Finding the right CRM (Customer Relationship Management) tool is important. It helps you manage clients and grow your business.

But many CRMs are confusing and expensive.

In this article, we will look at the best CRM tools for freelancers, agencies, and small businesses.

I'll cover:

• What is CRM Software?

• Why Do You Need a CRM?

• Best CRM Software Tools for Small Businesses

• How to Choose the Right CRM

• Features to Look for in a CRM

  
  

Let's dive in!

What is CRM Software?

CRM software helps you track your clients. It keeps their contact info, notes, and activities in one place.

It also helps you keep up with emails, tasks, and schedules. In short, it makes managing client relationships easier.

CRM tools are not just for large businesses. Freelancers, agencies, and small businesses can also benefit from using a CRM.

It can save you time, reduce mistakes, and make you look more professional. Whether you need to manage a few clients or hundreds, a CRM can help.

Why Do You Need a CRM?

If you are a freelancer, agency, or small business, you need a CRM. Here are some reasons why:

• Keep track of clients and leads:

  With a CRM, you can store all client information in one place. No more lost notes or forgotten details.

  
  

• Manage tasks and deadlines:

  CRMs help you stay on top of your tasks. You can set reminders for important deadlines and never miss a follow-up.

  
  

• Improve communication with clients:

  Good communication is key to keeping clients happy. A CRM keeps track of all your emails and messages, so you always know what was said and what needs to be done next.

  
  

• Make sure nothing slips through the cracks:

  Managing clients manually can lead to mistakes. A CRM helps you avoid these errors and makes sure you provide the best service possible.

  
  

Now, let's look at the best CRM software tools for small businesses.

ClientManager

ClientManager is designed for freelancers, agencies, and small businesses. It makes client onboarding and management simple. No fancy features you will never use.

ClientManager focuses on the basics which is client onboarding, managing client data, and tracking tasks.

This makes it a great choice for people who want an easy-to-use tool without unnecessary complexity.

Key Features

• Easy client onboarding tools

• Keep all client data in one place

• Built-in task management

• Simple and clean interface

• Affordable pricing with no hidden fees

• Supports multiple team members with ease

  
  

Benefits of ClientManager

• Time-saving:

  ClientManager helps you onboard clients quickly and keeps everything organized.

  
  

• User-friendly:

  The interface is clean, and you do not need a long training session to get started.

  
  

• Affordable:

  Compared to other CRMs, ClientManager is budget-friendly, making it ideal for freelancers and small businesses.

  
  

Best For:

Freelancers and agencies that need a simple way to manage clients.

HubSpot CRM

HubSpot CRM is free and has many features. It works well for small businesses that are just starting out. It helps you manage contacts, track emails, and more.

HubSpot also offers other tools like marketing and sales features. If you are looking to grow your business, these can be helpful.

You can easily upgrade to other HubSpot tools as your needs grow.

Key Features

• Free plan with many features

• Track emails and tasks

• Integrates with other HubSpot tools

• Contact and lead management

• Marketing tools integration (like email campaigns)

  
  

Benefits of HubSpot CRM

• Completely free:

  HubSpot CRM has a free version that includes many powerful features.

  
  

• All-in-one solution:

  You can use other HubSpot tools for marketing and sales, making it an all-in-one platform.

  
  

• Scalable:

  As your business grows, you can easily add more tools from HubSpot.

  
  

Best For:

Small businesses that need more features without spending money.

Zoho CRM

Zoho CRM is affordable and easy to use. It has many features, but it is still easy to understand.

Zoho also offers many other tools that work with the CRM.

Zoho CRM is a great choice if you are looking for an affordable CRM that can be customized to fit your business needs. It offers different plans, so you can choose the one that works best for you.

Key Features

• Affordable plans for small businesses

• Automate emails and follow-ups

• Integrates with other Zoho tools

• Customizable dashboards

• AI assistant to help with tasks

  
  

Benefits of Zoho CRM

• Affordable pricing:

  Zoho CRM is one of the most budget-friendly CRMs available.

  
  

• Customizable:

  You can tailor Zoho CRM to fit your business process, making it flexible for different types of small businesses.

  
  

• Automation:

  Zoho CRM allows you to automate emails, follow-ups, and even some tasks, saving time.

  
  

Best For

Small businesses that want an affordable CRM with good features.

Trello

Trello is not a traditional CRM, but many small businesses use it as one.

Trello works like a board where you can move cards. It helps you see where each client is in your workflow.

Using Trello as a CRM is perfect if you prefer visual tools.

It is simple, easy to use, and free. You can create a board for each client and add cards for tasks and milestones.

Key Features

• Visual task boards

• Easy to track client projects

• Simple and free to use

• Customizable cards and lists

• Works well for managing project stages

  
  

Benefits of Trello

• Visual organization:

  Trello's boards make it easy to see the progress of each client.

  
  

• Free to use:

  Trello's basic features are free, making it a great choice for freelancers.

  
  

• Flexible:

  You can customize boards, cards, and labels to match your workflow.

  
  

Best For:

Freelancers who want a visual way to manage clients.

Monday

Monday.com is both a CRM and a project management tool.

It has many customization options. You can set it up to work in the way that is best for you.

Monday.com is popular for its flexibility. You can create custom workflows and boards, making it ideal for teams that need more than just client management.

Key Features

• Customizable boards for client management

• Track client work and projects

• Easy to use with a visual layout

• Integrates with other tools and apps

• Team collaboration features

  
  

Benefits of Monday.com

• Highly customizable:

  You can create boards, workflows, and templates that fit your business.

  
  

• Project management:

  Monday .com is great for managing not just clients but also entire projects.

  
  

• Team collaboration:

  You can assign tasks, comment, and share updates, making it easy to work with a team.

  
  

Best For

Agencies that need both CRM and project management tools.

How to Choose the Right CRM

Here are some quick tips to choose the best CRM for you:

• Keep it simple:

  If you are just starting, go for an easy CRM like ClientManager or Trello.

  
  

• Look at your needs:

  Do you need more features or just basic client tracking? If you need project management too, Monday.com might be best.

  
  

• Consider your budget:

  Zoho CRM and ClientManager are affordable options. HubSpot is also great if you want a free solution.

  
  

• Try it out:

  Most CRMs offer free trials. Test them before deciding. This will help you see which one feels right for your business.

  
  

Features to Look for in a CRM

When choosing a CRM, there are some key features to look for:

• Contact management: The CRM should make it easy to store and manage all your client information.

• Task management: Look for built-in tools to help you manage tasks and set reminders.

• Email tracking: Many CRMs offer email tracking, so you can see if clients have opened your messages.

• Automation: Automation can save time. Look for a CRM that helps automate follow-ups and emails.

• User-friendly interface: The CRM should be easy to use. If it is too complicated, you may end up not using it at all.

  
  

Conclusion

Choosing a CRM does not have to be hard.

For freelancers and small teams, simple tools like ClientManager work well.

If you need more features, you can try HubSpot or Zoho.

And if you prefer visual boards, Trello or Monday.com could be perfect for you.

Remember that the best CRM is the one that fits your needs. Think about what features are most important, and do not be afraid to test different tools until you find the right one.

Take your time and pick the one that fits your needs.

Cheers to the best CRMs :) Kyle