5 Best CRMs for Solopreneurs 2024: The Ultimate Guide for Freelancers
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Looking for the best CRM for a solopreneur? Stick around!
This comprehensive guide will explore the best CRM tools for solopreneurs, offering reviews and comparisons to help you find the perfect match for your unique business needs.
Do Solopreneurs Need a CRM?
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools aren't just for large corporations anymore.
As a solopreneur, having a robust CRM system in place can be a game-changer. It helps:
Manage customer relationships
Keep track of leads and projects
Simplify invoicing and billing, and streamline communication
All crucial components in running a successful solo enterprise.
Short on time? The Best CRMs for Solopreneurs at a Glance
Keep reading for tons of details on my best recommendations for solopreneur CRMs, but here’s a very brief overview, including my top pick, Capsule.
Capsule: My top pick and best overall for solopreneurs, Capsule offers ease of use, intuitive interface, and customizable features to seamlessly manage and nurture customer relationships.
Monday.com: Best for project management, Monday.com is a versatile platform that goes beyond CRM to aid solopreneurs in tracking tasks, projects, and workflows.
Less Annoying CRM: Best for simplicity, Less Annoying CRM provides a straightforward, user-friendly CRM system tailored to meet the needs of solopreneurs.
Pipedrive: Best for sales-oriented solopreneurs, Pipedrive focuses on visual sales pipeline management and includes AI-powered sales assistant features.
Gist: Best for integrated marketing, Gist offers a suite of tools including CRM, email marketing, and live chat, making it a comprehensive solution for solopreneurs.
The right CRM software can offer numerous benefits to a solopreneur.
From providing a clear overview of customer interactions to automating time-consuming administrative tasks, CRMs allow solopreneurs to focus more on what they do best - creating value for their customers and growing their businesses.
Key Features Solopreneurs Should Look for in a CRM
When you're searching for the right CRM as a solopreneur, the choice can feel overwhelming. Let's zero in on some key CRM features that you, as a solopreneur, should be looking for:
Time Tracking: A CRM that has a built-in time tracker can help you manage your hours efficiently. You'll see where your time is going, allowing you to focus on tasks that generate the most value.
Invoicing: A CRM with invoicing features will handle the billing and payments, freeing up your time for more important tasks.
Project Management: Juggling multiple projects? No problem. Look for a CRM that doubles as a project management tool. It'll keep track of your projects' progress, deadlines, and communication with clients.
Native Gmail Integration: If you're use Gmail, finding a CRM with native Gmail integration can be a game-changer. It allows you to manage contacts, track emails, and schedule follow-ups right from your inbox.
Excellent Customer Support: A CRM with top-notch customer support can be a lifesaver. Look for one with multiple support channels (like chat or email), a comprehensive knowledge base, and good response times.
Affordable Price: Many solopreneurs don’t have or need to spend a massive wad of cash on a CRM built for huge teams, with tons features and add-ons they won’t ever use. So, the CRMs on this list are built for solopreneurs and small businesses in mind.
Best 5 CRM for Solopreneurs: Comparison Table
I’ll be providing a detailed look at each of my best picks for solopreneur CRMs below, but here’s a quick comparison of the main features of each.
| CRM Software | Key Features | Pros | Cons | Pricing (Per user per month) | Free Trial |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capsule | Simple interface, Sales dashboards, Contact management | User-friendly, Customizable, Efficient customer service | Limited free plan, Lacks advanced features | $18 | 30 days |
| Monday.com | Highly customizable, Project tracking, Advanced reporting | Versatile, Intuitive design, Great collaboration tools | Can be overwhelming for new users, High learning curve | $39 | 14 days |
| Less Annoying CRM | Simplified CRM, Contact management, Task tracking | Very easy to use, Affordable, Excellent customer support | Limited integrations, Not as feature-rich as other CRMs | $15 | 30 days |
| Pipedrive | Visual sales pipelines, Customizable, Automation features | Great for tracking sales, Powerful automation, Good mobile app | Limited features on basic plan, Email sync only on higher plans | $17.60 for Essential, $33.50 for Advanced | 14 days |
| Gist | Live chat, Email marketing, Knowledge base | Excellent for customer engagement, Good email marketing features | Steeper learning curve, Customer support could be better | $29 | 21 days |
The 5 Best CRMs for Solopreneurs: A Detailed Look
Now let’s look at my choice of the best CRMs for solopreneurs in greater detail, covering everything you need to know about them.
Capsule: The Simple Yet Powerful CRM
Capsule, a straightforward yet powerful CRM, makes everything easier for you. It's not just about managing contacts; it's about nurturing relationships and making your work quicker, easier, and more consistent.
Key Features & Benefits
Here's a breakdown of the fantastic features Capsule offers and how they benefit solopreneurs:
Contact Management: With Capsule, all your customer information is in one place, allowing you to track conversations, know your customer history, and deliver more personalized experiences.
Sales Pipeline: You'll feel in control of your sales as you tailor your pipeline to match your process. It's easy to spot the deals that need attention and those about to land, which means no more missed opportunities!
Sales Analytics: Making informed business decisions is essential, especially when you're going solo. With Capsule's insightful reports, you can easily identify the activities that impact your sales figures the most.
Workflow Automation: Capsule helps you automate your sales workflows and other business processes. It means less busy work and more consistency—perfect for solopreneurs wearing multiple hats.
Email Marketing & Tools: Send campaigns and email templates or integrate with Outlook or Gmail for streamlined communication.
Tasks & Calendar: Never miss an appointment, meeting, or phone call again with Capsule's task and calendar feature.
Projects: Manage your sales and services with Capsule's built-in project management tool, keeping everything organized and easy to track.
AI Content Assistant: This feature helps you write emails quickly. It's like having a personal assistant who's there 24/7, saving you time and effort.
In addition, Capsule Outlook & Gmail Integrations, Two-Factor Authentication, and seamless integration with popular applications such as Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Xero, Mailchimp, Zapier, Sage, and many more.
With its robust features and emphasis on simplicity and ease of use, Capsule is a CRM that allows you to build stronger customer relationships, make more sales, and save time.
Whether you're in Professional Services, IT & Technology, Real Estate, or any of the other industries Capsule caters to, this CRM streamlines your business processes, giving you the power to focus more on growing your business and less on administrative tasks.
Capsule CRM Pricing and Free Trial
Capsule offers various plans to suit different needs, but as a solopreneur, the one that might catch your eye is the Professional plan. Here's why:
Designed with small teams in mind, the Professional plan is a fantastic choice for solopreneurs who need a bit more oomph than what the Free plan offers. For only $18 per month, here's what you get:
50,000 Contacts: Enough to cover even the most ambitious solopreneur's network.
10GB Storage per User: Ample space for all your important files and data.
Sales Pipeline: Stay in control of your sales, tailor your pipeline to your process, and spot those crucial deals.
Project Management: Stay organized and on top of your sales and services.
Email Sending: Send campaigns and emails directly from your CRM.
5 Email Templates: Streamline your communication process with ready-to-use templates.
10 AI Content Assists: Let AI help you craft quick, professional emails.
Activity Reporting: Track your progress and make data-driven decisions.
Key Integrations: Sync Capsule with Microsoft 365, Google, Xero, Mailchimp, Zapier, and many more.
Why is this plan a winner for solopreneurs? Simple: it offers a comprehensive set of tools that help you organize your business, increase sales, and stay in control of your workflow.
And don't forget: you can try it free for 14 days, risk-free! This is a chance to test-drive all those robust features and see how they can help you grow your business.
What Customers Say
I use @CapsuleCRM. The free plan is pretty good. Even after that it's only about £15 a month.
— Philip J.A Benton (@philipjabenton) June 2, 2023
I've tried a ton of others. Capsule works great for me.
A few features I wish it had but can't argue for the price.
Monday.com CRM: A User-Friendly Powerhouse for the Busy Solopreneur
Next up is Monday.com's CRM - the platform that knows solopreneurs need a system that's as dynamic and flexible as they are.
It's more than just a CRM - it's a hub that lets you manage all your work, from pre-sales to post-sales, all in one place.
With a slew of great features and the ability to integrate with just about every tool you're already using, Monday.com is worth a look for any solopreneur who's serious about upping their CRM game.
Here's the lowdown on why Monday.com is a standout choice:
Customization is king: Monday.com's CRM lets you tailor the platform to exactly fit your needs. Add as many columns as you need, manage multiple pipelines at once, and edit deal stages to align with your workflow.
Automation for the win: Say goodbye to tedious, repetitive tasks. Monday.com CRM can automate your sales processes, from assigning leads to reps to setting reminders for upcoming activities. You'll save time and be able to focus more on relationship building and less on mundane tasks.
Keep communication streamlined: Integration with your email keeps all client communication centralized. Track interactions, log sent emails, and use personalized email templates to speed up your process. Plus, with the ability to convert emails into action items, you'll never miss a beat.
Integration galore: One of the best things about Monday.com's CRM is how well it plays with others. Connect your CRM with your favorite tools, like Slack, Zoom, Gmail, Outlook, Google Drive, Excel, and even LinkedIn. Having everything in one place makes life a lot easier.
Visualize your success: With detailed live reports, analytics, and dashboards, you can get a bird's-eye view of your business. Know where deals stand, understand your team's performance, and predict expected revenue. It's like having your own personal crystal ball for your business.
Monday.com Pricing
While they do require a minimum team size of three, their most popular Standard CRM plan, which is ideal for solopreneurs, is just $14 per seat per month ($42 per month), billed annually.
Monday.com Free Trial: You can give Monday.com a try absolutely free. If you need more time to explore all its features after your trial ends, the customer customer success team is ready to help you out.
In a nutshell, Monday.com CRM is a comprehensive tool that brings together all the features a solopreneur needs in a neat, user-friendly package. It's a win-win situation for solopreneurs looking to streamline their operations and boost their productivity.
What Customers Say
I use https://t.co/4f0Mv469yU everyday. I think the biggest compliment I could give is that it just works and gives you a tool that can be used for basically any task or project that you need to get done, big or small.
— Levi (@Lboehrig) February 27, 2023
Less Annoying CRM: The Superhero Solopreneur's Secret Weapon
Tired of coming across CRMs that demand a PhD, take weeks to set up and then nickel-and-dime you for every small feature? Well, Less Annoying CRM is here to swoop in and save your day (and your sanity!).
Here's why it rocks:
1. Five-Star Customer Service: LACRM boasts an expert team that's been in the trenches for over five years. No bots, no BS. They treat their employees well, which means you get top-notch service from real, experienced humans.
2. Fair Pricing, No Nasty Surprises : LACRM isn’t in the business of shaking down users for every penny. Their price has only gone up once in 14 years (curse you, inflation!) and they honor the original price for existing customers.
3. Born and Bred for Small Businesses: Unlike some CRMs that are merely dumbed-down versions of big-business software, LACRM was built from the ground up to serve small businesses. They've been doing it for 14 years, and they're not about to switch lanes.
4. Made By Solopreneurs, For Solopreneurs: This isn't just some software whipped up by a corporate machine. It was created by a software engineer, Tyler (now the CEO), who had a terrible time setting up another "popular" CRM.
5. Self-Funded and Proud: No investors calling the shots here. LACRM has the freedom to price low, offer great free customer service, and build features that small businesses actually need.
So how does all this translate into real, tangible features?
All-In-One Contact Management: LACRM is like a virtual rolodex, keeping all your contacts and related info on one screen. You can kiss 'lost contact details' goodbye.
Built-In Calendar and Tasks: No more app-jumping for scheduling. It's all there in one place, with syncing for Google Calendar too.
Lead Tracking: Keep an eye on all your leads with a simple, always updated lead report.
Multi-User Collaboration: Add as many users as you want for just $15/user/month. Perfect for growing solopreneurs.
Powerful Customization: Tailor your CRM to your needs without an IT degree. Simple, effective customization.
Integrations Galore: LACRM plays nicely with tools you're already using, like Google Contacts, Mailchimp, Google Calendar, and many more. It's the team player you've always wanted.
Less Annoying CRM Pricing and Free Trial
With Less Annoying CRM, the pricing couldn't be more transparent. They've ditched the tricky tiers, add-ons, and surprise charges that other CRMs surprise you with, and instead, offer you all their features for a single, simple price of just $15/user/month.
Here's why this pricing model is a game changer for solopreneurs:
No more decision fatigue: You get access to ALL the features for one flat rate. There's no need to spend your precious time figuring out which 'tier' is best for you or worrying about needing an upgrade later.
All this is topped off with free upgrades. As LACRM improves and evolves, you get the benefits at no extra cost.
What Customers Say
I use LessAnnoyingCRM. It’s very simple, but cheap & does the trick. Better to figure out your processes first before going to some expensive, fancy CRM like HS or SF
— Theo Sanders (@biztechgames) June 23, 2023
Pipedrive
Pipedrive is a CRM designed by salespeople, for salespeople. Packed with powerful features and intuitive design, Pipedrive aims to make your life easier and your business more prosperous.
Let's explore what makes Pipedrive stand out for solopreneurs:
Set up and Track Progress Easily: Pipedrive's visual sales pipeline allows you to see your entire sales process at a glance.
Setting up your pipeline is as easy as 1-2-3. You can either create the stages of your sales funnel or use an existing template, and add your deals manually or import them from a spreadsheet or another CRM.
As you move deals down the funnel, you get automatic alerts and reminders, ensuring no deal slips through the cracks.
Customizable to Your Needs: Each business is unique, and so is yours. Pipedrive understands this and allows you to set up your pipeline to match your sales cycle. You can add custom stages and fields to better fit your workflow.
Keep the Ball Rolling: Pipedrive helps you stay on top of all your deals. You can schedule activity reminders for all your sales tasks, ensuring you never miss a follow-up.
Segment Your Leads: Pipedrive enables you to filter, categorize, segment, and sort leads. This is a game-changer for personalized communications, allowing you to create targeted lists and reach out to your potential customers in a more tailored manner.
Detailed Contact History: Never lose track of your interactions with each contact. With Pipedrive, you can see a full history of all calls, emails, meetings, and notes associated with every deal and contact.
Reporting and Dashboards: Pipedrive provides detailed reporting on sales and key activities. You can track progress against goals in your dashboard and gain valuable insights to steer your business in the right direction.
Revenue Forecasting: Predict your sales volume and revenue based on your pipeline. As deals are updated, the system recalculates the forecast automatically.
Automation and AI: Let Pipedrive do the heavy lifting for you. You can automate routine tasks and admin work, letting you focus on what matters most: growing your business. Moreover, AI technology helps identify opportunities to close more sales.
Additional Features: Pipedrive offers a range of add-on features, including lead generation tools, document management, email marketing campaigns, and identifying organizations browsing your site. You can enrich your plan as per your business needs.
Used by over 100,000 companies in 179 countries, Pipedrive has helped close deals worth $85 billion.
Pipedrive Pricing and Free Trial
Let's dive into Pipedrive's pricing and particularly zoom in on the Essential and Advanced plans, which are absolutely spot-on for solopreneurs like you.
Essential Plan: Perfect for getting organized and setting up simple sales processes swiftly. Priced at $14.90 per user per month (billed annually), this plan offers a cost-effective solution for solopreneurs. Here's what you get:
Lead, deal, contact, calendar, and pipeline management: Organize your sales efforts and keep everything in check.
Seamless data import and 400+ integrations: Easily move your existing data into Pipedrive and connect with your favorite apps to supercharge your workflow.
24/7, multi-language support: Anytime you hit a snag, their support team is ready to help you out in multiple languages.
And the cherry on top? You can give it a whirl with a free 14-day trial. No credit card required. Just sign up, explore, and see how it feels.
Advanced Plan: If you're looking to supercharge your sales with automation and email tracking, the Advanced plan is your perfect match. Priced at $27.90 per user per month (billed annually), it includes everything from the Essential Plan and adds:
Full email sync with templates, open and click tracking, and group emailing: Manage your emails right from Pipedrive, use ready-made templates, track your email performance, and send group emails.
Automations builder, including email sequences: Set up automated workflows and email sequences to streamline your sales process.
Meeting, email, and video call scheduling: Schedule your meetings, emails, and video calls right from your CRM.
Like with the Essential Plan, you can give the Advanced Plan a spin with a free 14-day trial. No credit card required, no strings attached.
So, whether you're just starting out or are ready to level up your sales game, Pipedrive has got you covered with its budget-friendly and feature-packed plans.
What Customers Say
I use @pipedrive. It’s great. I primarily use it as a sales tool to track my leads and etc. but now I use it for email marketing tool since they added in campaign manager. It’s also super affordable.
— David Sorbara (@davidmsorbara) November 27, 2022
Gist
Gist is a magic carpet ride of a tool for solopreneurs. It's like having a Swiss army knife in your pocket, replacing 8+ tools, all for the price of one. No more hopping between email marketing, live chats, and social apps. It's one tool, one platform, one price.
Features and Benefits
Live Chat: With Gist Messenger, you can chat with your customers whenever, wherever, fostering those long-lasting relationships. Don't fret about saving the history, Gist has your back.
Chat Bots: Gist's Custom Bots can speed up customer resolutions, qualify leads, and grow your pipeline. They're easy to design and launch, and you can set them to engage the leads you want.
Knowledge Base: Gist's Knowledge Base lets you set up one central place where your customers can find answers, tips, and other important info. You can even keep track of how they're rating your content!
Forms & Popups: You can build mobile responsive forms, personalize each one using data you've previously collected, and display different forms based on visitors' interests, history, and more.
Email Marketing: Send beautiful emails using ready-made templates and create dynamic series of campaigns based on behavior. And don't worry about deliverability, Gist ensures your emails land right in your customers’ inbox.
Marketing Automation: Gist's Marketing Automation lets you customize your sales and marketing processes, automate repetitive tasks, and send text and email follow-ups as soon as potential clients show interest.
CRM: You get a unified view of your sales pipeline with easy customization and actionable revenue insights. You can even add a meeting scheduler link to your emails and website!
Meeting Scheduler: Gist's Meeting Scheduler lets prospects book a meeting time that works for both of you, and syncs with Google Calendar and Office 365 Calendar.
...and a whole lot more: From customer data to product tours, surveys to mobile apps, Gist has you covered. It's truly a one-stop-shop for solopreneurs.
Pricing
The best part? You get all these features and benefits at an affordable price. Choose the plan that suits you best, even if you're just starting out with a Free Forever plan.
Gist is designed to make your life easier, your work more efficient, and your customers happier. For solopreneurs, it's like having a full team of assistants, marketers, salespeople, and customer service reps, all rolled into one tool. Plus, it integrates with other services you love, like Zapier, Wordpress, and Stripe.
Why Do Solopreneurs Need a CRM?
When you're juggling everything yourself, running a business solo is no small feat. That's where a CRM swoops in to save the day.
Sales:
Remembering client preferences, tracking their purchase history, and following up on leads can be tough without a little help. A CRM can handle all of this, making sure no lead or client ever falls through the cracks.
Marketing:
CRMs help you schedule campaigns, track engagement, and even offer analytics to see what's working and what isn't.
Customer relationship management:
From contact details to communication history, a CRM software becomes your personal customer database, giving you the info you need when you need it.
Best CRM for Freelancers and Solopreneurs FAQs
The world of CRM software can sometimes seem complex and daunting, especially for freelancers and solopreneurs. To help simplify things and provide some clarity, we've gathered and answered some of the most frequently asked questions.
What is a CRM software?
CRM (Customer Relationship Management) software is a tool that helps businesses manage and analyze their interactions with current and potential customers.
Why do freelancers and solopreneurs need a CRM?
Freelancers and solopreneurs need a CRM to stay organized, track client interactions, manage leads, and streamline their business operations.
What features should I look for in a freelancer CRM?
Key features to look for in a freelancer CRM include contact and lead management, integration capabilities, easy usability, task and project management, and email marketing tools.
Are there any free CRM options for freelancers?
Yes, there are free CRM options available for freelancers, but they may have limited features. Upgrading to paid plans can unlock more advanced capabilities.
How do I choose the best CRM for my freelance business?
The best CRM for your freelance business depends on your specific needs - my top pick for solopreneurs and freelancers is Capsule. Consider the size of your client base, your budget, the features you require, and how easy the software is to use.
Can I integrate a CRM with other software tools?
Absolutely! Most CRM software can integrate with other tools such as email services, social media platforms, and other productivity and project management tools.
Best CRM for Solopreneurs: Conclusion
As we've seen, selecting the right CRM is essential for solopreneurs and freelancers. It's not just about managing contacts - it's about nurturing relationships, identifying opportunities, and ultimately, growing your business.
Every solopreneur has unique needs, and there's no one-size-fits-all CRM solution.
Maybe you're all about sales and need a system like Pipedrive, or perhaps you're juggling multiple hats and could do with a versatile tool like Monday.com.
You might be after simplicity, in which case Less Annoying CRM is your buddy, or perhaps a comprehensive all-in-one platform like Gist is what you need.
But let's not forget our top pick, Capsule, a well-rounded CRM that combines user-friendliness with customization, perfect for solopreneurs looking to maintain and grow their customer relationships effectively.
I encourage you to take the leap, whether that means starting with a free trial or diving straight in. It's all about finding a CRM that's less of a tool and more of a trusty sidekick on your solopreneur journey. So, take a minute, consider your needs, and take that first step towards finding your perfect CRM match.
So, until next time, keep hustling, stay inspired, and remember - managing customer relationships doesn't have to be a chore with the right CRM by your side.
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About the Author
Andrew Macarthy has worked from home for over a decade. He is a social media consultant and the author of the #1 Amazon Web Marketing Bestseller, 500 Social Media Marketing Tips - with over 150,000 copies sold to date.
