The common phrase “here’s no such thing as a free lunch” has been known to all of us since childhood. However, start-up entrepreneurs who incur large expenses for business development are often severely limited in money. Therefore, they are looking for a way to save money, and they are looking at any resources and tools that can be used for free. And it is logical that when the question of choosing software for automating business processes arises, many startups and novice businessmen are looking at free CRM platforms.
But before they start using CRM for free, entrepreneurs want to understand why there is no charge for this software. What are the limitations and nuances when using free CRM platforms? And why do developers provide free access to software at all? And here we will answer all these questions and give examples of the best CRM solutions for companies.
Why do CRM developers provide free access to platforms
The best CRM for companies are software solutions for automating all business processes. These platforms provide a wide range of functions and capabilities for managing a company’s inventory and effectively interacting with customers. Both the implementation of such programs and access to cloud services of all popular CRMs have a market value. However, in some cases, you can use even the most famous Bitrix CRM solutions, Zoho, NetHunt, HubSpot and others for free.
As a rule, developers offer one of two options for accessing the platform for free:
- demo version with a full range of functions, but with a limited time of use;
- free version with a minimum set of functions, which can be used for any period of time.
Both in the first and in the second case, the benefit of developers is obvious. In the first situation, the user will see the capabilities and benefits of the CRM system, and after the end of the trial period, he will buy a paid version. And in the second case, the business owner is likely to pay extra for the necessary functions that are not included in the free block.
Free and paid CRM software: what is the difference
If we are not talking about a demo version, but about free products, then it would be correct to say that free CRM is a “light” version of the full paid version. Compared to paid products, free products have the following differences:
- limited number of users or simultaneous connections to the system;
- the minimum amount of disk storage (most often 5 GB, rarely up to 10 GB);
- no or minimal number of task templates;
- limits on the number of products in the catalog;
- restriction on setting up mailings of letters to clients;
- limit on the number of clients in the database, etc.
As a rule, due to many restrictions and minimum limits, free CRMs are not suitable for medium and large businesses. However, the capabilities of this software are quite enough for small companies with only 10-15 employees. Therefore, if you are looking for the best CRM software for small businesses and are limited in financial resources, you can consider free platforms.
Top 5 Free CRM Platforms
To make it easier for you to choose the best inventory management software, we have compiled a small list that includes 5 good platforms with free access. We recommend that you first of all pay attention to such CRMs:
- Zoho CRM is an online platform that offers maximum possibilities for managing business processes. With its help, you automate the sales process, you can issue invoices to customers and counterparties in one click, add new products to the catalog in a second. Moreover, it is important that opportunities are available here for building a sales forecast and for integrating with Google Workspace and Microsoft 365.
- Bitrix24 is a system that offers CRM tools for businesses operating in any area of the economy. With this platform, you can create projects, set tasks, delegate from subordinates and control the execution of work. Also, interaction with customers is fully automated here and work with the product catalog is simplified as much as possible. And even in the free version, it is possible to create and edit documents, share them with other users, and generate reports on work.
- KeepinCRM is an excellent CRM software tailored to the needs of small and medium businesses. Even in the free version, there are many features here: cost and income management, setting tasks and monitoring the work of employees, creating any number of customer cards, streamlined processes of interaction with the warehouse and with counterparties, automation and visualization of sales.
- HubSpot is a system with a very wide range of functions and features. Using it, you automate all processes related to interaction with clients, contractors, employee management, and marketing. It is also important that this platform integrates with Google Apps and offers maximum opportunities for dialogue with customers.
- NetHunt CRM is a great easy to use system integrated with Gmail and all Google Workspace apps. With its help, you will collect a client base from mail and social networks, you can set up mailing lists and track the history of communication with each client. And of course, this software provides automation and visualization of sales, allows you to set tasks for subordinates, generate reports on the work performed, and maintain documentation.
The listed 5 CRM platforms with free access are by no means all systems worthy of your attention. Therefore, if you are interested in some other free system, you can explore its capabilities, read reviews about it, and then decide on its implementation.
