Are you a solopreneur struggling to keep track of your clients and sales leads? Managing a business all by yourself can be overwhelming, but the right CRM can make all the difference. Finding the best CRM for solopreneurs can help you streamline tasks, stay organized, and grow your business efficiently.
In this article, we’ll explore top CRM options tailored for solo enterprises. From user-friendly interfaces to integration with tools you already use, we’ve got the details you need to make an informed choice.
Let’s find the perfect CRM to take your business to the next level!
11 Best CRM for Solopreneurs in 2024
- Bigin: Best for Small Businesses
- Privyr: Best for Mobile CRM
- Vtiger: Best for Customer Service
- Zoho CRM: Best for Affordability
- Salesforce Essentials: Best for Scalability
- BenchmarkONE: Best for Marketing Automation
- HubSpot CRM: Best for Free Features
- Agile CRM: Best for Project Management
- Close: Best for Sales Teams
- Folk: Best for Networking
- Salesmate: Best for Customization
Bigin
Bigin is designed to assist solopreneurs in managing their contacts, sales pipelines, tasks, and projects efficiently. It is user-friendly, with a variety of templates that make setup quick and straightforward.
Pros & Cons
- Easy to use
- Efficient contact management
- Customizable templates
- Affordable pricing
- Good task-tracking features
- Limited advanced features
- Not ideal for large businesses
- Sometimes, slow customer support
- Basic reporting tools
Our Experience
Using Bigin, we found it stands out due to its simple interface. Managing contacts and tasks felt intuitive, and the customizable templates allowed us to tailor them to our needs quickly.
The sales pipeline feature helped keep deals organized, and the task management tools kept our projects on track.
However, we noticed that it lacks some advanced features, which might be needed by more complex businesses. Additionally, customer support responses could sometimes be slower than expected.
Despite these minor setbacks, Bigin proved to be an effective tool for solopreneurs looking for a straightforward CRM solution.
Pricing Plan
Bigin offers several pricing plans to suit different needs:
- Free Plan: Basic CRM features; limited users
- Express Plan: $7/user/month, includes email notifications, workflow automation, and more customizable options
These plans make it a cost-effective choice for solopreneurs to stay organized and focused on growing their businesses efficiently.
Privyr
Privyr is a mobile-first CRM designed for solopreneurs and small businesses. It simplifies managing leads and client interactions from your smartphone. This section covers Privyr’s strengths, weaknesses, personal experiences, and current pricing details.
Pros & Cons
- Mobile-first CRM
- Easy setup and integration with Shopify
- Highly customizable popup designs
- Great for B2C salespeople
- Basic features are limited
- Templates may seem clunky and hard to update
- Frequent changes in pricing and plans
Our Experience
Using Privyr has been a positive experience for us in many ways. The templates are both beautiful and easy to edit. Implementing Privyr on our BigCommerce store was smooth, and the exit intent feature works wonderfully on both desktop and mobile.
The setup process is straightforward, making it accessible even for those who aren’t tech-savvy. Integration with Shopify was seamless, enhancing our workflow without hitches.
However, we did encounter some limitations with the basic features, which might not meet all the needs of advanced users.
Although the popups are visually appealing and customizable, updating them to match our website’s design felt cumbersome at times.
Additionally, there was some confusion while trying to track the URLs of sign-ups. These issues, combined with frequent pricing changes, left us a bit wary.
Pricing Plan
Privyr offers a range of pricing plans tailored to different needs. The basic plan starts at $19 per user per month, which includes core features suitable for solopreneurs.
There is also a mid-tier plan priced at $39 per user per month, offering advanced automation tools and integrations.
For businesses that require more comprehensive features, there’s a premium plan at $79 per user per month. This plan includes priority support and enhanced customization options.
A 14-day free trial is available to evaluate the platform before committing to a subscription.
Vtiger
Vtiger is a user-friendly CRM solution suitable for solopreneurs due to its competitive pricing and comprehensive features. It offers comprehensive functionality, making it an attractive choice for those needing an all-in-one platform.
Pros & Cons
- Competitive Pricing: Low-cost plans starting at $12 per user per month and a free forever plan.
- Feature-Rich: Includes email marketing, sales automation, project management, and more.
- User-Friendly: Intuitive interface and easy setup.
- Integration: Supports integrations with various third-party applications.
- Limited Customization: Some users may find customization options restrictive.
- Scalability Issues: May not scale well with very large teams or complex workflows.
- Intermittent Bugs: Occasionally, users may experience minor bugs or glitches.
Our Experience
Using Vtiger has been a mostly positive experience. The platform’s interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, which made the initial setup straightforward.
We appreciated the extensive feature set, particularly the email marketing and sales automation tools, which streamlined our workflow significantly.
However, we did encounter some limitations. Customization options seemed somewhat restricted, particularly in creating unique workflows.
Additionally, while the integration capabilities are solid, we experienced occasional bugs that required contacting support.
Despite these drawbacks, Vtiger’s overall performance in daily use proved beneficial. It helped us manage customer relationships more efficiently and offered excellent value for the price, especially for solopreneurs looking for a comprehensive CRM solution.
Pricing Plan
Vtiger offers several pricing plans to cater to different needs:
- Free Forever Plan: Includes basic CRM functionalities.
- Starter Plan: $12 per user per month, adds advanced features like email marketing and automation.
- Professional Plan: $20 per user per month, including sales forecasting and advanced reporting tools.
- Enterprise Plan: $30 per user per month, offers additional features for larger teams and more complex needs.
These plans allow solopreneurs to start with a free option and upgrade as their business grows, providing flexibility and scalability. You can learn more about the plans at Vtiger Pricing.
Zoho CRM
Zoho CRM is a comprehensive tool designed to cater to the needs of solopreneurs. It offers a wide range of features to help manage contacts, automate tasks, and streamline workflows.
Pros & Cons
- Affordable pricing options, including a free version.
- Highly customizable features.
- Strong integration with other Zoho apps and third-party services.
- User-friendly interface.
- The steeper learning curve for beginners.
- Limited customer support for free plans.
- Some advanced features can be overwhelming.
Our Experience
We found Zoho CRM to be an excellent choice for solopreneurs. Its customizable features allow us to tailor workflows to fit our specific needs, which is a huge advantage.
One of the standout aspects is the seamless integration with other Zoho applications, making it easier to keep everything in one ecosystem.
However, the extensive range of features can sometimes be overwhelming, especially for those who are not tech-savvy.
The learning curve is steeper than some other CRMs, and we had to spend some time getting familiar with all the functionalities.
Customer support is another area that leaves room for improvement. While the premium plans offer good support, the free version’s support is quite limited.
Despite these downsides, the overall efficiency and flexibility of Zoho CRM make it a valuable tool for managing our business.
Pricing Plan
Zoho CRM offers multiple pricing plans, making it accessible for different budgets:
- Free Plan: Basic CRM features, suitable for up to 3 users.
- Standard Plan: $12 per user/month, includes more advanced features like mass emails and scoring rules.
- Professional Plan: $20 per user/month, adds workflow automation and inventory management.
- Enterprise Plan: $35 per user/month, includes advanced customization and AI features.
- Ultimate Plan: $45 per user/month, offers the most comprehensive features, including premium support and analytics.
These plans provide options for different needs and budgets, allowing solopreneurs to choose according to their specific requirements.
Salesforce Essentials
Salesforce Essentials offers efficient sales and pipeline management features designed for small businesses and solopreneurs. Its intuitive interface and multifunctional tools aim to simplify complex workflows.
Pros & Cons
- Easy integration with other Salesforce apps
- Powerful sales pipeline management
- Scalable as your business grows
- User-friendly interface
- Detailed analytics and reporting
- It can be expensive for very small businesses
- Some features may be too complex for basic needs
- Limited customizability compared to full Salesforce
Our Experience
We’ve found Salesforce Essentials to be a capable CRM, especially useful for handling sales pipelines. The interface is user-friendly, making it easy to track leads and close deals.
One standout feature is its seamless integration with other Salesforce applications, which extends its functionality.
On the downside, navigating through some advanced features can be a bit overwhelming for those new to CRM systems. It’s powerful but may be more than what a typical solopreneur needs right out of the gate.
However, as your business expands, scalability becomes a major asset. The learning curve is manageable but requires some initial investment of time.
Pricing Plan
Salesforce Essentials offers a straightforward pricing plan at $25 per user per month. This includes essential features like lead management, task tracking, and email integration. There is also a 30-day free trial available, which allows you to test out the system before committing.
| Plan | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Essentials | $25/user/month | Lead management, task tracking, email integration, and basic reporting. |
BenchmarkONE
BenchmarkONE is a popular CRM solution for solopreneurs that offers various features designed to streamline sales processes and improve productivity. This section explores its advantages and drawbacks, our hands-on experience with it, and the cost of different pricing plans.
Pros & Cons
- Email marketing automation
- User-friendly interface
- API integrations
- Affordable pricing
- eCommerce tools
- Limited advanced features compared to larger CRMs
- Customer support varies depending on the plan
Our Experience
We found that BenchmarkONE is perfect for small businesses and solopreneurs looking for a straightforward CRM tool. Email marketing automation helps to keep in touch with clients effortlessly.
The user-friendly interface means minimal time is spent learning how to use it. However, some advanced features found in other CRM tools are missing.
The integration capabilities made it easy to connect with other services we already use. While the eCommerce tools added value, those with more demanding needs might feel somewhat limited.
Customer support responsiveness depended on our subscribed plan, which sometimes led to delays in resolving issues.
Pricing Plan
BenchmarkONE offers several pricing plans to suit different budgets and needs. Here’s a breakdown:
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Basic features, limited contacts, limited emails |
| Lite | $29/month | Additional contacts, more emails per month, basic reporting |
| Essential | $79/month | Advanced reporting, scoring, automation workflows, higher email limits |
| Advanced | $129/month | Unlimited users, premium support, enhanced personalization, unlimited emails |
The Free plan is a good starting point for those who want to test the waters without financial commitment. The Lite plan adds more capabilities and is suitable for growing solopreneurs.
More demanding users may opt for the Essential or Advanced plans, which offer richer features and higher limits.
HubSpot CRM
HubSpot CRM is a comprehensive tool for solopreneurs, offering a feature-packed free plan and flexible paid options. It excels in marketing automation, customer support, and ease of use.
Pros & Cons
- Comprehensive free plan with powerful features.
- Scalable and modular solutions that grow with your business.
- Intuitive and user-friendly interface.
- Excellent customer support for paid plans.
- Seamless integration with over 1,400 business apps.
- Paid plans can get expensive.
- Complex mix-and-match pricing structure.
- Basic support for free plan users.
Our Experience
Using HubSpot CRM, we found the platform to be incredibly intuitive and rich in features. The free plan includes many tools that other CRMs often restrict to paid versions. Managing up to a million contacts without cost was a game-changer.
The drag-and-drop content creation feature was particularly useful for creating landing pages, forms, and emails. Its extensive integrations added another layer of convenience, connecting seamlessly with tools like Gmail and Slack.
The AI-powered writing tools also stood out, making email marketing more effective and less time-consuming.
However, the complex pricing structure can be confusing. While flexible, it requires careful planning to avoid unnecessary costs.
Despite this, the value provided by HubSpot’s extensive free tools and support makes it a strong contender for solopreneurs.
Pricing Plan
HubSpot offers several pricing plans to fit various needs:
- Free Plan: Access to core CRM tools, including contact management, email marketing, and forms.
- Starter Plan: Starts at $20 per month and includes additional marketing, sales, and customer service features.
- Professional Plan: Starts at $800 per month, offering advanced automation and reporting tools.
- Enterprise Plan: Starts at $3,200 per month, providing powerful features for large-scale operations.
Each hub (marketing, sales, customer service, and operations) can be purchased individually or bundled to save costs. The pricing structure is flexible but can quickly become pricey as you add more features.
Agile CRM
Agile CRM is an integrated customer relationship management tool that aims to help solopreneurs streamline their sales, marketing, and customer service operations.
Pros & Cons
- Free plan for up to 10 users
- Comprehensive marketing automation
- Integrated telephony system
- Multi-functional dashboard
- Solid lead scoring and sales tools
- Limited customer support options
- Difficult to cancel plans
- Buggy interface
- Not very customizable
- Outdated email campaign builder
Our Experience
We’ve found Agile CRM to be a mixed bag. It offers a range of tools essential for small businesses, such as contact management, email marketing, and sales automation. The free plan is generous, accommodating up to 10 users, which is rare for a free CRM.
On the downside, the platform can be cumbersome to use. Its interface is not very intuitive, and we encountered several bugs that hindered our workflow. Additionally, customer support is lacking. There’s no live chat, and the available support isn’t reliable.
Despite these issues, Agile’s integrated telephony and comprehensive marketing automation features stand out. Users can make calls directly from the dashboard, adding efficiency to their communication processes.
While not perfect, Agile CRM offers valuable tools for solopreneurs, especially those focused on marketing automation.
Pricing Plan
Agile CRM offers a range of pricing plans to suit different needs:
- Free Plan: Up to 10 users and 1,000 contacts. Includes essential CRM features but is limited to one plugin.
- Starter Plan: $8.99 per user/month (annual) or $14.99 per user/month (monthly). Adds marketing automation and social monitoring, plus up to five plugins.
- Regular Plan: $39.99 per user/month (annual) or $49.99 per user/month (monthly). Increases contact limit to 50,000 and adds SMS marketing, more workflows, and plugins.
- Enterprise Plan: $64.99 per user/month (annual) or $79.99 per user/month (monthly). Offers advanced features like customer support automation, more integrations, and custom deal tracks.
Each plan is designed to cater to different business sizes and needs, providing options for both entry-level and advanced users.
Close
Close is a CRM particularly designed with sales teams in mind, perfect for solopreneurs focusing on improving their sales processes. It offers advanced features that help manage leads, track communications, and optimize workflows to drive more sales.
Pros & Cons
- Easy to use with a clean interface
- Excellent email and call tracking
- Powerful reporting features
- Automated follow-ups and reminders
- Higher cost compared to some alternatives
- Limited customization options
- The steeper learning curve for beginners
Our Experience
Using Close, we appreciated its intuitive interface and how it centralized our communication with clients. The email and call tracking are top-notch, ensuring no lead falls through the cracks.
Another highlight is its follow-up automation, which makes it easy to stay on top of our tasks without manual reminders.
On the downside, the cost can be a hurdle for some solopreneurs. While it offers a range of excellent features, the price is higher compared to more affordable options like Less Annoying CRM.
Also, customization is somewhat limited, which might be a drawback for those needing highly tailored solutions. Despite these minor issues, Close remains a strong contender due to its sales-oriented functionalities.
Pricing Plan
Close offers a variety of pricing plans suitable for different needs:
- Starter: $29 per user/month — Basic features, including email and call syncing.
- Basic: $69 per user/month — Enhanced features like bulk email sending and call automation.
- Professional: $99 per user/month — Advanced features, including powerful reporting and full API access.
- Business: $149 per user/month — All-inclusive features with premium support and advanced sales tools.
Each plan comes with a 14-day free trial, allowing users to explore the platform before committing. While Close is on the pricier side, its sales-specific features provide great value for solopreneurs looking to boost their performance.
Folk
Folk is a CRM that integrates well with LinkedIn and offers unique features suited for solopreneurs. It excels in ease of use and customization but has limitations like the absence of a mobile app.
Pros & Cons
- Integrated email
- LinkedIn integration
- Mass email capabilities
- Excel-like database
- Kanban view for pipeline
- Limited to 500 messages in the professional version
- Needs an email signature feature
- No mobile app
- Missing cross-group custom fields
Our Experience
Using Folk has been a smooth experience. It’s intuitive and doesn’t overwhelm you with options. The LinkedIn integration and email tools have been especially helpful.
Creating custom fields and workflows is straightforward, making the platform adaptable to our needs. The customer support is exceptional, responding quickly to any issues we encounter.
However, Folk does have its drawbacks. The lack of a mobile app limits usability for those on the go. Additionally, the platform could benefit from features like an undo action and better campaign management options.
Despite these issues, Folk remains a solid choice for solopreneurs looking for a simple yet effective CRM solution.
Pricing Plan
Folk offers several pricing plans to fit different needs and budgets:
- Starter: $15 per user per month
- Professional: $75 per user per month
- Enterprise: Custom pricing depending on features needed
These plans vary based on the number of users and the level of features provided. Each one offers a scalable solution for business growth.
For more information, visit Folk’s pricing page.
Salesmate
Salesmate is a highly effective CRM for solopreneurs. It integrates multiple features that streamline tasks, track leads, and manage contacts efficiently. Here’s a deep dive into what Salesmate offers.
Pros & Cons
- Intuitive and user-friendly interface
- Comprehensive email tracking
- Effective pipeline management
- Affordable pricing plans
- Excellent mobile app functionality
- Easy task creation and management
- Customizable email signatures
- Deals page layout could be improved
- Customer service experience is untested
Our Experience
We’ve tested several CRMs, but Salesmate stands out for its simplicity and advanced functionality. The platform excels in email management, allowing us to send, receive, and track emails with ease.
The email open tracking works reliably, unlike other CRMs we’ve encountered.
Pipeline tracking is another strong point. Visual layouts help us keep tabs on deals, making it simple to see where each deal stands. Task creation and management are straightforward, enabling us to stay organized.
The mobile app is just as effective as the desktop version, which is crucial for solopreneurs on the go. Setting up the system was quick and hassle-free, and we found its sleek interface easy to navigate.
The only minor drawback is the deals page layout, which could use some refinement. This is a small issue and doesn’t affect the overall functionality. We haven’t had to contact customer service yet, but the readily accessible chat icon on the interface is reassuring.
Pricing Plan
Salesmate offers competitive pricing for its wide array of features. Here are the current pricing tiers:
- Starter Plan: $15 per user per month, paid annually. This plan includes essential CRM features such as email tracking, deal management, and basic automation.
- Growth Plan: $30 per user per month, paid annually. Adds advanced automation, sales sequences, and customization options.
- Boost Plan: $50 per user per month, paid annually. Integrates everything from the Growth plan with additional features like team management and advanced reporting.
Salesmate also offers a 15-day free trial for new users who want to test out the features before committing. This flexibility in pricing makes it an ideal choice for solopreneurs looking for a cost-effective CRM solution.
Experience the power and efficiency of Salesmate to elevate your solo business operations today.
Final Thoughts
After reviewing the CRMs available for solopreneurs, it’s clear that finding the right tool is crucial. Managing tasks, keeping track of customers, and organizing workflows can greatly influence a solopreneur’s success.
Among the options, Monday.com stands out as the best choice. Its multi-functionality and powerful project management features make it exceptional. Many users appreciate how it helps them track tasks and manage projects seamlessly.
Benefits of Monday.com:
- Adaptable Platform: Beyond CRM, it aids in task and project management.
- User-Friendly: Easy to use, even for beginners.
- Customizable: Tailor it to fit your specific needs.
The ease of use and comprehensive features make Monday.com a top pick for solopreneurs. It provides the necessary tools to stay organized and efficient. You can find more about it here.
Our Selection Process
We started by scouring the market for the most popular and highly recommended CRMs for solopreneurs. This involved looking at expert reviews, user feedback, and industry reports.
Next, we narrowed down our selection to a manageable list. We focused on CRMs that offer unique benefits for solopreneurs, such as Privyr for mobile-first users and Less Annoying CRM for those seeking simplicity. Here is the list of CRMs we have reviewed:
- Bigin
- Privyr
- Vtiger
- Zoho CRM
- Salesforce Essentials
- BenchmarkONE
- HubSpot CRM
- Agile CRM
- Close
- Folk
- Salesmate
Each CRM was tested based on several key criteria:
- Ease of Use: We evaluated how quickly we could get started with each CRM. This included initial setup, the learning curve, and daily usability.
- Feature Set: We assessed the range and usefulness of the features offered. This included contact management, automation, and integrations with other tools.
- Scalability: We looked at how well the CRM could grow with a business. This included the ability to add more features, upgrade plans, and support more users.
- Cost: We considered the cost-effectiveness of each CRM, taking into account subscription pricing and the value provided for the money.
- Customer Support: We checked the quality and availability of customer support. This included response times, support channels, and the helpfulness of the support team.
By putting these CRMs head-to-head, we were able to identify which ones truly stood out for solopreneurs.
Why do Solopreneurs Need a CRM?
As solopreneurs, we often juggle multiple roles at once. Managing customer relationships can quickly become overwhelming.
A CRM, or Customer Relationship Management system, helps us stay organized. It keeps track of contacts, schedules follow-ups, and streamlines communication. This ensures we don’t miss important client interactions and deadlines.
Having a CRM means we can store all customer information in one place. This centralized database makes it easier to access details about past conversations, preferences, and needs. With this data at our fingertips, we can provide personalized service to each client.
Using a CRM also helps us automate tasks. We can set up reminders for follow-ups, send automatic emails, and even manage our sales pipelines. This automation saves us valuable time, allowing us to focus on what really matters—growing our business.
Here are some key benefits:
- Improved Organization: Keep all client information in an accessible database.
- Time Savings: Automate repetitive tasks and reminders.
- Better Communication: Streamline interactions and ensure timely follow-ups.
- Personalization: Access detailed client profiles to tailor our services.
Additionally, a CRM helps us analyze our performance. We can generate reports to see which strategies are working and where we need to improve. This data-driven approach allows us to make smarter business decisions.
Whether we are just starting out or looking to grow, a CRM is an essential tool. It helps us stay on top of our game and build strong, lasting relationships with our clients.
Key Features to Look for in a CRM for Solopreneurs
When we are choosing a CRM, it’s important to focus on how it will help us manage our business effectively.
User-Friendly Interface
We need a CRM that is easy to navigate. We don’t have time to deal with complex systems. A clean and straightforward layout makes it simpler to enter data and find what we need quickly.
Automation
Automation is a huge time-saver. Look for features like automated follow-ups, task reminders, and email marketing. These can help us streamline our workflow and focus on more strategic tasks.
Integration with Other Tools
Our CRM should work well with the tools we already use. This includes email platforms, project management tools, and social media apps. Good integration can save us a lot of headaches and make our processes smoother.
Scalability
As our business grows, our needs will change. It’s important to choose a CRM that can scale with us. This means it should offer features that we can add on as our requirements evolve.
Customization
We should be able to customize the CRM to fit our specific workflow. This includes creating custom fields, reports, and dashboards. Flexibility in customization ensures the CRM meets our unique business needs.
Customer Support
Reliable customer support can make a big difference in our experience. We should check if the CRM offers support through various channels like chat, email, and phone. This can be crucial when we run into issues that need quick resolution.
Mobile Access
We often work on the go, so mobile access is critical. A CRM with a good mobile app allows us to manage our business from anywhere, ensuring we’re always in touch with our clients and team.
Choosing the right CRM involves looking at various features. By focusing on what works best for our specific needs, we can find a tool that helps us grow our business efficiently.
For more details about the best options, consider reading through resources like Privyr Blog, Andrew Macarthy’s Guide, and Toksta.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best CRM for solopreneurs to manage client relationships?
The best CRM for managing client relationships often depends on individual needs. Nimble is a strong choice, especially for Office 365 and G-Suite users, as it integrates well with these platforms.
Which CRM offers the best automation features for solopreneurs?
HubSpot is well-regarded for its automation features. It has a chatbot that can qualify leads and engage with customers 24/7, making it easier to manage interactions without constant manual input.
How does a CRM help solopreneurs grow their business?
A CRM helps solopreneurs by organizing customer data, tracking interactions, and automating tasks. This leads to better customer management and frees up time to focus on growth activities such as outreach and marketing campaigns.
What is the easiest CRM for solopreneurs to use?
Less Annoying CRM is known for its simplicity and unlimited customization options. It’s designed to be user-friendly, making it an excellent choice for those looking for an easy-to-use CRM.
Which CRM offers the best mobile compatibility for solopreneurs?
When it comes to mobile compatibility, Nimble stands out. It provides seamless access across devices, ensuring that you can manage your business on the go without any hassle.
What are the top free CRMs available for solopreneurs?
HubSpot CRM and Zoho CRM are top choices for free CRMs. Both offer efficient features without a starting cost, making them attractive options for budget-conscious solopreneurs.