Best Sales CRM Software (Top 10 Sales Tools for 2024 Compared)

Quick Summary

Sales CRM helps businesses manage and nurture their customer relationships, streamline sales processes, and drive revenue growth. In our comprehensive review of the top ten Sales CRM tools for 2024, we delve into the features, pros, cons, and pricing of leading solutions.

These days, the science of selling has become ever more sophisticated. There's still room for artistry, but the truth is, investing in an integrated digital tool—i.e. a sales CRM software—is pretty much now indispensable.

This type of CRM manages the entire sales cycle. That includes sales leads, sales processes, and sales teams.

Customer relationship management platforms offer features like automation and workflow management tools, which are geared to make your sales team more effective with fewer resources. It's important to understand your business needs in order to choose the top CRM system for your company. 

Top 10 Sales CRM Summary:

• Pipedrive – Top CRM for sales pipeline management
• Monday.com Sales CRM – Flexible CRM Software for Sales and Project Management
• Salesforce – Best sales CRM for large business and enterprise
• Zoho CRM – Good sales CRM for scaling sales teams and businesses
• HubSpot CRM – Great free sales CRM platform
• Insightly CRM – Top sales CRM software for marketing campaigns
• Zendesk Sell – Flexible sales CRM for diverse business sizes
• Copper CRM – Top sales CRM platform for Gmail users
• Keap CRM (aka Infusionsoft) – Excellent sales CRM software for automation
• Freshsales by Freshworks – Best sales CRM software overall

What is sales CRM?

Sales CRM software comparison chart (top 10 highest-rated sales software)

What is the best sales CRM software? Here's our top 11 software:

We know there are loads of options for the best sales CRM out there and having so many options can be daunting. Our meticulously curated top 10 list of sales CRM software is a goldmine for sales teams navigating the vast sea of options. From feature-rich platforms with sophisticated automation capabilities to simpler, more affordable options perfect for smaller teams, this list will have what you need.

Each sales CRM on this list is chosen for its unique strengths in areas like automation, analytics, user-friendliness, and integration capabilities, ensuring that no matter your specific sales process or team structure, there's a CRM that fits the bill perfectly.

1. Freshsales by Freshworks: Best sales CRM software overall

^{Freshsales’ individual deal overview shows all the information related to that particular deal}

Why We Chose It:

Freshsales by Freshworks grabs the top spot on our sales CRM leaderboard, blending advanced features, wallet-friendly pricing, and user-friendliness like a pro. Its combination of AI capabilities and extensive integrations make it a versatile, scalable solution for modern businesses and one of the best CRM for small businesses and larger ones of course.

When we logged into Freshsales for the first time, it took us only a few minutes to learn the ropes. The interface is clean and minimalist; all the features are in the left sidebar. And, finding contacts, documents, and deals was a breeze thanks to the search bar on top of the screen. 

Freshsales isn’t just a pretty face, though. It packs a punch with top-notch contact management, slick web forms for lead capture, and a pipeline management toolkit that's both visually appealing and ultra-efficient. Speaking of, Freshsales offers robust pipeline and deal management tools that provide visual tracking, customizable stages, and comprehensive deal overviews, enhancing user efficiency in managing sales processes.

And the integrations? It's like opening a treasure chest located in the "Admin Settings," where you can pick from displayed native integrations or visit the apps marketplace, a galaxy of over 1000 apps. Check out our Freshsales review for more details!

Pros:

• A free forever plan is available for up to three users.
• User-friendly interface that is easy to navigate, catering to new and experienced users.
• Freshsales excels in lead capture and management, with features such as automatic lead capture from emails, web forms, and live chat.
• Seamless integration with a wide range of apps and platforms, including Freshdesk and 1000+ other apps from the Marketplace
• Users have access to customizable reports, dashboards, and data visualization tools.
• You can easily streamline customer interactions thanks to features like live chat, SMS, and two-way email sync.

Cons:

• Many advanced features, particularly AI-powered tools, are only available in the more expensive plans.

• While the tool is generally user-friendly, some advanced features and settings may require a learning period.

• Freshsales only collects names and emails when capturing leads from emails, not other details.

Pricing:

• Forever free plan is available for up to three users

• Growth plan: $9/user/month, billed annually

• Pro plan: $39/user/month, billed annually

• Enterprise plan: $59/user/month, billed annually

Visit site
^{Go to Freshsales' official website}

2. Pipedrive: Top CRM for sales pipeline management

^{An image showing Pipedrive’s dashboard overview where the users can see essential real-time data}

Why We Chose It:

Pipedrive slides into second place with its standout contact and pipeline management. It's a bit more low-key on the advanced features compared to Freshsales, but still a strong contender.

Similarly to Freshsales, when we logged in to Pipedrive for the first time, we noticed that all the features were in the left sidebar. The main dashboard is well-organized, and navigation is straightforward, with a logical structure.

We were impressed with Pipedrive's contact management since you can input as much information for every contact as you'd like. You can also create custom fields that capture information vital to your team. When it comes to communication channels, Pipedrive supports only email and phone, unlike Freshsales' broader communication suite.

All in all, Pipedrive is excellent for contact, deals, and pipeline management, but it lacks advanced CRM functionality unless you want to pay extra bucks for it. Find out more details in our Pipedrive review.

Pros:

• Pipedrive's clean and intuitive interface, with a well-organized dashboard, enhances usability,
• The tool offers multiple sales pipelines, custom fields, and workflow automation, allowing for a high degree of customization to suit different business needs.
• Pipedrive excels in contact management with detailed profiles, activity feeds, and a contacts timeline feature.
• AI-driven Sales Assistant offers personalized tips and recommendations, enhancing sales strategies and improving performance.

Cons:

• There is no free plan available, only a free trial.
• Lead capture is basic and requires additional payment for advanced features like LeadBooster.
• Only email and phone integrations are available natively.
• While Pipedrive offers a decent range of integrations, it may not be as extensive as some competitors.

Pricing:

• Essential plan is $14 per user per month, billed annually

• Advanced plan is $29 per user per month, billed annually

• Professional plan is $49 per user per month, billed annually 

• Power plan is $64 per user per month, billed annually 

• Enterprise plan is $99 per user per month, billed annually

Visit site
^{Go to Pipedrive's official website}

3. HubSpot CRM Sales Hub: Great free sales CRM platform

^{An image of HubSpot CRM showing all conversations displayed in one place via various communication channels – live chat, SMS, email, etc.}

Why We Chose It:

One thing that surprised us when we logged in to HubSpot for the first time was the lack of a sidebar menu. Instead, HubSpot sports a sleek top menu housing everything from contacts to sales and marketing.

HubSpot really rolls out the red carpet in guidance, with handy info bubbles offering insights into each feature. For example, next to every feature is an “i” inside a small bubble, which provides more information. You get more details about every feature when you click on the bubble.

HubSpot is also a lead generation powerhouse, albeit with the juiciest bits locked in paid plans. We explored different options and found that you can capture leads through diverse methods like website forms, live chat, and a Chrome extension that collects email contact details.

And what about contact and deal management? Think customization and scalability with workflow automation that caters to all levels of task complexity. When it comes to contact management, HubSpot offers detailed profiles, task scheduling, and call management, supported by a robust contact storage system with various filters and an activity feed for each contact, ensuring a thorough follow-up process.

Deal management in HubSpot is highly scalable, with customizable pipelines and efficient task management. Its workflow automation is user-friendly, ideal for both simple and complex tasks, and includes sequences for maintaining personalized client relationships. Oh yes, and you can have this all for free!

We cover all these features in detail in our HubSpot CRM review, so make sure to check it out.

Pros:

• A robust free plan makes it an excellent entry point for small businesses or those just starting with CRM.
• A combination of advanced features and intuitive design makes HubSpot accessible to users of all skill levels.
• The platform excels in capturing leads through various channels like forms, social media, and live chat, along with detailed contact management and storage features.
• HubSpot offers user-friendly workflow automation for both simple and complex tasks, enhancing efficiency.

Cons:

• While HubSpot offers a robust free plan, the cost for the full CRM suite or advanced features can be quite high.
• Many advanced lead features, such as detailed lead scoring and complex email campaigns, require additional payment.
• The lower-tiered plans have limitations, like the number of paid users, which might not suit growing teams.

Pricing:

• There is free HubSpot CRM available.
• Starter plan: $15/month, billed annually.
• Professional plan: $1,080/month, billed annually.

Visit site
^{Go to HubSpot's official website}

4. Salesforce Sales Cloud: Best sales CRM for large business and enterprise

^{An image of Salesforce’s individual opportunity overview that display’s all the relevant data, actions, files, and contacts related to that opportunity}

Why We Chose It:

Yes, everybody knows that Salesforce is a powerful CRM with deep integration and advanced features for various business needs. However, with all the advanced features comes a steep-ish learning curve.

When we started using Salesforce, a helpful guide and pop-up instructions assisted us in navigating features, such as importing contacts. Live chat support with responsive customer representatives is accessible via a chat bubble, and a comprehensive getting started guide helped us take all the necessary first steps.

Now, let’s talk features! This platform offers advanced capabilities, though it has a learning curve compared to Pipedrive or Insightly. The dashboard provides a great overview, consolidating all data in one accessible place. We really liked that there were multiple views available for contacts and deals.

Speaking of contacts, it’s easy to import them. However, the import options are limited. You can choose to import contacts via your email or by uploading a .csv file. No other formats are supported, which was a bit disappointing for such a powerful tool.

For leads, Salesforce is great at capturing and nurturing them. You can use forms, emails, manual entry, or even integrate with marketing and social media. Additionally, the workflow in Salesforce automates tasks, which might be tricky to set up, while the calendar shows tasks and meetings, but it’s not as easy as other calendars.

Read our detailed Salesforce review for more information.

Pros:

• Salesforce offers powerful features, including deep integration, customizable workflows, and advanced AI tools.
• Multiple views and intelligent alerts enhance pipeline management, ensuring crucial opportunities aren’t missed.
• Salesforce excels in capturing and nurturing leads through various methods, providing versatility.
• The platform integrates seamlessly with a wide array of third-party apps through AppExchange.
• There’s a wide range of products and plans that meet different needs and budgets.

Cons:

• The platform has a learning curve, especially compared to simpler alternatives like Pipedrive or Insightly.
• Salesforce is on the pricier side, with advanced features, including AI, available in the higher-tier plans.
• Setting up automated workflows may be challenging, particularly for new users or small businesses without dedicated expertise.

Pricing:

• Starter plan: $25/user/month, billed annually 
• Professional plan: $80/user/month, billed annually 
• Enterprise plan: $160/user/month, billed annually 
• Unlimited plan: $330/user/month, billed annually 
• Unlimited+ plan: $500/user/month, billed annually

Visit site
^{Go to Salesforce's official website}

5. Insightly CRM: Top sales CRM software for marketing campaigns

^{A picture showing Insightly CRM’s dashboard that contains various widgets displaying various real-time data to the user}

Why We Chose It:

Insightly CRM impressed us with its straightforward interface and ease of use, making it an ideal choice for those with basic CRM needs. Its customizable dashboard and the plethora of integrations add to its appeal, though it might fall short for larger companies needing more complex functionalities.

Let’s start with the ease of use! Similarly to all the other tools on our list, all the features were displayed in a sidebar. The search bar at the top of the screen was very helpful to us, as it allowed us to easily search for any contacts, files, or deals we needed.

What we truly appreciate about Insightly CRM is how it simplifies data management, and streamlines account and contact handling, allowing easy access to details and actions directly from each contact's card.

The 'Opportunities' feature particularly caught our attention. It opens up a pipeline view, showing all potential deals and highlighting those requiring immediate action. Each opportunity warns you if it lacks next steps, like tasks or calls, ensuring nothing slips through the cracks. You can even tailor each opportunity with details like win probability and expected deal closure date.

In addition, the 'Opportunities' feature, with its pipeline view and customizable details, helps identify and focus on high-potential leads. This, coupled with its easy customization of fields and reports, makes Insightly an effective tool for managing marketing campaigns, ensuring that leads are nurtured and progressed efficiently through the sales funnel.

Insightly CRM allows you to customize fields, layouts, dashboards, and reports. Workflow automation is there for small to medium workflows, but it may not have all the advanced features for big businesses. To read about the full power of this tool, check out our Insightly review.

Pros:

• Clean and simple interface with easy navigation and customizable dashboards.
• Essential CRM functionalities and a wide range of integrations, including 2000+ options in the marketplace.
• Efficient handling of leads, conversion into opportunities, and customizable pipelines.
• Users can create custom fields, design page layouts, and generate personalized dashboards and reports.
• Phone and email support, online knowledge base, webinars, and community forums.

Cons:

• It may lack advanced features required by larger enterprises and might face limitations in handling complex operations.
• Suitable for small to medium-sized workflows but may not offer extensive customization or automation for larger, more complex processes.
• Slightly on the higher side, with plans ranging from $29 to $99/user/month.

Pricing:

• The personal version is free for individual users.

• The plus plan is $29 

• The professional plan is $49

• Enterprise plan is $99

Visit site
^{Go to Insightly's official website}

6. Zoho CRM: Good sales CRM for scaling sales teams and businesses

^{An overview of an account within Zoho CRM that shows all the information, files, and contacts related to that particular account}

Why We Chose It:

Zoho CRM offers a blend of essential and advanced CRM features. Whether you’re a smaller team taking initial steps into the CRM world or a seasoned professional seeking advanced functionalities, Zoho caters to a broad spectrum of needs.

Getting started with Zoho CRM was a breeze. Upon the initial login, we were welcomed by a “Getting Started” guide. This convenient pop-up window featured a greeting message, a link to a one-minute introductory video, and a clear, step-by-step checklist to kickstart our CRM setup.

Every salesperson will find Zoho’s lead management features highly advantageous. First, you can store extensive data on each lead, from basic information to notes and documents. Then, the platform’s versatility in views, particularly the list, kanban, and timeline options, allows for a customized approach to managing contacts.

Zia, the AI Assistant, will be there with you every step of the way. Zia's machine learning capabilities can predict potential revenue-generating leads and deals. She assists in data management, workflow automation, and in providing sales forecast insights, which are crucial for sales strategy and efficiency.

Along with Zia, Zoho’s real-time reporting will provide you with everything you need for data-driven decision-making. Even in the free version, Zoho CRM's pre-made reports are a game-changer, offering instant insights into key sales metrics and team performance. You can also create customized reports that track metrics and KPIs relevant to your specific goals.

Pros:

• Zoho CRM is affordable and offers competitive pricing.
• Efficient management of the entire sales spectrum, including pre-sales, sales, and post-sales activities.
• The CRM supports the creation of workflows, email templates, and various customization options, enhancing efficiency in sales operations.
• Zoho offers a vast library of applications, including marketing tools, which can be integrated for a more comprehensive approach to sales and marketing campaigns.

Cons:

• The process of setting up, cleaning data, and migrating it to the Zoho CRM platform can be time-consuming.
• Despite being clean and intuitive, the user interface of Zoho CRM is considered somewhat outdated.

Pricing:

• A free version is available for up to 3 users. 15-day free trial for paid versions.

• Standard edition is $15

• Professional edition is $39

• Premium edition is $79

• Elite edition is $239

Visit site
^{Go to Zoho CRM's official website}
 

7. Zendesk Sell: Flexible sales CRM for diverse business sizes

^{An image of Zendesk Sell’s individual contact card that includes all the information about the contact, related deals, actions, files, and notes}

Why We Chose It:

Zendesk has the usual bells and whistles like contact management, deal management, and reporting. They're like the bread and butter of CRM, reliable but not exactly the life of the party. But hold your hats because Zendesk brings a couple of party tricks that'll make you do a double-take. 

We're not just talking about typical features here; we're talking about the lead generation tool called Reach and Smart Lists. These are like the unicorns of the CRM world - rare, magical, and surprisingly affordable in this case. And, thanks to these tools, your days of struggling to find new leads and identify good ones are over.

How does ”Reach” work? All you have to do is enter the criteria for your perfect lead - their industry, company size, department, and even job title. Then, Reach will leverage Clearbit's extensive database to create new lead profiles automatically. The tool is capable of enriching incomplete lead profiles as well.

Once you find your leads, you can import them directly into your Zendesk Sell Contacts. If there are any duplicate leads, they won’t be imported. Once you have your new leads, you can organize them into Smart Lists to facilitate more efficient and targeted engagement with contacts.

Smart Lists in Zendesk Sell are like real-time spreadsheets, offering unparalleled customization in data organization and tracking. These lists allow you to create tailored lists based on specific criteria, such as response time or engagement levels. This way, you can focus on the most promising leads or urgent tasks.

And, if you’re worried that you may not know how to use these features - there’s no reason to. From the moment we logged into Zendesk Sell, the tool was user-friendly and easy to navigate. This CRM boasts a clean interface, and all features are displayed in the left sidebar menu.

As we explored each feature, we received pop-ups with instructions on how to use the feature, or there were links to instructions. So, the learning curve here is minimal to none.

There are a few more things we'd like to say about Zendesk Sell… Oh, wait, we did in our Zendesk Sell review.

Pros:

• Clean, intuitive interface with easy navigation and a minimal learning curve.
• Innovative lead generation and enrichment with the prospecting tool “Reach.”
• Real-time data organization with Smart Lists allows sales teams to enhance focus on high-priority leads and tasks.
• Extensive customization options, including custom fields, multiple sales pipelines, and tailored task and appointment settings.

Cons:

• There is limited integration capability; Zendesk Sell’s integrations are primarily focused on the Zendesk platform.
• For businesses not using Zendesk products, there might be an overlap or underutilization of features, especially if they seek integrations outside the Zendesk ecosystem.
• Zoho offers an affordable basic plan, but the cost significantly increases for more advanced plans.

Pricing:

• Team Plan: $19/agent/month
• Growth Plan: $55/agent/month
• Professional Plan: $115/agent/month

Visit site
^{Go to Zendesk Sell's official website}

8. Copper CRM: Top sales CRM platform for Gmail users

^{An image showing Copper CRM’s opportunities, that is, the sales pipeline that consists of multiple stages}

Why We Chose It:

If you and your team are using Google Workspace for your daily communication with colleagues and clients, then getting Copper CRM is a no-brainer. Think of it as the peanut butter to your G Suite jelly – familiar, comforting, and oh-so-satisfying. 

Copper CRM integration with Google Workspace is seamless, and it provides a familiar user experience for those accustomed to G Suite products, streamlining the CRM's adoption and use. 

We appreciated Copper’s integration with Gmail the most as it allowed us to send bulk emails and track email opens directly from Gmail. However, it is important to note that Copper doesn’t integrate with other email providers, which is a downside.

Copper's contact management is like a Swiss Army knife – versatile, reliable, and surprisingly capable of importing contacts from seemingly everywhere, ranging from your previous CRM to LinkedIn.

Creating pipelines was also a breeze, especially if you take into consideration that we created our pipeline from scratch. You can also use pre-made templates that make creating pipelines even faster. Pipelines can have as many stages as you want, and you get to name and insert a win probability for each stage (even if you use the templates).

Regarding features that make your life easier, Copper is equipped with task and workflow automation. These automation features will remove boring, repetitive tasks from your to-do list and allow you to focus on what matters – building relationships and closing deals. By automating follow-ups, lead assignments, and other routine activities, Copper ensures that your sales process runs smoothly without you having to lift a finger for mundane tasks.

• Copper integrates effortlessly with Google Workspace, making it ideal for users familiar with Google's tools.
• The CRM supports versatile contact import options and allows for detailed, customizable contact profiles.
• You have the ability to create and tailor multiple sales pipelines to suit various business needs.
• Copper provides integrated email marketing capabilities, particularly useful for Gmail users.
• Streamline repetitive tasks with task and workflow automation, saving time and increasing efficiency.

Cons:

• There are limited communication channels. Copper primarily focuses on email, lacking in-built options for other communication platforms.
• Copper does not offer native lead capture forms, which might require additional integrations.
• Focus on Google Workspace integration might limit Copper’s appeal to users or businesses not using Google's ecosystem.

Pricing:

• Basic plan: $23/user/month, billed annually

• Professional plan: $59/user/month, billed annually

• Business plan: $99/user/month, billed annually

Visit site
^{Go to Copper CRM's official website}

9. Keap CRM (aka Infusionsoft): Excellent sales CRM software for automation

^{An image showing Keap CRM’s individual contact overview that includes all info related to the contact and allows users to take action directly}

Why We Chose It:

Keap is a perfect fit for sales teams seeking to streamline their workflow and sales funnel with automation. Its user-friendly interface boasts a clean, organized design, making navigation a breeze. 

The initial experience is a smooth sail – right from the first login, the dashboard offers a clear, step-by-step guide, leading you through importing and capturing leads, setting up automations, and tailoring your pipeline. It's all about efficiency and ease, making Keap an ideal choice for sales teams eager to optimize their processes.

Diving into Keap, we were greeted with slick instructional videos and handy 'Take a Tour' options as we clicked on each feature. But, embracing our inner CRM experts, we skipped the guides and could easily navigate the features on our own. But if you’re just getting started with CRMs, there's no need to worry. Keap’s got you covered with videos, pop-up instructions, and even live chat help.

But now, let’s get to what truly matters - the features. Keap stands out as an exceptional CRM for sales teams, particularly for its prowess in automation, pipeline management, and lead capture.

Keap's heart beats with automation. With both easy and advanced builders, it turns complex sales sequences into a walk in the park. All you have to do is set a 'when-then' trigger and watch as your follow-up emails, notifications, and task assignments happen like clockwork.

Crafting your sales pipeline in Keap is a breeze, whether you start from scratch or use a template. Adding deals and moving them through stages is as easy as drag-and-drop. Customizable stages with automated actions, like notifications for stage changes, turn pipeline management into a strategic asset.

Last but not least, Keap's lead capture mechanisms work tirelessly in the background. Gathering leads from forms, landing pages, and social media, Keap funnels them directly into your sales pipeline, ensuring a consistent influx of prospects.

In essence, Keap is a powerhouse for sales teams who value efficiency, organization, and the art of automating the mundane to focus on what truly matters – selling.

Read how this tool can help you boost your business in our Keap review.

Pros:

• Keap offers both easy and advanced features, ideal for all levels of users, with intuitive drag-and-drop functionality.
• Users can personalize dashboards with relevant widgets, enhancing data visibility and task management.
• Automated data collection from various sources, facilitating efficient lead generation.
• Simplifies deal creation and movement across stages, with automation for each stage.
• Clean and intuitive design, making navigation and feature usage straightforward.
• Built-in appointment scheduling reduces reliance on external scheduling tools, integrated directly into the CRM.

Cons:

• The absence of an extensive marketplace and restricted to a handful of popular apps may limit functionality for some users.
• The cost escalates with more contacts and additional users, which might be a concern for smaller businesses or those looking to scale.
• Compared to other CRMs, Keap's reporting and dashboard features lack the same level of customization, which may affect data visualization and interpretation.

Pricing:

Keap’s pricing plans vary based on the number of your contacts. The following pricing is for 2,500 contacts:

• Pro plan: starts at $159/month; two users included

• Max plan: starts at $229/month; three users included 

• Ultimate: starts at $229/month; three users included

• Additional users cost $29/user

Visit site
^{Go to Keap's official website}

10. Monday.com Sales CRM: Flexible CRM Software for Sales and Project Management

^{An image showing an overview of Monday.com sales CRM’s dashboard that displays recent boards, Inbox, and workspaces}

Why We Chose It:

Monday.com CRM is like the energetic new kid on the block – it's fresh, it's modern, and it's got the flair of popular project management platforms like Asana, and well obviously, monday.com. It's intuitive, with a layout that feels instantly familiar to those used to Monday’s Work OS or task management tools.

Where Monday.com really shines is in its automation. Picture a helpful robot at your fingertips, suggesting smart automations right when you need them. It's like having a personal assistant who knows what you need before you do. The CRM makes task management a breeze, keeping everything you need right at the top of the toolbar.

Flexibility? Check. Customization? Double-check. Drag, drop, rearrange to your heart's content – creating a CRM that’s as unique as your sales process. Plus, its seamless integration with Monday’s project management means deals won in the CRM can effortlessly transition into projects.

AI capabilities add a cherry on top, helping you whip up emails and summarize meeting notes like a pro. And with a Getting Started guide chock-full of resources, even CRM rookies can feel like seasoned pros in no time.

Monday.com CRM, with its fusion of user-friendliness, customization, and intelligent automation, is perfect for teams looking to blend project management prowess with their sales process, ensuring a smooth transition from closed deals to project kick-offs.

Pros:

• Monday.com CRM features an intuitive design that will feel familiar to users of task management tools.
• Easy-to-use automations with AI capabilities for email composition and summarizing meeting notes.
• Efficiently organizes the sales process around tasks.
• Integrates CRM with project management, facilitating smooth workflow transition.
• The tool offers flexible drag-and-drop options for personalization.

Cons:

• There is a slight learning curve and the tool may require acclimatization for those new to Monday.com’s environment.
• Heavy emphasis on automation center for integrations could be overwhelming for some.

Pricing:

• Free forever plan with limited users and basic features.

• The basic CRM plan is $12/seat/month, billed annually.

• The standard CRM plan is $17/seat/month, billed annually.

• The Pro CRM plan is $28/seat/month, billed annually.

• For enterprise plans, contact monday.com.

Visit site
^{Go to Monday.com’s official website}

11. Close CRM: Innovative Sales CRM for Efficient Communication and Lead Management

^{An image showing an overview of the Close CRM’s Sales Pipeline}

Why We Chose It:

Close CRM might take a hot minute to get the hang of, but give it half an hour and you'll feel right at home. Similarly to many other CRMs, you’ll find all the features neatly tucked in the left sidebar - your inbox, opportunities, contacts, workflows, and reports. And, if you need any help the 'Support and FAQs' are just a click away in that same handy sidebar.

This CRM certainly has a unique “Inbox” feature. We expected to see a typical email inbox where all of our conversations are displayed. Instead, it’s a mix-and-mingle of all your untouched emails, calls, SMS messages, and tasks. 

Your mission? Zero out that inbox daily. It's like a game – start with the day's fresh batch of emails and tasks and power through until you hit that satisfying zero.

Then there's the 'Smart View' – a real gem that does the heavy lifting of sorting your leads. It's like having a personal assistant who knows exactly who needs your attention, from cold leads to those just waiting for a follow-up call. 

We found this feature very helpful as it allowed us to know which leads to focus on without scrolling through the database. In addition, leads can quickly be turned into “Opportunities.” These are your deals associated with specific leads. You can create multiple pipelines within Opportunities and modify the stages for each pipeline you create.

Close CRM offers a refreshing take on the traditional CRM setup with its innovative Inbox feature and Smart View. This tool is great for sales teams who crave efficiency and a clear focus on the day's priorities, Close CRM isn't just about keeping records; it's about actively guiding you towards productive interactions and helping you close deals faster and more efficiently.

Pros:

• Comprehensive Inbox feature that includes emails, calls, SMS, and tasks, encouraging a goal of zeroing out the inbox daily for efficiency.
• Smart View for lead management that automatically filters leads to help prioritize follow-ups and outreach.
• Offers the ability to create multiple sales pipelines and modify stages, enhancing deal management.
• Streamlines workflow and helps focus on priority tasks and leads with effective task management features.

Cons:

• It may take some time to get accustomed to Close, particularly for those new to CRM systems.
• The combined view of emails, calls, SMS, and tasks in the inbox might be overwhelming for some users.

Pricing:

• Startup plan: $49/month, one user included in the plan
• Professional plan: $299/month, three users included in the plan
• Enterprise plan: $699/month, five users included in the plan

Visit site
^{Go to Close CRM’s official website}

How Can a CRM for Sales Reps Help Your Business

A CRM for sales reps can help your business by streamlining customer information management, improving communication, and easing sales processes.

To be more specific, it centralizes data, tracks interactions, and provides insights, enabling reps to make informed decisions, build stronger relationships, and ultimately boost sales performance. Here’s a breakdown of all the stages of CRM for sales reps:

Prospecting Stage

Data Organization: The CRM system organizes prospect information through a relational database, capturing and storing details like names, contact info, and communication logs. Customizable fields and tags ensure a categorized record, enabling quick retrieval, while features like data deduplication and validation maintain accuracy.

Lead Scoring: The CRM system initiates lead scoring by establishing criteria like demographics and engagement metrics. Each criterion receives a numerical value based on its relevance to conversion likelihood. As leads interact, their scores dynamically adjust, guiding sales teams to prioritize high-conversion prospects.

Automated Outreach: CRM automated outreach involves configuring workflows and triggers for personalized email templates. For example, an introductory email is sent automatically when a new lead is added or upon reaching a set engagement threshold. The system’s automation ensures timely follow-up based on specific interactions, supported by analytics for continuous optimization.

Fun Fact: Salespeople who use a CRM system often see their sales revenue go up by 35%, as reported by LinkedIn. This proves that CRM systems aren’t just for organizing; they actually make you more money.

Contact Management Stage

Centralized Database: The CRM system functions by gathering and consolidating customer information from various sources into a unified platform. It involves creating a structured database that can store data such as customer profiles, contact details, communication logs, and transaction history. This centralized repository ensures that all relevant data is easily accessible, streamlining user data management.

Interaction History: This feature operates by continuously recording and storing details of every user interaction with a contact. It involves capturing information such as emails, phone calls, meetings, and purchases. The system organizes this data chronologically, providing a comprehensive overview of the contact’s engagement history. Users can then refer to this interaction history to understand past engagements and tailor future communications accordingly.

Segmentation: This involves categorizing contacts into groups based on specific criteria. This process includes defining parameters like demographics, geographic location, purchase history, or engagement patterns. Users set rules to determine how contacts are assigned to different segments. Once segmented, teams can target each group with customized marketing and sales strategies, ensuring a more personalized and effective approach.

Fun Fact: More than 45% of CRM use is for managing contacts and automating tasks. According to a CRM buyer survey, companies mainly want CRM to help with contact management (50%), sales management (33%), and lead generation (33%). They also look for automation features (45%), multiple integrations (36%), and support for on-field workers (20%).

Lead Management Stage

Lead Tracking: This process involves monitoring and recording all interactions with potential customers. It offers a visual representation of the sales pipeline, automatically scoring leads and assigning them to respective representatives.

Customized Communication: It enables personalized communication with leads by considering their preferences and past interactions. This ensures that communication is tailored to individual needs, fostering a more meaningful engagement.

Task Management: This involves setting reminders and tasks specific to each lead, ensuring timely follow-ups, and organized management of ongoing interactions. It helps maintain a proactive approach to addressing leads’ needs and progressing through the sales process.

Fun Fact: Fortune Business Insights reveals that the most common use of CRM (32%) is for sales—generating leads and enhancing customer experience. After that, it’s customer support, contact management, email marketing automation, and other tools like social media and brand management.

Sales Pitching Stage

Access to Collateral: This involves providing sales representatives with seamless access to the latest marketing collateral and product information. It ensures that the team is well-equipped with up-to-date resources for effective communication.

Personalized Presentations: The process enables the creation of tailored presentations based on a prospect’s unique needs and past interactions. This customization enhances engagement by addressing individual requirements and preferences.

Feedback and Improvement: This includes tracking responses and feedback to sales pitches contributing to the refinement of sales strategies. Analyzing feedback helps identify areas for improvement and enhances the overall effectiveness of the sales approach.

Fun Fact: During the pandemic, buyers became even more discerning. Now, 44% will reject sales pitches outright if the reps haven’t done proper research on their company. Additionally, 33% find excessive calls and emails to be deal-breakers. Therefore, a well-prepared and targeted approach is crucial.

Closing Stage

Deal Management: This involves overseeing the intricacies of a deal, from the initial offer to the final negotiations. It provides a structured approach to managing and tracking the various components of the deal.

E-signature and Contract Management: This process facilitates the electronic signing of contracts and efficiently manages legal documentation. It streamlines the often complex and time-consuming task of contract execution.

Post-Sale Follow-up: Automation is employed for post-sale follow-ups, ensuring customer satisfaction and nurturing long-term relationships. This systematic approach helps maintain engagement and addresses any post-purchase needs or concerns.

Fun Fact: For a great sales experience, Zappia suggests listening to their needs (69%), not being pushy (61%), providing useful info (61%), and replying promptly (51%).

Reporting and Analytics

Sales Forecasting: This involves utilizing analytics to generate accurate sales forecasts, facilitating strategic planning for the future. It provides insights into potential revenue and market trends.

Performance Metrics: The process entails tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess the effectiveness of sales strategies. It offers a quantifiable way to measure success and identify areas for improvement.

Custom Reports: This feature enables the creation of custom reports, allowing businesses to analyze data in ways that are most relevant to their specific needs. It supports a tailored approach to data interpretation and decision-making.

Performance Management and Activity Tracking

Activity Monitoring: This process involves tracking all sales activities to gain insights into how sales representatives allocate their time. It provides visibility into the daily tasks and interactions of the sales team.

Goal Setting and Tracking: It assists in setting individual and team sales goals and monitors progress toward these objectives. This ensures alignment with overall business objectives and provides a clear path for continuous improvement.

Performance Reviews: The system facilitates performance reviews by offering detailed data on sales activities and outcomes. This data-driven approach enhances the evaluation process, allowing for constructive feedback and targeted development efforts.

Fun Fact: Mobile CRM helps 50% of teams be more productive. It’s great for on-field workers and salespeople meeting clients face-to-face. Quick access to info means faster updates and responses, impressing customers with speed and thoughtfulness.

Which of These Sales CRM Tools is Best for Me? Our Conclusion

It's important to address what your specific business needs are before you commit to a paid sales CRM solution. 

Do you do a lot of cold calling and want to revise your selling script in-depth, preferably with the help of AI and advanced analytics? Are you most concerned about building a customized sales pipeline for your niche product? Is social media your main avenue of communication and sales?

These are all things to keep in mind when shopping for a sales CRM. 

There may be no single best CRM software for sales, but there's something out there for pretty much every need, niche or not. The first step towards realizing the right fit is figuring out the problem you want to solve. If none of these tools fit into your monthly/annual budget, then make sure to check out some of the best free CRM software currently available.

Good luck out there! 

Sales CRM FAQs

What does CRM stand for in Sales?

CRM in sales stands for "Customer Relationship Management." This term can refer to either a strategy or technology for managing all your company's relationships and interactions with potential and existing customers. 

As a tool, CRM helps businesses understand their customers better, streamline processes, and enhance relationships over time. It keeps track of customer information, such as contact details, purchase history, and previous communications, in one centralized place.

What is a sales CRM?

A sales CRM system is a platform that streamlines and enhances sales processes. It organizes customer information, tracks sales interactions, and automates many aspects of the sales cycle. 

This system is essential for managing sales leads, customer data, and sales activities, providing a unified view of customer relationships.

In addition to data organization, sales CRM tools offer features like lead scoring, pipeline management, and performance analytics, which help sales teams efficiently manage their sales funnel. 

They also enable better forecasting, improved sales team collaboration, and enhanced customer communication, ultimately increasing sales and customer satisfaction.

How does CRM help sales?

In practice, CRM tools automate various sales tasks, such as follow-up reminders and lead qualification, freeing up time for sales representatives to focus on building relationships and closing deals. They also offer analytics and reporting features, giving sales teams valuable insights into customer behavior, sales trends, and performance metrics.

How does CRM software contribute to customer retention and satisfaction?

CRM software is pivotal in customer retention and satisfaction by providing personalized experiences, timely responses, and proactive service. By centralizing customer information, CRM systems enable businesses to understand individual customer needs and preferences, allowing for more tailored interactions. 

CRM tools facilitate timely and effective communication with customers. Automated features like reminders and follow-ups help maintain consistent engagement, reinforcing customer relationships.

Moreover, CRM systems can identify opportunities for additional sales or services that may benefit the customer, creating a sense of attentiveness and care. This strategic approach to managing customer relationships leads to higher satisfaction, repeat business, and positive word-of-mouth, which is crucial for long-term success.

What makes a good sales CRM?

A good sales CRM is characterized by its user-friendly interface, ensuring ease of use and quick adoption by sales teams. Customization and flexibility are key, allowing the CRM to be tailored to a business's specific needs and processes. 

The system should offer robust sales automation to streamline routine tasks alongside comprehensive pipeline management to monitor sales progress. Effective contact management is essential for maintaining detailed customer profiles and enabling personalized interactions.

Seamless integration with existing tools and software creates a unified platform for all sales activities. Also, analytical capabilities are crucial, providing insights into sales performance and customer behavior.

What is an example of sales CRM?

Several of the most popular CRM systems in the market include Salesforce, HubSpot CRM, Microsoft Dynamics 365 CRM, Zoho CRM, and Oracle CRM. These CRMs are widely used due to their robust functionalities, scalability, and adaptability to different business needs.

Collectively, these tools offer an array of functionalities such as contact and lead management, sales pipeline tracking, task automation, customer support, and detailed analytics and reporting. They help businesses understand their customer base, streamline their sales and marketing efforts, and improve customer interactions.