7 Best CRM platforms for Small Businesses in 2023

0 min read

What’s a Rich Text element?

The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.

Static and dynamic content editing

Static and dynamic content editing

"A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila!"

How to customize formatting for each rich text

Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.

Are you looking for a customer relationship management (CRM) platform to help you manage your small business? If so, you're in luck!

In this article, we'll explore the top seven CRM platforms for small businesses in 2023. From ease of use to pricing, we'll break down the pros and cons of each platform to help you make an informed decision.

1. HubSpot CRM

HubSpot is a popular CRM platform among small business owners due to its user-friendly interface and robust features. The platform offers contact management, deal tracking and task automation features that make it easy to keep track of your sales pipeline. Additionally, HubSpot CRM is free to use (with limited features), making it an excellent option for businesses on a budget.

Being a market-leader, HubSpot undoubtedly has its fair share of rivals; we've looked in-depth at HubSpot vs Mailchimp and HubSpot vs Ramp CRM to ensure you make the most informed decision possible.

HubSpot Pros:

  • Free to use
  • User-friendly interface
  • Integrates with a variety of tools

HubSpot Cons:

  • Limited features compared to paid plans
  • Quickly gets expensive for larger teams

2. Salesforce Essentials

Salesforce Essentials is a CRM platform designed specifically for small businesses. It offers a wide range of features, including lead and opportunity management, contact and account management, and email integration. The platform also includes a mobile app, making it easy to manage your sales on the go.

While Salesforce Essentials isn't free, it's pricing is pretty reasonable, with the Small Business Edition starting around £20 per user per month, making it a solid choice for small businesses.

Salesforce Pros:

  • Comprehensive features
  • Customisable
  • Integrates with a variety of tools

Salesforce Cons:

  • Steep learning curve for beginners
  • Complicated pricing model for various Editions

3. Copper

Copper, formerly known as ProsperWorks, is a cloud-based CRM platform designed for G Suite users, integrating seamlessly with other G Suite apps. They offer a range of features including sales automation, pipeline management and lead tracking.

It's a fairly cheap CRM, with plans starting around £30 per user per month.

Copper Pros:

  • Seamless integration with G Suite apps
  • Comprehensive features
  • User-friendly interface

Copper Cons:

  • Limited customisation options
  • Limited integrations with non-G Suite apps

4. Pipedrive

Pipedrive is a CRM platform designed to help small businesses manage their sales pipeline. The platform offers a range of features including lead management, deal tracking and email integration.

Additionally, Pipedrive offers a fair amount of customisation, making it easy to tailor the platform to your specific needs. While Pipedrive isn't free, it's pricing is competitive, making it a great option for small businesses.

Pipedrive Pros:

  • Sales-focused features
  • User-friendly interface
  • Affordable pricing

Pipedrive Cons:

  • Limited marketing automation features
  • Limited customisation options

5. Mailchimp

Mailchimp, famous for it's email marketing capabilities, has grown and evolved over the years to offer a CRM, amongst other sales and marketing functionality.

The CRM side is relatively new but offers a range of features including contact management, deal tracking, and audience segmentation. Mailchimp also integrates with a variety of other tools and platforms.

Mailchimp Pros:

  • Affordable pricing
  • User-friendly interface
  • Integrates with a variety of tools

Mailchimp Cons:

  • Limited automation features - not as customisable
  • Not ideal for larger businesses

6. Zendesk

Zendesk Sell, formerly known as Base CRM, is a cloud-based sales CRM platform that offers a range of features including lead management, pipeline management, and sales forecasting. They also offer a mobile app, making it easy to manage your sales on the go.

Zendesk Pros:

  • User-friendly interface
  • Mobile app available
  • Comprehensive features for sales teams

Zendesk Cons:

  • Limited marketing automation features
  • Limited customisation options

7. Ramp CRM

Ramp is making waves in the CRM space. A relatively new player, Ramp appears to have taken all the best bits of existing CRMs, bundled them into one super-powerful platform and offered a very affordable solution.

Users can access conversational tools, contact management, a comprehensive CRM, automation features such as workflows and social media scheduling, memberships, course creation, AI content, pipeline and opportunities, plus a whole realm of other fantastic sales and marketing functionality appearing in 3 simple tiered plans.

Ramp Pros:

  • Comprehensive sales and marketing features
  • Mobile app available
  • Affordable pricing

Ramp Cons:

  • Learning curve to adopt so many comprehensive features

So, what's the Best CRM for your Small Business?

Choosing the right CRM platform for your small business can be a daunting task, but it's important to take the time to evaluate your options.

Consider your budget, the size of your business, and the features you need. Each of the seven CRM platforms we've discussed has its own pros and cons, so be sure to do your research before making a decision.

Whether you choose HubSpot, Salesforce Essentials, Copper, Pipedrive, Mailchimp, Zendesk or Ramp CRM, you can feel confident that you're making a smart investment!

Common CRM Questions

What is a CRM platform?

A CRM platform is software designed to help businesses manage their customer relationships, including interactions, sales, and marketing efforts.

Why is a CRM platform important for a small business?

A CRM platform can help small businesses keep track of their customer interactions, manage leads and sales, and automate marketing efforts. It can be particularly helpful for small teams or owner-managed businesses as a CRM can keep staff levels to a minimum, automating much of the admin work behind-the-scenes.

Are all CRM platforms suitable for larger businesses?

Some of the platforms on this list offer enterprise-level features and can be suitable for larger businesses, while others are more tailored to small businesses.

Can I try CRM platforms before committing to a paid plan?

Many CRM platforms offer free trials or free plans with limited features, allowing you to test the platform before committing to a paid plan.

Can I customise CRM platforms to fit my business needs?

Most of these platforms offer some level of customisation, but the extent of customisation may vary depending on the platform. Be sure to evaluate your customisation needs before choosing a platform.

How secure are CRM platforms?

All the CRM platforms offer various security measures such as encryption, two-factor authentication and regular backups to ensure the security of your data.

Can I integrate CRM platforms with other tools?

Most of these platforms offer integrations with other tools, such as email marketing software, social media management tools, and project management software, to streamline your workflow.

How much do CRM platforms cost?

The cost of CRM platforms varies depending on the features, the number of users and the payment plans. Some platforms offer free plans with limited features, while others offer paid plans starting from as little as £10 per user per month.

Do I need technical skills to use CRM platforms?

Most of these CRM platforms offer a user-friendly interface, making it easy for non-technical users to navigate and use the platform. However, some platforms may require more technical expertise, so it's important to evaluate the platform's complexity before choosing one.

How do I choose the right CRM platform for my business?

To choose the right CRM platform for your business, evaluate your budget, the size of your business and the features you need. Research each platform's pros and cons, and try out free trials or free plans before committing to a paid plan. It's also important to consider your team's technical expertise and evaluate the platform's ease of use.

Just a heads up, some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, meaning we may make a small commission on any sign-ups or purchases for the tools we recommend.

Other resources

View all
Webflow vs Framer: Battle of the Website Platforms (AI Insight)
Webflow vs Framer: Battle of the Website Platforms (AI Insight)
Webflow vs Framer: Battle of the Website Platforms (AI Insight)
Delve into website building platforms, Webflow and Framer, to help you determine which one suits your business needs best. AI, usability, integrations and more.
Delve into website building platforms, Webflow and Framer, to help you determine which one suits your business needs best. AI, usability, integrations and more.
Read now
Ramp VS Salesforce - Which All-in-One Marketing Platform?
Ramp VS Salesforce - Which All-in-One Marketing Platform?
Ramp VS Salesforce - Which All-in-One Marketing Platform?
Looking for an all-in-one marketing platform? This comparison of Ramp and Salesforce covers usability, pricing, features, customer reviews and integrations.
Looking for an all-in-one marketing platform? This comparison of Ramp and Salesforce covers usability, pricing, features, customer reviews and integrations.
Read now
Ramp CRM vs HubSpot - Which is the Best All-in-One Marketing Platform?
Ramp CRM vs HubSpot - Which is the Best All-in-One Marketing Platform?
Ramp CRM vs HubSpot - Which is the Best All-in-One Marketing Platform?
Discover which all-in-one marketing platform is the best for your business. Read our Ramp vs HubSpot comparison and choose the perfect CRM for your needs.
Discover which all-in-one marketing platform is the best for your business. Read our Ramp vs HubSpot comparison and choose the perfect CRM for your needs.
Read now

The Key to Boost Your Creative Confidence

Free Guide Download
Thank you! Your email has been received!
Download Report
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Unloc best tools for 2023 downloadable guide cover
Unloc gradient background