If you’ve landed on this blog, you’re likely feeling that Salesforce isn’t quite the right fit — whether it’s the cost, complexity, or something else entirely. 

Don’t worry, you’ve got options. In fact, we’re about to walk you through the 12 best Salesforce alternatives for 2024.

What is a CRM?

Before we jump into the best Salesforce alternatives, let’s start with the basics: CRM stands for customer relationship management.

Think of it as the ultimate organizational tool for sales, customer support, and marketing teams. Key functions include:

• Lead and customer management.
• Integrations (email, calendar, accounting software).
• Reporting and analytics.
• Sales pipeline management.
• Administrative and marketing workflow automation.
• Customer service tools.
• Mobile access.

A CRM helps you keep track of everything in one place, automating tasks and freeing up your team to do what they do best.

Salesforce: Why or why not?

Image credit: PCMag

Salesforce is often seen as the giant in the CRM world. But it’s crucial to recognize that it primarily targets large businesses and enterprises, particularly those with over 1,000 employees. So while it’s packed with features, let’s be real: Salesforce is not for everyone — especially small-to-midsized businesses. 

Pros of Salesforce:

Salesforce users most appreciate the platform because of its:

• Rich feature set with tools for collaboration, automation, and business management.
• Strong integration potential.
• Diverse industries served, including professional services, manufacturing, and finance.
• Advanced insights through Einstein Analytics.
• Cloud-based for easy access.
• Robust security measures.

Cons of Salesforce:

While Salesforce is great for businesses with the resources to dedicate to its ongoing usage and maintenance, it comes with several downsides:

• High cost.
• Steep learning curve.
• Overcomplicated for smaller businesses.
• Time-consuming implementation.
• Potential feature overload.
• Requires dedicated maintenance team.
• Performance issues in complex setups.

The sheer number of tools can feel overwhelming, and unless you have a team dedicated to mastering the platform, you may end up paying for features you don’t need or know how to use. Plus, Salesforce comes with a hefty price tag, which makes it less appealing for smaller businesses or those just starting out.

Now, if you’re thinking, “That’s not really what I need,” you’re in the right place. Let’s get into the best alternatives to Salesforce.

Best Salesforce alternatives and competitors

1. Method CRM

Out of all the best Salesforce alternatives, Method is the #1 CRM for QuickBooks and Xero users. The platform is highly customizable, yet user-friendly, making it the perfect solution for your unique needs and workflows.

Method features

• Automated lead capture using web-to-lead forms.
• Seamless syncing of data to and from QuickBooks or Xero.
• 24/7 customer self-service portals for access to documentation and paying invoices.
• A complete view of each customer, including purchase history and interactions.
• Unlimited customization to mold the platform to your business.
• Drag-and-drop tools for workflow automation.
• Automated follow-ups and reminders to keep everything on track.

Method limitations

• Method works best if you are a QuickBooks or Xero user.
• The platform is currently only available in English.

Method pricing

Method CRM has three pricing plans:

• Contact Management: $25 per user per month.
• CRM Pro: $44 per user per month.
• CRM Enterprise: $74 per user per month.

Method CRM offers a free trial with no credit card required. Get started today!

2. Zendesk

Image credit: Mopinion

Primarily recognized for its customer service tools, Zendesk provides a user-friendly platform that focuses on improving support efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Zendesk features

• Powerful service tools like quick and easy support tickets.
• Multi-channel support across email, phone, chat, social media.
• Centralized hub for customer profiles and interaction history.
• Collaboration features between agents and across departments.
• Growing knowledge base for self-service.
• Provides advanced analytics and reporting.
• Integrates with 1,500+ apps through the Zendesk Marketplace.

Zendesk limitations

• Lacks advanced CRM functionalities compared to dedicated CRM platforms.
• Pricing jumps up quickly as you add more features and users.
• May be overkill for very small teams with basic support needs.
• Requires some setup and configuration to unlock full potential.
• AI and automation features are limited on lower-tier plans.

Zendesk pricing

Zendesk offers several pricing plans:

• Build your own: Starts at $19 per month per agent.
• Suite Team: $55 per month per agent.
• Suite Growth: $89 per month per agent.
• Suite Professional: $115 per month per agent.
• Suite Enterprise: Contact their sales team directly.

Zendesk also offers a 14-day free trial.

3. Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central

Image credit: ADMN

Next up on our list of the best Salesforce alternatives is Microsoft Dynamics 365. This comprehensive CRM and ERP solution provides businesses with sales, marketing, and customer service tools for an all-in-one system.

Microsoft Dynamics features

• Native integrations with other Microsoft products like Office 365 and Teams.
• AI-driven insights for smarter decision-making.
• Robust sales and marketing tools.
• Advanced reporting and analytics capabilities for performance tracking.
• Customizable app modules for a tailored business solution.
• Omnichannel engagement tools to support customer interactions via multiple channels.
• Mobile access enables on-the-go updates and management.

Microsoft Dynamics limitations

• Complex, time-consuming setup process.
• Requires a larger budget than other options on this list.
• Steep learning curve that may require training.
• Reported customization challenges and external integration issues.
• Limited out-of-the-box reporting and analytics.

Microsoft Dynamics pricing

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central offers two core pricing plans:

• Essentials: $70 per user per month.
• Premium: $100 per user per month.

You can also add team members to these packages at $8 per user per month, where they get limited access to read data, make approvals, and create or update select information. The platform also offers a 30-day free trial.

4. Zoho CRM

​​Image credit: Discover CRM

Zoho CRM is a cost-effective solution tailored for small to medium-sized businesses. Its flexibility positions it as one of the best Salesforce alternatives for businesses looking for an affordable CRM solution.

Zoho features

• Easy-to-use interface with several integrations.
• Customizable dashboards and reports.
• Automation tools to reduce manual admin tasks.
• An AI-driven assistant, Zia, for predictive analytics and lead scoring.
• Collaboration features for team coordination and project management.
• Mobile access for on-the-go management of customer relationships.

Zoho limitations

• Lacks depth in analytics, customization, and automation compared to some competitors.
• Customer support can be inconsistent, leading to varying user experiences.
• May require additional training for users to fully utilize its capabilities.
• Some integrations may incur additional costs or require separate licenses.
• Performance can be affected when handling large volumes of data.

Zoho pricing

Zoho CRM offers a limited free version for up to 3 users, and offers four paid plans:

• Standard: $20 per user per month.
• Professional: $35 per user per month.
• Enterprise: $50 per user per month.
• Ultimate: $65 per user per month.

If you decide to purchase an annual subscription, Zoho also offers a 20-30% discount depending on your plan.

5. HubSpot CRM

Image credit: PCMag

HubSpot CRM is a user-friendly powerful system with an integrated content management system. Users appreciate HubSpot for its various “hubs” that give them the flexibility to select only the hubs they need, ensuring they pay solely for the services they use.

HubSpot CRM features:

• Free plan to start that allows up to 1,000,000 contacts.
• Easy document uploading and access.
• Email tracking and alerts.
• Strong integration capabilities.
• Contact task management.
• ​​Performance metrics and reporting.

HubSpot CRM limitations:

• Free version has very limited features, especially for customization.
• Costs rise quickly as you add more features and “hubs.”
• The pricing model gets confusing for new users.
• Customer support response times can be lengthy.
• Pricing is based on the number of contacts, which is costly for businesses with large contact lists that only need basic features.

HubSpot CRM pricing:

Hubspot offers a free, limited plan for up to 2 users and three core paid plans:

• Starter Customer Platform: $20 per user per month. There is a 25% discount for annual subscriptions.
• Professional Customer Platform: $1,300 per month for up to 5 users. Additional seats start at $45 per month each. There is a slight discount for annual subscriptions.
• Enterprise Customer Platform: Starts at $4,300 per month for up to 7 users. Additional seats start at $75 per month each.

6. Pipedrive

Image credit: Pipedrive

Known for its intuitive interface, Pipedrive offers a sales-focused CRM that helps teams manage leads and deals effectively, cementing its place among the best Salesforce alternatives for smaller businesses.

Pipedrive features

• Visual dashboards for tracking progress.
• Customizable sales pipelines tailored to unique processes.
• Activity-based selling approach to drive deals towards completion.
• Integrations with over 500 applications for enhanced functionality.
• Smart Contact Data for your leads.
• Lead generation tools, including the LeadBooster add-on.
• Mobile app.

Pipedrive limitations:

• Limited customer support tools.
• Basic features may not meet the needs of complex sales processes.
• Pricing escalates quickly with advanced features.
• Some users report that Pipedrive’s customer service is lacking.
• Limited customization options in lower-tier plans.
• Performance issues when handling large volumes of data.

Pipedrive pricing:

Pipedrive offers five pricing plans:

• Essential: $24 per seat per month.
• Advanced: $44 per seat per month.
• Professional: $64 per seat per month.
• Power: $79 per seat per month.
• Enterprise: $129 per seat per month.

Pipedrive offers an annual discount of 18-42% depending on your chosen plan. There is also a free 14-day trial available.

7. SugarCRM

Image credit: Medium

SugarCRM is known for being a flexible platform with extensive customization and integration options. As one of the best Salesforce alternatives, it helps users manage customer relationships while adapting to their specific processes.

SugarCRM features:

• High level of customization.
• Strong focus on sales and marketing automation.
• AI-driven analytics and insights with extensive reports and dashboards.
• Mobile CRM app for on-the-go access.
• Multilingual and multicurrency support.
• Integration with popular third-party applications.
• Some project management features for team collaboration.

SugarCRM limitations:

• User interface and basic functionality can feel outdated.
• High cost and steep learning curve compared to competitors.
• Limited out-of-the-box customer support tools.
• Occasional performance issues with large datasets.
• Inconsistent customer support experiences reported.
• Customization is complex and time-consuming.

SugarCRM pricing:

SugarCRM offers four pricing models:

• Essentials: $19 per user per month, billed annually, with a 3-user minimum and 9-user maximum.
• Standard: $59 per user per month, billed annually, with a 10-user minimum.
• Advanced: $85 per user per month, billed annually, with a 10-user minimum.
• Premier: $135 per user per month, billed annually, with a 10-user minimum.

SugarCRM also offers a 7-day free trial.

8. Insightly CRM

Image credit: Insightly

Combining project management with CRM capabilities, Insightly is ideal for small-to-midsized businesses that need both customer relationship management and project tracking in one central, user-friendly platform.

Insightly features:

• Project and task management tools built directly into the CRM.
• Customizable fields and layouts for tailored data entry.
• Smooth integration with popular third-party applications.
• Email tracking and communication history for contacts.
• Reporting and analytics tools for performance insights.
• Mobile app for managing projects and contacts on the go.
• Workflow automation for repetitive tasks.

Insightly limitations:

• Lacks more advanced features for complex project management needs.
• Limited customer support options.
• Performance issues when handling extensive data sets.
• Customization options are limited in lower-tier plans.
• Inconsistent user experiences with the mobile app.
• Reporting capabilities are not as robust as those in other CRMs.

Insightly pricing:

Insightly CRM offers three pricing plans:

• Plus: $29 per user per month.
• Professional: $49 per user per month.
• Enterprise: $99 per user per month.

Insightly’s plans are all billed annually. For the Plus and Professional packages, a free 14-day trial is available.

9. Bitrix24

Image credit: Bitrix24

Bitrix24 offers a free or low-cost solution that integrates CRM with collaboration tools. Its affordability and versatility make it one of the best Salesforce alternatives for small businesses looking to drive team productivity.

Bitrix24 features:

• Free version with solid features.
• Built-in collaboration tools like chats and file sharing.
• Strong project and task management capabilities.
• Document management system for storing and sharing files.
• Mobile app.
• Email marketing tools for reaching customers.
• Customizable workflows to automate processes.

Bitrix24 limitations:

• User interface and customization options can be overwhelming.
• Limited integrations with third-party apps.
• Performance issues reported with large teams or data sets.
• Customer support can be slow or inconsistent.
• Limited reporting capabilities.
• Basic functionality may not address your unique business processes.
• Customization options can be complex and time-consuming.

Bitrix24 pricing:

Bitrix24 offers a free basic plan with unlimited users and 5GB of storage. There are four paid plans available:

• Basic: $61 per organization per month, which includes 24GB of storage and 5 users.
• Standard: $124 per organization per month, which includes 100GB of storage and 50 users.
• Professional: $249 per organization per month, which includes 1,024GB of storage and 100 users.
• Enterprise: $499 per organization per month, which includes 3TB of storage and 250 users.

Bitrix24 also offers an annual subscription discount of up to 20%, depending on your chosen plan. A 15-day free trial is available.

10. Oracle NetSuite CRM

Image credit: NetSuite

Part of the comprehensive NetSuite cloud suite, this CRM solution provides a 360-degree view of customers with integrated ERP functionalities, making it one of the best Salesforce alternatives for larger organizations seeking robust financial and operational management.

Oracle NetSuite features:

• Deep reporting and analytics capabilities.
• Fully integrated with Oracle’s ERP.
• Sales force and marketing automation.
• Customer service management tools for handling support requests.
• Partner relationship management for managing partner interactions.
• Customizable dashboards for personalized insights.

Oracle NetSuite limitations:

• Expensive and complex.
• Requires a dedicated IT team for management.
• Steep learning curve for new users.
• Limited flexibility in lower-tier plans.
• Some features may require additional licensing costs.
• Integration challenges with certain third-party applications.
• User interface can feel cluttered or overwhelming at times.

Oracle NetSuite pricing:

Oracle NetSuite CRM does not have pricing information available on their website. You must contact their sales team to get a quote for your business.

11. Copper

Image credit: Salesdorado

Built specifically for Google Workspace users, Copper is an easy-to-use Salesforce alternative that integrates with Gmail and other Google apps for teams to be able to manage customer relationships directly within their existing workflows.

Copper features:

• Natively integrated with Google Workspace.
• Email tracking for monitoring communications with leads.
• Customizable reporting for tailored insights.
• Mobile app to manage tasks and communications.
• Automatic data capture to reduce manual entry efforts.
• Collaboration and communication tools.

Copper limitations:

• Fewer features compared to larger CRMs.
• Customer support isn’t always responsive.
• Copper is best for Gmail users.
• Learning curve with the user interface and advanced functionalities.
• Limited customization options in lower-tier plans.
• Integration challenges with some non-Google applications.
• Pricing can escalate quickly with additional features or users.

Copper pricing:

Copper offers four pricing plans:

• Starter: $12 per seat per month.
• Basic: $29 per seat per month.
• Professional: $69 per seat per month.
• Business: $134 per seat per month.

If you pay for an annual subscription, you can also get up to 26% off depending on your chosen plan. Copper also offers a 14-day free trial.

12. Keap

Image credit: Keap

Formerly known as Infusionsoft, Keap combines CRM with marketing automation features tailored for small businesses, helping them manage their sales processes while nurturing leads through targeted campaigns.

Keap features:

• Simple, drag-and-drop workflows.
• Sales pipeline management for tracking deals.
• Automated follow-ups to nurture leads.
• Integration with popular third-party applications.
• Reporting tools for analyzing business performance.
• Mobile app for managing tasks and communications on the go.
• E-commerce capabilities for managing online sales.

Keap limitations:

• Limited customization options.
• Costly if you have many required contacts or users.
• Customer support can be inconsistent or slow to respond.
• Performance issues reported with larger data sets.
• Fewer automation features compared to larger CRMs.
• Integration challenges with certain specialized tools.

Keap pricing:

Keap charges based on your number of required contacts and users. Plans have a minimum of 2 users and 1,500 contacts — pricing starts at $299 per month with a 17% discount if you pay annually.

How to choose the right CRM for you

Out of all these best Salesforce alternatives, here’s how to find the perfect CRM solution for your unique business needs:

1. Assess your goals and software requirements.
2. Compare features, functionality, and pricing.
3. Review customer feedback and case studies.
4. Test with free trials or demos.
5. Plan for implementation and training.

Wrap-up: Best Salesforce alternatives

No matter your business size or needs, there’s a CRM out there that can work for you. The key is finding one that aligns with your goals, is easy to use, and doesn’t break the bank. Overall, your twelve best Salesforce alternatives are:

1. Method CRM.
2. Zendesk.
3. Microsoft Dynamics 365.
4. Zoho CRM.
5. HubSpot CRM.
6. Pipedrive.
7. SugarCRM.
8. Insightly.
9. Bitrix24.
10. Oracle NetSuite CRM.
11. Copper.
12. Keap.

If you use QuickBooks or Xero, your choice is a no-brainer. Method syncs with your accounting software both ways to keep your financial data secure and your lead and customer data available to everyone who needs it.

Try Method free for 14 days.

Best Salesforce alternatives FAQs

Is CRM software only for large businesses?

No, businesses of all sizes can benefit from a CRM. Many options cater directly to small businesses to help them grow while staying organized.

Is there a better CRM than Salesforce?

“Better” depends on your needs. For some businesses, Method CRM’s customizability or HubSpot’s free plan may be a better fit than Salesforce.

Can small businesses use CRM?

Yes, small businesses benefit greatly from a CRM, especially as they begin to scale. CRM software helps even the smallest organizations manage customer relationships efficiently.

What are the benefits of a CRM?

A CRM system provides several benefits, including better customer service, increased sales, greater customer retention, detailed analytics, and enhanced team productivity and efficiency.

The post 12 best Salesforce alternatives for 2024 appeared first on Method.

The best part about sales software is that it generates reports that are accessible to everyone in your company — from sales reps to management.

Read on to learn how sales software:

• Helps predict trends and forecast future sales.
• Improves ecommerce revenue.
• Consolidates sales data into detailed analytics.
• Boosts web traffic.

Let’s jump in!

What is sales reporting software?

At its core, sales reporting software generates comprehensive reports on your sales performance. 

Using key performance indicators (KPIs), it gives you detailed insights into your sales pipeline so you can monitor and optimize sales processes. With this information, you can simplify your sales pipeline and better understand your customers.

Sales reporting software aggregates data from multiple sources to:

• Present detailed sales reports.
• Improve marketing campaign performance.
• Convert leads to cash.
• Align sales goals with financial resources.

How does sales reporting software work?

Sales reporting software tracks sales performance by integrating with your business platforms. It pulls data from your: 

• Accounting software (such as QuickBooks or Xero). 
• Communication channels including emails. 
• Customer database and sales history.

Sales reporting software analyzes sales data from these platforms so businesses can make informed financial decisions.

Different types of sales reporting software

Cloud-based solutions for sales reporting

Cloud-based software gives you the flexibility to work from anywhere with an internet connection. Whether you’re working from your home office or at a job site, sales reporting software provides real-time updates you can access from anywhere at any time. 

You can also use many cloud-based solutions on your mobile device, so the most up-to-date information is always at your fingertips.

On-premise solutions for sales reporting

Some companies only allow access to their sales data from a specific physical location, such as their office address. This is typically done for sensitive data. By ensuring that your sales software is only reachable from a secure company server, you can monitor access more effectively.

Drawing from our experience, entrepreneurs and small-to-midsize business owners generally prefer cloud-based software as it provides better flexibility and is still secure with password protection and two-factor authentication. When you compare it to using basic Excel spreadsheets, a cloud-based sales software is much more secure. 

On the other hand, larger companies and enterprises that are more susceptible to data leaks may prefer an on-premise sales reporting solution that they can lock behind key cards.

Understanding the benefits of using sales reporting software

Generating comprehensive reports with your software

Of course, the most important of this software’s key features is its ability to generate detailed reports. Sales reporting software synthesizes data for easy understanding and reduces the time spent gathering it. It can track everything from your sales trends to accounting information. 

Cloud-based sales reporting software updates reports in real time to give teams the most up-to-date information. Real-time reporting is a powerful tool for managers leading a marketing or sales team, as it keeps everyone on the same page.

Organizing automated data with your software

Sales reporting software automates report generation to interpret sales metrics for you. It then lets you order this information however you like for you to filter and understand it. 

Also, sales reporting software allows for drill-down into specific data to make it easy to evaluate sales numbers and fine-tune your strategy.

Integrating with your sales dashboard

A reliable sales software integrates seamlessly with your other platforms so you aren’t jumping between dashboards. This integration ensures you’re displaying KPIs accurately and in real time.

Some sales reporting software offers customizable dashboards that are designed around your specific business needs. Consider a no-code customization option if you don’t want to hire a developer to personalize your system.

Assessing the features of a good sales reporting solution

Comprehensive reports and dashboard integration: A must-have

Sales reporting software streamlines data management by organizing all your sales information in one dashboard. Without this, your information would be scattered across multiple platforms and you’d have to track it manually. With enough to manage in your business already, why not let sales software take care of reporting for you?

You can help your sales teams recognize their performance by making detailed reports easily accessible from a central dashboard. The best part is that sales reporting software compares current and past performance so you can optimize your marketing efforts and target the right customers.

Real-time data and actionable insights

The best sales software features real-time data sync. This helps your teams move quickly by updating customer data in real time across your platforms. 

With this data, sales reporting software presents actionable insights to help your team make informed decisions throughout the sales process.

Automated reports and alerts

Sales reporting software monitors sales trends and automates reports around them, so you can guide marketing efforts with current best practices in mind. This keeps your attention on priorities, instead of spending time manually compiling reports. 

Additionally, combined with real-time updates, sales reporting software provides automated alerts so teams can react to changes as they happen. This way, you ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Factors to consider when selecting a sales reporting solution

The importance of user interface and usability

A user-friendly interface simplifies the learning curve for your team. This reduces onboarding time and helps you figure issues out without needing to contact support. Finding a sales software with an intuitive interface is crucial for companies that don’t want to spend time and resources on training.

Evaluating pricing model options

Some sales software won’t fully meet your needs, while others are bloated with features you’ll never use (but still pay for). Consider software that’s cost-effective and gives you the flexibility to customize your features. That way, you know you’re getting value for the pricetag.

Integration with existing systems and tools: A crucial factor

Make a list of the critical software you’re already using at your company. Consider your accounting software and email system. A good sales reporting software integrates with other business tools, so choose one that works well with software you already use for a smooth transition.

Ensuring robust security features

Data security is a huge issue in modern-day business. Companies of any size are at risk, so it’s important to consider how sales software keeps your information safe. When choosing one, ensure that it has security protections like two-factor authentication.

Checking for scalability and flexibility

Do you want your company to grow in the next few years? Some sales software restrict growth due to limitations on contact list size or custom fields. This is restrictive to many companies when it comes to converting prospects and closing deals. So, make sure to go with a software solution that scales alongside you. 

Top sales reporting software to consider in 2024

Method CRM

If you use QuickBooks or Xero for your accounting, then Method is your top choice. 

Method integrates with your accounting software for seamless, real-time synchronization — so you don’t need to wait or worry about data loss. 

Best of all, the platform has no-code customization options, so you don’t need to hire a developer to personalize your system. A free hour of customization with Method’s professional services team is included with your subscription, so you can work with an expert right from the start at no extra charge. 

Method scales with business growth, making it a reliable choice for companies of any size. See if Method is the right fit for your business with its 14-day free trial.

Pros

• Two-way, instant data sync with QuickBooks and Xero.
• Drag-and-drop, no-code customization.
• Offers several third-party integrations like Zapier, Outlook, MailChimp, and Google.
• Has a mobile app for on-the-go access from your phone.

Cons

• Only available in English.
• Limited to QuickBooks and Xero users.

Pricing

• Contact Management: $25 per user a month.
• Pro: $44 per user a month.
• Enterprise: $74 per user a month.

HubSpot Reporting

Image credit: Hubspot

HubSpot is a popular option with several sales reporting features. It offers pre-made templates for high-level reporting and detailed dashboards. 

However, some businesses find limitations in HubSpot’s restrictions around analytics and custom fields. The platform has a huge range of features that some companies will appreciate, while others might find it overwhelming.

Pros

• Intuitive dashboard.
• Selective pricing plan lets you pay only for the features you’ll use.
• Courses available through HubSpot Academy.

Cons

• Strict limit of 1,000 custom fields.
• Limited customization for different industries.
• Analytics are not as detailed as competitors.
• Costly compared to competitors.

Pricing

• Free: No cost, but comes with very limited features.
• Starter: Starts at $18 per user a month.
• Professional: Starts at $800 per user a month.
• Enterprise: Starts at $3,600 per user a month.

Salesforce Tableau Analytics

Image credit: Tableau

Salesforce offers this product, which focuses specifically on data reporting. Tableau’s sales reporting software facilitates sales forecasting using AI to recommend strategies and predict answers to business questions. It can scale with your business and offers detailed charts to visualize performance. 

However, users have experienced difficulty getting help from support, experiencing long wait times and unhelpful answers.

Pros

• Detailed reports.
• Easy to create graphs and charts.
• User-friendly interface.

Cons

• No two-way QuickBooks or Xero sync.
• Difficult to speak with a real customer service rep.
• Costly pricing plans.

Pricing

• Tableau Viewer: $180 per user a year.
• Tableau Explorer: $504 per user a year.
• Tableau Creator: $900 per user a year.

Zendesk Sell

Image credit: Mopinion

Zendesk’s sales reporting software highlights potential sales opportunities with advanced analytics and reporting tools. It automates workflows and filters your contacts to improve productivity. 

Some companies enjoy its large suite of features, while others don’t need everything it has to offer and find the platform overwhelming.

Pros

• Custom lists with the ability to filter data.
• Powerful automation for improved workflows.
• Ability to send bulk emails and reminder emails.

Cons

• User interface is not intuitive.
• Reports of email integration problems.
• Task automation and custom reports are only available through higher-tier plans.

Pricing

• Sell Team: $19 per user a month.
• Sell Growth: $55 per user a month.
• Sell Professional: $115 per user a month.

InsightSquared

Image credit: SaaSworthy

InsightSquared sales reporting software highlights potential sales opportunities in real time. Examples of its unique features include recording calls to help you guide your team and a coaching virtual assistant with machine learning capabilities. The reports it generates are detailed and provide good oversight of financial activities. 

That said, users find limitations on how far they can customize the dashboard, which leads to issues with collaboration and communication. 

Pros

• Great visualization of data through graphs and charts.
• Good representation of data at a macro and micro level.
• Accurate reports with helpful insights.

Cons

• Limitations on how many platforms it can integrate with.
• Pricey for smaller organizations.
• Requires longer training and setup to get started.
• Dashboard is not user-friendly.

Pricing

InsightSquared does not list pricing on their website. Costs are dependent on the specific features you request, so you’ll have to speak with their reps to get an exact price.

How to choose the right sales reporting platform for your needs

Inside or outside sales reporting: Making the right choice

Do you sell your products and services online or with phone calls? If so, a sales software that specializes in inside sales is a better fit for your company. 

On the other hand, if you regularly hire a contractor or travel somewhere such as a construction site, customer’s home, or other external address, then you’ll want software that offers outside sales reporting features. 

Software with features for outside sales considers things that come up when a rep makes an in-person visit, like: 

• Vehicle mileage. 
• Automated routes. 
• Visit history.

These are all additional financial factors that you need to account for.

Some sales software offer features for both inside and outside sales reporting.

Identifying the type of sales data to report on

Sales reporting software measures key sales metrics on:

• Team performance.
• Email campaigns.
• Ecommerce sales.
• Accounts receivable and accounts payable.

Sales reporting software simplifies data visualization and can compile these numbers for easy analysis. Your job is to identify what metrics your business will need to measure when choosing your sales software.

Tracking multi-channel sales activity: A key requirement

What channels do you represent your company on? Think about the different areas you need your sales software to track, such as:

• Ecommerce sites.
• Social media platforms.
• Web traffic.
• Email marketing.
• Accounting software.

Make a list of these channels for you to cross-compare with the sales software that you’re considering to find the best fit. Sales reporting software assists in strategic decision making, so the more channels your reporting software integrates with, the better.

Assessing the ease of building reports

Sales reporting software exports data for further analysis, but not all your choices will be easy to use. Or, they may have so many features that getting the reports you need requires jumping through hoops. 

The point is to make your job easier — not more time-consuming. Consider the size of your company and what features you need when evaluating a software. Also, look at the:

• User-friendliness of the interface.
• Capacity to present data visually, like as a graph.
• Details included in the software’s automatic reports.

Determining the level of customization available

Customization gives you the greatest flexibility when it comes to finding sales software that meets your needs. As every business is unique, not every software will work for you right out of the box. A no-code platform lets you customize without hiring a developer.

Considering the need for activity-level reporting

Sales reporting software filters data based on specified criteria. You can filter information to highlight individual tasks, calls, or emails for a closer look into individual activities.

Checking the software’s field usability

If you need to access vital information on the go, then sales software with mobile capabilities is a must. This way, your sales reps can receive updates and respond promptly, even if they’re out in the field. Look for sales software that offers a phone app for the best mobile functionality.

Evaluating automated notification features

Stay in the action with software that automatically notifies you of changes in real time. The best way that sales reporting software optimizes sales processes is by letting you respond to changes as they’re happening. This improves the efficiency of your team and overall workflow.

Figuring out which sales reporting tool is right for your business

Your sales software should be able to meet most, if not all, your requirements — or provide customization to fill in the blanks. Think carefully about what you need in a software before making any commitments. Also, reviews from other users and free trial periods will further progress your decision.

When choosing your sales software, you must consider:

• The size of your company.
• Your potential for future growth.
• Where you interact with your customers (online or in-person).
• What platforms you’re currently using.
• What metrics you want to measure.

Key takeaways

Sales reporting software promotes operational efficiency and boosts cashflow through automation and high-level analytics. The best sales software includes these features:

• Real-time data sync and automation.
• Integration with multiple platforms.
• Accurate sales forecasting.
• No-code customization.
• The ability to visualize your data through graphs and charts.

With this in mind, you’re fully equipped to make the best decision for your business.

Sales reporting software FAQs

How crucial is ease of use in sales reporting software?

An intuitive interface is crucial as it ensures you can harness the full potential of the software. This is critical if you don’t want to spend a lot of time training teams on the software before you can start using it.

How does sales reporting software boost business productivity?

Sales reporting software evaluates sales team performance to fix bottlenecks and areas in need of improvement. It boosts team productivity by automating repetitive tasks and reducing the risk of human error.

How can customization enhance my experience with sales reporting software?

Finding a sales software that ticks every box can be challenging. Software that lets you customize your features ensures you can get the best fit possible for your business. 

Look for a solution that offers a no-code solution such as Method, which also includes a free hour of customization with their professional team.

Get your hands on a top CRM system with your free trial of Method CRM!

Image credit: Mikhail Nilov via Pexels

The post Top best sales reporting software 2024 appeared first on Method.