Did you know the sales force enablement and automation software market grew by 12.8 percent to $5.6 billion in 2016? This shows how important sales tracking software is for small businesses. It helps them manage sales pipelines, streamline workflows, and increase revenue.
As a company grows, it needs a strong CRM system. This system helps keep track of prospects and customers. Sales management software helps salespeople organize contacts, manage pipelines, and streamline processes. This makes small businesses grow efficiently.
Before choosing a CRM platform, think about what you need and look at the pros and cons of popular options. Picking the right sales management software is key to a startup’s success. You need software that fits your current needs and can grow with you.
If you outgrow your sales CRM, moving to a new one can be expensive and time-consuming. That’s why it’s best to choose wisely from the start.
Key Takeaways
- Sales tracking software is crucial for small businesses to manage their sales pipelines, streamline workflows, and boost revenue.
- The right sales management software can be critical to a startup’s success, so it’s important to carefully evaluate your options.
- Picking a sales CRM that meets your immediate needs and can grow with your business is key to avoiding costly and disruptive platform migrations down the line.
- Sales tracking software features like sales reports, forecast reports, and activity tracking can provide valuable insights to salespeople, managers, and executives.
- Pricing, user ratings, and reviews should all be considered when choosing the best sales tracking software for your small business.
Introduction to Sales Tracking Software
Sales tracking software helps sales teams keep an eye on their work. It lets businesses know who their target buyers are. It also spots potential problems early and boosts sales rep performance with detailed analytics.
What is Sales Tracking Software?
Think of sales tracking like timing your mile runs. You track your speed to beat your own record. Sales tracking software does the same for your sales, showing what worked and what didn’t.
Why is Sales Tracking Important for Small Businesses?
For small businesses, sales tracking is key to predicting revenue. It helps them check their sales plans, streamline sales processes, and make smart choices. Without it, they might use spreadsheets, which can be slow and full of mistakes.
Using a powerful sales tracking tool like Commence CRM can greatly benefit small businesses. It gives clear insights into the sales process, helps manage customer and vendor relationships, and cuts down stress for sales managers and staff with detailed analytics and streamlined processes.
“Sales tracking software can boost rep productivity by as much as 46%.”
Small businesses gain a lot from sales tracking software. The right tool, like Commence CRM, can show which actions lead to quick and successful sales. It gives instant access to all sales activities and can be tried for free to see its benefits.
Key Metrics to Track with Sales Software
For small businesses, tracking key sales metrics is key. It helps them understand their sales better, improve their processes, and grow. Important metrics to watch include conversion rate, sales by lead source, and revenue per sale.
Conversion Rate
Conversion rate shows how many prospects turn into paying customers. It tells businesses how well their sales efforts work. It also shows where they can get better at turning leads into customers.
Sales by Lead Source
Looking at sales by lead source helps small businesses use their resources wisely. They can see which channels, like referrals or social media, bring in the most sales. This way, they can focus on what works best.
Revenue per Sale
Revenue per sale is vital to check if sales are profitable. It shows if the sales team is making enough money from each deal. This helps businesses spot and fix any problems with their sales strategies.
| Metric | Description | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Conversion Rate | The percentage of prospects that are converted into paying customers | Identifies the effectiveness of the sales process and lead management |
| Sales by Lead Source | The breakdown of sales figures by the source of the lead (e.g., referrals, social media, content marketing) | Helps allocate resources more effectively to high-performing lead generation channels |
| Revenue per Sale | The average revenue generated per successful sale transaction | Ensures the sales team is generating sufficient revenue to maintain profitability |
By tracking these key sales metrics, small businesses can make smart decisions. They can improve their sales strategies and grow sustainably. The insights from sales tracking software help them overcome challenges and stay ahead in their markets.
Best Sales Tracking Software for Small Business
Small businesses have many sales tracking software options. These tools differ in features, pricing, and how they can be customized. It’s key for small business owners to look closely at their needs before picking the right tool. Here are some top sales tracking software choices for small businesses:
- Nutshell: A user-friendly CRM with robust sales tracking features, including lead management, opportunity tracking, and customizable reporting.
- Salesflare: An intuitive sales tracking software that automatically collects data from email, calendar, and other sources to provide a comprehensive view of the sales pipeline.
- EngageBay: An all-in-one sales and marketing platform that offers a free plan, making it an attractive option for startups and small businesses on a budget.
- BIGContacts: A simple and affordable sales tracking tool that helps small businesses manage their leads, contacts, and sales activities in one place.
- Pipedrive: A highly customizable sales CRM that helps small businesses streamline their sales processes and improve their overall sales performance.
These are just a few examples of the best sales tracking software for small businesses. When looking at your options, think about pricing, ease of use, reporting, and how well it works with other tools you use. Choosing the right sales tracking software can give small businesses valuable insights into their sales, help them improve their strategies, and increase revenue.
| Software | Key Features | Pricing |
|---|---|---|
| Zendesk Sell |
|
Custom pricing |
| FreeAgent CRM |
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Custom pricing |
| SalesNOW |
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Custom pricing |
The best sales tracking software for a small business depends on its unique needs. By looking at the options and considering factors like features, pricing, and user reviews, small business owners can make a smart choice. This way, they can find the right sales tracking solution to help their business grow and succeed.
Pipedrive – Simple Yet Powerful Sales CRM
Small businesses find Pipedrive a great CRM for tracking sales. It’s easy to use and packed with powerful tools. This makes it a top pick for sales teams wanting to do more and close more deals.
Key Features of Pipedrive
Pipedrive’s “deal rotting” feature is a big hit with sales teams. It flags missed chances or meetings. The CRM also has a detailed sales dashboard that breaks down important numbers for insights.
It offers AI-powered “sales mentor” tips to boost sales skills. Plus, it’s customizable and integrates well with other tools. The mobile app lets teams work together anywhere, on iOS and Android.
User Reviews of Pipedrive
Small business owners and sales pros love Pipedrive for its simplicity. It makes it easy to see who’s doing well or not, helping with better management. Reviews often talk about how it makes work smoother, automates tasks, and grows sales.
“Pipedrive has been a game-changer for our sales team. It’s intuitive, easy to use, and has helped us streamline our processes and close more deals. The visual pipeline and sales reporting features are particularly valuable.”
Pipedrive offers flexible pricing from $24 to $129 per seat per month. It also has a 14-day free trial, so businesses can try it out before paying.
Pipedrive helps streamline sales, automate tasks, and offer insights. Pipedrive CRM is a go-to for small businesses aiming for growth and efficiency.
Zendesk Sell – Easy-to-Use and Customizable
For small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) looking for a sales CRM, Zendesk Sell is a top pick. It’s simple and customizable, making it a hit for its functionality and ease of use.
Benefits of Zendesk Sell for SMBs
Zendesk Sell is easy to start with, thanks to its intuitive design. Sales teams can jump in fast, without needing a lot of training. Plus, it’s highly customizable, letting users adjust it to fit their business needs without coding.
This platform also grows with your business. It works well with many other apps, giving users a full set of tools to make sales smoother. This integration boosts productivity and gives customers a smooth experience at every touchpoint.
Zendesk Sell also connects well with Zendesk’s support tools, adding more value for small businesses. It brings sales and customer service together, helping SMBs offer top-notch service at every step of the customer journey.
The Zendesk Sell app has won awards for its features and is more cost-effective than other options. It comes in versions for different team sizes, fitting businesses from startups to big companies.
Users praise Zendesk Sell for improving teamwork, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. Its customization, smooth integrations, and easy-to-use design make it a great choice for SMBs wanting to improve their sales and customer relationships.
HubSpot CRM – Free Option for Startups
Many startups choose HubSpot CRM for its free version. It’s seen as a great “starter” CRM. It has many integrations but doesn’t have too many features for the paid plans.
The dashboard of HubSpot CRM is great for tracking sales and deals in real-time. But, its pricing is a big issue. Some say it’s like “freemium” games, where costs can go up fast as a business grows.
Pros and Cons of HubSpot CRM
Startups get many benefits from HubSpot CRM, including:
- It has a free version that startups can use without paying upfront.
- It works well with many third-party tools, making it more powerful.
- The interface is easy to use, helping you track sales easily.
- There’s 24/7 chat and email support for Starter edition users.
But, there are also some downsides for startups:
- Prices can go up fast as a business grows and needs more features.
- Some small businesses have to switch to cheaper options as they grow.
- Getting started might cost extra, depending on what you need.
HubSpot CRM is a good choice for startups. But, it’s important to think about your future needs and growth. This way, you can make sure it stays a good value for your business.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VD1fXjnClJ8
Salesforce – Comprehensive but Costly
Salesforce is a well-known CRM software, famous for its strong features and flexibility. But, it’s pricey, which can be a problem for small businesses with limited budgets.
One big plus of Salesforce is its wide range of business apps and tools for building custom apps. This is great for growing companies. It also focuses a lot on security and privacy, which is important for businesses of all sizes.
“Salesforce is the best CRM if money is no issue. The customization capabilities are unparalleled, but the complexity can be a drawback for small teams.”
But, Salesforce can be hard for small businesses to use. Setting it up takes a lot of time and resources, which small companies might not have. The prices, from $25 to $500 per user per month, can also be too high.
Some users also find the customer support poor, especially for setup help. This can be tough for small businesses without IT teams to deal with these issues.
In conclusion, Salesforce CRM is a strong choice with many features and options. Yet, its complexity and cost might be too much for small businesses. It’s important to think about what your company needs, its budget, and support needs before choosing Salesforce as a Salesforce CRM solution.
Copper – Deeply Integrated with G Suite
Copper is a top CRM platform that works great with the G Suite. It’s made for businesses that use Google’s tools like Gmail and Google Calendar. This makes it easy for small businesses to use a CRM that fits their Google workflow.
Copper makes using a CRM feel like using Google apps. It’s easy and saves money compared to options like Salesforce or HubSpot. But, it requires businesses to use the Google ecosystem fully to get the most out of Copper.
| Copper CRM Features | Copper CRM G Suite Integration |
|---|---|
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For small businesses already using G Suite, Copper CRM is a great choice. It fits well with Google’s tools, making work more efficient and the CRM easier to use. But, businesses not using Google might find Copper less suitable, needing a big commitment to G Suite.
best sales tracking software for small business
Choosing the right sales tracking software for a small business is key. First, think about your budget. Small businesses need to consider not just the software cost but also setup, maintenance, and future expenses.
It’s also vital to pick software that’s easy to use and set up. Small businesses often don’t have the time or resources for complicated systems. Plus, the trustworthiness of the software provider is crucial. Small businesses want a system that keeps their data safe.
Key Factors to Consider:
- Pricing and Budget: Understand the full cost of ownership, including implementation, ongoing maintenance, and potential growth-related expenses.
- Ease of Use and Setup: Ensure the software is intuitive and requires minimal resources to implement and manage.
- Provider Reputation and Security: Research the software vendor’s track record and security measures to ensure a trustworthy, reliable solution.
| Software | Pricing Tiers | G2 Rating | Free Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zendesk Sell | Team $19/user/month, Growth $55/user/month, Professional $115/user/month, Enterprise starts at $169/user/month | 4.2/5 | No |
| Zoho CRM | Standard $14/user/month, Professional $23/user/month, Enterprise $40/user/month, Ultimate $52/user/month | N/A | Yes |
| Salesforce Essentials | Starts at $25/user/month for Essentials, $75/user/month for Professional, $150/user/month for Enterprise | N/A | No |
| HubSpot CRM | Free plan available, Enterprise package starts at $2000/month | 4.4/5 | Yes |
“40% of marketers believe that improved data would enhance their marketing efforts.”
Evaluating and Choosing the Right Solution
Choosing the right sales tracking software for your small business is key. Start by looking at what you really need and what you want to achieve. Think about the sales metrics you must watch, how much customization and automation you want, and if you need to connect it with other tools.
It’s important to get your sales team involved in this process. This ensures the software meets their daily needs and solves their problems.
After you know what your business needs, it’s time to do some research. Look at user reviews, ratings, and expert opinions on different sales tracking software. This will give you insights into how businesses like yours have found these tools useful. It helps you pick the best fit for your needs.
Assess Your Business Needs
- Identify the key sales metrics you need to track, such as conversion rate, sales by lead source, and revenue per sale.
- Determine the level of customization and automation required to streamline your sales processes.
- Assess any integration requirements with other tools or systems your business uses, such as accounting software or customer relationship management (CRM) platforms.
- Involve your sales team in the evaluation process to ensure the selected solution addresses their specific needs and pain points.
Read User Reviews and Ratings
Looking at user reviews and ratings on sites like G2 and Capterra is a smart move. It gives you real insights from businesses like yours. This helps you pick the sales tracking software that suits you best, showing you the good and bad of each option.
| Software | G2 Rating | Capterra Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Pipedrive | 4.6/5 | 4.7/5 |
| Zendesk Sell | 4.4/5 | 4.5/5 |
| HubSpot CRM | 4.3/5 | 4.4/5 |
By carefully looking at your business needs and doing your homework on user reviews and ratings, you can make a smart choice. You’ll find the sales tracking software that helps your small business grow and succeed.
Conclusion
Sales tracking software is key for small businesses wanting to boost productivity and sales. It helps them understand their sales better, predict revenue, and make smart choices for growth. By picking the right software, they can get important insights into their sales and make better decisions.
It’s important to look at what the business needs, read reviews, and pick a sales tracking tool that fits well. Whether starting simple or going for a full CRM system, the right sales tracking solution can change the game. It makes sales smoother and opens up new chances for success.
Using sales tracking software, small businesses can make choices based on data. This helps them improve their sales and grow steadily. In short, sales tracking software is a must-have for small businesses aiming to succeed in today’s competitive world.
FAQ
What is sales tracking software?
Sales tracking software helps sales teams track their activities quickly and accurately. It lets businesses understand their target buyers better. It also helps spot pipeline issues and boost sales rep performance.
Why is sales tracking important for small businesses?
For small businesses, tracking sales performance is key. It helps forecast revenue and check sales strategies. It also improves workflows and operations, leading to better decisions.
It gives insights into conversion rates, lead sources, and revenue per sale.
What are the key sales metrics to track?
Small businesses should track conversion rate, sales by lead source, and revenue per sale. These metrics show what works and what doesn’t. They guide how to improve sales strategies.
What are the best sales tracking software options for small businesses?
Top sales tracking software for small businesses includes Nutshell, Salesflare, EngageBay, BIGContacts, Pipedrive, Zoho CRM, Bitrix24, Copper, FreshSales, Close CRM, Salesforce, and Keap. Each offers unique features, pricing, and benefits.
What are the key features of Pipedrive?
Pipedrive has a “deal rotting” feature to catch missed chances. It also has a sales reporting dashboard and an AI-powered “sales mentor” for tips. Users love its simplicity and ease of use.
What are the benefits of Zendesk Sell for small businesses?
Zendesk Sell is known for its simplicity and ease of use. It also offers customization and integrates well with Zendesk’s customer support tools. This makes it a full customer experience platform for small businesses.
What are the pros and cons of HubSpot CRM?
HubSpot CRM is a popular choice for beginners with real-time dashboards and good integrations. But, its pricing can get high as businesses grow, leading some to switch to cheaper options.
What are the considerations when choosing the best sales tracking software?
Consider your budget, how easy it is to use, and the setup process. Also, look at the software provider’s reputation and security. Make sure to involve your sales team in the choice.
How should a small business evaluate and choose the right sales tracking software?
Start by clearly defining your business’s needs and goals. Decide on the key metrics to track and any integration needs. Then, research user reviews and professional assessments to find the best fit for your business.