Free CRM systems. CRM for organizing work with clients and increasing sales efficiency Plan important events

Every small business strives to become big. Achieving such a goal is impossible without the introduction of automation. Find out how amoCRM can help you solve this problem.

Is CRM necessary for small businesses?

Business in Russia is actively developing. Any big business starts small. For a small business to become big, it is necessary to automate processes. After all, everything often has to be done with the help of human resources. This means investing as much as possible in terms of time and money. Thus, the process of development of small businesses to medium and large scales slows down, or even stops altogether.

Customizable CRM system for small businesses is an excellent solution that allows you to automate a small business and free up resources for its further development.

The best CRM systems for small businesses are inexpensive, easy to use, and require no installation—small businesses don't have the time to implement a CRM. You need to quickly master the system and start working. A customized CRM for small businesses should be accessible from any place where there is Internet 24 hours a day without being tied to a stationary office computer, because there may not be an office.

What CRM does a small business need?

The best CRM systems for small businesses have the following features:

  • the ability to work anywhere where there is Internet access
  • a convenient mobile application for making notes in CRM during meetings
  • accounting and maintenance of clients, with a record of the history of negotiations
  • connected IP telephony for calls from CRM
  • ability to build personalized sales reports
  • integration with the company website for quick receipt of applications in CRM
  • reminder system - you won’t forget to call or send a letter
  • integration with Google (Universal) Analytics to analyze the effectiveness of investments in online advertising
  • Email and SMS mailings via services integrated into CRM

amoCRM has all these capabilities. It is very easy to use; the database from Excel is transferred to the system in just three clicks. There is no lengthy integration process - you just need to register and start using it. In addition, amoCRM has a special “Startup” tariff plan, ideal for small businesses. Therefore, amoCRM can be implemented at the very beginning of a business, when every ruble counts.

The “Analytics” section provides detailed information about the performance of each stage of the sales funnel in clear graphs and diagrams. You will be able to evaluate the work of employees and make timely adjustments, even without being in the office. The ability to access the service online allows the manager to control the sales department managers, assigning responsibility for tasks, anywhere there is an Internet connection.

amoCRM is constantly evolving, introducing integrations with third-party services and adding useful functions. Over time, after expanding your business, you can continue to use amoCRM, modifying the program to suit your needs through the open API: in order to make the necessary modifications, you only need a programmer. Enjoy all the benefits of amoCRM, register now!

Due to high competition between business software manufacturers, the best CRM systems have become free. Small businesses can use such programs for online stores or when providing services. In this review, we will look at 16 popular free CRM systems. Among them are Business.Ru, Bitrix24, Megaplan, Quick Sales 2 and other systems.

What are CRM systems and why are they needed?

The answer to the question of why small businesses need CRM systems is perfectly illustrated by the story of entrepreneur Ivan. He opened an online store a year ago. The business grew from three orders a day to 50, and Ivan lost peace and sleep. As a perfectionist, it is difficult for him to delegate authority. Therefore, poor Ivan:

    sits with employees seven days a week and reminds them of missed orders;

    independently maintains a table to analyze the dynamics of demand for a product;

    Coaches managers and reminds them of service quality standards every morning.

Ivan can afford a day off or vacation if he hires a deputy who will do the same work. However, there is no money for a deputy: all earnings are invested in the development of the store and advertising...

Common situation? Fortunately, the problem of growing a business is easy to solve. Entrepreneur Ivan should pay attention to free CRM systems for small businesses.

CRM (Customer Relationship Management – ​​“customer relationship management”) is a computer program that automates the process of relationship with a company’s clients.

A CRM system helps guide each client from application to delivery of the order, respond to negative reviews in a timely manner and monitor employees. All this allows you to increase the average check and satisfy more customers.

Why do you need a free CRM system for small businesses?

1. Combination of several programs - in one

The CRM system combines the functions of more than seven programs. It helps to send mail and SMS messages, remind about calls, store databases, analyze numbers better than Excel, and also helps answer customer questions in instant messengers and social networks.

For example, when installing a free CRM system, an employee of an online store needs to master only one program, that is, spend much less time on training. The manager does not have to open seven tabs and try not to lose sight of anything.

2. Automation of business processes to increase sales volume

Free CRM system for small businesses:

    creates new documents according to a template, for example, this facilitates the shipment and acceptance of goods;

    automatically issues an invoice;

    Reminds you of the time to call or send an order.

If employees use a CRM system, it means that they only work with clients without paperwork. This way you can increase the number of orders that an employee can serve. Consequently, a small company is able to cope with the seasonal flow of orders without hiring additional staff.

3. Collection and storage of information about customers and orders

An employee can quickly find a contact, account, or old message from a client. Therefore, if problems arise with the order, the manager will respond promptly. Each customer will feel that he is a “favorite customer.” Consequently, an increase in sales through word of mouth is inevitable. Loyal customers will want to return to the company again and again.

4. Timely verification of the work of employees, even from abroad

A business manager can monitor the work of staff without even coming to the office. CRM system reports on managers’ actions during the day can also be received online.

You can write comments to employees and remind them about things to do. But this will have to be done in exceptional cases. The CRM system itself will remind managers about upcoming transactions.

5. Analysis of the situation in the company and standardization of processes

Thanks to CRM, the manager will be able to answer the following questions:

    how long do managers spend selling (from the first touch of the client to the contract);

    How effective is the marketing campaign (where do more customers come from);

    why people refuse to buy.

There are many tasks that a CRM system can take on. You don't necessarily use all of them in life. For example, according to analysts, small businesses are implementing free CRM systems mainly to maintain customer contacts. Only a third use sales or mailing automation capabilities.

TOP – 10 free CRM systems

To understand what the best free CRM systems are, let's look at the main ones.

Table - Comparison of free versions of CRM

Possibility of commodity accounting and use in retail

Number of users

Space for files, number of counterparties

Printed forms of documents

Must be installed on a PC or work in the cloud

Business.Ru

500 documents per year, 300 counterparties

in the cloud

no data

in the cloud

Bitrix 24

No, (only in the paid version via 1C)

space limit - 5 GB

in the cloud

Megaplan

1000 clients, 2 projects, 50 tasks each

in the cloud

Simple business

No (paid version only)

200 clients, 50 tasks

in paid version

in the cloud

space limit - 1 GB

in the cloud

Supasoft CRM Free Lite

unlimited

unlimited

unlimited

unlimited

in the cloud

1. Business.Ru

The free CRM system for small businesses “Business.Ru” is used by e-commerce representatives, small retail chains, and companies specializing in the service sector. If you don't know which system to choose yet, try starting with this one.

The free tariff already allows you to register 300 counterparties, create 500 documents per year and register 300 sales of goods. Printing of forms and maintenance of templates is available. There is also a personal calendar where you can enter meetings and events.

The main advantage of the Business.Ru CRM system is that it is part of a full-fledged commodity accounting service. An entrepreneur can conduct all business processes in one place: accounting for goods or orders, working with suppliers and warehouses, preparing documents for delivery, managing employees and finances, generating reports on the sale of certain types of goods and competent management of the assortment.

You can connect to the Business.Ru CRM system the online cash register program of the same name (“Business.Ru Cashier”), which complies with Federal Law 54. “Business.Ru Kassa” simplifies the work with checks and reports for the Federal Tax Service.

There is no need to switch between windows, implement additional services... Therefore, the Business.Ru CRM system is ideal for retail or online stores.

About why an online store needs a commodity accounting program and a CRM system,

The advantages of inventory accounting for retail trade are described in this article>>>

Starting with the installation of a free version of the Business.Ru CRM system for working with counterparties, an entrepreneur can add additional functions for business automation as the business grows. After all, “Business.Ru” offers several services at once. And all within a single ecosystem of business software.


The “0 rubles” tariff is designed for one user.


The main tasks that the free version of the Business.Ru CRM system successfully copes with:

    maintaining a database of clients and counterparties (full name, birthday, etc.);

    processing orders, storing data for each order in the program;

    sales reports and analytics.

In the paid version (“Initial” tariff, from 1125 rubles per month) the opportunity is available:

    IP telephony;

    integration with 1C;

    adding additional fields;

    accounting by serial numbers;

    work in EGAIS;

    connecting an online store.

In addition, you can add other users to the CRM system.

Another advantage is that “Business.Ru” is a cloud-based CRM system. Data storage in the “cloud” is offered free of charge, that is, CRM does not take up space in the memory of a personal computer.

Video: how CRM Business.Ru helps simplify work during complex sales: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-peTHsaNBqk

2. Zoho CRM


The screenshot shows the English version of the Zoho CRM CRM system, since this program is produced by a foreign company. It was recently Russified. However, you should be prepared that technical support will respond in English.

Functionality includes maintaining a customer database, processing applications and storing reports on orders. The free plan implies no more than 3 users and only basic functionality: recording information about clients and counterparties, setting tasks.

The advantages of the system include simple setup (like a constructor - elements are dragged and placed in the desired order).

The paid plan option starts at $12 per month.

3. Bitrix 24

Those who have not seen the Bitrix 24 interface need to understand that this is not just an ordinary CRM. This is a corporate network with its own messenger, a program for corporate video calls. CRM is a small module inside a huge system.

Bitrix 24 offers you to connect to the CRM system free of charge if you have 12 users.

Only basic functionality is freely available:

    sales funnel;

    order data;

    calendars and time tracking;

    customers and sales analytics.

Suitable for individual entrepreneurs and small businesses who are looking for a free CRM system for their own needs.

Note that two years ago the service introduced the ability to conduct free correspondence with colleagues and external users through Bitrix 24 without limiting the number of participants. The registration procedure for new chat participants has been simplified.

Video about the work of “Bitrix 24”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuqeb38dH68

4. Megaplan


Another popular free online CRM system is called “Megaplan”. It offers a huge range of functionality, from basic sales capabilities to planning seasonal promotions. The development company promises that users will find tips on working with loyal customers. However, this is in the paid version.

The Megaplan CRM system has the following free plan option:

    one user;

    the ability to manage two projects simultaneously and a total of 50 tasks in them;

    100 active events in the calendar;

    sales funnel;

    1000 clients;

    20 GB on disk.

5. Simple business

“Simple Business” also has a free plan. Its features:

    memory capacity - 200 MB;

    200 clients;

  • the ability to connect one site;

    up to five employees;

    video conferencing.

6.Flowlu


The Flowlu CRM system a few years ago was called differently - vDesk24. Many users know it under the old brand.

Flowlu makes it possible to use the CRM system for free for an online store or services, provided that no more than three accounts are registered.

Free functionality includes:

    data storage;

    project management.

Invoicing, for example, is already a paid functionality (from 1,400 rubles per month).

7. Supasoft CRM


Supasoft CRM Free Lite is a solution for installation on a PC, for recording and maintaining leads, and generating reports. The free version is designed for one user.

CRM software can be downloaded for free installation on Windows.

Supasoft CRM Free Lite is also available in a paid version - it is necessary when you need to synchronize the work of users.

The interface of the software solution resembles a traditional Windows file manager, so users can get used to it and master the work in a couple of days.

8. Quick Sales 2

Quick Sales is another CRM system for PC with free download.

Available functionality:

    work and maintenance of the client base;

    reporting generation;

    planning.

The free version of the CRM system is available for one user only. If you need to synchronize work in Quick Sales on several PCs, you will have to purchase a paid option.

9. Monitor CRM


The “Monitor” CRM system is not a cloud solution. This is a program that is downloaded to a personal computer. A demo version of the CRM system is available for free. It is designed for one user and is available after specifying the client’s data on the company’s website.

The positive thing is that there are no restrictions on the period of operation, the volume of documents, and so on.

In addition to the demo version of “Monitor CRM”, the user has access to a demo example of filling out the database and a user manual in order to install a free CRM system for small businesses on their own.

10. SalesapCRM


The SalesapCRM system offers, among others, a free plan. One of the positive aspects of CRM is the ability to integrate with mail, as well as create your own fields and automations at no cost.

This version has limitations on the number of clients (3 in total), data storage (200 MB), and only one sales funnel.

Customers note the intuitive interface and high speed of even the free version of CRM online. You can add a company or client directly from the letter.

6 shareware CRMs (there is a free trial period)

1. EnvyCRM

Envy is an interesting CRM, especially for managing forgetful managers (you can clearly see whether an employee has done the work or not). However, there is no free version, only a free trial period of 7 days.

2. AmoCRM

AmoCRM does not have a free version, but there is a free trial period of 14 days. The website states that the company sometimes issues promotional codes with an extended test period.

The AmoCRM interface, it would seem, does not stand out as anything special. However, there are interesting “tricks”. Firstly, it is integration with mail.

Secondly, the ability to scan business cards and enter them into the database automatically.

3. Client base

Another popular system for working with leads and sales analytics is “Client Base”. Previously, it had free functionality for small businesses, but now only a paid subscription and a short trial period of 14 days are available.

“Customer Base” offers CRM with sales analytics, customer data storage and application processing. The system stands out for its ability to construct tables so that CRM can be adjusted to different functions of stores and services.

4. Wirecrm

This CRM system has a trial period of 30 days, as well as a single and inexpensive tariff - 399 rubles per month (data from the end of 2018).

The system has the following functions:

    planner;

    customer accounting;

    sales analysts;

    integration of telephony, website, applications using API;

    invoicing;

    financial Accounting;

    creation of documents.

5.Freshsales

Freshsales is a CRM system that does not have a free plan, but you can try the functionality using a trial period (30 days).

The system offers:

    sales funnel;

    management of potential clients;

    tracking customer activities via email;

6.Intrum

The Intrum CRM system only has a free trial version valid for two weeks. The difference between the Intrum solution and its competitors is its industry-specific interfaces and flexible system setup with the help of a personal manager.

CRM “Intra” includes the following functions:

    corporate website-portal for staff communication;

    sales management;

    storage of customer database;

    sales funnel, etc.

Basic principles of setting up a CRM system

Choosing the best free CRM system and installing it is half the battle. Proper setup of a CRM system will increase the effect of its implementation by up to 30%.

Let us remind you that a CRM system should:

    help control the work of staff (in order to understand where the client leaves);

    improve the quality of work with clients (the employee will no longer be able to come up with an excuse that he called but did not get through to the client - the system will record everything).

Before installing CRM, you need to write down the ideal business process for working with a client, then, based on it, create a sales funnel and instructions for staff.

Initial system setup includes:

    entering leads into the database;

    preparation of document templates;

    issuing accounts to each of the sales managers to work in CRM;

    connecting a website, mail, IP telephony.

Additional setup of the CRM system should include 5 elements.

    Setting up a sales funnel for a specific process. The head of the sales department or the director of the company analyzes the entry into and exit of customers from the funnel, conversion - both overall and between stages;

    You also need to take into account and adjust the length of each stage of the funnel;

    Setting up brief daily sales reports based on CRM system data;

    Identifying clients who are stalling deals. We need to use analytics to find out the duration of the average transaction. Next, set up the CRM so that it shows those leads that are 50% longer than its length. Probably, these customers will never decide to buy, so managers should forget about them and concentrate on new sales;

    Setting up automatic redistribution of overdue sales tasks among all sales people in the company;

    Training employees to work in CRM. It is necessary to additionally motivate to enter data on transactions into the system.

Main mistakes when working with CRM:

    analytics are carried out less than once a week;

    employees forget to enter data about all leads into the system;

    Telephony is not connected to the system, and in case of problems, the manager cannot check the employee’s work.

We provide different programs to optimize your business. All programs are comfortable and easy to use. They are needed to draw up contracts and record clients, as well as to maintain the necessary accounts. You can download each program for free on our website and use the free version for 60 days. This is a great chance to evaluate its benefits and get to know its functionality better.

A simple CRM system for customer accounting

You can interact with the client conveniently and easily. The system allows you to: issue invoices and maintain a client database, as well as maintain other documents.

The program helps automate sales, finance activities and easily configure other tasks. Also, with its help, you can identify the right clients, analyze business processes, improve the level of management and avoid losing your client base.

Several program functions:

  1. Customer base accounting,
  2. maintaining contact information,
  3. accounting of applications,
  4. sales registration,
  5. conducting company services,
  6. management of contracts,
  7. formation of documents,
  8. financial control,
  9. working with price lists,
  10. selection according to various criteria,
  11. customizing menus and toolbars,
  12. marketing analysis,
  13. convenient database structure.

Warehouse and trade

A simple and comfortable program for automating accounting and trading. The system helps you easily create invoices, contracts, invoices and other documents. Also controls goods in the warehouse, makes reservations, and controls purchase prices and the cost of goods.

Huge interface capabilities will facilitate your work and make it much more comfortable.

Some program features:

  1. incoming and outgoing goods,
  2. order accounting,
  3. salary control,
  4. carrying out commodity transactions,
  5. creation of accounting groups,
  6. commercial and logistics operations with goods.

Project management

This program allows company employees to interact with each other, monitor work and meet deadlines. The program contains a flexible database structure, solves the problem of management and plans enterprise resources.

Few people know that to work on a real project, you can use free CRM systems for small businesses or even for large companies (CRM system is an abbreviation for Customer Relationship Management System, customer relationship management system). This layer of software is very heterogeneous; products are offered to the target audience under different conditions depending on the goals pursued by the developers.

Do not confuse free systems with test or demo versions. The latter only postpone the payment deadline and allow you to evaluate the functionality.

How do developers benefit from free sales management systems?

Free software serves as a kind of platform for testing new functionality, analyzing the demand, structure and interests of the audience of potential buyers.

  1. Sometimes free CRMs serve as nothing more than a direct means for collecting customer information. Such a database can be sold to other market players interested in potential clients.
  2. The free version of CRM can be one of the means of advertising your own paid products. Such software solutions most often have very limited functionality, forcing clients to switch to paid versions from the same developer. A special case is software that serves as a platform (base) for connecting various modules, which may include paid solutions.
  3. CRM can be really good, free, developed by programmers out of pure enthusiasm (here, the goals are more likely to gain practice in development, show off your programming skills, etc.). In this case, paid services may include configuration, installation and professional support of the product. Either the CRM will be offered “as is”, that is, the authors and developers disclaim any responsibility for using such a system (this includes various open-source projects). In the latter case, you will need a full-time programmer capable of supporting the program at the stages of implementation, daily use and scaling of the enterprise/company.
  4. An interesting fact is worth noting. Due to the fact that the cost of the software is zero, the consumer has no right to demand anything from the developer/service provider, since in order for liability to arise for losses incurred, there must be an official contract (deal, agreement) with a designated cost (it turns out that the sale of the product/service did not take place, since the money was not transferred). This is why you should be extremely careful when working with free software solutions.
  5. Benefits for consumers

Free CRM for small businesses allows you to use an effective tool for conducting sales, transactions with clients, monitoring the work of staff (setting deadlines, assigning responsibility, etc.) already at the start of the business without any investments.

In the free version with limited functionality, you can test the interface, usability, available tools, etc., in order to later upgrade to a paid version with advanced functions.

Open source systems can be customized to suit a company's needs and requirements.

Review of free CRM systems

Below is a list of the best representatives of the CRM market with free solutions, divided by category.

  1. Shareware (limited access) SaaS
    1. Bitrix 24 (tariff “Project”). Limitations on the number of business users, integration with 1C, employee management, data backup, etc. Cloud solution only. Big plus: completely in Russian.
    2. AMBER. Free for 3 users only.
    3. basoCRM. The free plan requires no more than 5 users.
    4. "Things are going well." Up to 3 users, restrictions on functionality. In Russian.
    5. “Simple business” - up to 5 users, limited capabilities. In Russian.
    6. ZohoCRM Free plan - up to 10 users.
  2. Completely free SaaS
    1. FreeCRM. There are no restrictions on use, functionality is provided as is. This is a platform for advertising the company DEASoft and its paid CRM.
  3. Free Stand Alone
    1. Galloper-CRM. Only the software is free for one user. When connecting to the server part - payment.
    2. Supasoft-CRM for PC only. Network (server) version is paid.
    3. RegionSoft CRM 4.7 Express. Up to 3 licenses per enterprise. Works only locally.
  4. Open-Sourse (can be modified to suit your own needs)
    1. UMC CRM (the main condition is preservation of copyrights).
    2. SuiteCRM
    3. Redmine
    4. SalesPlatform Vtiger CRM