But as popular as HubSpot is, it doesn’t tick all the boxes for many businesses for various reasons. Whether it is the price, complexity, or it’s simply not a fit for your business, there are a number of options that might work better for you.

Since you’re here, we wager you’re still looking for that perfect fit. In this article, you’ll uncover the eight best HubSpot alternatives that may be the ideal solution for you.

But first, let’s look at HubSpot itself.

HubSpot Overview

Image Credit: PCMag

HubSpot is a cloud-based CRM software used to handle the marketing, sales, and customer service of a business. 

It is primarily known for its all-in-one nature, from email campaigns to lead tracking and even content and contact management. Through your selection of “hubs,” you get a suite of key features that allow you to simplify operations and genuinely improve customer relationships. And the best part is, it’s user-friendly…  until it isn’t (but we’ll get into that shortly).

HubSpot: Why or why not?

HubSpot is a popular CRM for a reason — it has its perks. Here’s why some businesses love it:

• All-in-one solution: HubSpot covers inbound marketing, sales, customer service, and even website building.  
• Free plan: HubSpot’s free CRM offers quite a few basic features to small businesses without having them pay in the process. 
• User-friendly interface: Its clean, intuitive interface means your team can jump in with little training.
• Rich integrations: HubSpot works well with tons of other tools, making your life easier.
• Support and resources: The platform offers extensive tutorials and an academy to help you become a CRM pro.

That said, HubSpot also has its downsides:

• Costs escalation: You see that free plan? Once you outgrow it, expect prices to climb fast, especially for advanced features.
• Customization limitations: While you can tweak it, HubSpot’s customization is more rigid than you might like.
• Overkill for small teams: HubSpot can feel like too much if you only need the basics.
• Complex setup for larger teams: Managing a larger marketing team with this system can take more time. A dedicated admin might be necessary to keep everything running smoothly.
• User-friendliness drops off: Managing the platform can get tricky as your business grows. Adding extra tools like Sales Hub and Marketing Hub might make things feel a bit overwhelming.

Your 8 Best HubSpot Alternatives

1. Method CRM

Method CRM is the ideal CRM for small businesses using QuickBooks or Xero. It connects to your accounting data both ways, meaning any changes on one end instantly reflect on the other. Method also features a 24/7 self-service portal for customer payments and documentation, plus near-limitless customization to build a system that works around your business needs and goals.

Pros

• Seamless integration with QuickBooks and Xero.
• 24/7 customer self-service portal.
• Dedicated customization team.
• A complete view of customer interactions.
• Automated follow-ups and reminders.
• Fully customizable sales dashboards and workflows.

Cons

• Best suited for QuickBooks or Xero users.
• Available only in English.

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.

2. Zoho CRM

Image credit: Discover CRM

Zoho CRM is among the best HubSpot alternatives for small-to-medium-sized businesses. Zoho CRM combines a user-friendly interface with extensive integration options, providing an all-in-one solution for businesses. Its custom sales dashboards and automation simplify even complex sales processes.

Pros

• Simple for non-tech users.
• AI assistant Zia offers predictive insights to boost productivity.
• Strong mobile access for remote teams.
• Strong dedication to user data privacy and security.

Cons

• Extra charges for certain integrations.
• Some advanced features come with a learning curve.
• Lower reporting capabilities compared to some competitors.
• Large datasets may slow down performance.

Pricing

Zoho CRM offers a limited free version for up to 3 users and 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.

Depending on your plan, you will qualify for a 20-34% discount if you purchase an annual subscription.

3. Pipedrive

Image credit: Pipedrive

Next up on our list of the best HubSpot alternatives is Pipedrive. This platform is laser-focused on sales, making it a top choice for small and medium-sized businesses looking to grow their profits. Its visual pipelines make it easy for teams to manage leads and deals.

Pros

• Integration with over 500 third-party applications enhances functionality.
• Easy to navigate.
• Unlimited, customizable sales pipelines.
• AI Sales Assistant delivers actionable insights.

Cons

• Lower-tier plans offer fewer customization options.
• Basic features cannot support complex sales processes.
• Prices increase quickly with advanced features.
• Limited reporting customization.

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, and a free 14-day trial.

4. ActiveCampaign

Image credit: ActiveCampaign

ActiveCampaign stands apart due to its marketing automation platform, which it combines with email marketing and a CRM platform. It is an ideal HubSpot alternative for small to medium-sized businesses, entrepreneurs, and marketing agencies. 

Pros

• Unlimited email sends, even at lower tiers.
• Advanced lead scoring and segmentation.
• Strong marketing automation tools.
• Free migration for seamless onboarding.

Cons

• Limited integrations on lower-tier pricing plans.
• Its free trial is quite limited to 100 contacts and 100 emails.
• Limited customization options for email templates.
• Steep learning curve for advanced features.

Pricing

ActiveCampaign offers a free 14-day trial and four pricing plans:

• Starter: $15 per month for a single user.
• Plus: $49 per month for a single user.
• Pro: $79 per month for three users.
• Enterprise: $145 per month for five users.

ActiveCampaign offers a 20% annual discount on all plans.

5. Zendesk

Image credit: Mopinion

Zendesk fuses CRM and customer service into one, providing multi-channel support via email, chat, and phone. Its user interface is friendly and makes customer interactions easier and more thorough.

Pros

• Easy to use, even with minimal training.
• Multi-channel customer support.
• Strong automation capabilities.
• Customer history tracking across mediums or departments.
• Integration with 1,500+ apps through the Zendesk Marketplace.

Cons

• Expensive for smaller businesses.
• User interface is not intuitive or customizable.
• Limited AI and automation features on lower-price tiers.
• Pricing jumps up quickly as you add more features and users.

Pricing

Zendesk offers several pricing plans:

• Build your own: Starts at $19 per month per agent.
• Suite Team: $69 per month per agent.
• Suite Growth: $115 per month per agent.
• Suite Professional: $149 per month per agent.
• Suite Enterprise: $219 per month per agent.

Zendesk also offers a 14-day free trial.

6. Insightly

Image credit: Capterra

Insightly is an all-in-one CRM and project management tool that helps businesses organize their sales, marketing, and customer service processes — cementing it as one of the best HubSpot alternatives. It can also track projects, contacts, and tasks to foster collaboration and productivity.

Pros

• Effective lead and contact management across all pricing plans.
• Supports mass emailing (with some limits on lower-tier plans).
• Project and task management tools are built directly into the CRM.
• Customizable fields and layouts for tailored data entry.
• Integrates with many third-party apps.

Cons

• Fewer customer support options.
• May slow down when handling large data sets.
• Lower-tier plans offer fewer customization options.
• Mobile app experiences can be inconsistent.
• Reporting features aren’t as advanced as competitors.

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.

7. Keap

Image credit: Keap

Formerly known as Infusionsoft, Keap is a comprehensive CRM and marketing automation platform. It’s designed for small-to-medium-sized businesses that need to capture leads, manage contacts, and automate sales and marketing processes.

Pros

• Intuitive interface.
• Advanced automation for everything from emails to workflows.
• Lead capture through forms, landing pages, and social media.
• Built-in payment processing tools.
• Integrated email and SMS marketing features.

Cons

• Higher price compared to competitors.
• Costs increase rapidly as your contact list grows.
• Fees for necessary integrations.
• Fewer third-party tool connections compared to other CRMs.

Pricing

Keap’s pricing is tiered based on the number of contacts and users you need. The minimum plan starts at 2 users and 1,500 contacts, with a monthly cost of $299. You can also save 17% by opting for annual payment.

8. Copper CRM

Keap’s pricing is tiered based on the number of contacts and users you need. The minimum plan starts at 2 users and 1,500 contacts, with a monthly cost of $299. You can also save 17% by opting for annual payment.

Image Credit: Salesdorado

Designed for businesses using Google Workspace, Copper CRM simplifies lead and deal tracking with robust collaboration and automation tools.

Pros

• Efficiently organizes leads and sales pipelines.
• Built-in tools for sales management.
• Automates repetitive tasks to focus on closing deals.
• Tools for teamwork and communication.
• Easy contact organization.

Cons

• Slow performance, especially with large datasets.
• Limited functionality compared to advanced CRMs.
• Constant email open alerts can get annoying.
• Some third-party app integrations can be tricky.

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.

Annual subscriptions come with discounts of up to 26%. Copper also offers a 14-day free trial.

Making your choice from the best HubSpot alternatives

It’s okay if you’re still wondering which of these best HubSpot alternatives to choose. Every business is unique, and your needs are radically different from those around you. 

Choose a CRM based on your business goals and requirements, but you’ll want to prioritize the following necessities: 

Administrative automation

Save time by choosing a CRM that includes workflow automation features for routine tasks like: 

• Lead generation and management.
• Everyday sales processes.
• Follow-up reminders.
• Task management and scheduling.

Email marketing

Your email marketing strategy is often the lifeblood of your business growth. Ensure your CRM supports bulk emails, campaigns, and integrations like A/B testing, landing page builders, and email templates.

Analytics and alerts

Strong custom report features and real-time alerts are key for: 

• Tracking performance.
• Improving your conversion rates.
• Making informed choices. 

These are crucial to the success of your sales team.

Invoicing and payments

The best HubSpot alternatives all have invoicing and payment tools integrated into them. With these tools, you can speed up your financial processes and enhance your customers’ experiences for increased sales. Not to mention, you get paid for your work faster and more reliably.

Integration with your existing tools

Purchasing a CRM tool shouldn’t translate into discarding the tools you know and love, such as QuickBooks, for example. Go for one that can integrate with your existing systems. That way, you won’t have to start fresh. 

Wrap-up: What’s the best HubSpot alternative for you?

At the end of the day, the right software choice for you is decided by your needs and goals as a business. If HubSpot isn’t the right call for your business, consider these alternatives:

1. Method CRM.
2. Zoho CRM.
3. Pipedrive.
4. ActiveCampaign.
5. Zendesk.
6. Insightly.
7. Keap.
8. Copper CRM.

With so many solid options, it’s beneficial to do the research and try before you buy. That said, if you’re already a QuickBooks or Xero user, your best bet is clear as day. Method connects with your accounting software data both ways to give you a complete view of your business, without impacting your sensitive financial information.

 Stop spending time on the same tasks every day. Ready to give Method a try?

Best HubSpot alternatives FAQs

Is HubSpot CRM free to use?

Yes, but the free version has limited functionality and customization options. Growing businesses usually upgrade for more features, which very quickly gets costly.

Do CRM costs increase over time?

Yes, CRM costs increase over time — especially as you add features or upgrade plans. This is typical for CRMs like HubSpot that charge individually for advanced tools.

Is HubSpot CRM difficult to implement?

Implementing HubSpot CRM is easy at first, but becomes more complex as you add on additional hubs. Users often find managing its pricing model tricky.

How do I switch CRMs?

Switching CRMs can be tedious as it requires careful planning, execution, and data management. However, some providers, like Method CRM, have dedicated teams to assist with the transition, making the switch smoother by helping with data migration and setup.

The post The 8 best HubSpot alternatives for every business in 2024  appeared first on Method.

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 focus is on solutions that: 

• Support comprehensive customer relationship management.
• Integrate seamlessly with existing systems.
• Feature advanced analytics tools.

Creatio is a popular option for meeting these requirements, but there are substitutes out there that:

• Support more comprehensive CRM functionalities.
• Allow for greater scalability and flexibility.
• Deliver better customer support services.

With that in mind, this blog contains your top five Creatio competitors/alternatives to grow your business — instead of just running it.

What’s Creatio?

Image credit: Creatio

Creatio is a powerful CRM software that stands out for its low-code platform, enabling businesses to automate workflows and processes efficiently. It offers a comprehensive suite of applications for sales, marketing, and service, making it a versatile solution for organizations looking to simplify their operations and enhance customer interactions. 

The core functionalities of Creatio include: 

• Robust automation tools.
• Customization flexibility with several options.
• Seamless integration capabilities.

Why consider alternatives to Creatio?

Possible reasons to consider Creatio competitors/alternatives include:

• Other contenders require lower overall investment costs.
• Scalability issues for rapidly growing companies.
• Limited advanced analytics and reporting tools.
• If you need a platform to offer enhanced customization options.
• Better third-party integration range with specific ERP systems.

For your unique business needs, you need a platform that can deliver higher performance and reliability — one that:

1. Scales as the business grows.
2. Offers deep insights into the behaviors of your customers.
3. Promises superior project and process management tools.
4. Can boast a wider range of third-party integrations.

Top 5 Creatio competitors 2024

You’ve probably heard of the big SaaS CRM apps out there, like Salesforce Sales Cloud. But, you must research, compare, and evaluate all the competition — even the lesser-known counterparts — in order to best meet your business needs. 

With that in mind, these top five Creatio competitors/alternatives were selected based on: 

• Market performance.
• User reviews.
• Features and functionalities.

Method

Method is ideal for small to medium-sized businesses across various industries, especially those that use QuickBooks for their financial operations. Transform estimates to invoices in seconds, then send them off to get paid online immediately through personalized customer portals.

The platform:

• Offers seamless QuickBooks integration.
• Features customizable workflows and task automation.
• Provides a user-friendly interface and intuitive design.
• Supports extensive customer support and service management.
• Lets you automate tasks to save time and money.

Workbooks

Image credit: Workbooks 

Workbooks CRM is well-suited for medium-sized enterprises and organizations in sectors like financial services and professional services, where data security and customization are paramount.

Workbooks is popular for its:

• Competitive pricing model.
• High degree of customizability.
• Excellent data security measures.

Pipedrive

Image credit: Pipedrive

Pipedrive focuses on delivering an exceptional user experience with a clean and simple interface, making it an excellent choice for sales teams looking to streamline their sales processes.

It offers:

• Highly intuitive sales pipeline management.
• Advanced email marketing tools.
• Comprehensive sales force automation.

ProcessMaker

Image credit: ProcessMaker

ProcessMaker is ideal for businesses and departments that need robust process management and workflow automation tools, such as finance, HR, and operations.

Users appreciate ProcessMaker for its:

• Superior workflow automation.
• Advanced process management capabilities.
• Flexible integration with various FSM, ERP, and CRM systems.

Zoho CRM

Image credit: Discover CRM

Zoho CRM’s extensive ecosystem and integrations make it a valuable solution for businesses looking for a holistic approach to customer relationship management.

Zoho is a popular option for its:

• Extensive CRM functionality.
• Wide range of third-party integrations.
• Comprehensive analytics and reporting tools.

Things to consider while choosing Creatio alternatives

When considering Creatio competitors/alternatives, make sure you consider:

• Overall investment cost.
• Scalability to accommodate business growth.
• Flexibility and customization capabilities.
• Range of integration options.
• Ease of workflow automation.
• Robustness of data security measures.
• High user satisfaction levels.

What makes Method a great alternative to Creatio?

Particularly for QuickBooks and Xero users, Method is the ideal CRM solution because of its:

• Features that provide superior integration capabilities with your accounting software.
• Enhanced workflow automation features.
• More competitive pricing model.
• Easier customization and user interface design.

Key takeaways

In a nutshell, here are your top five Creatio competitors/alternatives:

• Method: Best for QuickBooks integration and small to medium-sized businesses.
• Workbooks: Ideal for high customizability and data security.
• Pipedrive: Excels in sales pipeline management and user experience.
• ProcessMaker: Best for workflow automation and process management.
• Zoho CRM: Offers comprehensive CRM functionalities and integrations.

Creation competitors/alternatives FAQs

Which Creatio alternative offers ease of use in creating business applications?

Method is particularly user-friendly when it comes to creating business applications. Its low-code platform allows businesses to easily customize workflows and processes without extensive technical knowledge. Its intuitive design and seamless QuickBooks integration make it an ideal choice for businesses seeking straightforward application development.

Are there Creatio alternatives that focus on project and process management?

Workbooks CRM, while primarily a customer relationship management platform, does offer some capabilities that support project management tasks. These are geared towards managing customer-related projects and integrating them with other sales, marketing, and service activities. 

What alternatives to Creatio offer comprehensive CRM capabilities?

Method offers extensive CRM functionalities, including: 

• Advanced workflow automation.
• Flexible customization options.
• Seamless integrations. 

Its focus on enhancing customer relationship management through user-friendly design and powerful automation tools makes it an excellent choice for businesses looking for a comprehensive CRM solution.

Ready to try the #1 Creatio alternative for QuickBooks and Xero users?

The post Top Creatio competitors and alternatives in 2024 appeared first on Method.

You’ll learn:

• The different features of Oracle NetSuite vs. QuickBooks.
• Pricing structures and user reviews of each software.
• Which software is best for your business.

Whether you’re looking to switch solutions, or are seeking clarity on which software aligns with your business objectives, this guide gives you a clear path to make the right decision.

Let’s get started!

What is QuickBooks?

Intuit’s QuickBooks is an accounting solution that facilitates your everyday financial operations, including accounts receivable and payable management. This software is tailored for the accounting and bookkeeping needs of small and medium-sized organizations. Key features of QuickBooks include:

• An intuitive layout tailored to the financial tasks of your business. 
• Integrations with third-party applications.
• Customization options for your unique business needs.

QuickBooks Online

Image credit: Intuit QuickBooks

QuickBooks Online is a cloud-based solution that empowers you with access to your financial data from any location with an internet connection. If you’re someone who’s on the move, this flexibility is crucial to help you handle your business’ financial matters from anywhere. As a result, you ensure you’re always connected and in control.

QuickBooks Enterprise

Image credit: Intuit QuickBooks

As the most robust QuickBooks version, QuickBooks Enterprise meets the advanced accounting requirements of larger enterprises. It provides enhanced functionalities that include:

• Payroll processing.
• Adaptable pricing models.
• Detailed inventory management. 

QuickBooks Enterprise also accommodates a greater volume of users concurrently. This makes it perfect for industries like manufacturing and wholesale, where these features are essential for operational efficiency.

What is Oracle NetSuite?

Image credit: NetSuite

Oracle NetSuite is a powerful enterprise resource planning (ERP) system that extends beyond simple bookkeeping. In one package, it integrates advanced functionalities in:

• Accounting.
• ERP.
• Customer relationship management (CRM).
• E-commerce.

As an ERP solution, NetSuite simplifies and automates your operational and financial planning tasks. Because of this, it serves as a solid choice for medium-to-large-scale enterprises.

NetSuite stands out as it simplifies complex business processes and offers a unified platform for complete visibility. Its automation capabilities are particularly beneficial for companies looking to improve operational efficiency and achieve scalability.

Is Oracle the same as NetSuite?

Before comparing Oracle vs. QuickBooks, it’s crucial to understand if “Oracle” and “NetSuite” are the same thing.

Oracle is a global technology firm known for its database and enterprise software products. NetSuite, on the other hand, is a cloud-based ERP solutions provider now owned by Oracle. 

The connection between the two is that Oracle acquired NetSuite in 2016. Despite the acquisition, NetSuite still functions independently within Oracle. It offers specialized ERP and business management solutions to any consumer — not just to those who use other Oracle products.

Oracle NetSuite vs. QuickBooks features overview

When it comes to comparing Oracle NetSuite vs. QuickBooks, it’s crucial to evaluate their features against each other. NetSuite offers the same accounting functions as QuickBooks in addition to a wider range of workflow options. In contrast, QuickBooks focuses on delivering essential accounting functionalities without ERP complexities.

Let’s look into some of their main features: 

Customer relationship management (CRM)

NetSuite has an built-in CRM system, so you can manage: 

• Customer relationships.
• Sales pipelines.
• Operational activities. 

While QuickBooks lacks a native CRM solution, it supports integration with external CRM applications for simpler customer management.

Meet Method: your most vital partner (MVP)

Consider Method CRM as your perfect solution to expand the limits of QuickBooks. With its two-way, real-time sync with QuickBooks, Method automates your entire lead-to-cash cycle. With Method, you can grow your business, not your stress.

To elevate your business, start your free trial with Method.

Enterprise resource planning (ERP)

Although basic QuickBooks versions offer limited ERP functionalities, QuickBooks Enterprise provides a solution that covers: 

• Payment tracking.
• Inventory management.
• Payroll processing.
• E-commerce capabilities.

These features all aim to enhance your financial outcomes. 

On the other hand, NetSuite mirrors these features, but for a larger volume of transactions. It offers deeper scalability and more extensive ERP functionality.

Financial Management

NetSuite offers powerful financial management capabilities that are part of its ERP suite, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash management, and real-time financial reporting.

QuickBooks is renowned for its financial management features, including invoicing, expense tracking, and financial reporting. While it offers a strong set of tools for small to medium-sized businesses, it may not scale as efficiently as NetSuite for larger enterprises.

QuickBooks features at a glance

• User-friendly and intuitive interface.
• Advanced reporting capabilities that include profit and loss reports, balance sheets, and cash flow statements.
• Seamless integrations with third-party apps to enhance functionality.
• A built-in payroll system that integrates seamlessly with other financial data.

What QuickBooks is great at

QuickBooks provides an intuitive and accessible accounting solution by offering essential financial management tools. This affordable solution caters to a wide range of business needs and gets favorable reviews for providing a seamless payroll experience. Also, its seamless integration with other business tools ensures you get the best out of your software.

Oracle NetSuite features at a glance

• Comprehensive ERP, CRM, and e-commerce solutions.
• Customizable features for unique business needs.
• The ability to monitor expenses and assign expenses to specific projects.
• Comprehensive dashboard with GANTT charts, task management, and KPIs.
• Open API for integrations with other software systems.

What Oracle NetSuite is great at

Oracle NetSuite offers a comprehensive suite of tools for more complex processes. For large-scale operations, it:

• Automates your workflows.
• Provides real-time data analytics.
• Scales with your growth.

NetSuite’s platform is also highly customizable, so it’s ideal if you have unique and complex requirements. 

Oracle NetSuite vs. QuickBooks: Pricing overview

When comparing Oracle NetSuite vs. QuickBooks, pricing plays a crucial role in the decision-making process. Ultimately, the cost of your software solution depends on your selected configurations and your business requirements. That said, NetSuite’s more robust feature set also comes with a larger price tag.

Oracle NetSuite’s pricing is based on a subscription model that varies depending on your:

• Specific modules.
• Number of users.
• Customization needs. 

It serves mid-to-large-sized businesses, so its pricing reflects its extensive ERP functionalities, which are costlier than basic accounting software.

On the other hand, QuickBooks offers a range of products with varying prices for different business sizes and needs. For example, QuickBooks Online offers several tiered subscription plans that are more affordable for small and medium-sized businesses. QuickBooks Enterprise, which offers more advanced features closer to an ERP system, has a higher cost. That said, even QuickBooks Enterprise’s cost is less than NetSuite.

Oracle NetSuite vs. QuickBooks: Ratings and reviews

In evaluating Oracle NetSuite vs. QuickBooks based on ratings and reviews, it’s important to keep each platform’s target user base and their needs in mind.

Oracle NetSuite is highly rated for its: 

• ERP functionalities.
• Scalability.
• Flexibility. 

Users praise its integrated approach to managing business operations, from financials and CRM to supply chain and e-commerce. 

However, some reviews point to its higher learning curve and the lack of customization, which requires additional support and cost. Reviews also point out that NetSuite is a very expensive solution that is difficult to justify for smaller operations.

QuickBooks, particularly QuickBooks Online, receives positive reviews for its: 

• User-friendly interface.
• Affordability. 
• Core accounting functionality.

Small-to-midsize businesses appreciate its straightforward setup and the range of features available to handle day-to-day accounting functions. QuickBooks Enterprise also gets favorable reviews from larger business users for its more advanced features. 

Oracle NetSuite vs. QuickBooks: Which software is best for your small-to-midsize business?

To make the best decision for your business, it’s important to understand what the main difference between Oracle NetSuite vs. QuickBooks is.

NetSuite is a cloud-based ERP solution designed for the needs of mid-sized and large businesses with complex operations.

On the other hand, QuickBooks offers accounting solutions tailored primarily for small and medium-sized businesses. 

QuickBooks is the ideal choice if you have simpler structures, smaller budgets, and less complex needs. NetSuite’s cost structure is geared towards organizations that need a comprehensive ERP solution, which reflects its broader scope and scalability.

Things to consider before implementing ERP

Before deciding to implement an ERP system like NetSuite, here are some factors to consider:

• Complexity and scalability: Assess your business’ complexity and growth plans. If you’re expecting rapid growth or have complex processes, an ERP system makes sense.
• Cost: ERP systems are a hefty investment. Consider the upfront costs and ongoing expenses for maintenance and updates.
• Integration: Evaluate how well the ERP system integrates with your existing tools and software. Seamless integration reduces transition times and costs.
• Customization: Determine the level of customization you need. While ERP systems are highly customizable, it adds to the cost and complexity.
• User adoption: Consider the learning curve. Training and support are non-negotiable to ensure that your team can effectively use the software.

QuickBooks is the winner

If you’re a small business owner deciding between Oracle NetSuite vs. QuickBooks, there’s a clear winner. QuickBooks offers a user-friendly interface with powerful accounting features. It meets the needs of small businesses without the complexity and high costs associated with ERP systems like Oracle NetSuite. 

While QuickBooks takes care of your financial management, you can focus on growing your operations without getting bogged down by an intricate interface. It’s also easily scalable to grow with your business, with various versions, third-party add-ons, and additional services for your expanding needs.

Are you ready to move on from QuickBooks?

Making the switch from QuickBooks to an ERP system is a big step. Before you commit, you should consider expanding the limits of QuickBooks with powerful integrations like Method. This way, you enjoy ERP-like functionality without the complexity and investment of a full ERP system.

Get ERP functionality with QuickBooks and Method integration

If you’re looking for ERP-like functionalities that go beyond standard accounting, integrating QuickBooks with Method is your best solution. This integration lets you maintain the user-friendly and familiar interface of QuickBooks while you gain critical capabilities like:

• An effortless sync with QuickBooks for data consistency.
• Advanced features and adaptable dashboards for a tailored experience.
• Extensive customization to align the platform with specific workflows.
• Powerful integrations with all your favorite third-party apps.
• Robust reporting tools for real-time insights.

Why you might want QuickBooks Online Advanced instead

If you still want more advanced features directly in your QuickBooks ecosystem, QuickBooks Online Advanced is a good option available for purchase. Made for growing and mid-sized businesses, this version offers:

• Deeper insights with custom reporting.
• Business analytics.
• The ability to visualize financial performance.
• More customization and control.

Oracle NetSuite vs. QuickBooks FAQs

Is QuickBooks an ERP software?

QuickBooks is made for small and medium-sized enterprises. Although it has aspects typical of an ERP system, its main emphasis is on accounting. It’s ideal if you’re looking for powerful accounting features without the need for a comprehensive ERP.

Does QuickBooks provide ERP functionality?

Yes, QuickBooks, particularly the Enterprise version, includes functionalities that are ERP-like. Examples include enhanced inventory management and specialized pricing options. However, it remains primarily an accounting solution and lacks the comprehensive suite of ERP features for complex business processes.

When do I need an ERP system?

Your business might need an ERP system when:

• Your business outgrows the capabilities of basic accounting software.
• You need integrated management of finance, HR, supply chain, and customer relations.
• You seek real-time, across-the-board data analytics to drive decision-making.

Don’t let the limits of QuickBooks hold you back. 

Start your free trial with Method. 

Image credit: David via Adobe Stock

The post Oracle NetSuite vs. QuickBooks: 2024 Comparison appeared first on Method.

With new schedules every day and changing working conditions, no two jobs are ever the same. That’s why designated CRM for service based business owners exist.

In this article, you’ll look at how CRM for service business companies help you resolve these problems to stay organized and efficient. You’ll go over the best CRM for service based business companies to help you choose the right software. 

To pick the CRM that best aligns with your needs, you’ll pay close attention to their:

• Pricing.
• Features.
• Benefits.
• Limitations.

Let’s get started!

What is CRM software for service businesses?

Customer relationship management (CRM) software manages your business’ interactions with current and potential customers. But it’s more than just a tool for contact management.

CRM systems integrate customer information and sales management tools that automate your business. As a result, you:

• Save time on manual processes.
• Experience fewer errors.
• Make informed decisions.

How does a service business CRM work?

A CRM that’s designed specifically for service businesses includes special tools like: 

• Dispatching.
• Routing.
• Scheduling. 

Many CRM systems, such as QuickBooks accounting software, integrate with your current processes to automatically update invoices and other financial records.

To choose the best CRM for service business companies, you should first think about the platforms you already use and find out if the CRM integrates with them.

How are the services industry different?

Unlike other industries, the service industry typically requires in-person visits to a customer’s location. The value in what you deliver is your time and skills. As a result, CRM software that schedules workers and provides time tracking tools is important.

Any effective CRM for service business owners manages customer relationships and optimizes work processes. Service-based CRMs:

• Build customer loyalty.
• Save you time.
• Let you run your business more efficiently.

Benefits of CRM software for service-based businesses

1. Real-time connection with customers

CRM for service business professionals lets you maintain a real-time connection with your customers. By giving you tools to provide immediate support, like 24/7 customer portals, your customers don’t need to wait for you to clock in before they get the help they need.

2. Better customer experience leads to retention and referrals

Taking advantage of CRM data lets you personalize your interactions and improve customer satisfaction by predicting what your customers need. This improves your customer retention rate and increases the likelihood that people recommend your services to their friends.

3. Faster turnaround, less admin, and higher efficiency

Why spend time on work you can do, but don’t have to? A CRM for service business owners automates your manual processes. Invoices, customer information, and financial data automatically update in your accounting software, so you don’t have to enter and re-enter them yourself.

The results are fewer errors and more time for you to spend on tasks that add value to your business.

Key features to look for in the best CRM for service business

Customer data management

The best CRM for service based business companies are those that integrate with the platforms you already use.

By collecting data from your accounting software, emails, and marketing platforms, you can make changes and view information from a single platform, instead of managing multiple logins.

Task and activity tracking

CRM for service business teams adds task and activity tracking features to help manage your daily operations. This improves the efficiency of your services and customer follow-ups while keeping your day-to-day tasks organized.

Sales management and lead tracking

By organizing your leads and customers, your sales team always knows who to prioritize in sales.

The best CRM for service business companies automates your sales management and lead tracking. Set up alerts to know when to follow up with customers and track where each lead is in the sales pipeline.

Reporting and analytics capabilities

The best CRM for service business teams integrates with existing platforms to automatically pull data into accurate, detailed reports.

Advanced reporting and analytics tools are a great way to accurately: 

• Predict performance.
• Analyze customer trends.
• Make informed decisions.

Third-party integrations

The ability to integrate with third-party applications empowers your CRM solution with additional features not included out of the box.

For example, your CRM might integrate with your Gmail account so that you can create and send email templates directly from the CRM platform. This lets your sales reps keep customer information and interactions in a single, organized place and avoid switching between platforms to perform everyday tasks.

Meet Method, the best CRM for service-based businesses

Connect your office and field team with Method. As the #1 CRM for QuickBooks and Xero users, Method’s seamless integration lets you create invoices, accept payments, and authorize estimates from the job site while it updates your accounting software in real time.

Features and benefits

As the best CRM for service business owners, Method’s features include:

• A seamless two-way sync with QuickBooks and Xero.
• Scheduling and dispatching tools with optimal route planning.
• A mobile app for on-the-go access to customer data.
• The ability to convert work orders to invoices in just a few clicks.
• 24/7 online customer portal services.
• Detailed reporting and analytics tools.
• No-code customization to tailor the software to your specific needs.

Plus, Method users receive a free hour of professional customization services, where you can work with an expert to personalize your Method account.

Method also includes a collection of free help center articles, video tutorials, and a dedicated support team to answer questions and keep your operations running smoothly.

Reviews and ratings

4.4 out of 5 on G2.

Method’s user reviews commonly mention its:

• Responsive customer support team.
• Built-in automation features and time-saving tools.
• Seamless QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Desktop sync.
• Easy-to-navigate interface.
• No-code customization.

Limitations

Method’s limitations are as follows:

• Software is only available in English.
• Can only be used if you’re a QuickBooks or Xero user.

Cost

Method CRM starts at $25 per month and Method:Field Services starts at $44 per month for the dispatcher service when billed annually. Both platforms include a 14-day free trial. You can also choose from different Method feature packs, depending on the tools you need for your business.

Your other options for service business CRM

Zoho CRM

Image credit: Discover CRM

Zoho CRM is designed for the needs of medium-to-large companies. It focuses on task automation and sales pipeline management. Zoho also gives you the advantage of integrating with hundreds of third-party business apps to add additional features.

Features and benefits

Zoho users benefit from these key features:

• Inventory management.
• AI-powered conversation assistant.
• Multi-language support.
• Marketing campaign management.
• Mobile user support.

Limitations

Some limitations Zoho users report are that the platform:

• Comes with a steep learning curve.
• Has a difficult user experience.
• Lacks customer support in some areas.
• Markets expensive advanced features.
• Does not include scheduling and dispatching features.

Reviews and ratings

4.1 out of 5 on G2.

Zoho user reviews talk about its:

• Flexible CRM tools.
• Multiple integrations.
• Difficult learning curve and unfriendly user interface.
• Unknowledgeable and unresponsive customer service.

Cost

Zoho starts at $14 per month for its Standard plan and runs up to $52 per month for its Ultimate plan when billed annually.

Salesforce Essentials

Image credit: Salesforce

As a business tool specifically for small businesses, Salesforce Essentials is a beginner plan for companies that only need basic features in their CRM.

Features and benefits

Salesforce Essentials offers a few core CRM features:

• Automate repetitive tasks and answers to simple questions.
• Email integrations.
• Simple drag-and-drop interface customization.
• Mobile app.

Limitations

Some of Salesforce Essentials’ limitations include:

• No API access.
• A lack of lead scoring features.
• Limited reporting tools.
• No live chat or chatbot tools.

Reviews and ratings

3.8 out of 5 on Fit Small Business.

Salesforce Essentials users mention its:

• User-friendly and intuitive interface.
• Limited marketing automation and reporting tools.
• Cost-ineffective value.

Cost

Salesforce Essentials starts at $25 for each user per month when billed annually.

HubSpot CRM

Image credit: PCMag

HubSpot CRM is designed for B2B and B2C companies with features for accounting, marketing, and sales. As one of the few CRMs on the market with a free plan, it’s a good way to try your first CRM.

Features and benefits

Some of HubSpot CRM’s key features include:

• Free plan that allows up to 1,000,000 contacts.
• Email tracking and notifications.
• Contact task management.
• Document uploading.

Limitations

HubSpot CRM users find that it can be:

• Limiting, with core CRM features only available at higher priced plans.
• Costly, with more expensive plans than comparable CRMs at higher tiers.
• Difficult to onboard, and some features have a learning curve.

Reviews and ratings

3.5 out of 5 on PCMag.

HubSpot CRM reviews talk about:

• Its generous free plan.
• Strong customer service teams.
• A user-friendly interface.
• Expensive pricing that affects scalability once you outgrow its free features.

Cost

HubSpot CRM’s lowest plan is free of charge, with additional features added in the Starter tier for $45 per month.

Freshworks CRM

With a large suite of features, Freshworks CRM is a great choice for scalability for growing businesses. Like HubSpot CRM, it’s another platform that includes a free plan.

Features and benefits

Freshworks is popular for its:

• Table and kanban boards for data visualization.
• Project management.
• Task automation.
• Sales pipeline tracking.
• Mobile app.

Limitations

On the downside, Freshworks has:

• Weak customization options compared to other CRMs.
• Limited built-in email templates.
• Missing basic CRM functions at lower tiers that force you to pay more.

Reviews and ratings

4.5 out of 5 on G2.

Freshworks CRM user reviews mention:

• Its generous free plan that includes core features.
• An intuitive interface and ease of use.
• Weaker customer support.
• Difficulty with the reporting system and error logs.

Cost

Freshworks CRM starts with a free-to-use plan with essential CRM features. Paid plans range from $15 for each user per month to $69 per user per month when billed annually.

How to move forward with the best CRM for service business

To move forward with the best CRM for service business companies, you should begin with listing out your specific needs. Do you need to: 

• Track the customer journey?
• Manage your sales pipeline?
• Automate manual processes? 

The right CRM for service business teams does all of this and more!

Review the best CRM for service based business owners listed above. Think about the current size of your business and how much you plan on growing in the next several years.

A CRM for service business professionals that offers scalability lets you pay for the features you need, and not the ones you don’t. It also means you won’t outgrow the solution.

Finally, see if your top CRM for service business platform offers a demo. This gives you a first-hand look at how it works and how it can serve your business.

CRM for service-based business FAQs

What Is CRM software?

CRM (customer relationship management) software is a tool that helps you manage customer interactions with current and potential customers.

By automating and simplifying your sales process, you:

• Save time.
• Improve efficiency.
• Get valuable insights.

What should you look for in a CRM for your service business?

When selecting a CRM for service business teams, it’s best to make a list of your priorities. Think about the bottlenecks in your processes, and then look for features that address them.

You should also consider what other software platforms you use, such as QuickBooks, and find out if your chosen service business CRM integrates with them.

A good way to get started is by doing the following:

1. Make a list of your sales processes.
2. Make a second list of your current software platforms.
3. Find the best CRM for service based business software that addresses your needs.
4. Read user reviews online.
5. Create a budget based on how much you want to spend.
6. Compare price points between CRM for service business platforms.
7. If available, start a free trial to see if you like the software.

Discover how Method can automate your business with this free demo!

Image credit: Andrea Piacquadio via Pexels.

The post How to choose the best CRM for your service business appeared first on Method.

With Zapier, efficiency is not just a dream, but a daily reality.  It’s a leading tool in workflow automation that bridges the gap between your favorite apps, letting them work together in harmony. 

In this blog post, you’ll explore the best Zapier automations to boost your business’ productivity. From seamless Zapier integrations with different applications to automating complex processes, you’ll uncover the secrets to making the most of your workday. 

Let’s get started!

How can workflow automation boost productivity at work?

Workflow automation software refers to the process of using technology to automate operations, whether it’s repetitive, everyday tasks, or complex processes. When you implement workflow automation, you:

• Reduce manual efforts: Automating tasks reduces the time you spend on repetitive activities. This way, your team can focus on more strategic, high-value work.
• Enhance accuracy: Automation reduces the likelihood of human error, so your team always performs tasks consistently and accurately.
• Improve collaboration: Automated workflows simplify communication and information sharing among team members. This leads to better collaboration and faster decision-making.
• Increase scalability: Automation lets you handle increased workloads without having to increase your staffing or resources.

How do Zapier integrations work?

Zapier acts as a bridge between your favorite apps, as it lets them communicate and work together seamlessly. It integrates with over 3,000 web apps, including popular tools like Gmail, Slack, Salesforce, QuickBooks and Trello.

Here’s how the process works: 

1. Connect your apps: Choose the apps you want to integrate with Zapier from Zapier’s app directory.
2. Set up triggers and actions: Define the conditions when an action in one app should happen based on a trigger in another.
3. Automate: Once set up, your system runs these Zapier integrations in the background, automating your workflows without any manual effort needed.

What is a Zap, trigger, and action?

Zapier Zaps are what define the best Zapier automations. They transform the way you handle automated workflows through triggers and actions. Zaps are essentially automated processes that simplify tasks and do the heavy lifting for you.

Consider a scenario where you receive a new lead through your website and need to notify your team. With Zapier, you no longer need to send out manual emails or messages to each team member. This is where a “trigger” and “action” come into play. By setting a trigger, you can activate a Zap to take action without lifting a finger.

So, what exactly is a trigger? In simple terms, triggers are specific actions or events that initiate the operation of a Zap. For instance, a visitor filling out a form on your website’s landing page can serve as a trigger. Once this trigger is activated, the Zap springs into action and informs your team about the new lead without any manual work on your part.

Who can benefit from Zapier integrations?

Zapier’s ability to automate workflows and integrate various applications makes it a powerful tool to enhance productivity across different aspects of work. 

Here are examples of professionals who benefit when they integrate with Zapier and how. 

• Small business owners: Automate routine tasks like data entry, appointment scheduling, and customer follow-ups.
• Marketers: Simplify campaign management, lead tracking, and analytics reporting.
• Sales teams: Sync CRM data, manage leads efficiently, and automate communication with prospects.
• HR professionals: Automate team onboarding processes, leave requests, and feedback collection.
• Freelancers: Manage invoices, project deadlines, and client communication more efficiently.

Best Zapier automations to streamline your processes

There’s no doubt that Zapier offers benefits to all kinds of businesses. Now, let’s look at some of the best Zapier automations to simplify your unique processes. 

1. Automatically add leads to your CRM

Incorporating new leads into your customer relationship management (CRM) system manually is time-consuming. But the best Zapier automations let you tackle this process effortlessly. 

Whenever a new lead comes in from any source, Zapier automatically adds their details to your CRM. This ensures that no potential customer falls through the cracks and that your sales team can follow up promptly. 

For example, if you use Method CRM with Zapier, all your leads are automatically organized into your database in real time. This way, you enhance efficiency and response time in your lead management process. 

2. Send messages to your customers

Personalized customer communication is key to building lasting relationships. With one of the best Zapier automations, you can send tailored messages to your customers based on specific triggers, like a purchase or a sign-up. 

For example, you can set up a Zap to automatically send a welcome email or thank-you note post-purchase. This lets you add a personal touch to your customer interactions without any your manual effort.

3. Keep your team updated with automated notifications

Keeping your team in the loop is crucial for smooth operations. Zapier can send automated notifications to your team members, whether it’s alerting them about:

• New tasks.
• Project updates.
• Deadlines.

To ensure everyone stays informed in real time, you can send these notifications through: 

• Slack messages.
• Email.
• SMS — and more. 

Zaps act as a glue for your team management strategy and boosts collaboration and productivity.

4. Automate your social media promos

Managing multiple social media platforms is daunting. Luckily, Zapier automates the process of managing social media posts. You can schedule and publish social posts simultaneously across different platforms like: 

• Facebook.
• X (formerly Twitter). 
• Instagram. 
• LinkedIn.

Zapier frees your marketing teams from needing to check, re-check, create backups, and share content on different platforms constantly. This saves time and helps you maintain a consistent online presence, which is important for your brand’s digital marketing strategy.

5. Create email newsletter contacts from new leads

Growing your email newsletter audience is essential for a strong marketing strategy. Zapier automatically adds new leads to your email marketing list. 

Whenever someone signs up on your website or through a campaign, Zapier adds their contact information to your email marketing tool, like Mailchimp or Constant Contact. This is one of the best Zapier automations, as it ensures your email list is always updated. As a result, you can reach a broader audience with your newsletters.

Extend the power of Zapier’s automation with Method

Method vid

Integrating Method CRM with Zapier takes your operational efficiency to a new level. Method is known for its deep customization and strong integration with QuickBooks and Xero. When combined with the best Zapier automations, it further simplifies your operations and enhances customer engagement. 

As its key features and benefits, Method lets you:

• Sync your accounting data seamlessly with CRM activities for accuracy and up-to-date financial information.
• Tailor your CRM to fit unique business processes, which enhances customer experiences and efficiency.
• Automate and directly import leads from various platforms into Method for simplified lead management.
• Set up personalized workflows that automatically trigger actions in Method based on events in other apps.
• Access up-to-date customer information across platforms in real-time improving response times and decision-making.

Best Zapier automations FAQs

Are there cheaper alternatives to Zapier?

Yes, there are cheaper alternatives to Zapier, which each offer various features and integration capabilities. Some popular options include: 

• Integromat (now rebranded as Make).
• IFTTT (ideal for personal or small-scale automation).
• Microsoft Power Automate (suitable for businesses already using Microsoft’s ecosystem). 

However, these platforms vary in terms of complexity, available integrations, and pricing structures. So, make sure to choose one that aligns with your specific needs and budget.

How does Method work with Zapier?

When you have Method integrate with Zapier, you connect your CRM with thousands of apps. A Zapier integration enables automated workflows between Method and other applications. 

For example, you can automatically update customer records in Method when you make a sale in another app, or create tasks in Method in response to triggers from other software. This way, all your customer interactions synchronize and update across various platforms. 

Do I need coding skills to automate with Method?

No, you don’t need coding skills to automate with Method CRM. The platform is designed for ease of use, with intuitive user interfaces that let you set up automations without any technical expertise. Apart from its excellent user interface, Method offers drag-and-drop tools and pre-built templates that make it easy to create custom workflows. 
See how you can automate your ways to stress-free days with Method.

See how you can automate your ways to stress-free days with Method.

Image credit: ShotPrime Studios via Adobe Stock

The post Best Zapier automations to boost productivity at work  appeared first on Method.

If you’re eyeing Zapier but are hesitant to commit, you’re likely grappling with one crucial question: is Zapier worth it? 

Keep reading to discover:  

• The tool’s features and functionality. 
• Zapier pros and cons. 
• Available packages and pricing. 
• Your top Zapier alternatives. 

Let’s jump in! 

What is Zapier?

Image credit: Zapier 

Zapier is a tool that connects your different apps together to automate workflows. It lets you create your own custom workflows, or “zaps,” to automate tasks based on your specific rules. 

Our analysis of this product revealed that Zapier supports over 6,000 apps, including: 

• QuickBooks Online. 
• Shopify. 
• Paypal. 
• Google Sheets. 
• Mailchimp. 

Users appreciate the automation tool for its practical features, such as:  

• “Zaps” that let you create multi-step workflows, like comprehensive email workflows.
• Task History to monitor workflows and fix issues quickly.
• Robust app integrations with its third-party connector, from project management to marketing tools. 

How does it work?

Understanding how the platform operates is key to answering, “Is Zapier worth it?” 

Zapier works by linking your apps and services together using APIs — a process the provider calls “zapping.” When a trigger event happens in one app, Zapier responds by executing an action in another.

For example, if you get a new email in Gmail (the trigger), Zapier can save the attachments to Dropbox (the action) automatically.

Who is Zapier for?

When asking, “Is Zapier worth it?” another aspect to consider is the versatility of the platform. 

Zapier works for all company sizes, from small businesses to large enterprises. It also suits a variety of teams, including: 

• Marketing: Enhance campaign efficiency, lead generation, and contact management. 
• Finance: Simplify financial tasks, from accounting to expense management. 
• HR: Optimize HR processes, from onboarding to applicant tracking. 
• Sales: Improve CRM efficiency, team collaboration, and document management. 
• Support: Boost help desk functionality and reduce ticket redundancy. 

Zapier is best for businesses that leverage a variety of different tools, as it connects them together for centralized access and functionality. 

Zapier pros and cons

Compiling a list of Zapier pros and cons is essential to consider when evaluating the platform. 

What is Zapier good at?

After putting it to the test, Zapier’s strengths include: 

• Extensive app integration: Connects with over 6,000 apps for a wide range of automation possibilities​​. 
• Comprehensive workflows: Empowers a single trigger to automate multiple workflow tasks.
• No-code automation: Features an intuitive, drag-and-drop interface that’s perfect for users without technical expertise.
• Autoreplay feature: Automatically retries failed tasks to ensure your workflows run smoothly.
• Scalability: Grows with your business and handles larger data loads as your needs expand​​.

Limitations of Zapier

While Zapier offers impressive automation possibilities, it has some limitations: 

• No mobile app: You can’t create app integrations on on the go through your phone or tablet, as Zapier lacks a dedicated mobile app.
• Complex workflow setup: Advanced workflow setups demand more in-depth knowledge of Zapier.
• No QuickBooks Desktop integration: Although Zapier integrates with QuickBooks Online, it does not support QuickBooks Desktop.
• Restricted features in basic plans: Autoreplay and other advanced features are reserved for higher-tier plans.
• Pricing: Zapier’s cost increases with your number of automations and zaps, which gets costly for tighter budgets. 

These factors highlight the importance of evaluating Zapier pros and cons carefully so you can answer, “Is Zapier worth it for my business needs?”

Zapier packages and pricing

Zapier’s pricing depends on your number of users and tasks per month. In our experimentation and usage, choosing an annual payment plan saves you 33% compared to month-to-month options. 

Let’s explore each of Zapier’s annual pricing plans. 

Note: All prices are listed in USD. 

Free plan

Perfect for automation beginners, Zapier’s Free plan offers “free forever” accessibility for one user. It includes: 

• Two-step Zaps. 
• A visual editor. 
• Unlimited Zaps. 
• Automatic trigger checks every 15 minutes. 

Starter plan

Zapier’s Starter plan begins at $19.99 per month for 750 tasks. It’s designed for individuals seeking seamless data automation between apps. 

The Starter plan is tailored for a single user and extends beyond the Free plan with: 

• Multi-step Zaps. 
• Zap versions. 
• Access to Zapier data tools like webhooks, filters, and formatting. 

Professional plan

The Professional plan, priced at $49 per month for 2,000 tasks, is perfect for managing your custom workflows. 

Designed for one user, it builds upon the Starter plan with: 

• Conditional Zaps. 
• Advanced Zap settings. 
• Unlimited Premium apps. 
• Automatic trigger checks every two minutes.  

Team plan

Priced at $69 per month for 2,000 tasks, the Team plan stands out by offering an unlimited user capacity. It’s ideal for teams looking to transform their manual processes into automated workflows.

The Team plan enhances your collaboration with: 

• Shared app connections.
• Shared workspaces.
• Premier support.
• Automatic trigger checks every minute. 

Company plan

If you’re looking to expand automation across your teams, the Company plan is an excellent choice. It provides an extended suite of features to support your growing business, such as:

• Single sign-on (SSO).
• Advanced admin permissions.
• Custom data retention.

To obtain your pricing information for this plan, reach out to Zapier’s sales team. 

When considering, “Is Zapier worth it?” assess your business’ unique needs. If Zapier proves its value, pick a plan that aligns seamlessly with your budget and business operations. 

Zapier alternatives

With these Zapier pros and cons and pricing plans in mind, reconsider the question, “Is Zapier worth it?” If the answer is no, then it’s time to explore alternative solutions. 

Here are the top six software alternatives to boost your business just as much as Zapier, if not more. 

Method

If you’re a QuickBooks or Xero user looking to automate customized workflows, Method is your top choice. At the heart of its automation capabilities is its real-time, two-way sync with your accounting software to centralize your information and eliminate double data entry. 

Method lets you build stronger customer relationships with automated:

• Targeted email campaigns. 
• Lead capture with web-to-lead forms. 
• Efficient payment collection for quicker processing. 
• Reminders, follow-up emails, and customer service ticketing. 

It also integrates with a variety of tools that you know and love, including:

• Gmail.
• Outlook.
• Google Calendar.
• Paypal.
• Mailchimp.

Method offers a free trial with no credit card required, so you can test it out before you make a commitment.

IFTTT

Image credit: Toptal

IFTTT stands for “If This, Then That.” It’s a powerful software to automate tasks and save time. It’s ideal for users who want to simplify everyday actions across different applications and services.

Key features of IFTTT include:

• The ability to create chains of simple conditional statements, called “applets”.
• Integrations with web services and APIs, such as Google Drive and YouTube. 
• JavaScript filters to control custom logic applets. 
• Versatile automation capabilities for web applications, marketing, and smart home systems.

Workato

Image credit: Workato 

Workato is an integration platform as a service (iPaaS) that lets businesses create and deploy automated processes securely. 

The platform offers comprehensive solutions to: 

• Improve customer service. 
• Connect enterprise teams. 
• Automate repetitive tasks. 

Our findings show that users like Workato for its: 

• User-friendly interface with AI-powered features.
• Multi-step workflows and conditional logic actions.
• Library of over 600 pre-built app connectors and ready-to-use workflows.
• Integrations with popular business apps like Salesforce, Marketo, and ServiceNow. 

Informatica

Image credit: Informatica

Informatica is a powerful tool that specializes in seamless data integration across a variety of sources. It’s perfect for businesses that require large-scale data processing and management.

Its capabilities include: 

• A 360-degree view of data across your business.
• Thousands of connectors for effective source and data integration.
• Machine learning and AI features to automate manual tasks. 
• The Informatica Processing Unit (IPU) consumption-based pricing model for flexible capacity purchasing.

Power Automate by Microsoft

Image credit: BrightWork

Microsoft Power Automate is a platform that creates automated workflows to collect data and sync files. It’s great for users of other Microsoft products and those who need to implement business rules, like approval workflows. 

Upon evaluating the product, Power Automate provides: 

• A process advisor that visualizes end-to-end business processes and recommends automations.
• An advanced artificial intelligence builder with generative capabilities. 
• Integrations with Microsoft’s product suite and other third-party tools.

Tray.io

Image credit: Twilio Segment

Tray.io is an AI-powered platform that automates business processes and connects your entire software ecosystem. 

Its main suite of features includes: 

• A user-friendly, drag-and-drop interface to customize automated workflows.
• Data mapping and transformation capabilities to format data to your needs.
• Custom integrations with hundreds of popular tools and apps. 

So, even if you answer “no” to the question, “Is Zapier worth it?” that doesn’t mean you’re out of options. There is a wide variety of alternatives to meet your needs without Zapier’s limitations. 

Wrap-up: Is Zapier worth it?

So, is Zapier worth it for your business? The answer ultimately depends on your unique needs. 

Zapier excels in providing automated integrations for both small and large organizations. However, it’s important to consider your business’ goals and how best to achieve them. 

Remember, many strong alternatives to Zapier exist, all with competitive pricing and robust integrations. Consider your options and weigh them against the Zapier pros and cons most relevant to your operations. 

For powerful automation that reflects how you do business, consider implementing a no-code, customizable tool like Method. 

Zapier pros and cons: Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What workflows can I automate with Zapier?

You can automate a wide range of workflows with Zapier, including: 

• Marketing campaigns. 
• IT support.  
• Customer service. 
• Data management. 
• Project management. 

What’s the best Zapier alternative?

The best Zapier alternative for your business depends on your: 

• Budget. 
• Preferred user interface. 
• Integration needs. 
• Workflow complexity. 

Is Zapier a CRM?

No, Zapier is not a customer relationship management (CRM) tool. It’s a web-based automation tool that connects different apps to automate repetitive tasks.

However, Zapier integrates with various CRM tools like Method, Salesforce, and HubSpot to automate and centralize CRM-related tasks. 

What is a Zapier Zap?

A Zap is an automated workflow that links your apps and services in Zapier. It’s composed of a trigger and one or more actions. 

When activated, a Zap automatically runs these set actions each time the trigger event occurs. 

Automate your way to stress-free days. Start your free trial of Method today. 

Image credit: olia danilevich via Pexels

The post Is Zapier worth it? Zapier pros, cons, and pricing appeared first on Method.

This guide covers top-notch automation solutions, what they offer, and why they’re a game-changer for your business needs. You’ll get insights into how they:

• Simplify workflows.
• Ramp up response times.
• Tailor experiences for your customers.

Ready to dive in? Let’s explore the best software for customer service in 2024.

What are customer service automation solutions?

Customer service automation solutions are tools that automate and enhance various aspects of customer service. 

These range from simple automated responses to complex AI-driven systems that handle a range of customer interactions. The primary goal of these solutions is to: 

• Improve efficiency.
• Reduce costs.
• Ensure customer satisfaction. 

Below are key automation components and examples.

Chatbots and virtual assistants

AI-powered chatbots can interact with customers in a natural, conversational way. Without human interaction, they: 

• Handle inquiries.
• Provide information.
• Resolve common issues. 

You can integrate virtual assistants into websites, messaging apps, and social media platforms.

Interactive voice response (IVR) systems

These are automated telephony systems that: 

• Interact with callers.
• Gather information.
• Route calls to the appropriate recipient. 

Modern IVR systems use speech recognition and natural language processing to improve interaction.

Email automation

Automated email responses and ticketing systems help manage customer inquiries. These systems sort, prioritize, and route emails to the correct department and provide automated responses for common questions.

Self-service portals

Portals let customers solve problems on their own, through:

• Online knowledge bases. 
• FAQs.
• Forums.
• Instructional videos. 

This approach often leads to faster resolution and higher customer satisfaction.

Social media automation

These are tools that monitor and automatically respond to customer inquiries on social media platforms. Examples include automated responses or routing messages to human agents.

CRM integration

Customer relationship management (CRM) systems integrated with automation tools ensure that you track all customer interactions to analyze them for future reference and personalized service.

Analytics and reporting tools

These tools analyze data from customer interactions to help you: 

• Identify trends.
• Measure performance.
• Improve service strategies.

Workflow automation

This is software that automates routine tasks in customer service processes, such as: 

• Ticket routing.
• Follow-up scheduling.
• Updating customer records.

Why use automated customer service software?

Gone are the days of endless hold music and repetitive conversations with support reps. With automation for customer service, you: 

• Save time.
• Reduce errors.
• Deliver fast, personalized help. 

But why exactly should you leap onto this trend? It’s simple: customer service automation solutions are essential tools that keep your customers smiling while giving your team unmatched efficiency.

Consider this: you have a bunch of emails waiting for a response, calls to be returned, and a growing number of social media inquiries. Automated systems handle these tasks efficiently to give you time back. 

Using this technology means you can move away from tedious manual work and enjoy more efficient processes. Customers benefit from getting prompt responses without having to wait on calls or emails, which improves their satisfaction and loyalty. At the same time, your team can dedicate their efforts to more complex issues that require a personal touch.

The benefits of using automated customer service software

Let’s look into more specific benefits of software for customer service:

• Efficiency and speed: Software for customer service automation can handle multiple inquiries simultaneously, enhancing response times and efficiency. This is particularly effective for addressing routine questions.

• Cost reduction: Customer service automation software features reduce the need for a large customer service team, cutting down on costs. It also decreases the workload on your team, which reduces overtime expenses and employee burnout.

• 24/7 service availability: Customer automation software options ensure assistance is available around the clock. It provides support beyond regular business hours.

• Consistency in responses: The software provides standardized answers, which ensures you deliver consistent information to all customers.

• Scalability: As business demands grow, software for customer service scales with you to handle an increased volume of inquiries without significant additional resources.

• Reduced human error: Automation minimizes human error in customer service, such as missed customer queries or incorrect information.

• Enhanced customer insights: Data you gather from software for customer service provides valuable insights into customer behavior and preferences. As a result, you can deliver personalized experiences and products.

Best software for customer service automation in 2024

After taking steps toward automating customer service, you’re ready to look at the best customer service tools available. The following platforms each have unique features that suit different business needs.

1. Method CRM

Method sits at the top of the list with its seamless integration capabilities and powerful two-way sync with QuickBooks or Xero. It’s a powerful CRM that centralizes customer data and gives a 360-degree view of contact information and interaction history.

The software offers a customized experience for every customer and simplifies all your business operations.

Key features

• Instant estimate, invoice, and payment sync with QuickBooks or Xero.
• Automated customer workflows, such as lead collection via web-to-lead forms.
• Comprehensive reporting and analytics tools that provide insightful data analysis. 
• Self-service customer portals that empower your customers to make payments, access invoices, and more. Integrations with your favorite apps and payment gateways include PayPal and Stripe. 
• Extensive customization with help from experts to fit your workflows to specific business needs. 

Limitations

Method is currently only available in English and is best suited for QuickBooks and Xero users.

Pricing

Method offers 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 also offers a 14-day free trial with no credit card required.

2. Freshdesk

Freshdesk is a feature-rich platform that simplifies customer support by unifying all your channels with a personalized approach.

Key features

• Customer service portal configuration for a brand-aligned experience.
• Ticket management system for easy collaboration.
• Pre-built templates for various communication channels.
• Multi-channel support including email, chat, social media, and phone, all integrated into one unified interface. This makes managing and responding to customer inquiries more streamlined and efficient.
• “Freshchat” consolidates all customer messages from various channels into a single interface.

Limitations

• Customer service portal configuration requires customers to write some code.
• CRM functionality needs improvement (i.e., poor contact search and management).
• Recurrent performance issues with weak customer support.
• Users report limited reporting options.

Pricing

Freshdesk has four pricing plans:

• Free: $0 and up to 10 users.
• Growth: $15 per user per month.
• Pro: $49 per user per month.
• Enterprise: $79 per user per month.

3. TeamSupport

TeamSupport is a dedicated software for customer service. It distinguishes itself with its emphasis on collaboration and visual support tools, which makes it an effective platform for resolving customer issues efficiently.

Key features

• Collaborative customer support, including shared conversations and task assignment.
• Customer Distress Index, which gauges customer satisfaction and potential issues based on their interaction history. 
• Visual support tools such as screen recording and image annotation for clearer communication of issues at hand.
• Automatic support ticket routing, assignment, and escalation to ensure inquiries are handled by the right person at the right time.
• Knowledge base with self-service options.

Limitations

• Some users report that the extensive number of features is overwhelming. 
• The mobile experience is less intuitive and slow compared to the desktop version.
• Users report unexpected price increases. 
• Decline in customer service quality and response times. 
• Limited flexibility in creating custom reports.

Pricing

TeamSupport offers two pricing options:

• Essential: $29 per user per month.
• Enterprise: $39 per user per month.
• Complete: $49 per user per month.

4. Creatio Service

Creatio Service offers a dynamic, low-code CRM platform that empowers you to automate customer service processes easily.

Key features

• Comprehensive knowledge base for customers and agents.
• Omnichannel communication for customer service by phone, email, live chat, and more.
• Custom workflows to automate repetitive tasks like ticket routing and responses to common queries.
• Robust security measures to ensure confidentiality and integrity of customer data.
• AI algorithms that predict customer needs and suggest solutions.

Limitations

• Some users find the interface overwhelming and unintuitive.
• While customization is possible, it requires some technical knowledge.
• Users report challenges when integrating with certain third-party applications.

Pricing

Creatio Service offers three pricing plans:

• Team: $35 per user per month.
• Customer Center: $45 per user per month.
• Service Enterprise: $50 per user per month.

5. Zendesk

Zendesk shines as a comprehensive software for customer service that scales with your business. The platform offers a seamless experience across multiple channels.

Key features

• Customizable self-service portals to empower customers to handle issues independently.
• Help center page builder that builds self-service knowledge bases through AI.
• Chatbots that handle basic customer inquiries with instant responses.
• Email marketing features (i.e., syncing, alerts, templates, and tracking).
• Pre-built dashboard with reporting options and company metrics for informed decision-making. 

Limitations

• Users report a steep learning curve, particularly for customization and recurrent performance issues.
• Weak social media integration. 
• A need for flexibility in customizing and organizing help center resources. 
• Less affordable than alternatives. 

Pricing

The software for customer service offers the following pricing plans:

• Team: $55 per user per month.
• Growth: $89 per user per month.
• Professional: $115 per user per month.
• Enterprise: Contact the sales team to get a quote.

6. HubSpot Help Desk

HubSpot Help Desk’s integrated marketing and sales approach stands out with a unified platform to enhance and simplify customer support. It is particularly valuable if you use HubSpot for other business needs.

Key features

• Ticketing system to track and manage customer issues to ensure timely responses.
• Knowledge base with a self-service portal.
• Live chat functionality for real-time customer communication. 
• Detailed insights and metrics to monitor and improve customer service performance.
• Seamless integration with other HubSpot tools and third-party applications.

Limitations

• Customization options are limited compared to similar platforms.
• Steep learning curve.
• Email automation and support features could be more robust.

Pricing

HubSpot’s Service Hub, which includes the Help Desk, has three pricing tiers:

• Starter: $30 per month (billed annually).
• Professional: $450 per month (billed annually).
• Enterprise: $1,200 per month (billed annually).

7. Zoho Desk

Zoho Desk excels in delivering a context-aware software solution for customer service. It connects customer information and support interactions for improved service quality.

Key features

• AI-powered assistant, with automated customer responses and predictive insights.
• Ticket Peek feature to quickly preview ticket details and prioritize customer requests.
• Seamless tracking and response to customer inquiries made via social media.
• Real-time alerts for new tickets and updates that ensure prompt responses.

Limitations

• Interface customization options are limited
• Mobile app’s functionality and user experience need improvements. 
• While Zoho Desk integrates with other Zoho products, the number of third-party integrations is limited.

Pricing

Zoho Desk offers four pricing plans:

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

Zoho also offers a free version of this software for customer service which includes basic features.

Recap: Do what you do best, let Method handle the rest

When it comes to software for customer service, you have plenty of great options to choose from. But, if you’re a QuickBooks or Xero user, Method can’t be beat.

While you focus on growing your business, Method seamlessly handles your customer service automation needs. The platform’s comprehensive tools — from customer portals to powerful CRM — offer a simplified solution to enhance your customer service solutions and quality. 

With Method, you: 

• Efficiently manage customer interactions.
• Gain valuable insights.
• Improve overall service performance. 

See how Method automates your way to stress-free days. 

Image credit: JackF via Adobe Stock

The post The best software for customer service automation in 2024 appeared first on Method.

Understanding what is opportunity in CRM (customer relationship management) is an important way to distinguish yourself from your competitors. 

Keep reading to learn:

• What is opportunity in CRM vs. a lead?
• What is the sales pipeline?

Tools to manage a prospective customer and improve your chances of conversion.

A good understanding of what is opportunity in CRM helps you:

• Increase your conversion rates.
• Grow your customer base.
• Make your sales process more efficient.

Let’s take a closer look at how you can achieve this!

What is opportunity in CRM?

A sales opportunity in CRM is a prospect with a high chance of purchasing from your business. By identifying opportunities, you can focus on prospects with the greatest potential to close.

Not to be confused with a lead, opportunities are further along in the sales pipeline. You’ve identified them as much more likely to purchase from you. 

Understanding what is opportunity in CRM — as opposed to leads — helps you focus on the prospects most likely to make you money.

What is the pipeline?

Your sales pipeline demonstrates how far your prospects have moved through your sales process, from showing interest as a lead to closing on a sale. 

Deal stages tracking in your CRM shows you in detail how an opportunity moves through each stage along the sales pipeline.

The pipeline shows nine opportunity stages:

1. Prospecting: Identify how interested a prospect is in your product or service.
2. Qualification: The prospect undergoes qualification based on set criteria (e.g., how interested they are, how likely they are to purchase, etc.)
3. Needs analysis: Determine whether or not your product or service fits their requirements to make a sale.
4. Value proposition: Understand the value of your product or service through the eyes of your prospect. Conduct a competitor analysis to shed light on your strengths and weaknesses.
5. Identify decision makers: Identify which people have the power to make purchasing decisions and nurture your relationship with them.
6. Perception analysis: Find out how your customer perceives your product or service and what their expectations of it are.
7. Proposal/price quote: Review your quotation and proposal management plan and send off documentation.
8. Negotiation/review: Work out the final details to close the deal.
9. Closed: In this final step, there are two possible outcomes:
   1. Won: A sale is agreed upon between you and your lead, and they become a customer.
   2. Lost: The prospect chooses not to purchase your product or service. CRM software documents this data to help you improve your sales pipeline.

These stages represent the progression of a sales opportunity toward a successful sale. The closer an opportunity gets to the win-and-loss stage, the more potential revenue that opportunity is worth. This is called the pipeline amount.

In other words, your pipeline amount represents the value of potential revenue that an opportunity is worth. Let’s explore this idea further.

Actual revenue

Generally, you’ll want to assign an amount to your sales pipeline that shows how much actual revenue that opportunity is worth when you close the sale.

For example, if a prospect is interested in painting a room, and your company charges $1,000 for that service, then the actual revenue of that opportunity is valued at $1,000.

Pipeline amount

You calculate your pipeline amount by finding the probability percentage of the current pipeline stage and multiplying it by the actual revenue amount.

So, if your actual revenue for painting the room is $1,000, and your opportunity is in the prospecting stage of the pipeline with a probability percentage of 10%, then the pipeline amount for that opportunity is $100.

What is the difference between lead and opportunity in CRM?

In CRM, a lead represents a potential customer who has shown interest in your product or service. Leads come from sources like:

• Marketing campaigns.
• Website visits.
• Cold calls.

So what is an opportunity in CRM? It’s a lead that you qualify as a good prospect and is further along in your sales funnel. An opportunity has an associated probability of closing, more so than leads.

You qualify a potential customer based on criteria you set to decide whether they are a lead or an opportunity. Making this distinction helps you target each qualified prospect more effectively.

To help you answer, “What is opportunity in CRM for my business specifically?” be sure to develop an ideal customer profile. This helps you measure what qualifies your best prospects to direct your efforts.

Why do you need an opportunity management tool?

An opportunity management tool simplifies tracking and nurturing for sales opportunities. It helps you categorize and focus on high-value prospects so that your sales representative can prioritize your best potential buyers. These tools are designed to help you better identify what is opportunity in CRM.

An opportunity management platform will document information on your customers to give you valuable insights and analytics that you can share with sales managers. This data:

• Provides a number of insights into customer needs and preferences.
• Influences sales strategies and decisions.
• Offers a view of potential business growth.

You can use this information to upsell based on the opportunity’s products/services association.

By leveraging an opportunity management tool, you ensure your customers:

• Can be tracked in a visual sales pipeline.
• Can be categorized based on priority or size.
• Are more engaged because of benefits from collaborative efforts of the sales team.
• May have associated tasks or actions marked for your sales team.
• Receive financial documentation that carries an estimated revenue value.

Method CRM — The best opportunity management CRM

Method is the #1 CRM platform for QuickBooks and Xero users. This powerful business tool integrates with your accounting software to give you an instant, two-way sync with your customer data. 

And with no-code custom fields and customization, you can build Method to your unique business needs.

Not to mention, Method’s opportunity reporting and dashboards are available on the web, so your sales reps can provide updates on potential deals even when they’re mobile at a conference or business trip.

You can use Method CRM to:

• Integrate with your emails and contacts to track customer data across other platforms.
• Access detailed reports that are compiled automatically from past sales activity logging.
• Monitor how each customer moves through various stages of the customer journey.
• Work with data that reflects potential sales deals that may be linked to specific leads or accounts.
• Track and communicate with any opportunity who needs regular follow-ups for progression.
• View opportunity history and notes or set notifications and alerts.
• Design customized sales processes for your unique business needs.

Overall, answering the question, “What is opportunity in CRM?” is a game changer for your business. By using the right tools and strategies, you: 

• Simplify your sales processes. 
• Boost business growth.
• Stay ahead of the competition.

Frequently asked questions

How do you know that you need an opportunity management tool?

Many companies get by without the support of an opportunity management tool, but they could be doing better with one. They provide data that serves as a key metric in sales analytics for revenue forecasting.

You’ll especially benefit from using features included in opportunity management tools if your business is struggling with: 

• Finding a customer’s probability of closure.
• Growth of company size or operations.
• Identifying opportunity size and value.
• Sales pipeline management.

Do you need CRM for opportunity management?

You don’t need CRM for opportunity management, but it makes the process much more effective.

Identifying what is opportunity in CRM means using the platform for an overview of: 

• Customer interactions.
• Sales history.
• Prospects. 

These tools make it easier to convert leads into sales and provide automation for manual data entry.

Because your customer information database requires regular updates for accuracy, CRM software can update this information for you automatically. So, you spend less time on manual data entry and more on value-added activities like collaborative deal management.

How should businesses manage sales opportunities?

Most of the time, your sales opportunity management involves the following steps: 

• Identify unqualified and qualified leads.
• Prioritize opportunities based on potential value.
• Maintain regular communication with each person involved.
• Leverage data analytics for informed decision-making.

CRM integrations with other modules give you linked contacts and accounts to pull customer data from emails, social media, and other platforms you use.

For example, your sales cycle might look something like this:

1. Use CRM software that integrates with sales forecasts to generate and analyze a report that provides insights into customer needs and preferences.
2. Collaborate with the sales and marketing team on a new marketing campaign based on the data you find.
3. Identify new leads and put together a shortlist, which often results from successful marketing campaigns.
4. Segment the opportunities from the leads based on click-through rate.
5. Identify the top source or lead reference by how likely they are to spend money.
6. 6. Your list of opportunities then can be assigned to specific team members to nurture.
7. Upsell based on how the customer relates to specific products or services.
8. Set up a win/loss analysis and expected close date for each opportunity.
9. Close the sale. Remember that closing deals isn’t always the end of your customer journey.

Interested in making CRM a part of your business? Start your free trial of Method CRM today!

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You have to: 

• Keep track of interactions.
• Personalize communications.
• Ensure timely responses.

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Amidst the chaos, it’s easy for you to lose focus on what you excel at  — running your business. 

Sound familiar? Then a CRM solution is exactly what you need. 

Keep reading to learn why CRM is important for small businesses, including how it helps you  enhance:

• Communication.
• Teamwork.
• Overall efficiency.

What is CRM?

CRM, or customer relationship management, is a software system whose main function is to help you manage customer interactions. 

It centralizes customer data to ensure that you have instant access to and control over: 

• Contacts. 
• Leads. 
• Deals. 
• Sales pipelines. 

A CRM system also helps you streamline business processes, including: 

• Sales. 
• Marketing. 
• Customer service. 
• Administrative operations. 

Why CRM is important for small businesses

Curious about why CRM is important for small businesses?

Think of all these tasks on your plate:

• Analytics.
• Reporting.
• Project management. 
• Internal communications.

These processes are all important, but notice how they leave out a key element of your business: your customers. 

After all, you can’t sell to someone who’s completely unaware of your business, and you can’t retain customers without acknowledging their needs. That’s where a CRM steps in — to help you engage potential customers and retain existing ones.

For the often-overstretched teams that make up a small business, CRM software is a game-changer. It simplifies data tracking and customer management, which lets your team focus on the essentials. As a result, you ensure: 

• Improved efficiency.
• A better use of resources.
• Enhanced productivity.

Let’s take a closer look at the specific problems a CRM system solves.

What business problems can a CRM solve?

Addressing why CRM is important for small businesses starts with identifying the business problems it tackles. 

Unorganized customer data

As a small business, you might be getting by just fine with sticky notes and Excel spreadsheets. But this won’t keep your business afloat forever.

As you scale up, so does the volume and complexity of your data. It quickly becomes a daunting task to keep track of:

• Contacts.
• Customer information.
• Emails.  

If you’re dealing with growing pains, it’s time to consider a CRM solution to scale with confidence. 

Ineffective customer service

Effective customer engagement relies on making the most of every touchpoint. And customer service is one of the most important. 

Drawing from our experience, when your customer service isn’t responsive and proactive in anticipating needs, you face challenges. Poor customer service leads to reduced interactions, and, ultimately, customer loss.

Fortunately, a well-implemented CRM offers the tools for top-notch customer service.

Drop in team productivity

Success hinges on team productivity. This is a goal that’s often easier said than done, especially for small businesses.

When your team juggles multiple roles, maintaining organization and task clarity is essential. A CRM handles drops in team productivity to prevent:

• Dips in operational efficiency.
• Increased work hours.
• Reduced collaboration.

Inability to prioritize customers

Thriving businesses understand that customers are at the heart of their operations. But it’s all too easy to lose sight of them. 

If customers slip through the cracks, so does the foundation of your business. This is where a CRM system becomes indispensable. 

Benefits of CRM for small businesses

Uncovering why CRM is important for small businesses begins with understanding its benefits. 

Powerful contact management

The beauty of CRM is its ability to serve as a centralized data repository for all your contacts. It organizes all customer data in one place to make it accessible and manageable. 

When it comes to potential customers, CRM excels in task and lead management. This means you can develop highly targeted messages based on your contacts’ needs and preferences. It’s a strategic way to engage prospects and increase conversions. 

For existing customers, a CRM system tracks customer interactions and history. You can:

• See where customers are in the sales cycle.
• Understand purchase patterns.
• Plan future interactions. 

Enhanced internal communication

A CRM system enhances team collaboration by providing instant access to crucial information. This empowers multi-user collaboration and efficiency. 

Beyond your immediate team, a CRM fosters streamlined communication across different departments. It improves workflows and ensures everyone remains in sync. 

In a nutshell, CRM software boosts team collaboration and communication by breaking down information silos. 

Improved productivity

Improved productivity stands out as a key reason why CRM is important for small businesses.

The software is a game-changer when it comes to boosting productivity for your entire team. A dynamic CRM automates repetitive sales tasks so you can focus on more challenging and rewarding activities. This leads to: 

• Improved sales tracking: Keep a closer eye on your sales pipeline. 
• Efficient resource allocation: Ensure the right resources are in the right place at the right time. 
• Mobile accessibility: Access crucial information on the go for better flexibility and responsiveness. 
• Time-saving automations: Reduce manual effort and increase efficiency with automated processes. 

But that’s not all. A CRM system also identifies potential areas of improvement, so you can explore ways to sustain long-term productivity.

Better insights with reporting

Knowing where you stand is crucial, especially for small businesses just starting out. That’s where a CRM system’s reporting features shine. 

The software offers powerful data analytics and reporting capabilities to turn raw data into actionable insights. Curious about what you’re doing right, or eager to pinpoint what needs improvement? Your CRM has you covered!

The best part is that reports help you spot opportunities to transform more leads into loyal customers. 

The possibilities for using these insights to advance your business are limitless. From analyzing lead behavior to uncovering sales opportunities, CRM reporting equips you with the tools to respond to your business needs.

Improved sales strategy

There’s nothing worse than missing out on a potential sale because your processes aren’t in sync. With a robust CRM system, you sharpen your sales strategy and give your business a competitive edge.

Imagine a tool that uses your customer data to uncover upselling and cross-selling opportunities. This reduces chances of missed opportunities to ensure you make the most of every interaction to promote your products. 

Additionally, a CRM system aligns sales and marketing efforts. This synergy optimizes the sales process for efficiency and improves how you manage and close deals. 

Better segmentation and targeting

Prospects and customers are different, and your marketing content should reflect that!

A well-rounded CRM system helps with customer segmentation. It segments customers for tailored marketing to personalize your messaging. 

From there, a CRM system facilitates targeted marketing campaigns for tailored content. It skillfully nurtures leads through the sales funnel, from initial interest to final purchase.

To make things even smoother, CRM systems support marketing automation. This means less manual effort and more efficiency in your sales pipeline. 

Better customer retention

Our research indicates that it costs less to retain an existing customer than to acquire a new one. That’s why customer retention is a top priority, especially for small companies. 

A CRM system helps build and maintain relationships with your existing customers through personalized interactions. For example, you can create automated email campaigns to connect with your customers post-purchase. 

Using a CRM for customer retention is beneficial, as it: 

• Monitors customer feedback and satisfaction. 
• Improves customer retention rates. 
• Enhances communication with clients. 

Improved customer service

A well-implemented CRM system boosts customer satisfaction through enhanced customer service. 

For example, integrating a CRM help desk consolidates support tickets and customer history access in one place. This streamlines customer interactions and enables personalized customer experiences. 

Additionally, a CRM system improves customer service by managing incoming complaints. This lets you:

• Spot trends.
• Tackle issues.
• Adapt responses. 

Ensuring data security and regulatory compliance

Ensuring your organization’s data is secure and up to industry standards is an absolute must. 

Fortunately, an effective CRM system centralizes your data, which lets you monitor its compliance with federal and state laws.

Plus, it ensures your data is well-prepared for routine security checks so you can focus on growth without worry.

Profitability tracking

The most reassuring moment for any business is witnessing a hard-earned investment turn into something profitable. 

A CRM provides insights into sales performance so you can gauge your financial progress effectively. Profitability tracking makes it easy to measure the health and longevity of your business.

Beyond current performance, CRM also helps in forecasting sales and revenue. This is useful for small businesses in search of guidance for their next strategic move.

Common challenges faced by small business owners in implementing a CRM system

Understanding common CRM challenges is vital when discussing why CRM is important for small businesses. 

High costs

For small businesses, prioritizing cost-effectiveness is essential. This becomes challenging when considering CRM systems, as they often come with hefty price tags. 

It’s vital to view this as a strategic investment that pays itself off over time. A well-chosen CRM system offsets initial costs by increasing your customer base and speeding up payments. 

Complexity

Transitioning to a CRM system often brings a considerable learning curve, which may result in difficulty implementing or even abandonment. Even when onboarded, your team might still find your chosen software difficult, which leads to underutilization.

The silver lining is that numerous CRM systems feature: 

• User-friendly interfaces.
• Extensive training guides.
• Exceptional customer support. 

Resistance to change

Recognizing people’s natural resistance to change is crucial when you integrate a new system.

While some are quick to embrace new methods, others prefer their familiar routines. Understanding and addressing these varying attitudes is crucial for smooth CRM adoption and implementation.

Data migration issues

A major challenge in setting up your CRM is data migration. 

It’s crucial to select a CRM system that handles data migration smoothly, as failure to do so results in significant information loss. 

This oversight leads to missed opportunities and extra work, which undermines the goal of simplifying your workflows. 

Integration with other tools

For small businesses, integrating a CRM with existing tools is a common hurdle. Smooth integration empowers your workflows, while poor integration disrupts them.

The key is to choose a CRM that integrates with other business tools and platforms. To optimize effectiveness, focus on standard data formats and reliable APIs. 

Training and onboarding

Found the perfect CRM? You’re not done yet! The next big step is to ensure your employees fully embrace the system. This means in-depth training and effective onboarding.

To enhance user adoption:

• Clearly highlight the CRM’s advantages.
• Provide detailed training.
• Extend additional support.
• Consider offering incentives.

Encourage your teams to input high-quality data into your CRM. Without their active participation, you risk missing out on invaluable insights and underutilizing your CRM’s full potential. 

Remember: You unlock the power of a CRM through the collective effort of your employees and teams.

Data quality

Exploring a CRM system isn’t just about data storage — it’s also about the quality of that data. 

When assessing a CRM system, ask yourself: 

• Can it accurately capture customer needs, preferences, and behaviors?
• Is the data consistently up-to-date?
• Does it have built-in data validation and cleansing features?

Opt for a CRM with real-time updates to foster a reliable information base for your decision-making.

Scalability concerns

As your business expands, it’s essential that your CRM system scales with you.

Otherwise, increasing data, user counts, and interactions slows down your system and harms user experience.

On the other hand, a well-chosen CRM supports business growth and scalability, which enhances customer service and efficiency as you expand. 

Which CRM tool is the best for your business?

Now that you know why CRM is important for small businesses, you might wonder which tool is the best.

The ideal choice depends on your: 

• Needs.
• Budget.
• Industry type. 
• Business size. 
• Team’s technical skills. 

Evaluating these factors is the only way to find the best CRM for your unique business needs. 

The #1 lead-to-cash automation tool for QuickBooks and Xero users

Method is the #1 CRM for QuickBooks and Xero users. Thanks to its two-way sync, you can track leads in real time and eliminate double data entry. 

Method also offers advanced process automation to save you money and time. Plus, its mobile app is the perfect choice for small businesses on the go.

See if Method is right for you with your free trial. 

How much does small business CRM software cost?

Providers have different answers as to why CRM is important for small businesses.

So, different CRMs have different pricing structures. They can:

• Operate on a monthly subscription or charge an upfront fee.
• Come with tiered features and plans.
• Provide demos and free access. 

Before you make your decision, it’s crucial to analyze each system’s financial pros and cons to find the perfect fit.

Why CRM is important for small businesses: Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Is CRM worth it for small businesses?

Yes, CRM is worth it for small businesses because it: 

• Organizes customer information.
• Optimizes sales processes.
• Improves customer service. 

This leads to stronger customer relationships and greater efficiency. 

Is CRM necessary for all businesses?

Not every business requires a CRM, but they all benefit from one. It helps your business communicate, collaborate, and nurture customer relationships better.

Can you use CRM for marketing?

Yes, a CRM is an excellent resource for marketing. Your business can use CRM data to:

• Segment audiences.
• Launch targeted marketing campaigns.
• Automate marketing workflows. 

Take the first step towards CRM success with your free trial of Method! 

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