# Best CRM for Startups Software - 2026 Reviews & Pricing > Find the best CRM for Startups Software for your organization. Compare top CRM for Startups Software systems with customer reviews, pricing, and free demos. Source: https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/startup-comparison --- [Home](https://www.softwareadvice.com/) / CRM for Startups Software Software Advice offers objective insights based on verified user reviews and independent product and market research. When our advisors match you to a software provider, we may earn a referral fee. # Best CRM for Startups Software of 2026 Updated June 18, 2026 On this page 1. FrontRunners 2. Popular Comparisons 3. Buyers Guide Filter products 515 results ### Compare Products Showing 1 - 25 of 515 products #### Company Size - Self-Employed - 2-10 - 11-50 - 51-200 - 201-500 - 501-1000 - 1000+ #### Pricing Options - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ ### Compare Products Sort by **Recommendations**: Sorts listings by the number of recommendations our advisors have made over the past 30 days. Our advisors assess buyers’ needs for free and only recommend products that meet buyers’ needs. Vendors pay Software Advice for these referrals. **Reviews**: Sorts listings by the number of user reviews we have published, greatest to least. **Average Rating**: Sorts listings by overall star rating based on user reviews, highest to lowest. **Alphabetically (A-Z)**: Sorts listings by product name from A to Z. [Claritysoft CRM](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/claritysoft-profile/) Claritysoft is a cloud-based customer relationship management (CRM) solution designed for midsize and large enterprise businesse...[Read more about Claritysoft CRM](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/claritysoft-profile/) **4.5** ([251 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/claritysoft-profile/reviews/)) **95** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Microsoft 365 Gmail +5 more +4 more +3 more Claritysoft CRM's Best Rated Features 4.80Client Management See All Claritysoft CRM's Worst Rated Features 2.67Marketing Automation See All [Salesforce Sales Cloud](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/2764-Salesforce/) Sales Cloud is equipped with customer relationship management (CRM) functionality that encompasses lead management, marketing au...[Read more about Salesforce Sales Cloud](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/2764-Salesforce/) **4.4** ([18785 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/2764-Salesforce/reviews/)) **91** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Google Drive Slack +35 more +34 more +33 more Salesforce Sales Cloud's Best Rated Features 4.88AI/Machine Learning See All Salesforce Sales Cloud's Worst Rated Features 3.71For AEC Industry See All [HubSpot Sales Hub](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/hubspot-sales-profile/) Supercharge your sales process with Sales Hub, a powerful and easy-to-use sales CRM that includes sales engagement tools, config...[Read more about HubSpot Sales Hub](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/hubspot-sales-profile/) **4.5** ([501 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/hubspot-sales-profile/reviews/)) **57** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Google Workspace Microsoft 365 +5 more +4 more +3 more HubSpot Sales Hub's Best Rated Features 4.84CRM See All HubSpot Sales Hub's Worst Rated Features 3.50Real-Time Reporting See All [LeadMaster](https://www.softwareadvice.com/landing-page/leadmaster-crm-profile/) LeadMaster is a SaaS-based all-in-one lead management solution that offers capabilities to capture, track and follow up with lea...[Read more about LeadMaster](https://www.softwareadvice.com/landing-page/leadmaster-crm-profile/) **4.1** ([36 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/landing-page/leadmaster-crm-profile/reviews/)) **53** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Google Docs PayPal +207 more +206 more +205 more [BNTouch Mortgage CRM](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/bntouch-profile/) BNTouch Mortgage CRM is a fully integrated digital mortgage system, CRM, marketing, and POS tool offering a comprehensive mortga...[Read more about BNTouch Mortgage CRM](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/bntouch-profile/) **4.5** ([97 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/bntouch-profile/reviews/)) **49** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Google Calendar Zapier +6 more +5 more +4 more BNTouch Mortgage CRM's Best Rated Features 4.50Marketing Automation See All BNTouch Mortgage CRM's Worst Rated Features 3.83Client Management See All [Clio](https://www.softwareadvice.com/legal/clio-legal-profile/) Clio provides a cloud-based solution designed to streamline various aspects of law firm operations. Its platform supports essent...[Read more about Clio](https://www.softwareadvice.com/legal/clio-legal-profile/) **4.7** ([1737 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/legal/clio-legal-profile/reviews/)) **39** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Google Drive PayPal +28 more +27 more +26 more Clio's Best Rated Features 4.89Hourly Billing See All Clio's Worst Rated Features 3.0Data Import/Export See All [LeadSquared](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/leadsquared-profile/) LeadSquared is an AI-powered platform that unites sales, marketing, field, and service teams to automate workflows and drive out...[Read more about LeadSquared](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/leadsquared-profile/) **4.3** ([167 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/leadsquared-profile/reviews/)) **39** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Salesforce Sales Cloud WordPress +20 more +19 more +18 more LeadSquared's Best Rated Features 5.0Lead Distribution See All LeadSquared's Worst Rated Features 3.36Reporting & Statistics See All [SalesNOW](https://www.softwareadvice.com/marketing/salesnow-profile/) SalesNOW by Interchange Solutions Inc. is a cloud-based customer relationship management (CRM) and sales force automation soluti...[Read more about SalesNOW](https://www.softwareadvice.com/marketing/salesnow-profile/) **4.6** ([81 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/marketing/salesnow-profile/reviews/)) **34** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Mailchimp Gmail +3 more +2 more +1 more SalesNOW's Best Rated Features 4.83Lead Management See All SalesNOW's Worst Rated Features 4.50Interaction Tracking See All [MortgageHalo](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/54657-MortgageHalo/) MortgageHalo from Halo Programs is a cloud-based customer relationship management (CRM) solution designed for the residential mo...[Read more about MortgageHalo](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/54657-MortgageHalo/) **4.4** ([48 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/54657-MortgageHalo/reviews/)) **31** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations LendingPad Calyx Point +4 more +3 more +2 more [Coevera](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/pipeliner-crm-profile/) Coevera is the AI-native CRM built on a radical idea: your software should make your salespeople better, not just track what the...[Read more about Coevera](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/pipeliner-crm-profile/) **4.6** ([216 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/pipeliner-crm-profile/reviews/)) **30** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Google Drive Dropbox Business +38 more +37 more +36 more Coevera's Best Rated Features 4.83Interaction Tracking See All Coevera's Worst Rated Features 3.33Data Import/Export See All [Rock Solid](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/rock-solid-profile/) Rock Solid OneView is a Microsoft Dynamics-based citizen engagement platform that helps citizens and local governments work as o...[Read more about Rock Solid](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/rock-solid-profile/) No reviews yet **30** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Trimble Cityworks +0 more +0 more +0 more [Document360](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/document360-profile/) Document360 is an AI-powered knowledge base platform built for enterprises that need secure, scalable documentation. It centrali...[Read more about Document360](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/document360-profile/) **4.7** ([292 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/document360-profile/reviews/)) **26** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Slack Microsoft Teams +25 more +24 more +23 more Document360's Best Rated Features 4.85Documentation Management See All Document360's Worst Rated Features 4.0Commenting/Notes See All [Symphony](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/integratouch-symphony-profile/) An Inc. 5000 fastest growing private company, recognized by Gartner as a top viable vendor for Integrated Revenue and Customer M...[Read more about Symphony](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/integratouch-symphony-profile/) **5.0** ([1 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/integratouch-symphony-profile/#reviews)) **24** recommendations Free trial Free version [Quickbase](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/quick-base-profile/) Quickbase is a work management and application platform designed to help organizations centralize and manage complex projects an...[Read more about Quickbase](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/quick-base-profile/) **4.4** ([329 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/quick-base-profile/reviews/)) **22** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Google Drive Slack +46 more +45 more +44 more Quickbase's Best Rated Features 4.88Contact Database See All Quickbase's Worst Rated Features 3.29Mobile Access See All [Zoho CRM](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/zoho-crm-profile/) Zoho CRM is a cloud-based business management platform that caters to businesses of all sizes. It offers sales and marketing aut...[Read more about Zoho CRM](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/zoho-crm-profile/) **4.3** ([6978 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/zoho-crm-profile/reviews/)) **22** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Google Drive PayPal +68 more +67 more +66 more Zoho CRM's Best Rated Features 4.93Real-Time Notifications See All Zoho CRM's Worst Rated Features 3.0Social Marketing See All [SAP Customer Experience](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/sap-customer-experience-profile/) SAP Customer Experience is a cloud-based customer relationship management solution that helps small and mid-size businesses mana...[Read more about SAP Customer Experience](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/sap-customer-experience-profile/) **4.3** ([245 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/sap-customer-experience-profile/reviews/)) **21** recommendations Free trial Free version SAP Customer Experience's Best Rated Features 4.79Customer Database See All SAP Customer Experience's Worst Rated Features 4.25Sales Pipeline Management See All [SalesOutlook CRM](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/salesoutlook-crm-profile/) SalesOutlook CRM is a comprehensive customer relationship management (CRM) and email marketing system that embeds into Microsoft...[Read more about SalesOutlook CRM](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/salesoutlook-crm-profile/) **4.3** ([71 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/salesoutlook-crm-profile/reviews/)) **17** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Microsoft Excel Mailchimp +8 more +7 more +6 more SalesOutlook CRM's Best Rated Features 4.75Sales Pipeline Management See All SalesOutlook CRM's Worst Rated Features 4.22Quotes/Estimates See All [CharityEngine](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/charity-engine-profile/) CharityEngine's nonprofit CRM software simplifies the fundraising process, so you spend more time on your campaigns and less tim...[Read more about CharityEngine](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/charity-engine-profile/) **4.2** ([32 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/charity-engine-profile/reviews/)) **11** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations PayPal Microsoft Excel +23 more +22 more +21 more CharityEngine's Best Rated Features 4.86For Nonprofits See All CharityEngine's Worst Rated Features 4.50Fundraising Management See All [Zendesk Suite](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/26892-Zendesk/) Zendesk is a cloud-based help desk management solution offering customizable tools to build customer service portal, knowledge b...[Read more about Zendesk Suite](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/26892-Zendesk/) **4.4** ([4081 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/26892-Zendesk/reviews/)) **10** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Slack Trello +205 more +204 more +203 more Zendesk Suite's Best Rated Features 4.76Customer History See All Zendesk Suite's Worst Rated Features 3.71Contract/License Management See All [RealEstateHalo](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/myleaddashboard-profile/) RealEstateHalo from Halo Programs is a cloud-based solution for the residential real estate industry. The platform offers built...[Read more about RealEstateHalo](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/myleaddashboard-profile/) **4.5** ([78 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/myleaddashboard-profile/#reviews)) **9** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations SkySlope Paperless Pipeline +2 more +1 more +0 more [Universal Knowledge](https://www.softwareadvice.com/help-desk/universalknowledge-profile/) Universal Knowledge is a knowledge management solution designed by Knowledge Powered Solutions to increase the efficiency of age...[Read more about Universal Knowledge](https://www.softwareadvice.com/help-desk/universalknowledge-profile/) **4.6** ([13 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/help-desk/universalknowledge-profile/#reviews)) **8** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Google Docs Dropbox Business +3 more +2 more +1 more [Thryv](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/thryv-profile/) Thryv is an AI-powered marketing and sales platform built specifically for small businesses, helping you market smarter, sell mo...[Read more about Thryv](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/thryv-profile/) **4.2** ([531 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/thryv-profile/reviews/)) **8** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Google Docs PayPal +56 more +55 more +54 more Thryv's Best Rated Features 4.94Booking Management See All Thryv's Worst Rated Features 3.0Landing Pages/Web Forms See All [Lofty](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/chime-profile/) Lofty is an award-winning, all-in-one marketing, lead generation, and customer relationship management (CRM) platform built spec...[Read more about Lofty](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/chime-profile/) **3.9** ([127 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/chime-profile/reviews/)) **8** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Mailchimp Gmail +13 more +12 more +11 more Lofty's Best Rated Features 4.67Access Controls/Permissions See All Lofty's Worst Rated Features 2.50Campaign Management See All [Workbooks](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/workbooks-crm-profile/) Workbooks is the 'No-BS' CRM. Workbooks designs, develops and implements its own software, which is targeted specifically at m...[Read more about Workbooks](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/workbooks-crm-profile/) **4.3** ([112 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/workbooks-crm-profile/reviews/)) **7** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Google Docs Mailchimp +8 more +7 more +6 more Workbooks's Best Rated Features 4.0Contact Management See All Workbooks's Worst Rated Features 4.0Contact Management See All [HelpCrunch](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/helpcrunch-profile/) HelpCrunch is a customer communication platform combining live chat, email marketing automation and a help desk in one solution....[Read more about HelpCrunch](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/helpcrunch-profile/) **4.8** ([195 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/helpcrunch-profile/reviews/)) **6** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Slack WordPress +5 more +4 more +3 more HelpCrunch's Best Rated Features 5.0Email Management See All HelpCrunch's Worst Rated Features 4.33Ticket Management See All 1 [2](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/startup-comparison/?page=2)[3](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/startup-comparison/?page=3)[4](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/startup-comparison/?page=4)[5](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/startup-comparison/?page=5) ... [21](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/startup-comparison/?page=21) ## Popular Comparisons [ HubSpot CRM vs Salesforce Sales Cloud ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/compare/1854-HubSpot-CRM/vs/2764-Salesforce/)[ Brevo vs Mailchimp ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scheduling/brevo-profile/vs/mailchimp/)[ Dynamics 365 vs Zoho CRM ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/compare/106335-Dynamics-365/vs/392464-zoho-crm/)[ LiveAgent vs Zendesk Suite ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/compare/26892-Zendesk/vs/109980-liveagent/)[ EngageBay CRM vs Pipedrive ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/engagebay-profile/vs/pipedrive/)[ Odoo vs NetSuite ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/netsuite-financials-accounting-software-profile/vs/odoo/)[ ActiveCampaign vs Nimble ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/activecampaign-profile/vs/nimble/) ## Your Guide to Top CRM for Startups Software, October 2022 Software Advice uses reviews from real software users to highlight the top-rated CRM for Startups products in North America. [Learn how products are chosen](https://www.softwareadvice.com/legal-page/frontrunners-methodology/) #### Explore FrontRunners - [Less Annoying CRM](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/less-annoying-crm-profile/) - [Flowlu](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/flowlu-profile/) - [The Magazine Manager](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/mirabeltechnologies-profile/) - [Lead Gen & CRM (formerly SharpSpring)](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/sharpspring-profile/) - [HoneyBook](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/honeybook-profile/) - [EngageBay CRM](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/engagebay-profile/) - [Brevo](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scheduling/brevo-profile/) - [eWay-CRM](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/eway-profile/) - [Bigin by Zoho CRM](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/bigin-by-zoho-crm-profile/) - [SendPulse](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/sendpulse-profile/) - [noCRM.io](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/you-dont-need-a-crm-profile/) - [RealOffice360](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/realoffice360-profile/) - [VipeCloud](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/vipecloud-profile/) - [NetHunt CRM](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/nethunt-profile/) - [Apptivo](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/apptivo-profile/) - [Gold-Vision CRM](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/gold-vision-crm-profile/) - [Capsule](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/27508-Capsule/) - [MediaOS](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/ad-sales-genius-profile/) - [servis.ai](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/113880-FreeAgent-Network/) - [Claritysoft CRM](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/claritysoft-profile/) - [FollowUp CRM](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/cloud-power-profile/) - [Spotler CRM](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/really-simple-systems-profile/) - [Nutshell](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/nutshell-profile/) - [Brivity CRM](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/brivity-crm-profile/) - [PhoneBurner](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/phoneburner-profile/) “Usability” includes user ratings for Functionality and Ease of Use. “Customer Satisfaction” includes user ratings for Customer Support, Likelihood to Recommend and Value for Money. Reviews analysis period: The reviews analysis period spans two years and ends the 15th of the month prior to publication. ## Send me a copy of this list to my inbox ### Get a copy of this list with pricing info sent to your inbox so you can pick up where you left off when convenient to you. Startups—they're not just the youngest members of the business world. Their new ideas and limitless potential draw a lot of attention. And while it's easy to poke fun at their button-down cultures, the truth is: startups regularly face some of the business world's toughest and most high-stakes decisions. Fortune 500 companies rarely encounter make-or-break decisions. For a startup, every decision can be make or break. The selection of a CRM system is one of the most important decisions a startup can make. It's also one of the most challenging. This Buyer's Guide helps startups meet these challenges by answering and explaining the following: [What Is CRM for Startups?](#WhatIsCRMforStartups) [A Comparison of Top CRM for Startups Solutions](#AComparisonofTopCRMforStartupsSolutions) [Common Features of CRM for Startups](#CommonFeaturesofCRMforStartups) [Deployment and Purchasing Options for CRM for Startups](#DeploymentandPurchasingOptionsforCRMforStartups) ## What Is CRM for Startups? CRM software comes in more shapes and sizes than probably any other genre of enterprise software. Aside from [all-purpose CRM](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/), there's CRM for small businesses, CRM specifically [for retail establishments](https://www.softwareadvice.com/nonprofit/crm-software-comparison/), for [banks](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/banking-crm-comparison/), [insurance agencies](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/insurance-crm-comparison/) and even [casinos](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/gaming-casino-crm-comparison/). That's a lot to consider! But what about startups? That's where things get complicated. It's easy to see how banks, insurance agencies and casinos would have different requirements for CRM. After all, their Cs (customers) are different, and their Rs (relationship with their customers) are different, so it's no surprise that they'd be managed differently as well. _A handful of vendors representing the tip of the CRM iceberg_ But "startup" is a stage of growth, not an industry vertical. So unlike with banking and insurance, there's no way to generalize about the typical startup customer or a startup's typical relationship with a customer. Those things don't exist. Instead, CRM for startups is software that caters to the particular needs of companies in the early stages of growth. Those particular needs can be generalized, so let's do that! Startups generally do best with CRM software that: - Prioritizes usability with intuitive UIs and workflows, allowing staff to get up to speed with minimal training or interruption - Is highly scalable, working equally well with a dozen or a thousand customers - Is flexible enough (through customizations, modules or add-ons) to pivot when the startup pivots and support changes in company strategy and policy (rather than hinder them) With those priorities in mind, let's look now at some specific functionality. ## A Comparison of Top CRM for Startups Solutions **Top Infusionsoft Comparisons** **Top Marketo Comparisons** **Top Pipedrive Comparisons** [Infusionsoft vs. Ontraport](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/infusionsoft-crm-profile/vs/ontraport/) Infusionsoft vs. HubSpot Infusionsoft vs. Salesforce Marketo vs. Eloqua Pipedrive vs. Zoho Pipedrive vs. Base Pipedrive vs. Salesforce ## Common Features of CRM for Startups Despite the great variation among CRM products, most will include some or all of the following core applications: **Customer database** Central repository that stores customer information, such as contact details and any records (e.g., purchase orders, RFPs) associated with that customer's account. **Interaction tracking** Tracks customer interactions (usually across multiple channels) providing records of past interactions and reminders (scheduled or triggered) for following up. **Workflow automation** Reduces the number of steps required for specific and commonly repeated processes, saving employees time and reducing errors and omissions. **Reporting and analytics** [CRM platforms](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/) typically provide many basic data visualization tools, such as graphic reports (for example, of sales activity) and real-time dashboards to monitor KPIs and metrics. Generally speaking, CRM software is used by any and all of a company's customer-facing departments, mainly sales, marketing and customer service. So, in addition to the core functions listed above, here are some other applications that can be included with CRM, organized by department: - [Marketing](https://www.softwareadvice.com/category/4630-marketing/)**:** Including email marketing, event marketing, campaign management. Can also include tools for lead management, such as lead scoring and lead nurturing. - [Sales](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/sales-force-automation-comparison/)**:** Including contact and opportunity management, workflow automation, territory management, sales forecasting, pipeline analysis and reporting. - [Customer service](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/customer-service-comparison/)**:** Including tools for trouble ticketing, knowledge management and knowledge base systems, self-service solutions, customer experience, live chat and opinion and feedback surveys. Startups rely on CRM software to provide the customer experiences that improve metrics such as customer acquisition and churn rates. If those metrics don't turn heads, then the startup risks losing financial backing. A startup's success with a CRM implementation comes down to how well it can select and use the tools listed above to improve their key metrics. ## Deployment and Purchasing Options for CRM for Startups Software as a Service, or SaaS, is cloud-based software, meaning the software is hosted remotely. Compared to the traditional model of on-premise deployment—in which the software is installed on the business's own servers—SaaS is the more popular choice for most startups. It offers several benefits, including: - **Much lower initial cost.** SaaS CRM is typically priced on a per user basis. So if your startup is young and small and will only have two employees using the CRM, then the company only pays for two licenses, and more can be added as the company grows. - **Simpler IT infrastructure.** On-premise CRM installations can require a company to purchase additional hardware (servers, networking equipment). With SaaS, the software can be used from any computer with internet access. - **Easier maintenance and security.** On-premise software needs to be manually updated, while SaaS gets updated by the vendor behind the scenes. SaaS CRM platforms usually have cutting-edge IT security protocols built into the platform, but the IT security for on-premise software is the responsibility of the business itself. Aside from those deployment options, CRM for startups usually offers several different purchasing choices. As mentioned above, SaaS is usually priced on a _per user_ basis. There are also various freemium, free and open source and free trial options: A CRM purchase is one of the most important decisions a company can make—it affects many of the most important moving pieces of business in the modern world. It not only helps determine how customers perceive a particular company (i.e., the customer experience), it also determines how efficiently and effectively customer-facing employees carry out their roles. With all this in mind, startups are encouraged to choose their CRM carefully. Take advantage of the online demonstrations vendors offer, talk to the employees who will use it and consider trying the free trials offered by the vendors on your shortlist. Of course if you need any help starting your search, completing your shortlist or setting up demonstrations or free trials, give our advisors a call at: (844) 852-3639.