Greetings Readers,
Are you a small business owner in search of the best hosted CRM software? Look no further! In this comprehensive article, we will provide you with everything you need to know about the best hosted CRM for small business. We understand the importance of having a reliable CRM software that can help you manage your customer relationships effectively, and that’s why we’ve put together this guide.
Introduction
Customer relationship management (CRM) software is a valuable tool for small businesses. It helps to improve customer engagement, streamline communication, and ultimately increase sales. Hosted CRM, also known as cloud-based CRM, is a type of CRM software that is stored in the cloud and accessed through the internet.
Hosted CRM allows small businesses to access powerful CRM features without the need for expensive infrastructure or IT support. It is a cost-effective and user-friendly option, making it the ideal choice for small businesses with limited resources.
Now, let’s dive into the best hosted CRM for small business.
1. What is the Best Hosted CRM for Small Business?
After extensive research and analysis, we have concluded that the best hosted CRM for small business is Salesforce. Salesforce is the world’s leading CRM provider, offering a range of cloud-based solutions to businesses of all sizes.
With Salesforce, small businesses have access to a complete range of CRM features, including sales forecasting, lead and opportunity tracking, and marketing automation. Salesforce’s intuitive interface and easy-to-use features make it a popular choice for small business owners.
2. Advantages of Hosted CRM for Small Business
a) Cost-effective
One of the primary advantages of hosted CRM for small business is its cost-effectiveness. Hosted CRM software does not require any expensive infrastructure, making it an affordable option for small businesses with limited budgets. Furthermore, small businesses only pay for what they need, which is often significantly less than what they would pay for an on-premise solution.
b) User-friendly
Hosted CRM software is designed to be user-friendly, even for those without extensive technical expertise. Most hosted CRM providers offer simple, intuitive interfaces that are easy to navigate, saving small business owners time and effort.
c) Scalability
As small businesses grow and evolve, their CRM needs will also change. Hosted CRM software is highly scalable, allowing small businesses to increase or decrease their usage as needed. This flexibility ensures that small businesses are never paying for more than they need.
d) Accessibility
Hosted CRM software is accessible from anywhere with an internet connection. This enables small business owners to manage their customer relationships from any device, whether they are in the office or on the go.
e) Security
Hosted CRM providers are responsible for ensuring the security of their platforms. They invest in state-of-the-art security measures, such as data encryption, to protect their users’ data from cyberattacks and data breaches. This eliminates the need for small businesses to invest in their own security infrastructure.
f) Integration
Most hosted CRM providers offer integrations with other software solutions, such as accounting software or marketing automation software. This enables small businesses to streamline their operations and save time by managing multiple solutions from a single platform.
g) Customization
Hosted CRM software can be customized to meet the specific needs of small businesses. This ensures that small businesses are only using the features they need, and not paying for unnecessary features.
3. Disadvantages of Hosted CRM for Small Business
a) Dependence on the Internet
Hosted CRM software requires a reliable internet connection. If the internet connection is slow or unreliable, it can lead to delays or disruptions in accessing the CRM platform. This can be a significant disadvantage for small businesses with poor internet connectivity.
b) Limited Control
Hosted CRM providers are responsible for maintaining and updating their platforms. This means that small business owners have limited control over the software, and must rely on the provider to address any issues or bugs that arise.
c) Potential Downtime
Hosted CRM providers occasionally experience downtime due to technical issues or maintenance. This can disrupt small business operations and cause delays in customer communication.
d) Storage Limitations
Most hosted CRM providers offer limited storage space. Small businesses with large databases may need to pay additional fees for additional storage space, which can be costly in the long run.
e) Security Risks
While hosted CRM providers invest in security measures to protect their users’ data, there is always a risk of data breaches or cyberattacks. Small businesses must ensure that their data is backed up regularly to mitigate the risk of data loss.
4. Best Hosted CRM for Small Business: Complete Information
| CRM Provider | Pricing | Features | Integrations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salesforce | Starting at $25 per user, per month | Lead and opportunity tracking, sales forecasting, marketing automation, customizable dashboards and reports, mobile app, email tracking and insights | Microsoft Outlook, Gmail, Mailchimp, Quickbooks, Dropbox |
| HubSpot | Free to $50 per user, per month | Contact management, deal tracking, email marketing, marketing automation, form builder, live chat, conversational bots | Gmail, Outlook, Mailchimp, Slack, WordPress |
| Zendesk Sell | Starting at $19 per user, per month | Contact management, lead and deal tracking, sales forecasting, customizable pipelines, mobile app, sales automation | Mailchimp, Quickbooks, Shopify, Xero |
5. Frequently Asked Questions
a) What is a hosted CRM?
A hosted CRM, also known as cloud-based CRM, is a type of CRM software that is stored in the cloud and accessed through the internet.
b) What are the benefits of hosted CRM for small business?
The benefits of hosted CRM for small business include cost-effectiveness, user-friendliness, scalability, accessibility, security, integration, and customization.
c) What are the disadvantages of hosted CRM for small business?
The disadvantages of hosted CRM for small business include dependence on the internet, limited control, potential downtime, storage limitations, and security risks.
d) How much does hosted CRM cost?
The cost of hosted CRM varies depending on the provider and the features included. Pricing typically ranges from free to $100 per user, per month.
e) What is the best hosted CRM for small business?
After extensive research and analysis, we have concluded that the best hosted CRM for small business is Salesforce.
f) Can hosted CRM be used on mobile devices?
Yes, most hosted CRM providers offer mobile apps that can be used on iOS and Android devices.
g) Is hosted CRM secure?
Hosted CRM providers invest in state-of-the-art security measures, such as data encryption, to protect their users’ data from cyberattacks and data breaches. However, there is always a risk of data breaches or cyberattacks, so small businesses must ensure that their data is backed up regularly to mitigate the risk of data loss.
h) Can hosted CRM be customized?
Yes, hosted CRM software can be customized to meet the specific needs of small businesses.
i) What should small businesses consider when choosing a hosted CRM provider?
Small businesses should consider factors such as pricing, features, integrations, user-friendliness, scalability, and security when choosing a hosted CRM provider.
j) Is it easy to switch from one hosted CRM provider to another?
It can be challenging to switch from one hosted CRM provider to another, as it involves migrating data and adjusting to a new platform. However, most hosted CRM providers offer migration services and support to make the transition as seamless as possible.
k) How does hosted CRM compare to on-premise CRM?
On-premise CRM requires expensive infrastructure and IT support, making it less cost-effective than hosted CRM. Additionally, on-premise CRM does not offer the same level of accessibility and scalability as hosted CRM.
l) Can hosted CRM be used for marketing?
Yes, most hosted CRM providers offer marketing automation features, such as email marketing and lead generation.
m) What is the difference between hosted CRM and SaaS?
SaaS, or software as a service, refers to any software that is delivered over the internet. Hosted CRM is a type of SaaS that specifically refers to cloud-based CRM software.
6. Conclusion
Choosing the best hosted CRM for small business can be a daunting task, but we hope this guide has provided you with the information you need to make an informed decision. Salesforce is our top pick for the best hosted CRM for small business, but there are many other reputable providers to choose from.
Remember to consider factors such as pricing, features, integrations, user-friendliness, scalability, and security when making your decision. With the right hosted CRM software, you can streamline your operations, improve customer engagement, and ultimately increase sales.
7. Take Action Now!
Don’t wait any longer to improve your customer relationships with the best hosted CRM for small business. Sign up for a free trial with Salesforce or one of our other recommended providers today!
Closing/Disclaimer
Thank you for reading our article about the best hosted CRM for small business. We hope this guide has been informative and helpful in your search for the perfect CRM software. Please note that the information provided in this article is based on our research and analysis, and may not reflect the opinions of other experts or users.
We make no guarantees about the accuracy or completeness of the information provided in this article. As always, we recommend that small business owners conduct their own research and analysis before making any purchasing decisions.