04.09.2023
Choosing the best CRM system for small businesses: Top 5 free software in 2023
Building a company from scratch requires considerable resources, and most importantly, investments. Often small business owners try to cut their budget by denying themselves advertising, specialists, and good software. However, with the growth in the number of customers and the scaling of the company, there is a need to optimize work processes.
A CRM system is a program that combines services, databases, spreadsheets, company documentation, and more in a single interface to record transactions and control customer interactions. The modern market is rife with free CRMs for small businesses that are easy to implement and master.
We have compiled our rating of universal programs for small companies.
Why companies of all sizes should use CRM systems
First, let's figure out what CRM is and why this tool is needed.
CRM (Customer Relationship Management) is a specialized software (less commonly a web resource) designed to organize interaction between a business and a client and work together among employees.
CRM systems for small businesses (and not only) are used for such purposes:
- fixing interaction with clients and centralized management of it;
- improving communication within the team;
- monitoring the performance of employees;
- collection of statistics and analysis to improve results.
Depending on the type - universal or industry-specific - and the functionality of the program, the best CRM systems for small businesses consist of various modules.
Overview of Free (Full or Shareware) CRM Systems for Small Businesses
Today, it is almost impossible to imagine a company without CRM, so the market offers a large selection of such applications. As a rule, services are paid or have a free version and several tariffs according to the volume of functions and services.
We've rounded up five of the best free CRMs for small businesses. Companies will be pleased to work even in the basic versions of these programs.
Hubspot
Hubspot is one of the best CRM systems for small businesses. The peculiarity of the service is that it is used by both micro-organizations and large companies.
This software is completely free. Contains basic tools for tracking business activities.
Basic features of "HubSpot":
- up to 1,000 contacts,
- up to 100 deals,
- marketing automation,
- customer support,
- knowledge base,
- announcement board,
- forum,
- education.
Pros and cons:
? | ? |
Simple interface and navigation | Limited free features |
Creating landing pages in the constructor to get leads | Limited integration with other systems |
Integration with other HubSpot products | Lack of advanced analytics functionality |
Detailed reports | Limited number of users in the free version |
Online forms for data collection | |
Support and tutorials from HubSpot |
Sugar CRM
SugarCRM is an open-source system. It helps companies track and manage existing and potential customers and interactions with them.
The free version of SugarCRM offers such features:
- up to 10 users,
- up to 100 objects,
- up to 1,000 records,
- basic set of reports and analytics,
- integration with e-mail and calendar,
- online education and support.
The pros and cons of this free CRM for small businesses:
? | ? |
Open source, configurability | Requires specific skills to set up and maintain |
Flexible adaptability to business processes | Lack of some features that are in commercial CRM |
Advanced sales and marketing management functions | Difficulties may arise when integrating with some systems |
Possibility to create customized reports | Lack of technical support provided in the free version |
Campaign management and data analysis | |
Flexible architecture for integration with other systems |
Trello
Many consider the Trello app to be the best CRM for small businesses. It is very flexible in its settings, adapting to the needs of any company. The platform is based on the concept of boards, lists, and cards, which makes working with Trello simple and intuitive.
Free service options:
- up to 10 boards,
- up to 100 cards per board,
- up to 10 users,
- basic set of reports and analytics,
- integration with e-mail and calendar,
- online training and support.
Among the advantages and disadvantages of "Trello":
? | ? |
Simple and intuitive interface | Lack of advanced analysis and reporting features |
Flexible organization of tasks | Limited client management tools |
Possibility of visual tracking of processes | Limited automation possibilities |
Easy collaboration | |
Accessibility via browser and mobile devices |
ClickUp
ClickUp is a free CRM for small businesses that provides a wide range of tools for organizing workflows, tracking tasks and collaborating. The application does not focus exclusively on the customer relationship management system, therefore, some product updates, and support may experience delays.
Features of the CRM ClickUp system in the basic version:
- up to 5 users,
- up to 100,000 tasks,
- up to 10,000 documents,
- basic set of reports and analytics,
- integration with e-mail and calendar,
- online education and support.
Consider the pros and cons of the system:
? | ? |
Multifunctional and customizable | Lack of deep analytics and reporting |
Flexible structure for organizing tasks | It is not exclusively CRM, that is, it may seem to small businesses overloaded with unnecessary tools |
Workflow visualization on boards | It may take time to learn how to use the system |
Task management in calendar format | |
Numerous integrations with other instruments | |
Ability to collaborate and comment | |
Accessibility through web and mobile devices |
ZOHO CRM
The CRM system for small businesses ZOHO is easy to use and has an intuitive user interface. This cloud platform integrates with many other applications, allowing it to easily share information.
Without investments, enterprises have access to such opportunities:
- up to 3 users,
- up to 10,000 contacts,
- up to 10,000 deals,
- basic set of reports and analytics,
- integration with e-mail and calendar,
- online education and support.
The pros and cons of the platform are denoted as follows:
? | ? |
Wide functionality for sales and marketing management | Interface can be difficult for newbies |
Integration with other Zoho products and third-party applications | Limited free features |
Flexible configuration of workflows and automation | Limited number of users in the free version |
Analytics and reports for performance analysis | |
The presence of a mobile application | |
Ability to scale with business growth |
Summing up
The problem of small businesses is often considered limited resources. Indeed, large enterprises and giant corporations can allocate more funds to themselves for development. However, it is necessary to implement management systems even in small teams.
With a wide selection of the best CRM systems for small businesses, finding a program that you don't have to pay for is easy. Of course, most of them will have limited functionality, a minimal set of tools, but at the initial stages, they will become indispensable helpers. As the business scales, you can think about switching to a paid plan or using more advanced platforms.
Decision Telecom telecommunications solutions are easy to implement and work in CRM systems for small businesses. APIs for business communications developed by us turn the digital software of any company into a single whole. Build an omnichannel communications system and don't miss a single customer!
Do you want to start working today? Contact our manager and we will draw up a plan of action.
