5 OF THE BEST CRM FOR STARTUPS OF 2023 (REVIEWED AND RATED)

CRM Software can make or break your business as you scale up and start building customer relationships. Collecting the leads and managing customer data can be vital and make it drastically easier to meet your goals with the best CRM software. I’ve taken the time to review and rate the 13 best CRM software and give you my top 5 choices. 

Leads are the lifeblood of a starting business, and business owners need incredible ways to manage and track their customers to shepherd them through their buying journey better.

Choosing the right CRM software is a crucial stage in your startup journey.

CRM or Customer Relationship Management is a SASS product that helps catalog and manage customers & leads as they become familiar with your products and services—eventually shepherding them into becoming buyers AND repeat buyers.

Having the right CRM for your business needs and being cost-effective is paramount to being selective with your choices.

Its become a standard in the industry to gather data on your customers and track their interactions. Otherwise, your business will be flying blind on the right solutions to offer your customers.

What is the Best CRM Software for Startups?

Over 20+ years of working in the tech industry, I have tested several small and enterprise-level CRM solutions. Below are my top choices for the best CRM software for Startups.

1. Salesforce

Best Overall CRM Software

Salesforce is the most extensive CRM worldwide and has been for many years. It services millions of customers worldwide, and it’s safe to say billions of leads come through its systems. It has the functionality to help with various business functions, like sales, services, analytics, and marketing.

Key Features:

• Connects Marketing and Sales Opportunities – Take what your marketing team is doing through lead generation and connect it to more sales opportunities for your acquisition team. 
• Better Contact Management – Salesforce allows your team to capture better customer data and construct it in the most meaningful ways for your team.
• Elevates Customer Service – With a data and customer-centric approach, you can elevate the ability of your customer service team to handle the myriad of customer needs your business will encounter.
• Become a Data-Driven Company – Data is the lifeblood of so many companies, and Salesforce, it will help centralize your customer data to serve your business better needs with critical insights.

User Experience:

The user experience on Salesforce is meant to work for anyone with any level of experience with CRMs. At a glance, you can see how your customer base is doing and what key metrics your team cares about.

It’s made simple enough for anyone to start using right away to drive traffic and sales.

The experience is also ready for tablets, phones, and smartwatches, so no matter where you’re accessing the system, you can stay abreast of what’s going on.

Pricing:

Salesforce offers a few starting plans anywhere from $25 to $150, depending on your business journey. However, if you’re a bit bigger and need something even more robust, their enterprise sales team will work with you to find the right mix and plan based on your needs.

My Pros/Cons About Salesforce:

Pros:

• Customizable: Salesforce allows for a high degree of customization, so you can tailor the platform to fit the specific needs of your business.
• Scalable: As your business grows, Salesforce can scale with you, allowing you to add new users, features, and functionality as needed.
• Collaborative: Salesforce includes a range of tools for collaboration, including document sharing, project management, and team communication.
• Integrations: Salesforce has a vast ecosystem of integrations with other tools and platforms, making connecting with the systems you already use easy.
• User-friendly: Salesforce has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy for team members to adopt and use the platform.
• Customer support: Salesforce has a strong customer support team to help you with any questions or issues.
• Robust security: Salesforce is built with strong security measures to protect your data and ensure compliance with industry standards.

Cons:

• Complexity: Salesforce can be complex, with many different features and tools that may take some time to learn and master.
• Customization: While customization can be a pro, it can also be a con if it becomes too complex or time-consuming.
• Integration issues: While Salesforce has many integrations, you may encounter problems connecting it with specific systems.
• Limited flexibility: Depending on your specific needs, you may find that Salesforce doesn’t offer the flexibility you need to customize your workflow fully.
• User adoption: It’s essential to get buy-in from your team when implementing Salesforce, as it can be challenging to get everyone up to speed on a new platform. This can be especially true if you have a large team or team members resist change.

Get started with Salesforce!

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2. Hubspot

Best Team CRM Platform

Attention all closers! Are you ready to take your sales game to the next level? Look no further than Hubspot CRM. This powerful platform has everything you need to manage your customer journey and drive more sales. You’ll be closing deals left and right with features like lead tracking, email integration, and customizable workflows. And the best part? It’s completely free! So don’t wait; start using Hubspot CRM today and dominate your sales goals like the true baller you are.

Key Features:

• Lead tracking: Hubspot CRM allows you to track and manage leads from the moment they enter your funnel, so you can stay organized and focused on the most promising opportunities.
• Email integration: You can easily track and manage your email communication with leads and customers directly within the CRM platform.
• Customizable workflows: Hubspot CRM includes workflows that allow you to automate and streamline your sales process, saving you time and effort.
• Reporting and analytics: Hubspot CRM includes various reporting and analytics tools that give you insight into your sales performance, so you can identify trends and make data-driven decisions.

User Experience:

The user experience of Hubspot CRM is designed to be intuitive and easy to use. The platform has a clean, modern interface that is easy to navigate. 

It includes features like a customizable dashboard, where users can see all of their most important sales data in one place, and a range of tools for managing and organizing customer information. Hubspot CRM also includes a range of integrations with other tools and platforms, making it easy to connect with the systems you already use. 

Overall, the goal of the user experience is to help sales teams work more efficiently and effectively, so they can focus on what matters most: closing deals.

Pricing:

Hubspot CRM pricing is free for everyone and can be a great starting point. The pricing starts at $45 for a starter plan and will increase to $3600 for their starter enterprise plan. Like most companies, the sky is the limit here.

My Pros/Cons About Hubspot CRM:

Pros:

• It’s free: One of the most significant advantages of Hubspot CRM is that it’s completely free to use, with no hidden fees or long-term contracts.
• It’s easy to use: Hubspot CRM has a user-friendly interface that allows team members to adopt and use the platform.
• It’s scalable: As your business grows, Hubspot CRM can scale with you, allowing you to add new users and features as needed.
• It’s customizable: Hubspot CRM allows for a high degree of customization, so you can tailor the platform to fit the specific needs of your business.
• It has a range of integrations: Hubspot CRM has a vast ecosystem of integrations with other tools and platforms, making it easy to connect with the systems you already use.

Cons:

• Limited features in the free version: While the free version of Hubspot CRM includes many valuable features, it may not have everything your business needs.
• Additional features come at a cost: If you want to access advanced features or integrations, you’ll need to upgrade to a paid plan, which can be expensive.
• It may be too complex for some users: While Hubspot CRM is designed to be easy to use, it does have a lot of features and tools, which may be overwhelming for some users.
• It may not be as customizable as some other CRM platforms: While Hubspot CRM allows for a high degree of customization, it may not be as flexible as some other CRM platforms when fully customizing your workflow.

Get started with Hubspot CRM!

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3. Monday

Best New Startup CRM System

Monday is a customer relationship management platform designed to help businesses manage and grow their customer relationships. It offers a range of features, including contact and lead management, sales forecasting, task and project management, and customizable dashboards and reports. It is available as a cloud-based or on-premise solution and can be accessed on desktop and mobile devices.

Key Features:

• Contact and lead management: Monday allows you to store and organize all of your customer and potential customer information in one place. You can easily add, update, and delete contacts and leads and track your interactions with them.
• Sales forecasting: Monday helps you stay organized and on top of your sales pipeline. You can use the platform to forecast your sales and see where each deal is.
• Task and project management: Monday includes tools for managing and tracking your tasks and projects. You can assign tasks to team members, set deadlines, and see the progress of each project in real-time.
• Customizable dashboards and reports: Monday allows you to create custom dashboards and reports to track your team’s performance and see how your business is doing. You can choose which metrics to include and how to display the data.

User Experience:

Monday has a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate. The main menu is located on the left side of the screen and allows you to access different sections of the platform, such as contacts, deals, and projects. The main work area is located in the center of the screen and displays the information and tools relevant to the selected menu option. The right side of the screen includes a “quick add” panel, which allows you to add new items, such as contacts or tasks, quickly. 

Overall, the Monday interface is designed to be intuitive and efficient, helping you easily manage your customer relationships.

Pricing:

Monday uses a slightly different model for all plans, which charges per seat instead of a flat monthly rate. They start at $8 per seat and up to $16 on their base plans, depending on which features you would like to have.

They also offer a 7 Day trial to understand how the platform works and whether it fits you and your team.

My Pros/Cons About Monday:

Pros:

• It helps you manage and grow your customer relationships: Monday allows you to store and organize all of your customer and potential customer information in one place, making it easy to track and manage your interactions with them.
• It streamlines your sales process: Monday includes tools for managing and tracking your sales pipeline, helping you stay organized and on top of your deals.
• It helps you stay on top of tasks and projects: Monday includes features for managing tasks and projects, such as assigning tasks to team members and setting deadlines. This helps you stay organized and ensure that work gets done on time.
• It provides customizable dashboards and reports: Monday allows you to create them to track your team’s performance and see how your business is doing. You can choose which metrics to include and how to display the data.

Cons:

• It may have a learning curve: Like any new software, it may take some time to learn how to use all of the features of Monday. However, the platform does offer a range of resources to help users get up to speed, including documentation, tutorials, and customer support.
• It may only be suitable for some business sizes: Monday is a comprehensive CRM platform that may be more suitable for larger businesses with more complex customer relationship management needs. A more streamlined CRM solution may better serve smaller companies with more precise requirements.
• It may have additional costs: While Monday offers a range of pricing plans to suit different budgets, some of the advanced features may come with an additional cost. It’s important to carefully review the pricing and consider whether the offered features are worth your business’s price.
• It may require a commitment: Monday is a cloud-based or on-premise solution, meaning you will need to commit to using the platform for a certain time. This may not be suitable for businesses that prefer a more flexible or pay-as-you-go approach.

Get started with Monday!

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4. Pipedrive

Best Automated CRM

Hey there! Pipedrive is a super helpful tool that helps you manage your sales pipeline and close more deals. It’s a customer relationship management (CRM) platform that keeps all your important information and tasks in one place, so you can focus on what matters most – closing those deals! It’s easy to use and fun, so give it a try and see how it can help your business grow.

Key Features:

• Deals: Keep track of all your deals and see where they stand in the sales process with a visual deal pipeline.
• Tasks: Set reminders and deadlines to ensure you follow up with leads and move deals forward.
• Customization: Fully customize your CRM to fit your unique sales process, so you can work how you want.
• Mobile app: Take your CRM on the go with the Pipedrive mobile app, available on iOS and Android.

User Experience:

Intuitive and User-Friendly: The Pipedrive Interface

The Pipedrive interface is designed to be easy to use and navigate. It features a clean, visual layout that helps you keep track of your deals and sales pipeline. With its helpful features and customization options, you can tailor the platform to fit your unique sales process and work style. Give it a try and see how convenient and user-friendly the Pipedrive interface is!

Pricing:

Pipedrive offers a 14-day trial to get you inside and to test their product. The options of $14 to $99, depending on your team’s needs and the features you would like to use.

My Pros/Cons About Pipedrive:

Pros:

• User-friendly interface: The clean visual layout and helpful features make it easy to use and navigate.
• Customization: Fully customize the platform to fit your unique sales process and work style.
• Mobile app: Take your CRM on the go with the Pipedrive mobile app, available on iOS and Android.
• Integration: Connect Pipedrive to other tools you use, such as email and calendar, to streamline your workflow.

Cons:

• Limited customization options: Some users have reported that Pipedrive’s customization options are limited, making it difficult to tailor the platform to their specific needs fully.
• Limited integrations: Pipedrive only integrates with a limited number of other applications and platforms, making it difficult to fully integrate it into an existing workflow or stack of tools.
• Limited reporting and analytics: Some users have reported that the reporting and analytics features of Pipedrive are limited, making it difficult to get a comprehensive view of sales performance and customer data.
• Cost: Pipedrive can be relatively expensive compared to other sales management tools, which may not make it the most cost-effective option for some businesses.

Get started with Pipedrive!

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5. Nutshell

Best Marketing CRM

Nutshell CRM is a customer relationship management tool that helps businesses keep track of client interactions, manage sales leads, and analyze their sales pipeline. It offers customizable dashboards, real-time alerts, and integration with popular business apps. Nutshell also has a mobile app, making it easy to access your data on the go. Nutshell is a powerful tool for small businesses 14 days to streamline their sales and customer management processes.

Key Features:

• Customizable dashboards: Nutshell allows you to create and customize your dashboard to see the most critical information for your business at a glance.
• Real-time alerts: Nutshell sends alerts when there are updates to your sales leads or deals so that you can stay on top of your business in real-time.
• Integration with popular business apps: Nutshell integrates with popular business apps like Google Calendar, Mailchimp, and Slack, making it easy to manage all your business tools in one place.
• Mobile app: Nutshell has a mobile app to access your CRM data on the go. This is particularly useful for salespeople who are always on the move.

User Experience:

The Nutshell CRM user interface is designed to be user-friendly and intuitive. When you first log in, you’ll see your dashboard, a customizable page that shows you the essential information for your business at a glance. You can add widgets for different data types, such as your sales pipeline or recent activity, and arrange them however you like.

There are several main sections in Nutshell:

1. Leads: This section lets you view and manage your sales leads. You can see information about each lead, such as their name, contact information, and sales stage. You can also add notes, tasks, and events related to each lead.
2. Contacts: This section contains a list of all the contacts in your CRM. You can see information about each contact, such as their name, company, and job title. You can also add notes, tasks, and events related to each contact.
3. Companies: This section lists all the companies in your CRM. You can see information about each company, such as their name, industry, and location. You can also add notes, tasks, and events related to each company.
4. Deals: This section lets you view and manage your sales deals. You can see information about each deal, such as the deal value, stage, and expected close date. You can also add notes, tasks, and events related to each deal.

Pricing:

Nutshell CRM offers three pricing plans: Basic, Professional, and Limitless. For the Basic plan, prices start at $16 per user per month, which includes features like lead and contact management, customizable dashboards, and integrations with popular business apps. The Professional plan, which starts at $42 per user per month, includes additional features like real-time alerts and advanced reporting. The Limitless plan, which starts at $4975 per month, has even more advanced features like customizable workflows and custom fields.

My Pros/Cons About Nutshell:

Pros:

• Customizable dashboards: Nutshell allows you to create and customize your dashboard to see the most essential information for your business at a glance.
• Real-time alerts: Nutshell sends alerts when there are updates to your sales leads or deals so that you can stay on top of your business in real-time.
• Integration with popular business apps: Nutshell integrates with popular business apps like Google Calendar, Mailchimp, and Slack, making it easy to manage all your business tools in one place.
• Mobile app: Nutshell has a mobile app to access your CRM data on the go. This is particularly useful for salespeople who are always on the move.
• User-friendly interface: Nutshell’s user interface is designed to be easy to use and navigate, so you can quickly find the information you need and manage your sales and customer relationships effectively.

Cons:

• Limited customization options: Some users may find that Nutshell’s customization options are limited compared to other CRMs. For example, you may not be able to fully tailor the look and feel of your dashboard or add custom fields to your data.
• Limited integrations: While Nutshell does integrate with several popular business apps, the number of integrations is limited compared to some other CRMs.
• No free plan: Nutshell does not offer a free plan, so you’ll need to pay for a subscription to use the software. This may not be suitable for businesses on a tight budget.
• Limited customer support: Some users have reported that Nutshell’s customer support is limited, with a slower response time than they would like. This may make it more challenging to get help if you run into any issues with the software.

Get started with Nutshell!

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What is CRM Software?

CRM (customer relationship management) software is a tool that helps businesses manage their interactions with customers and clients. It can be used to track customer data, sales leads, and the sales pipeline and to analyze customer interactions and interactions across different channels.

CRM software can be used in various industries, including sales, marketing, and customer service. It can help businesses build and maintain customer relationships, streamline processes, and improve efficiency.

To use CRM software, businesses typically enter customer and client data into the system, such as contact information, purchase history, and notes about interactions. This data can then be accessed and analyzed by different teams, such as sales and customer service, to understand better and serve customers.

CRM systems provide a centralized database of customer data, which authorized users can access and update. Some CRM systems also offer features like customizable dashboards, real-time alerts, and integration with other business tools.

If you’re new to CRM software, reading a CRM guide or taking a CRM tutorial to learn how to use the system effectively can be helpful. There are also many resources available online for CRM for beginners, including articles, videos, and webinars.

A CRM number is a unique identifier assigned to each customer or client in a CRM system. It is used to track and manage interactions with the customer and can be used to generate reports and analyze data.

What to look for in a CRM System

Here are the top 10 things to consider when choosing a web-based CRM software:

1. Customization options: Can you customize the CRM to meet your business needs by adding custom fields or creating customized dashboards and reports?
2. Integration with other tools: Does the CRM integrate with other tools you use, such as your email marketing software or accounting software?
3. Ease of use: Is the CRM user-friendly, easy to navigate, or complex and difficult to use?
4. Mobile access: Does the CRM have a mobile app, or can it be accessed from mobile devices?
5. Customer support: What level of customer support is available, and how responsive is the support team?
6. Scalability: Can the CRM grow with your business, or is it only suitable for businesses of a certain size?
7. Data security: How does the CRM protect your data, and what measures are in place to prevent data breaches?
8. Price: What is the cost of the CRM, and is it reasonable, given the features and functionality it offers?
9. User reviews: What do other users of the CRM have to say about it? Are there any common complaints or issues that you should be aware of?
10. Reputation: Is the CRM well-known and reputable, or is it a relatively unknown or new product?

Ask Yourself Before Picking CRM Software

Here are some questions to consider when choosing CRM software:

1. What are your business’s specific needs and goals?
2. How will you use the CRM, and what features are most important to you?
3. How much are you willing to spend on CRM software?
4. How scalable does the CRM need to be, and will it grow with your business?
5. Does the CRM integrate with other tools and software you use?
6. Is the CRM user-friendly and easy to use, or is it complex and difficult to navigate?
7. Does the CRM have good customer support, and how responsive is the support team?
8. How secure is the CRM, and what measures are in place to protect your data?
9. What do other users of the CRM have to say about it? Are there any common complaints or issues?
10. Is the CRM reputable and well-known, or is it a relatively unknown or new product?

How to Choose a CRM

Here are the top 10 things to consider when choosing a web-based CRM software:

1. Customization options: Can you customize the CRM to meet your specific business needs, such as by adding custom fields or creating customized dashboards and reports?
2. Integration with other tools: Does the CRM integrate with other tools you use, such as your email marketing software or accounting software?
3. Ease of use: Is the CRM user-friendly and easy to navigate, or is it complex and difficult to use?
4. Mobile access: Does the CRM have a mobile app, or can it be accessed from mobile devices?
5. Customer support: What level of customer support is available, and how responsive is the support team?
6. Scalability: Can the CRM grow with your business, or is it only suitable for businesses of a certain size?
7. Data security: How does the CRM protect your data, and what measures are in place to prevent data breaches?
8. Price: What is the cost of the CRM, and is it reasonable, given the features and functionality it offers?
9. User reviews: What do other users of the CRM have to say about it? Are there any common complaints or issues that you should be aware of?
10. Reputation: Is the CRM well-known and reputable, or is it a relatively unknown or new product?

Questions to Ask When Choosing CRM Software.

Here are some questions to consider when choosing CRM software:

• What are your business’s specific needs and goals?
• How will you use the CRM, and what features are most important to you?
• How much are you willing to spend on CRM software?
• How scalable does the CRM need to be, and will it grow with your business?
• Does the CRM integrate with other tools and software you use?
• Is the CRM user-friendly and easy to use, or is it complex and difficult to navigate?
• Does the CRM have good customer support, and how responsive is the support team?
• How secure is the CRM, and what measures are in place to protect your data?
• What do other users of the CRM have to say about it? Are there any common complaints or issues?
• Is the CRM reputable and well-known, or is it a relatively unknown or new product?

Benefits of a Good CRM

Using a good CRM can provide several benefits for businesses of all sizes, including

Improved Customer Relationships:

A CRM can help businesses track and manage customer interactions, allowing them to build stronger, more meaningful relationships.

Enhanced Efficiency:

A CRM can help businesses streamline their operations and work more efficiently by centralizing customer data and automating certain processes.

Increased Sales:

A CRM can help businesses track and analyze their sales pipeline, identify opportunities, and close more deals.

Better Decision-Making:

A CRM can provide businesses with insights and data to inform better decision-making, such as identifying trends and patterns in customer behavior.

Greater Collaboration:

By providing a centralized platform for storing and sharing customer data, a CRM can help teams work together more effectively and efficiently.

Enhanced Customer Service:

By providing a complete history of customer interactions, a CRM can help businesses provide more personalized and effective customer service.

Increased Customer Retention:

Businesses can increase customer retention and loyalty by building stronger customer relationships and providing better service.

Increased Productivity:

A CRM can help businesses increase productivity and reduce workload by automating certain tasks and streamlining processes.

How to Use CRM Software

Welcome to the world of CRM software! CRM (customer relationship management) software is a powerful tool that can help businesses manage their interactions with customers and clients, streamline processes, and improve efficiency. This guide will look at how to use CRM software to get the most out of it.

Step 1: Enter Customer Data

The first step in using CRM software is to enter customer data into the system. This may include contact information, purchase history, and notes about interactions with the customer. Centralizing this data in one place makes it easier for teams to access and use it.

Step 2: Set Up Customization Options

Many CRM systems allow you to customize the software to meet your specific business needs. This may include adding custom fields, creating customized dashboards and reports, and setting up alerts and notifications. Take some time to set up these customization options to make the CRM work best for your business.

Step 3: Integrate with Other Tools

One of the benefits of CRM software is that it can often integrate with other tools and software you use. This may include email marketing software, accounting software, or project management tools. By integrating these tools, you can manage all your business tools in one place and streamline your workflows.

Step 4: Use the Mobile App

Many CRM systems have a mobile app, which can be a convenient way to access your data on the go. This is particularly useful for salespeople or customer service representatives who are always on the move. Make sure to download and familiarize yourself with the mobile app to take advantage of this feature.

Step 5: Analyze Data and Make Decisions

A key benefit of CRM software is that it provides insights and data that can inform better decision-making. You can use the software to analyze customer behavior, identify trends and patterns, and make data-driven decisions about how to serve your customers better.

Step 6: Stay Up to Date with Customer Interactions

Finally, update the CRM with information about customer interactions regularly. This may include notes about phone calls, meetings, or emails, as well as updates to customer data. By keeping the CRM up to date, you’ll have a complete picture of your customer relationships, which can help you serve your customers better and build stronger relationships.

Using CRM software can be a game-changer for businesses of all sizes. By entering customer data, setting up customization options, integrating with other tools, using the mobile app, analyzing data, and staying up to date with customer interactions, you can get the most out of your CRM software and improve your business’s operations.

Welcome to our CRM software FAQs! 

CRM (customer relationship management) software is a powerful tool that can help enterprises to manage their interactions with customers and clients, streamline processes, and improve efficiency. In this guide, we’ll answer some common questions about CRM software to help you understand how it works and how you can use it to benefit your business.

Question 1: What is CRM software?

CRM software is a tool that helps companies manage their interactions with customers and clients. It can be used to track customer data, sales leads, and the sales pipeline and to analyze customer interactions and interactions across different channels. CRM software can be used in various industries, including sales, marketing, and customer service.

Question 2: How do I use CRM software?

To use CRM software, businesses typically enter customer and client data into the system, such as contact information, purchase history, and notes about interactions. This data can then be accessed and analyzed by different teams, such as sales and customer service, to understand better and serve customers. CRM systems often offer customizable dashboards, real-time alerts, and integration with other business tools to help businesses manage customer relationships effectively.

Question 3: What are the benefits of using CRM software?

CRM software’s benefits include improved customer relationships, enhanced efficiency, increased sales, better decision-making, greater collaboration, enhanced customer service, increased customer retention, and increased productivity.

Question 4: Can CRM software be customized?

Many CRM systems allow businesses to customize the software to meet their needs. This may include adding custom fields, creating personalized dashboards and reports, and setting up alerts and notifications. By customizing the CRM, businesses can tailor it to fit their unique needs and processes.

Question 5: How much does CRM software cost?

The cost of CRM software can vary depending on its features and functionality. Some CRM systems offer free plans or trials, while others require a subscription fee. Prices may range from a few dollars per user per month to several hundred dollars per user per month. It’s essential to consider the cost of the CRM in relation to the benefits it provides for your business.

Executive Summary.

With so many CRM tools available to us and each one with its unique features and benefits, it can be challenging to choose the right one for you.

Getting started can be easiest when we start with Pipedrive or Hubspot as your customer relationship software.

I hope using this list and the extra data we have provided will help you understand what your business needs to find the proper outcomes you’re looking for.

Let me know below in the comments which CRM software you plan to use for your business. Is it one we haven’t reviewed yet?