Best Sales Management Software for Small Businesses Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 20 tools reviewed.
Our one-on-one guidance will help you find the perfect fit.
Sales management software for small businesses is a valuable asset for any company. With the right software, teams can improve sales efficiency and enhance customer relationship management. But finding the right sales management software for your small business can be a challenge, especially with so many options available.
Using my experience with revenue operations software, I tested and compared several of the top sales management software for small businesses available. From there, I compiled my results into detailed reviews to help you find the best software for your needs.
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Best Sales Management Software for Small Businesses Summary
This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top selections for sales management software for small businesses to help you find the best one for your budget and business needs.
Tools | Price | |
---|---|---|
OnePageCRM | From $9.95/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
LeadSquared | From $400/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
Vtiger CRM | From $30/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
Agile CRM | From $8.99/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
HubSpot Sales Hub | From $15/user/month | Website |
Apptivo | From $20/user/month | Website |
Insightly | From $29/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
Nutshell CRM | From $19/user/month | Website |
Close CRM | From $59/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
Copper CRM | From $12/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 Sales Management Software for a Small Business
It’s easy to get bogged down in long feature lists and complex pricing structures. To help you stay focused as you work through your unique software selection process, here’s a checklist of factors to keep in mind:
Factor | What to Consider |
Scalability | Will the software grow with your business? |
Integrations | Does it connect with tools your team already uses? |
Customizability | Can you tailor it to fit your specific needs? |
Ease of Use | Is the software intuitive for your team to use? |
Budget | Does it fit within your financial constraints? |
Security Safeguards | Does it meet your company's security requirements? |
Support | Is reliable customer support available when needed? |
Mobile Access | Can your team access it easily on mobile devices? |
Best Sales Management Software for Small Businesses Reviews
Below are my detailed summaries of the best sales management software for small businesses that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer a detailed look at the key features, pros & cons, integrations, and ideal use cases of each tool to help you find the best one for you.
OnePageCRM is a sales management tool designed for small businesses focused on streamlining sales processes. It simplifies task management and helps your team prioritize daily sales actions effectively.
Why I picked OnePageCRM: OnePageCRM's unique approach to task management ensures your team remains focused on the next actionable step. It transforms your sales pipeline into a to-do list, making it easy to manage tasks without feeling overwhelmed. This simplicity is perfect for small teams that need to maintain clarity and focus. The tool's emphasis on actionable tasks helps prevent leads from falling through the cracks.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a contact management system that keeps all your customer information organized and accessible. The notes and call logging feature allows your team to track every interaction with clients easily. Additionally, its sales reporting tools provide insights into team performance and sales trends.
Integrations include Google Workspace, Mailchimp, Xero, QuickBooks, Zapier, Outlook, Dropbox, Evernote, Skype, and HubSpot.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Effective contact management
- Clear action-based pipeline
- Task-focused sales approach
Cons:
- No built-in project management
- Limited advanced features
LeadSquared is a sales execution and marketing automation platform designed for businesses focused on improving lead conversion. It helps sales teams track and manage leads efficiently, minimizing missed opportunities.
Why I picked LeadSquared: LeadSquared excels at enhancing lead conversion through its specialized features. Your team can score and prioritize leads based on predefined criteria, ensuring focus on high-potential prospects. The tool's lead nurturing capabilities help maintain engagement with prospects until they are ready to convert. Its automation features speed up repetitive tasks, freeing up your team to focus on closing deals.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include visual sales pipelines that help your team track deals through different stages. The real-time activity tracking feature provides insights into customer behavior, allowing you to tailor your approach. Additionally, its reporting tools offer detailed analytics on sales performance and marketing effectiveness.
Integrations include Salesforce, Zapier, Mailchimp, Microsoft Dynamics 365, Google Workspace, Outlook, QuickBooks, Shopify, Zoho CRM, and Facebook.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Time-saving automation tools
- Efficient lead scoring system
- Focus on lead conversion
Cons:
- Basic mobile application
- Complex initial setup
Vtiger CRM is a versatile tool designed for small to medium-sized businesses looking for a customizable CRM solution. It offers key functions like sales automation, customer support, and project management, all in one platform.
Why I picked Vtiger CRM: Vtiger CRM provides a high level of customization, allowing your team to tailor the system to fit specific business needs. You can modify fields, workflows, and reports to match your processes. This flexibility is ideal for small teams that require a personalized approach to their CRM. Additionally, its comprehensive set of features, from contact management to helpdesk support, consolidates various business functions in one place.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a built-in email marketing tool that helps your team engage with leads effectively. The sales insights feature provides analytics and forecasts to guide your sales strategies. Moreover, the project management module helps in organizing and tracking project progress seamlessly.
Integrations include Google Workspace, Microsoft Office 365, Mailchimp, QuickBooks, Zapier, Xero, Twilio, Docusign, Dropbox, and Slack.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Integrated project management
- Effective sales insights
- Built-in email marketing
- Comprehensive feature set
- Highly customizable interface
Cons:
- Configuration requires learning curve
- Limited advanced reporting
- Basic mobile application
- Occasional feature overload
- Initial setup complexity
Agile CRM is an all-in-one customer relationship management tool designed for small to medium-sized businesses. It covers sales, marketing, and service automation to help streamline various business functions and improve productivity.
Why I picked Agile CRM: Agile CRM offers a comprehensive suite of features that cater to sales, marketing, and customer service, all within a single platform. This integration eliminates the need for multiple tools, saving your team time and resources. With features like contact management, email tracking, and helpdesk support, you get a unified approach to managing customer relationships. Its affordability makes it an attractive choice for small businesses looking for an integrated solution.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include gamification to motivate your sales team by setting up challenges and rewards. The landing page builder allows you to create engaging pages without technical skills. Additionally, the calendar integration helps your team schedule and manage appointments efficiently.
Integrations include Google Workspace, Microsoft Office 365, Mailchimp, Shopify, Facebook, Twitter, Stripe, QuickBooks, Zapier, and RingCentral.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Easy landing page builder
- Affordable pricing tiers
- All-in-one toolset
Cons:
- Occasional performance lags
- Limited advanced customization
HubSpot Sales Hub is a sales management platform designed for small to medium-sized businesses looking to enhance their sales processes. It provides tools for lead tracking, sales automation, and customer relationship management.
Why I picked HubSpot Sales Hub: HubSpot Sales Hub offers extensive integration capabilities, making it an ideal choice for businesses that need to connect various tools. Your team can manage and automate sales tasks efficiently with features like email tracking and pipeline management. The platform's integration with other HubSpot services allows for a centralized approach to marketing and sales. This connectivity ensures you can streamline operations without switching between multiple software.
Standout features & integrations:`
Features include customizable dashboards that offer real-time insights into sales performance. The email tracking feature ensures you know when leads open your emails, helping you follow up at the right time. Additionally, the meeting scheduling tool simplifies appointment setting by integrating directly with your calendar.
Integrations include Google Workspace, Microsoft Office 365, Mailchimp, Slack, Zapier, QuickBooks, Salesforce, Shopify, WordPress, and LinkedIn.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Easy meeting scheduling
- Centralized sales and marketing
- Effective email tracking
- Customizable dashboards
- Extensive integration options
Cons:
- Requires technical knowledge
- Occasional feature limitations
- Complex setup for new users
- Limited offline functionality
- Learning curve for beginners
Apptivo is a cloud-based business management tool designed for small to medium-sized businesses. It offers a suite of applications, including CRM, project management, and invoicing, to help streamline various aspects of a business.
Why I picked Apptivo: Apptivo offers a wide range of features at an affordable price, making it accessible for small businesses on a budget. You can manage customer relationships, projects, and billing all within one platform, which enhances efficiency. The tool's modular approach lets you choose applications that fit your business needs. Its pricing structure ensures you get the most value without overspending.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include an intuitive project management module that helps your team track project timelines and deliverables. The invoicing feature allows you to create and send invoices directly from the platform, saving time. Also, the CRM application offers contact and opportunity management to keep your sales process organized.
Integrations include Google Workspace, Microsoft Office 365, PayPal, QuickBooks, Xero, Slack, Dropbox, RingCentral, Mailchimp, and Stripe.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Customizable project management
- Integrated invoicing system
- Affordable pricing options
- Modular application approach
- Wide range of features
Cons:
- Occasional technical glitches
- Configuration complexity
- Learning curve for new users
- Basic reporting capabilities
- Limited advanced features
Insightly is a CRM and project management tool tailored for small businesses that need to manage customer relationships and track projects in one place. It helps teams handle sales processes while seamlessly coordinating project tasks.
Why I picked Insightly: Insightly offers a unique combination of CRM and project management features, making it ideal for businesses that require both functionalities. Your team can manage leads and projects in one platform, which improves efficiency. The ability to link projects to customer records provides context and continuity in client interactions. Additionally, its task management and milestone tracking features ensure your projects stay on schedule.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a comprehensive contact management system that keeps your customer information organized and accessible. The workflow automation feature helps you automate repetitive tasks, saving time. Insightly's reporting tools offer visual dashboards, giving your team insights into sales and project performance.
Integrations include Google Workspace, Microsoft Office 365, Mailchimp, QuickBooks, Slack, Xero, Dropbox, Evernote, Box, and Zapier.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Task management features
- Links projects to contacts
- Workflow automation options
Cons:
- Customization limits in templates
- Limited advanced features
Nutshell CRM is a user-friendly tool designed for small to medium-sized businesses looking to enhance collaboration within their sales teams. It provides essential CRM functions like contact management and sales automation to support team efforts.
Why I picked Nutshell CRM: Nutshell CRM fosters easy team collaboration with its intuitive interface and straightforward features. Your team can manage leads and track sales activities effortlessly, ensuring everyone stays on the same page. Its team collaboration tools like shared pipelines and activity logs keep everyone informed and coordinated. The platform’s simplicity reduces the learning curve, making it accessible to all team members.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include customizable sales pipelines that let your team tailor processes to match your business needs. The reporting tools offer visual insights into sales performance, helping you make informed decisions. Additionally, the email tracking feature ensures you know when leads engage with your messages.
Integrations include Google Workspace, Microsoft Office 365, Mailchimp, QuickBooks, Slack, Zapier, HubSpot, Outlook, Dropbox, and LinkedIn.
What’s free? Nutshell CRM provides a 14-day free trial, giving you complete access to all essential features for organized team collaboration.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Visual sales reporting
- Customizable sales pipelines
- Simple team collaboration
Cons:
- Basic mobile functionality
- Limited customization options
Close CRM is a sales management software designed for small to medium-sized remote sales teams. It focuses on enhancing communication and sales processes through built-in calling and email features.
Why I picked Close CRM: Close CRM offers a unique combination of built-in calling and emailing capabilities tailored for remote teams. These features let your team communicate with clients directly through the CRM, reducing the need for external tools. The platform supports remote collaboration with real-time sales updates, ensuring everyone stays informed. Its user-friendly dashboard helps your team track and manage leads effectively.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a customizable sales pipeline that allows your team to adjust stages based on your sales process. The smart views feature gives you a clear overview of your leads, helping prioritize follow-ups. Additionally, the predictive dialer speeds up the calling process, saving time for your sales team.
Integrations include Zapier, Slack, Mailchimp, Zendesk, HubSpot, QuickBooks, Docusign, Pipedrive, Intercom, and Trello.
What’s free? Close CRM offers a 14-day free trial, allowing full access to premium features.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Real-time sales updates
- Easy remote collaboration
- Built-in communication tools
Cons:
- Basic reporting capabilities
- Integration setup complexities
Copper CRM is a customer relationship management tool tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, particularly those using Google Workspace. It integrates seamlessly with Google apps to manage leads and automate workflows efficiently.
Why I picked Copper CRM: Copper CRM is designed specifically for users who rely heavily on Google Workspace, making it a natural fit for teams using Gmail and Google Calendar. It automatically logs emails and events, ensuring you never miss important client interactions. The simple user interface allows your team to focus on building relationships rather than managing data. Its deep integration with Google products is a key differentiator, providing a cohesive experience for Google Workspace users.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a sales pipeline management system that helps your team track deals through various stages. Automated data entry reduces manual work, letting you focus on sales activities. Additionally, customizable dashboards offer insights into sales trends and performance, helping your team make informed decisions.
Integrations include Google Workspace, Slack, Mailchimp, QuickBooks, RingCentral, Docusign, Zendesk, Zapier, HubSpot, and Xero.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Real-time collaboration features
- Automated data entry
- Google Workspace integration
Cons:
- Limited customization options
- Basic reporting tools
Other Sales Management Software for Small Business
Here are some additional sales management software for small business options that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out:
- Freshsales
For AI-driven insights
- SugarCRM
For data privacy compliance
- Less Annoying CRM
For free and personalized onboarding
- Keap
For automated follow-ups
- Bitrix24
For free plan with unlimited free users
- Zoho CRM
For extensive customization
- Pipedrive
For visual sales pipelines
- monday sales CRM
For project-centric teams
- Salesforce Starter Suite
For small business growth
- Capsule CRM
For contact management focus
Sales Management Software for Small Business Selection Criteria
When selecting the best sales management software for small businesses to include in this list, I considered common buyer needs and pain points like managing customer relationships efficiently and improving lead tracking. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair:
Core Functionality (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each solution had to fulfill these common use cases:
- Manage customer contacts
- Track sales leads
- Automate sales tasks
- Generate sales reports
- Monitor sales pipelines
Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:
- AI-driven insights
- Customizable dashboards
- Built-in communication tools
- Integration with third-party apps
- Mobile access capabilities
Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:
- Intuitive interface design
- Easy navigation
- Minimal learning curve
- Clear layout and organization
- Fast access to key features
Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each platform, I considered the following:
- Availability of training videos
- Interactive product tours
- Access to webinars
- Presence of chatbots for guidance
- Use of pre-built templates
Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered the following:
- 24/7 availability
- Multichannel support options
- Responsiveness to inquiries
- Availability of a knowledge base
- Personalized support services
Value For Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:
- Competitive pricing
- Features included in the base plan
- Cost-effectiveness for small businesses
- Flexible pricing tiers
- Discounts for annual billing
Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of overall customer satisfaction, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:
- User satisfaction ratings
- Feedback on product reliability
- Comments on feature usefulness
- Opinions on ease of use
- Overall sentiment toward the product
Trends in Sales Management Software for Small Businesses
In my research, I sourced countless product updates, press releases, and release logs from different sales management software for small business vendors. Here are some of the emerging trends I’m keeping an eye on:
- AI-driven analytics: More tools are using AI to analyze sales data and predict trends. This helps small businesses make informed decisions. For example, Freshsales uses AI to score leads based on their likelihood to convert.
- Voice recognition technology: Some vendors are integrating voice commands to facilitate hands-free operation. This can accelerate data entry and task management. HubSpot Sales Hub is experimenting with voice-activated features to enhance user experience.
- Customizable automation workflows: Instead of one-size-fits-all automation, businesses can now tailor workflows to specific needs. This allows teams to automate tasks that best fit their processes. Pipedrive offers customizable automation that adapts to varying sales cycles.
- Advanced data visualization: Tools are providing more sophisticated data visualization options to help teams interpret sales data quickly. This feature turns complex data into easy-to-understand visuals. Zoho CRM has introduced new dashboard widgets that enhance data presentation.
- Enhanced security features: With data breaches on the rise, security is a growing concern. Vendors are implementing stronger security protocols to protect sensitive information. Salesforce Starter Suite emphasizes data security with advanced encryption and compliance features.
What is Sales Management Software for Small Businesses?
Small business sales management software is a tool designed to help businesses manage their sales processes, track leads, and maintain customer relationships. Typically used by sales professionals, managers, and small business owners, these tools provide value by organizing sales activities and improving efficiency. Lead tracking, contact management, and sales automation features help with data organization, task automation, and customer engagement. Overall, these tools boost productivity and support sales growth in small businesses.
Features of Sales Management Software for Small Businesses
When selecting sales management software for your small business, look for features that enhance productivity, streamline workflows, and improve customer interactions. Here are key elements to consider:
- Lead Tracking: Monitor potential customers throughout the sales funnel, ensuring no opportunities are missed. With integrated segmentation, teams can prioritize leads more effectively based on key metrics.
- Contact Management: Organize customer information in a central database for easy access, enabling organized customer interactions and fostering a stronger customer experience.
- Sales Automation: Automate repetitive tasks like follow-ups and data entry, allowing sales reps to focus on lead generation and closing deals.
- Email Tracking and Notifications: Get notified when emails are opened, empowering teams to time their responses strategically and enhance the impact of email campaigns.
- Customizable Pipelines: Tailor sales processes to match your specific business needs. This flexibility is especially valuable for startups and small businesses looking to scale.
- Reporting and Sales Analytics: Gain insights into sales performance through visualized data, empowering teams with actionable information for continuous improvement.
- Integration Capabilities: Connect with spreadsheets, CRM platforms, and other sales tools to create a unified workflow.
- Mobile Access: Manage sales activities on-the-go, ensuring productivity for salespeople and teams working in dynamic environments.
- Security Features: Protect sensitive customer data with encryption and compliance measures, safeguarding your business and maintaining customer trust.
- Task Management: Prioritize and organize daily sales activities, making time-consuming tasks more manageable and boosting overall efficiency.
Benefits of Sales Management Software for Small Business
Implementing sales management software for small businesses provides several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:
- Improved organization: Centralizes all customer and lead information, making it easy to access and manage.
- Increased efficiency: Automates routine tasks like follow-ups and data entry, freeing up time for more important sales activities.
- Better decision-making: Provides insights through reporting and analytics, helping teams make informed choices.
- Enhanced communication: Tracks interactions with leads and customers, ensuring consistent and timely follow-ups.
- Customization options: Adapts to your business's unique sales processes with customizable features and workflows.
- Data security: Keeps sensitive information safe with advanced security features and compliance with regulations.
- Mobile productivity: Allows sales teams to access tools and information on-the-go, maintaining productivity outside the office.
Costs and Pricing of Sales Management Software for Small Businesses
Selecting sales management software for a small business requires an understanding of the various pricing models and plans available. Costs vary based on features, team size, add-ons, and more. The table below summarizes common plans, their average prices, and typical features included in sales management software for small business solutions:
Plan Comparison Table for Sales Management Software for Small Businesses
Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
Free Plan | $0/user/ month | Basic contact management, limited storage, and basic reporting. |
Personal Plan | $5-$25/user/month | Contact management, email tracking, and task management. |
Business Plan | $30-$60/ user/month | Advanced reporting, sales automation, and customizable pipelines. |
Enterprise Plan | $70-$150/ user/month | Enhanced security, advanced analytics, and dedicated support. |
Sales Management Software for Small Businesses FAQs
Here are some answers to common questions about sales management software for small business:
How can sales management software improve my team's productivity?
Sales management software can boost your team’s productivity by automating repetitive tasks like data entry and follow-ups. It helps organize customer information, making it easy for your team to access and manage leads. With features like task management and email tracking, your team can prioritize their activities and focus on closing deals more efficiently.
Is it necessary to train my team to use sales management software?
Training your team is important to ensure they can make the most out of the software. While many tools are user-friendly, a brief training session can help your team understand specific features and how to integrate them into their workflows. Some vendors offer tutorials, webinars, and support to facilitate this process.
What should I consider when choosing sales management software for my small business?
When choosing sales management software, consider your business’s specific needs, such as lead tracking, automation, and reporting capabilities. Evaluate the software’s ease of use and how well it integrates with other tools your team uses. Also, consider your budget and the value the software brings to your sales process.
How customizable is sales management software?
Most sales management software offers some level of customization, allowing you to tailor it to your business’s unique processes. You can often customize pipelines, reports, and workflows to match your team’s needs. However, the extent of customization varies between vendors, so it’s important to choose one that aligns with your requirements.
Can sales management software integrate with other tools my team uses?
Yes, many sales management software solutions offer integrations with popular tools like email clients, calendars, and accounting software. This integration helps create a cohesive ecosystem where all your tools work together, reducing the need for manual data entry. Check the vendor’s integration capabilities to ensure compatibility with your existing tools.
What kind of support can I expect from sales management software vendors?
Support varies between vendors, but most offer resources like FAQs, knowledge bases, and customer support. Some provide 24/7 support through chat, email, or phone, while others may have dedicated account managers for more personalized assistance. It’s a good idea to assess the level of support you might need and choose a vendor that meets those expectations.
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