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If you’re looking for customer relationship management (CRM) software to help grow your business, engage with customers, and manage pipelines but aren’t sure where to start, you’re in the right place. In this roundup, I’ll walk you through the key features of the top 10 CRM platforms, their costs, and how they can support your SMB’s success.
To find the best CRM software, I used our exclusive evaluation system to rank 30 platforms based on 53 features that matter most to SMBs. I then tested the top 10 platforms hands-on to see how they perform under real SMB conditions. My testing reveals that Zoho CRM is the top choice for most small businesses, but several other platforms also deserve your consideration. Keep reading to discover the best CRM options for your business.
How to Choose the Best CRM Software
Choosing the right CRM software for your business involves understanding the essential features and evaluating pricing, ease of use, and the overall value it offers. Below are the key factors to consider when selecting a CRM.
Essential CRM Features
- Pipelines: Ensure the CRM provides visualized pipelines to track deals and customer stages.
- Task Management: The platform should offer ways to track tasks using calendars, boards, or to-do lists.
- Automation: Look for workflow automations to save time and increase efficiency.
- Integrations: Make sure the CRM integrates well with other tools your business uses.
- Document Management: A CRM should support document storage and task linking.
- Industry-Specific Features: If you’re in a niche industry, check for specialized tools like marketing automation or telephony.
Value Consideration
Before committing, evaluate the CRM’s value for money. Many platforms offer free plans to help you get started, which are ideal for startups. However, to unlock more advanced features, you’ll likely need to opt for paid plans. Entry-level plans typically cost $10 to $20 per user per month, while more feature-rich plans can go beyond $70 per user per month. Make sure you choose a plan that fits your budget and provides the tools your business needs.
Ease of Use
Ease of use is often overlooked but crucial. Most CRM providers offer free trials ranging from one week to a month, allowing you to test the software before committing. Take advantage of these trials to explore how user-friendly the platform is. Test features like integrations, task management, pipelines, and automation tools to see if they align with your workflow.
Which CRM Software is Best for Your Business?
The best CRM software depends on your business’s size and needs. Consider the following options:
- For small budgets: Freshsales, Zoho CRM, and Agile CRM offer affordable plans.
- For solopreneurs or small teams (10 or fewer employees): Nimble and Agile CRM are ideal options.
- For larger teams: Zoho CRM is a strong choice, thanks to its flexible pricing and scalability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is CRM software?
CRM software helps businesses manage customer interactions, track tasks, and monitor pipelines. It improves efficiency through integrations and automation.
How much does CRM software cost?
CRM software can range from free to over $70 per user per month, depending on the features and the number of users.
How can an SMB benefit from CRM?
SMBs can streamline customer interactions, automate workflows, improve email marketing, and integrate with other business software, helping to increase productivity and improve customer relationships.
