25 Best CRM Software for Startups Reviewed in 2024
Best CRM Software for Startups Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 25 tools reviewed.
Our one-on-one guidance will help you find the perfect fit.
Choosing the right CRM software for your startup can be tough with so many options available. You need a solution that can effectively manage customer relationships while also helping you boost productivity and increase revenue, but it’s challenging knowing where to start.
Drawing from my experience with various CRM tools, I tested and reviewed some of the top software on the market. From there, I compiled my results into in-depth reviews to help teams find their ideal solution. Regardless of your industry, I’m confident that you’ll locate your next software from the list provided below.
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Best CRM Software for Startups Summary
| Tools | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| EngageBay | From $12/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Podium | From $289/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Agile CRM | From $8.99/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Streak | From $49/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Keap | From $249/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Bitrix24 | From $40/user/month (minimum 5 users) | Website |
| Salesforce Financial Services Cloud | From $25/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| ClickUp | From $7/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Insightly | From $29/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Close | From $49/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
Compare Software Specs Side by Side
Use our comparison chart to review and evaluate software specs side-by-side.
Compare SoftwareHow to Choose a CRM Software for Startups
As you work through your own unique software selection process, keep the following points in mind:
- Ease of Use: Startups often have limited resources and time to train employees on complex systems. A CRM that is intuitive and easy to navigate can save time and reduce frustration.
- Affordability: Budget constraints are a common pain point for startups. As such, it’s important to find a CRM that offers a good balance between cost and features. Many CRMs offer flexible pricing options and discounts for qualifying startups, making it easier to manage costs while still accessing essential features.
- Scalability: As your startup grows, your CRM needs will evolve. Choosing a CRM that can scale with your business ensures that you won’t outgrow the software.
- Integration Capabilities: Startups often use a variety of tools and software to manage different aspects of their business processes. A CRM that integrates seamlessly with your existing tools can streamline operations and improve efficiency.
- Automation Features: Automating repetitive tasks can free up valuable time for your team to focus on more strategic activities.
Best CRM Software for Startups Reviews
Here are my in-depth analyses of various CRM software for startups. Each analysis includes the pros and cons of the tools, their features, and their best use cases.
EngageBay is an all-in-one CRM software offering marketing, sales, and support tools. The software is ideal for advanced marketing automation, thanks to its strong suite of tools that streamline marketing processes and enhance customer engagement.
Why I picked EngageBay: EngageBay offers strong marketing automation capabilities, which make it stand out among CRM software for startups. The software integrates marketing, sales, and support into a single platform, making it ideal for startups looking to scale their operations efficiently. Additionally, its affordability and extensive feature set make it the top choice for next-level marketing automation within startup organizations.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include marketing automation, email marketing, sales CRM, and service automation.
Integrations include Zapier, Shopify, SendGrid, Mailgun, Mandrill, Xero, Amazon SES, Stripe, QuickBooks, and Twilio.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Extensive integrations
- Reporting and analytics
- Comprehensive feature set
Cons:
- Customization limits
- Learning curve for new users
Podium is an AI-powered platform that helps businesses generate, manage, and convert leads. It excels in AI-powered lead conversion with a large suite of tools designed to efficiently capture, consolidate, and convert leads.
Why I picked Podium: Podium’s strong AI capabilities help to set it apart from other CRM software for startups. Its AI-driven features, such as automated responses and lead management, make it highly effective at converting leads. Additionally, the software integrates multiple communication channels into a single platform, helping teams ensure that no lead is missed.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include AI-powered conversations, automated lead management, and multi-channel communication.
Integrations include Google Reviews, Facebook, QuickBooks, Salesforce, HubSpot, Mailchimp, Slack, Shopify, Zendesk, and Stripe.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Automated responses
- Multi-channel communication
- AI-driven lead conversion
Cons:
- Limited customization
- Moderate learning curve
Agile CRM is an advanced customer relationship management system that offers sales, marketing, and service automation tools. Its extensive feature set and competitive pricing make it an ideal choice for startup companies seeking a more affordable option.
Why I picked Agile CRM: Agile CRM is awarded for its affordability and advanced feature set, which makes it stand out from other CRM software for startups. Its all-in-one platform integrates sales, marketing, and service automation, providing a seamless experience for users. Additionally, the software’s user-friendly interface and easy integration with popular tools like Google Apps and social media platforms successfully aid organizations in streamlining their operations and growing efficiently.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include contact management, email marketing, social media management, help desk, and live chat. Agile CRM also offers project management, lead scoring, and appointment scheduling.
Integrations include Google Apps, Twilio, RingCentral, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Mailchimp, Shopify, Stripe, and Zapier.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Comprehensive feature set
- Extensive integrations list
Cons:
- Occasional performance issues
- Limited customization options
Streak is a CRM tool that integrates directly into Gmail, offering smooth email and pipeline management. It allows users to manage leads, projects, and customer interactions directly from their inbox.
Why I picked Streak: Streak uniquely integrates CRM functionalities directly into Gmail, making it highly convenient for users who spend a lot of time in their email. This integration sets it apart from other CRM software by eliminating the need to switch between different platforms. The software also offers strong features like email tracking, mail merge, and pipeline management, all accessible from the Gmail interface.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include email tracking, mail merge, and pipeline management. Streak also offers tools for automating tasks, sharing data with team members, and tracking email interactions.
Integrations include Google Workspace, Zapier, Slack, Typeform, Calendly, and Google Forms.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- E-mail tracking and automation
- Customizable pipeline
- Smooth Gmail integration
Cons:
- Mobile app limitations
- Dependency to Gmail
Keap is a small business CRM and automation software. It offers solutions for organizing customer lists, marketing automation, sales automation, and business growth.
Why I picked Keap: Keap provides strong automation capabilities tailored specifically for small businesses. The software stands out due to its advanced suite of tools that streamline operations, making it ideal for startups looking to automate repetitive tasks and scale efficiently.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include marketing automation, sales automation, and a dedicated mobile number for calls and texts. Keap also offers tools for lead capture, email marketing, and appointment scheduling, making it a versatile choice for small business needs.
Integrations include Gmail, Outlook, Zapier, QuickBooks, Xero, PayPal, Stripe, Shopify, WordPress, and Google Analytics.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Versatile integrations
- Extensive customer support
- Comprehensive automation tools
Cons:
- Limited mobile app functionalities
- Complex features for new users
Bitrix24 is an advanced online workspace offering CRM, task management, and collaboration tools. It's ideal for startups seeking a free solution with an extensive range of features.
Why I picked Bitrix24: Bitrix24 provides users with a large suite of tools that cater to various business needs, making it an excellent option for startups. Its free plan offers a wide array of features, which is particularly beneficial for startups with limited budgets. Additionally, the platform's versatility and advanced nature make it the best choice for a free online workspace.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include CRM management, task and project management, collaboration tools, and AI-powered assistance.
Integrations include Slack, Google Drive, Dropbox, Mailchimp, Zapier, Trello, Asana, Microsoft Office 365, Zoom, and QuickBooks.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- AI-powered tools
- Collaborative online workspace
- Task and project management options
Cons:
- Steep learning curve
- Limited customer support
Salesforce provides an advanced suite for startups to integrate marketing, sales, and service in one app. Its advanced AI capabilities enhance customer interactions and drive actionable insights, making it a top choice for SMBs.
Why I picked Salesforce: Salesforce is known for its strong AI-driven features, which help to set it apart from other CRM software. Its ability to leverage AI for customer engagement can effectively aid startups who are looking to optimize their customer interactions. Additionally, the platform's extensive customization options and scalability also make it ideal for growing businesses.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include AI-driven insights, advanced lead generation and opportunity management, and customizable dashboards and reports.
Integrations include Slack, Gmail, Outlook, LinkedIn, QuickBooks, Mailchimp, Dropbox, Google Drive, Microsoft Teams, and HubSpot.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Scalable for growing businesses
- Extensive customization options
- Advanced AI capabilities
Cons:
- Performance issues like slow loading times
- Can be overwhelming for new users
ClickUp is an all-in-one platform designed to streamline work and improve collaboration for startups. Its advanced suite of tools help to centralize tasks, documents, and communication in one place.
Why I picked ClickUp: ClickUp stands out as an advanced project management tool due to its ability to integrate various functionalities into a single platform. This makes it different from other CRM software for startups, which often require multiple tools to achieve the same level of functionality. Additionally, the software offers a wide range of features that cater to different team needs, from task management to real-time collaboration, successfully boosting productivity across all touchpoints.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include task management, document creation, goal tracking, visual collaboration, real-time reporting, and team chat.
Integrations include Slack, Google Drive, Dropbox, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, GitHub, Trello, Asana, Jira, and Evernote.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Real-time collaboration
- Customizable templates
- Comprehensive feature set
Cons:
- Mobile app limitations
- Steep learning curve
Insightly is a modern CRM platform designed to help businesses build lasting customer relationships and grow faster.
Why I picked Insightly: Insightly provides users with advanced features tailored to B2B customer experiences, which set it apart from other CRM software for startups. The software’s unique ability to streamline sales processes and foster long-term customer relationships helps organizations build rapport with potential clients while scaling at a reasonable pace. Additionally, Insightly offers strong project management features and seamless integration with popular tools like Gmail and Google Drive for added ease of use.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include pipeline management, lead tracking, opportunity management, workflow automation, and project management.
Integrations include QuickBooks Online, Xero, Sage, Workday, ADP Workforce Now, BambooHR, ZoomInfo, Gong, Docusign, and WordPress.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Extensive integrations
- Strong workflow automation
- Comprehensive B2B tools
Cons:
- Limited customization options
- High learning curve
Close CRM is an all-in-one CRM software designed for growing teams, offering a range of features to help businesses manage their customer relationships effectively. It provides strong automation features that streamline sales activities and improve efficiency.
Why I picked Close: Close is renowned for its focus on sales automation, which is vital for startups looking to scale quickly. Unlike other CRM software, Close is designed specifically for small businesses and startups, making it ideal for fast-growing teams. Its automation capabilities reduce administrative tasks, allowing sales teams to focus on closing deals and scaling quickly.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include powerful sales automation tools for managing follow-ups, sending emails, and tracking pipelines within the platform. The software also offers free support and migration services.
Integrations include Slack, Zapier, Zoom, Google Workspace, Mailchimp, Zendesk, HubSpot, QuickBooks, Stripe, and Intercom.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Free support and migration
- Easy to use
- Robust sales automation
Cons:
- Limited customization
- Limited to sales-focused features
Other CRM Software for Startups
Below is a list of additional CRM software for startups that I shortlisted. While they didn’t make the top 10, they’re still valuable and worth further research.
- SugarCRM
Best for intelligent account management
- Nextiva
Best for unified customer experience management
- Outreach
Best for sales engagement
- Zoho CRM
Best for small business features
- monday.com
Best for customizable workflows
- NetSuite
Best for ERP integration
- WalkMe
Best for user onboarding
- Attio
Best for data-driven insights
- Ashby
Best for recruiting analytics
- folk
Best for team collaboration
- Pipedrive
Best for sales pipeline management
- Keeper
Best for secure data management
- HubSpot CRM
Best for marketing integration
- Nutshell
Best for sales automation
- Zendesk
Best for customer support
Related CRM Reviews
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CRM Software for Startups Selection Criteria
The criteria for choosing CRM software for startups should directly address buyer needs and common pain points, ensuring that the software serves its intended purpose effectively. As an expert who has personally tried and researched these tools, here are the requirements I use when evaluating software:
Core Functionality (25% of total weighting score):
- Contact management
- Sales pipeline management
- Task management
- Email integration
- Reporting and analytics
Additional Features (25% of total weighting score):
- AI-driven insights for sales forecasting
- Customizable dashboards
- Mobile app functionality
- Integration with third-party tools like Slack or Zoom
- Advanced automation capabilities
Usability (10% of total weighting score):
- Intuitive user interface
- Drag-and-drop functionality for task management
- Customizable workflows
- Clean and modern design
- Easy navigation
Onboarding (10% of total weighting score):
- Availability of training videos
- Interactive product tours
- Pre-built templates
- Chatbots for instant help
- Webinars for in-depth training
Customer Support (10% of total weighting score):
- 24/7 support availability
- Multiple support channels (chat, email, phone)
- Dedicated account managers
- Comprehensive knowledge base
- Fast response times
Value For Money (10% of total weighting score):
- Competitive pricing
- Flexible subscription plans
- Transparent pricing structure
- Free trial availability
- Discounts for startups
Customer Reviews (10% of total weighting score):
- Overall satisfaction ratings
- Feedback on ease of use
- Comments on customer support quality
- Reviews on feature effectiveness
- User testimonials on ROI
Trends for CRM Software for Startups
Here are some trends I’ve noticed for CRM software for startups, plus what they might mean for the future. I sourced countless product updates, press releases, and release logs to tease out the most important insights.
- AI-Powered Customer Insights: Startups can now predict customer behavior with greater accuracy using AI. This helps in crafting personalized marketing strategies to build more revenue.
- Integration with Social Media Platforms: CRM systems are integrating with social media, which allows startups to manage customer interactions across multiple channels. This enhances customer engagement and brand presence.
- Mobile-First CRM Solutions: Mobile-first CRM solutions are on the rise, helping startups manage customer relationships on the go. This flexibility is vital for teams that are always on the move.
- Automation of Routine Tasks: Automation is reducing the burden of routine tasks, allowing startups to focus more on strategic activities. Ultimately, this leads to increased productivity and efficiency.
- Enhanced Data Security Measures: Data security is becoming a top priority, with CRM software now including advanced security features. This is vital for protecting sensitive customer information.
What is CRM Software for Startups?
CRM software for startups is an all-in-one tool that simplifies managing business operations like sales, marketing, and customer service. Startup founders, sales teams, marketing departments, and customer service representatives use it to streamline processes, improve customer relationships, and drive business growth.
Features of CRM Software for Startups
When selecting CRM software for startups, it's essential to identify features that best support your business' growth and customer management needs. Below are the key features to look for when shopping for CRM software for startups.
- Contact Management: Gathers and organizes detailed information about prospects and customers, facilitating better relationship building and customer retention.
- Lead Management: Tracks and manages potential customers throughout the sales funnel, prioritizing leads to focus sales efforts on the most promising opportunities.
- Workflow Automation: Increases productivity by automating repetitive tasks such as follow-up emails and task assignments based on triggers or events.
- Marketing Automation: Provides insights for personalized messaging, automating tasks like email campaigns and social media posts to save time and improve marketing efficiency.
- Customization: Allows startups to tailor the CRM to their specific needs with custom fields, dashboard elements, and reports.
- Third-Party Integrations: Integrates with email, accounting, and marketing tools to eliminate manual data entry and improve workflow efficiency.
- Customer Service and Support: Enhances customer service by providing a comprehensive view of customer interactions, helping to track and resolve issues efficiently.
- Mobile Accessibility: Enables access to customer data and CRM features on the go, which is essential for startups with remote teams or those managing customer relationships outside the office.
- Analytics and Reporting: Provides valuable insights into sales performance and customer behavior, aiding data-driven decision-making and tracking key performance indicators.
- Sales Forecasting: Predicts future sales based on current data, allowing startups to plan marketing strategies and allocate resources more effectively, reducing business risks.
Benefits of CRM Software for Startups
When choosing CRM software for startups, it's important to consider the different benefits associated with your chosen software. Here are some of the primary benefits you may experience while using a CRM software for startups:
- Improved Customer Service: CRM software centralizes all customer information, making it easily accessible to anyone in the company. This ensures employees have all the necessary details about a customer at their fingertips, enabling them to provide a better customer experience and boost satisfaction.
- Increased Sales: By streamlining the sales process, building a sales pipeline, and automating key tasks, CRM software can help increase sales and productivity. It provides a step-by-step sales process that employees can rely on and easily tweak as needed.
- Better Customer Retention: CRM systems help startups retain customers by providing sentiment analysis, automated ticketing, customer support automation, and user behavior tracking. This allows businesses to quickly address customer issues and encourage repeat business.
- Detailed Analytics: CRM software typically includes built-in analytic capabilities that contextualize data, breaking it down into actionable items and easily understood metrics. This helps businesses judge the success of marketing campaigns and optimize them accordingly.
- Higher Productivity and Efficiency: By automating menial tasks like drip campaigns, CRM software frees up employees' time to focus on more critical work. It also ensures that no tasks slip through the cracks, improving overall productivity and efficiency.
Leveraging CRM software for startups is invaluable, providing the tools and capabilities needed to manage customer relationships effectively, streamline operations, and drive growth. By utilizing CRM systems, startups can enhance their customer service, increase sales, retain customers, gain valuable insights through detailed analytics, and improve overall productivity and efficiency.
Costs & Pricing of CRM Software for Startups
CRM software for startups can significantly enhance customer relationship management, but costs vary based on features and organization size. The table below summarizes common pricing plans, their average costs, and typical features.
Plan Comparison Table for CRM Software for Startups
| Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
| Free Plan | $0 | Basic contact management, limited users, basic reporting, and email tracking |
| Personal Plan | $10 - $30/user/month | Enhanced contact management, email integration, basic automation, and mobile access |
| Business Plan | $60 - $100/user/month | Advanced automation, sales forecasting, multiple pipelines, and custom dashboards |
| Enterprise Plan | $150 - $300+/user/month | AI-powered insights, extensive customization, advanced analytics, and premium support |
Each pricing tier for CRM software for startups caters to different organization sizes, budgets, and specific needs. When choosing your CRM software, evaluate the features of each plan to ensure they align with your business requirements.
CRM Software for Startups FAQs
Here are some of the commonly asked questions about CRM software for startups:
How can CRM software help in scaling my startup?
CRM software can help scale your startup by automating routine tasks, providing insights into customer behavior, and improving communication within your team. It allows you to manage a growing customer base more efficiently, track sales performance, and identify opportunities for upselling and cross-selling. Additionally, CRM software can help maintain a high level of customer service as your business grows.
What are the common pitfalls to avoid when implementing CRM software in a startup?
Common pitfalls include choosing a CRM that is too complex or too simple for your needs, not involving key stakeholders in the selection process, and failing to provide adequate training for your team. It’s also important to avoid underestimating the time and resources needed for a successful implementation. Ensure you have a clear plan and set realistic expectations for the rollout.
How do I ensure my team adopts the new CRM software?
To ensure your team adopts the new CRM software, involve them in the selection process and provide comprehensive training. Highlight the benefits of the CRM and how it will make their jobs easier. Encourage feedback and be open to making adjustments based on their input. Regularly monitor usage and address any issues promptly to keep the team engaged.
How do I measure the success of my CRM implementation?
Measure the success of your CRM implementation by tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) such as user adoption rates, customer satisfaction scores, sales performance, and the efficiency of your sales and marketing processes. Regularly review these metrics to assess whether the CRM is meeting your business objectives and identify areas for improvement.
What should I do if my CRM software is not meeting my startup's needs?
If your CRM software is not meeting your startup’s needs, first identify the specific issues and determine if they can be resolved through additional training, customization, or integration with other tools. If the problems persist, consider evaluating other CRM options that might be a better fit. It’s important to choose a CRM that can grow with your business and adapt to changing needs.
What are the best practices for ensuring high adoption rates of CRM software within our team?
To ensure high adoption rates of CRM software within your team, involve them in the selection process, provide comprehensive training, and highlight the benefits. Encourage feedback and address issues promptly, while regularly monitoring usage to identify areas needing additional support. Recognize and reward active users to boost morale and encourage wider adoption.
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