | Free Trial | Pipeline Management | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zoho | Free; $14 per month (billed annually) or $20 per month (billed monthly) | 15 days | yes | Best for Start up |
| Monday.com | Free; $8 per user per month for basic features | 14 days | yes | Best for Teams |
| Zendesk Sell | $19 per user per month | 14 days | yes | Best for Customer Support |
| Insightly | $29 per user per month | 14 days | yes | Best for Project Management |
| Freshsales | Free; $15 per user per month (billed annually) | 14 days | yes | Best for Lead Management |
| Salesforce | $25 per user per month (billed annually) | 14 days | yes | Most comprehensive customer relationship management (CRM) platform |
| Pipedrive | $14.90 per user per month (billed annually) | 14 days | yes | Best for simplicity |
| HubSpot | Free, $30 per user per month (billed annually) | 14 days | yes | Inbound marketing and sales software |
Here is brief objective outlook on the CRM platforms:
Zoho:
Zoho CRM is an award-winning CRM trusted by a global network of over 250,000 businesses in 180 countries to convert more leads, engage with customers, and grow their revenue. Zoho CRM is a single repository that brings your sales, marketing, and customer support activities together and streamlines your process, policy, and people in one platform.
Monday.com:
Monday.com is a cloud-based platform that allows users to create their own applications and project management software. The product was launched in 2014, and in July 2019, the company raised $150 million, based on a $1.9 billion valuation. The company went public in June 2021 and is based in Tel Aviv, Israel.
Zendesk Sell:
Zendesk Sell is a web-based and mobile customer relationship management (CRM) tool that helps sales, marketing and support teams collaborate and align on all lead and customer needs. Its features include email automation and tracking, custom dashboards and lead scoring
Insightly:
Insightly, Inc. is a private computer technology company headquartered in San Francisco, California. The company develops cloud-based customer relationship management (CRM) and project management tools for small and medium-sized businesses.
Freshsales:
Freshsales is a cloud-based customer relationship management (CRM) solution that helps businesses across different industry verticals to manage their interactions with existing and potential customers.
Salesforce:
Salesforce, Inc. is an American cloud-based software company headquartered in San Francisco, California. It provides customer relationship management (CRM) software and applications focused on sales, customer service, marketing automation, e-commerce, analytics, and application development.
Pipedrive:
Pipedrive is a cloud-based software as a service company. It is the developer of the web application and mobile app Pipedrive, a sales customer relationship management (CRM) tool. The company has over 1,000 employees in its eight offices across Europe and two offices in the US. Over 100,000 customers around the world use its CRM.
HubSpot:
HubSpot was founded in 2006 by Brain Halligan and Dharmesh Shah. It is an American developer and marketer of software products for sales, inbound marketing, and customer service.
Presently these are best CRM for small businesses. To narrow it down to the list of 8 best CRM software for small businesses, crucial factors have been taken into consideration like employee self-sufficiency, access to customer support, compatibility with third party integration and transparent pricing. These factors have been pre-determined after analyzing the existing B2B ventures who look out for adding CRM tool to existing business.
As previously mentioned, utilizing a CRM tool has seemingly endless advantages. A central hub for customer information does simplify tracking sales and organizing analytical data, and information is accessible across all departments, henceforth facilitating easier collaboration. All these benefits amplify the need for small businesses to have CRM tools. Small businesses have been wondering which CRM works best for their venture. The next section of the blog specifically focuses on those areas of concern.
Tips to Choose a Best CRM Software for Your Small Business:
Choosing the proper Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software for a B2B small business is a critical decision that can significantly impact your company’s success. A well-suited CRM can help you improve sales, streamline processes, enhance customer interactions, and boost efficiency. However, with numerous available CRM options, finding the one that best fits your needs and budget can take time and effort. This comprehensive guide will explore essential tips to help you make an informed decision when selecting a Best CRM for small businesses.
Identify Your Business Needs
Before embarking on your CRM search, it’s essential to identify your business needs. Take the time to assess your company’s requirements and understand the challenges you aim to address through CRM adoption. Engage your team to gather valuable input on pain points and desired features.
Some key questions to ask include:
- What specific functionalities do you need? (e.g., lead management, sales forecasting, customer support, and marketing automation)
- How many users will be utilizing the CRM?
- What integrations do you require with existing tools (e.g., email, marketing software, project management platforms)?
- How much customization is necessary to align with your unique workflows and processes?
- What is your budget for CRM implementation and ongoing costs?
Ease of Use and User-Friendly Interface
The success of CRM adoption within your organization depends on how well your team embraces it. A user-friendly CRM with an intuitive interface will minimize the learning curve and reduce resistance to change. Consider conducting demos or trials with your team to gauge their comfort level with the CRM’s interface and navigation.
Keep in mind that simplicity is often an advantage for small businesses. While some CRMs offer vast features, they might be optional for your needs. Opt for a system that provides your business’s essential elements without overwhelming complexity.
Scalability and Flexibility
As a small business, you may have limited needs initially, but you should plan for future growth. Choose a CRM that can scale with your business, accommodating more users, data, and additional features as your company expands. Scalability is crucial to avoid outgrowing the CRM and facing the need to switch to a different platform later, which can be time-consuming and disruptive.
Moreover, ensure the CRM offers flexibility regarding customization and integration options. Every business has unique processes, and a CRM that can adapt to your specific workflows will likely yield better results.
Cloud-Based or On-Premise
The deployment model for your CRM is another critical consideration. Cloud-based CRMs have gained popularity due to their accessibility, ease of implementation, and lower upfront costs. With a cloud-based CRM, you can access your data and manage customer relationships from any location with an internet connection. Additionally, cloud-based CRMs often handle software updates and maintenance, reducing the burden on your IT staff.
On the other hand, on-premise CRM solutions provide more control over your data and infrastructure. Some businesses with strict data compliance requirements or concerns about data security may prefer this option. However, on-premise solutions usually involve higher upfront costs, require dedicated IT resources, and may lead to longer implementation times.
Mobile Functionality
Accessing your mobile CRM data on the go is crucial in today’s fast-paced business environment. Ensure the CRM you choose offers mobile apps or a responsive web interface that allows you and your team to manage customer information, tasks, and communication from smartphones and tablets. Mobile functionality empowers your team to stay productive and responsive even when away from their desks.
Customization Options
Every B2B small business operates differently, and there may be more suitable options than a one-size-fits-all CRM. Look for a CRM that provides some degree of customization to align with your specific needs. Customization might include tailoring workflows, adding custom fields, or integrating with other business tools. However, be cautious not to over-customize the CRM, as this can lead to complexity, increased costs, and potential difficulties in the future.
Data Security and Privacy
As a B2B company, your CRM will store sensitive customer data, making data security and privacy paramount. Before committing to a CRM, carefully assess the vendor’s security protocols, encryption methods, and compliance with relevant data protection laws. Some CRMs offer additional security features, such as two-factor authentication, to safeguard your data from unauthorized access.
Inquire about data ownership rights to ensure you retain complete control and ownership of your data even if you switch to a different CRM provider.
Affordability and Cost-Effectiveness
Budget is a crucial consideration for any small business. While choosing a CRM, it’s essential to understand the pricing structure and how costs may evolve as your business grows. Many CRM providers offer tiered pricing plans based on the number of users or the features included. Carefully review the pricing details, considering the parts you need and the number of users using the CRM regularly.
Additionally, consider any hidden costs, such as implementation fees, training charges, and potential costs associated with data migration. Ensure that the CRM you choose aligns with your budget and provides a satisfactory return on investment.
Customer Support and Training
Excellent customer support is invaluable, especially for small businesses without dedicated IT staff. Reliable customer support can assist in case of technical issues, bugs, or questions related to CRM usage. Check the CRM vendor’s support options, such as email, phone, or live chat, and inquire about their response times.
In addition to customer support, consider the availability of training resources and tutorials. A well-documented CRM with comprehensive training materials can empower your team to get up to speed quickly and make the most of the CRM’s features.
Read Reviews and Seek Recommendations
As you narrow your CRM options, take advantage of online reviews and customer testimonials. Platforms like G2, and TrustRadius are excellent resources for unbiased reviews from other businesses. Pay attention to reviews from companies similar to yours in size and industry.
Additionally, seek recommendations from fellow small business owners or industry peers who have experience with the CRM systems you are considering. Their insights can provide valuable real-world perspectives to aid your decision-making process.
Wrapping Up
Choosing the best CRM for small businesses is a decision that requires careful evaluation and consideration. By identifying your business needs, prioritizing ease of use, scalability, and data security, and seeking feedback from other users, you can make an informed choice that aligns with your company’s goals and objectives. Remember that the ideal CRM will help you manage customer relationships more effectively and contribute to the growth and success of your small business in the long run. Take advantage of free trials and demos to test the CRM’s functionality with your team and ensure seamless integration into your daily operations. With the right CRM, you can foster stronger customer relationships, improve sales processes, and drive sustainable business growth.