Best low cost CRM for a small business

These days, small businesses are more focused than ever on finding tools that provide high value without breaking the bank. A Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system is crucial for managing customer interactions, tracking leads, and driving growth, but many small businesses need an affordable solution that fits their budget.
The good news is that there are several low-cost CRM options available that offer powerful features without the hefty price tag. In this blog post, we will explore the best low-cost CRMs for small businesses, focusing on those that deliver functionality alongside ease of use.

Why you need a CRM

Managing a small business without a CRM can be overwhelming. Below is some insight into why investing in a low cost CRM is essential for your success.

Challenges without a CRM

Let's start of with some of the most common challenges faced by busy teams in a small business without a CRM.

• Disorganization: Without a CRM, keeping track of customer interactions and data becomes chaotic.
• Missed opportunities: Lack of a centralized system can lead to missed follow-ups and lost sales.
• Inefficient processes: Manual processes are time-consuming and prone to errors.
• Lack of insight: Without analytics, understanding customer behavior and sales trends is difficult.
• Inconsistent communication: Managing customer communications without a CRM can result in inconsistent and unprofessional interactions.

As you can see, there are a lot of pain points that can be solved by investing in the right piece of software.

Benefits of a CRM

If you're just getting started on building a business case for a new CRM, below are a few benefits you can expect, that can have a positive direct impact on your lean teams.

• One source of truth: A CRM consolidates all customer data in one place, making it easily accessible.
• Enhanced efficiency: Automating tasks saves time and reduces human error.
• Improved customer relationships: Personalized interactions foster stronger customer loyalty.
• Better decision-making: Data-driven insights help in making informed business decisions.
• Increased sales: Streamlined processes and better follow-ups lead to higher conversion rates.
• Consistent communication: A CRM ensures all customer communications are timely and professional.
  

Key features of a CRM for low cost CRM for small business

With such a saturated market to comb through, it can be overwhelming to start looking for a CRM without understanding what a good CRM platform looks like. Below are some basic key features you should expect from any decent CRM platform.

• Automated processes: Streamlines tasks by automating repetitive workflows.
• Contact enrichment: Automatically finds Leads, Customers email addresses and contact information, enhancing efficiency.
• Structured pipeline: Tracks Leads, Customers through defined stages, ensuring process clarity and effectiveness.
• Email sequences: Increases communication efficiency with follow-up templates and automated sequences.
• LinkedIn Integration: Seamlessly imports Leads, Customers from LinkedIn and tracks conversations within the CRM.
• Analytics: Provides essential data analysis and predictive insights for better planning.

How to boost your efficiency with a low cost CRM for small business

Just because you're on a budget doesn't mean that there isn't a way for you to make the most out of a CRM. Below are a few ways a CRM can help you streamline your workflow.

1. Map your process

A good CRM can help you create the steps you need to define and track the stages of your internal process. It should be able to help you with the following.

• Identify key stages: Break down your sales and customer service processes into clear, manageable stages.
• Assign tasks: Allocate specific tasks to each stage to ensure nothing falls through the cracks.
• Track progress: Use your CRM's dashboard to monitor the progress of each stage in real-time.

2. Lead qualification

Any good CRM should have features that supports multiple functions, including sales. You should be able to expect to get help with qualifying leads, including the following.

• Set criteria: Define what makes a lead 'qualified' based on your business goals.
• Score leads: Use lead scoring features to rank leads based on their likelihood to convert.
• Segment leads: Categorize leads into different groups for targeted outreach.

3. Outreach and follow-up

A CRM can also be helpful when it comes to automating emails and LinkedIn campaign segments.

• Automated emails: Set up drip campaigns to nurture leads with personalized content.
• LinkedIn outreach: Use CRM integrations to send connection requests and follow-up messages.
• Follow-up reminders: Schedule automatic reminders to ensure timely follow-ups.

4. Nurture existing leads

You should also be able to use your CRM to help you strategize for upselling and cross-selling:

• Personalized offers: You can use CRM data to tailor upsell and cross-sell offers to individual customers.
• Lifecycle emails: Send targeted emails based on where the customer is in their lifecycle.
• Customer feedback: Gather feedback to improve your offerings and make more compelling upsell pitches.

How to evaluate and choose a CRM platform

Now that you have a good idea of how a CRM can help – let's explore the steps you should expect to go through in your selection process.

1. Define your requirements

Before diving into the world of low cost CRM for small business, it's crucial to identify the key features that align with your business needs. Are you looking for robust contact management, seamless integration with existing tools, or advanced reporting capabilities? Pinpointing these requirements will help you focus on the CRM solutions that offer the best value for your specific needs.

2. Budget considerations

When evaluating low cost CRM for small business, balancing cost with return on investment (ROI) is essential. While you aim to minimize expenses, ensure that the CRM you choose can effectively streamline your operations, improve customer relationships, and ultimately drive revenue. Look for transparent pricing models and avoid hidden fees that could inflate your budget.

3. Selection process

Choosing the right CRM vendor involves thorough research. Start by compiling a list of potential vendors that specialize in low cost CRM solutions for small business. Read reviews, request demos, and compare feature sets. Pay attention to customer support quality and the vendor's reputation in the market. This due diligence will help you make an informed decision.

4. Evaluating and making the decision

Once you have shortlisted a few CRM platforms, take advantage of free trials or demo versions to evaluate their usability and effectiveness. Compare key features, ease of use, and integration capabilities. Gather feedback from your team and consider their input. This hands-on approach will ensure you select the best low cost CRM for small business that aligns with your operational goals and budget constraints. To get a demo of folk, click here.

3 tips for implementing a CRM

Introducing your team to a new piece of kit in their tech stack can sometimes be a challenge. Below are some tips to help you with your implementation process.

1. Import your data in your new CRM

Transitioning to a new CRM involves migrating your existing data. Most CRMs allow you to import data via CSV files.

2. Create a first pipeline

Once your data is imported, the next step is to create your first pipeline. This pipeline should reflect the stages of your sales process, tailored to the specifics of a low cost CRM for small business. Start with basic stages like "Lead In," "Contacted," "Proposal Sent," and "Closed." As you become more comfortable, you can customize these stages to better fit your workflow.

3. Onboard your team

Successful CRM implementation hinges on team adoption. Ensure that your team understands how to use the new system by providing training sessions and resources. Encourage them to explore the CRM's features and offer support as they familiarize themselves with the tool. A well-onboarded team will maximize the benefits of your low cost CRM, driving efficiency and improving customer relationships.

The 5 best CRMs for low cost CRM for small business

1. folk

folk is a modern CRM platform for managing contacts, workflows, and relationships, offering customizable pipelines, AI-driven tools, and integrations to enhance deal management and prospecting.

‍

Key features

• Contact enrichment: Automatically enriches contact details by finding emails and LinkedIn URLs, enabling efficient outreach without manual data entry or additional costs for email services.
• LinkedIn integration: Seamlessly import contacts from LinkedIn, track conversations within folk, and use templates for quicker, streamlined communication.
• Email integration: Full email sync, templates, and tracking features, enabling users to manage all communications directly from the CRM.
• AI-powered features: AI tools assist in managing contacts and relationships, automating routine tasks, and suggesting actions to improve productivity.
• Integrations: folk integrates seamlessly with over 6,000 apps, including Gmail, Zapier, and Make, allowing users to centralize their workflow and reduce manual data entry.

Pros

• Ease of use: folk is praised for its intuitive interface, making it accessible even to non-technical users with quick onboarding and a minimal learning curve.
• All-in-one: folk streamlines your workflow by allowing you to import contacts from LinkedIn, automatically find their emails, reach out through customizable email sequences, and track interactions in a pipeline, eliminating the need for multiple tools and saving time and money.
• LinkedIn integration: Seamlessly import contacts from LinkedIn, track conversations within folk, and use templates for quicker, streamlined communication.
• Customizability: Custom fields, pipelines, and workflows.
• Integrations: folk integrates seamlessly with over 6,000 apps, including Gmail, Zapier, and Make, allowing users to centralize their workflow and reduce manual data entry.

Cons

• Reporting: Currently lacks reporting features, but there are plans for future implementation.

Pricing

You can try folk for free with a 14-day free trial. After that, a monthly or annual subscription plan is as follows.

• Standard: $20 per user, per month.
• Premium: $40 per user, per month.
• Custom: Starts from $60 per user, per month.

2. Hubspot

Hubspot CRM is a user-friendly, scalable platform offering integrated tools for managing sales, marketing, customer service, and operations efficiently.

Key features

• Marketing Hub: Includes email marketing, ad tracking, landing pages, and lead generation tools.
• Sales Hub: Provides deal tracking, pipeline management, sales automation, and reporting.
• Service Hub: Offers customer service tools like ticketing, live chat, and knowledge bases.
• Operations Hub: Syncs and automates business processes across different systems.
• Lead scoring: Prioritize leads with predictive scoring to improve sales efficiency.

Pros

• User-friendly interface: HubSpot is known for its intuitive and easy-to-use interface, making it accessible for users of all skill levels.
• Comprehensive free plan: Offers a robust free version that includes essential CRM features, making it ideal for small businesses and startups.
• Seamless integration with marketing tools: HubSpot integrates smoothly with its marketing, sales, and service hubs, creating a unified platform for inbound marketing and customer management.
• Automation capabilities: Provides powerful automation tools for tasks like email marketing, lead nurturing, and sales workflows, helping businesses save time and improve efficiency.
• Extensive learning resources: HubSpot Academy offers a wealth of free courses, certifications, and resources to help users get the most out of the platform.

Cons

• High cost at higher tiers: HubSpot’s pricing can become expensive as you move to higher tiers, which may be prohibitive for small businesses as they scale.
• Limited customization in free plan: The free plan and lower tiers have limited customization options, which can restrict flexibility for growing businesses.
• Complexity in advanced features: Some advanced features, such as custom reporting and workflows, have a steep learning curve and may require additional training.
• Email marketing limits: Email marketing functionality in the free plan is restricted by limits on the number of emails you can send, which can be a drawback for businesses with larger lists.
• Limited reporting capabilities in lower tiers: Detailed reporting and analytics features are often locked behind higher-priced plans, limiting insights for businesses on lower tiers.

Price and plans

Price and plans on the CRM suite for an annual subscription are as follows.

• Starter: $15 per user, per month.
• Professional: $450 per user, per month.
• Enterprise: $1,500 per user, per month.

3. Zoho

Zoho is a CRM system with a strong sales focus. Its got features such as journey orchestration, sales process management and workflow automation. There's also something for marketing teams, including lead hurting, event management and customer segmentation.

Key features

• Sales automation: Automates sales tasks like lead management, deal tracking, and follow-up actions.
• Lead and contact management: Manages customer information, tracks interactions, and segments contacts for targeted campaigns.
• Customizable dashboards and reports: Allows users to create and customize dashboards and reports for in-depth analytics.
• Multi-channel communication: Integrates with email, phone, social media, and live chat to manage customer interactions.
• Workflow automation: Automates routine tasks and processes to improve efficiency and reduce manual effort.

Pros

• Affordability: Zoho CRM offers competitive pricing with various tiers, making it accessible to small businesses with limited budgets.
• Customization: Extensive customization options allow businesses to tailor the CRM to their specific needs, including custom fields, modules, and workflows.
• Integration with Zoho Suite: Seamless integration with other Zoho products creates a comprehensive ecosystem for managing different business functions.
• Multi-channel communication: Zoho CRM supports email, phone, social media, and live chat, enabling businesses to manage all customer interactions from a single platform.
• AI-powered features: Zia, the AI assistant, provides intelligent insights, predictive analytics, and task automation, helping to improve sales and marketing efficiency.

Cons

• Steep learning curve: The extensive customization options can be overwhelming for new users, requiring a significant time investment to master the platform.
• Complex setup: Initial setup and configuration can be complex, particularly for businesses without technical expertise or dedicated IT resources.
• Limited third-party integrations: While Zoho integrates well with its own suite of products, integration with third-party applications can be limited or require additional effort.
• Performance issues: Occasional reports of slow performance, especially with large datasets or complex operations, can hinder productivity.
• Feature limitations in lower tiers: The lower-priced plans may lack advanced features, pushing users to upgrade to more expensive tiers for essential functionality.

Price and plans

Free plan limited to three users suitable for small businesses. After that, an annual subscription plan is as follows.

• Standard: $14 per user, per month
• Professional: $23 per user, per month
• Enterprise: $40 per user, per month

4. Less Annoying CRM

Less Annoying CRM is a customer relationship management (CRM) software designed to be simple. It focuses on simplicity and ease of use, providing a straightforward platform for managing contacts, tracking leads, and staying organized.

‍

Key features

• Unlimited contacts and companies
• Email logging
• User permissions
• Task management
• Mobile access

Pros

• User-friendly interface: The software is designed with simplicity in mind, making it easy for users, especially those new to CRM systems, to navigate and use without extensive training.
• Affordable pricing: Less Annoying CRM offers a straightforward pricing model with a flat monthly fee and no contracts, making it an affordable option for small businesses with limited budgets.
• Cloud-based access: Being cloud-based allows users to access the CRM from anywhere with an internet connection, providing flexibility and convenience for remote teams.
• Excellent customer support: The company is known for its responsive and friendly customer support, offering personalized assistance without any additional cost.
• Free trial: Less Annoying CRM provides a 30-day free trial, allowing users to explore all its features and determine if it's a good fit for their business before committing financially.

Cons

• Limited advanced features: Compared to more robust CRM systems, Less Annoying CRM lacks some advanced features like marketing automation, advanced analytics, and extensive customization options, which may not be suitable for larger businesses or those with more complex needs.
• Basic reporting capabilities: The reporting features are relatively simple, which may not meet the needs of businesses looking for detailed analytics and insights into their sales and customer interactions.
• Limited integrations: Less Annoying CRM offers fewer integrations with third-party apps compared to some competitors, potentially limiting its utility for businesses relying on a wide range of software tools.
• Customization constraints: The CRM has limited customization options, which might be restrictive for businesses that need a highly tailored CRM solution to fit specific workflows and processes.

Price and plans

• One plan is provided which is $15 per user, per month.

5. Pipedrive

Pipedrive is a CRM for small businesses, offering lead management, automation, email integration, and customizable pipelines to optimize sales.

‍

Key features

• Lead and deal management: Centralized tools to manage customer data, interactions, and sales pipelines, helping teams act quickly on opportunities.
• Sales automation: Workflow automation to handle repetitive tasks, such as lead routing, follow-ups, and email sequences, allowing sales teams to focus on closing deals.
• Email integration: Full email sync, templates, and tracking features, enabling users to manage all communications directly from the CRM.
• Advanced reporting and analytics: Real-time data analytics and custom reporting tools to track sales performance, forecast revenue, and gain actionable insights.
• Customization and security: Options to customize pipelines, fields, and user permissions, with robust security measures to protect data.

Pros

• User-friendly interface: Known for its intuitive and visually appealing interface, making it easy for users to navigate and manage their sales pipelines.
• Sales pipeline focus: Specifically designed for managing sales pipelines, offering a visual approach that helps sales teams track deals and activities effectively.
• Affordability: Offers competitive pricing, making it accessible to small and medium-sized businesses without sacrificing essential CRM features.
• Automation features: Includes automation tools that help streamline repetitive tasks, such as sending follow-up emails and moving deals through the pipeline, saving time and boosting productivity.
• Lead management: Offers effective lead management features, including lead scoring and tracking, which help sales teams prioritize and convert leads more efficiently.

Cons

• Limited advanced features: Lacks some of the more advanced CRM features, such as extensive marketing automation and AI capabilities, which are available in other platforms.
• Basic reporting in lower tiers: The reporting and analytics features in the basic plans are somewhat limited, requiring upgrades to access more in-depth insights.
• Price increases with add-ons: The cost can increase quickly when additional features or integrations are added, making it less cost-effective for businesses with growing needs.
• No free plan: Unlike some other CRM platforms, does not offer a free version, which may be a barrier for very small businesses or startups with limited budgets.=

Price and plans

An annual subscription plan basis is as follows.

• Essential plan: Starts from $14 per user, per month.
• Advanced plan: Starts from $29 per user, per month.
• Power plan: Starts from $64 per user, per month.
• Enterprise plan: Starts from $99 per user, per month.

Conclusion

Choosing the best low cost CRM for your small business in 2024 is crucial for streamlining operations, improving customer relationships, and driving sales. Whether you opt for the all-in-one capabilities of folk, the comprehensive suite of HubSpot, the customizable features of Zoho, the simplicity of Less Annoying CRM, or the sales-focused tools of Pipedrive, each platform offers unique benefits tailored to different needs and budgets. Evaluate your specific requirements, budget constraints, and desired features to make an informed decision. Start by exploring free trials and demos to find the perfect fit for your business. Ready to get started? Try folk for free here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a small business looking for cost-effective CRM solutions use as a CRM?

Founders of small businesses often turn to cost-effective CRM solutions like Folk, Hubspot, Zoho, and Less Annoying CRM. These platforms offer a range of features that help manage customer relationships, automate tasks, and streamline processes without breaking the bank.

Do I need a CRM?

Yes, depending on the complexity of your process. A CRM can significantly improve your ability to manage customer interactions, automate repetitive tasks, and provide valuable insights into your business operations, making it essential for growing businesses.

How much does a CRM cost?

The cost of a CRM can vary widely. Typically, prices range from $15 to $99 per user per month, depending on the features and capabilities offered. Some CRMs also offer free versions with limited functionality, ideal for very small businesses or startups.

Does folk’s CRM respond to low cost CRM for small business needs?

Yes, Folk’s CRM is designed to meet the needs of small businesses looking for a low-cost solution. It offers an intuitive interface, seamless LinkedIn integration, customizable pipelines, and AI-powered features, making it an efficient and cost-effective choice for managing customer relationships and improving business processes.