As a client relationship manager, I have been associated with various startups and small businesses. In my role, I help these organizations to establish and maintain effective CRM systems.
CRM systems are essential for startups and small businesses to manage their customer relationships effectively. By tracking customer interactions and data, businesses can gain valuable insights into their customers’ needs and preferences. And this information can then be used to improve customer service and support, as well as to develop targeted marketing campaigns.
But what are the best CRMs for a small business, and does having one really matters for SMEs? Keep scrolling to find out.
CRM Softwares for small businesses
CRM softwares are a great way for small businesses to keep track of their customers and sales. There are many different CRM softwares available, so it is important to find one that fits the needs of your business. A good CRM software will help you create a database of your customers so you can better understand their buying habits.
Zendesk
Zendesk is a cloud-based customer service software company that serves businesses of all sizes, especially startups and small-scale enterprises. The company offers a suite of products that includes a customer support platform, a live chat application, a knowledge base, and a customer self-service portal. Zendesk has a free trial period and offers monthly subscription plans.
Pros of Zendesk
- Zendesk is very user-friendly and easy to set up and use.
- The software is scalable and doesn’t need to be replaced once your organization starts expanding
- Zendesk offers a free trial period so you can try the software before you commit to a subscription.
- Zendesk integrates with a number of third-party applications, making it easy to use in conjunction with other software solutions you may be using.
Cons of Zendesk
- The monthly subscription plans can be expensive for some businesses.
- The customer self-service portal may be difficult for some customers to use.
Overall, Zendesk is a great customer service software solution that offers a lot of features and benefits. However, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of using Zendesk before deciding if it is the right solution for your small business.
Freshsale
If you are looking for a CRM that is both powerful and easy to use, you should check out Freshsale. It has all the features you need to manage your customer relationships, including contact management, deal tracking, and task management. Plus, the user interface is designed to be intuitive and easy to use. That means you’ll be up and running quickly, without having to waste time learning a complex system.
Pros of Freshsale
- Easy to use and user-friendly interface
- Affordable pricing, starting from as low as $19
- Has all the features and tools you need to manage your customers and sales
Cons of Freshsale
- Limited customization options
- Lacks some advanced features that other CRMs have
Overall, Freshsales CRM is a great option for small businesses or businesses just starting out with using a CRM. It is easy to use and has all the basic features you need to get started. However, if you are looking for a CRM with more advanced features or greater customization options, you may want to look elsewhere.
HubSpot CRM
Small businesses can also explore HubSpot CRM. HubSpot CRM is a cloud-based CRM software that helps businesses track and manage their customer relationships. It provides a single, centralized view of all your customer data, making it easy to track and manage your customer relationships. It also includes powerful features like automation, reporting, and integrations that can help small businesses streamline their operations and improve their customer relationships.
The best thing about HubSpot CRM is its AI which is helpful when it comes to making predictive analyses and modeling based on previous data. Through AI businesses can better understand their consumer needs and plan ahead to deliver a satisfactory experience. Additionally, HubSpot CRM provides a high degree of customization, so businesses can tailor the system to their specific needs.
Pros of HubSpot CRM
- It comes with a free trial.
- HubSpot CRM is very user-friendly and easy to use. Even if you’re not a tech-savvy person, you should be able to figure out how to use HubSpot CRM without too much trouble.
- Offers more features than the above CRM, such as deal tracking, and lead scoring.
- Integrates with many other software applications, such as Gmail, Outlook, and Salesforce.
Cons of HubSpot CRM
- The free version does not include some of the more advanced features, such as automation and reporting.
- Expensive option than the above two CRMs in the article
Related Questions
Do small businesses need CRM software?
Having CRM software is a must for small businesses. It keeps track of your customer’s interactions with your business, including phone calls, emails, and meetings. All of this allows you to have a better understanding of your customer’s needs and how you can serve them better. CRM software also helps businesses manage sales pipelines more efficiently by helping them track leads and customers through the entire sales process, from initial contact to closing the deal.
Which is the best CRM software for small businesses?
There are several CRM software options available on the market today, but as someone who deals with customer relationship management on a daily basis, I would recommend Zendesk. Zendesk is a great option for small businesses because it is affordable and easy to use. Additionally, Zendesk offers several features that can be beneficial for small businesses, such as the ability to track customer interactions, create customer profiles, and manage customer data.
Key Takeaway
The best CRM software for small businesses is one that is user-friendly, offers a variety of features, and is affordable. Zendesk is a great option for small businesses that need CRM software that can grow with them.
HubSpot is also a good option for small businesses looking for CRM software that provides advanced features and have AI to predict future sales pattern and consumer demand. However, you need to be careful when buying one and must do your research to ensure that the CRM you purchase will work with your current system and meet your specific needs.
