A CRM (customer relationship management) solution is useful not only for large firms but also for freelancers. It can help you manage clients, track relationships, and simplify tasks. If you are trying to keep up with customer communication and administrative responsibilities, a freelancer CRM could be the answer.


Why Do Freelancers Need CRM?


Many freelancers operate under the misconception that CRMs are only for large sales teams. The truth is, even as a solo professional, you are constantly managing relationships, tracking opportunities, and nurturing leads. A CRM helps you:   

  • Store client information in one place 
  • Keep project status and deadlines on track 
  • Streamline your sales pipeline from lead to signed contract 
  • Automate follow-up and communication 
  • Create professional proposals and invoices 
  • Use reporting tools to examine your business performance 
  • Never miss important client information or conversations

Essential CRM Features for Freelancers


Let's establish the essential features that each freelancer must seek in a CRM before getting specific to certain platforms: 

Contact Management: Save client information, communication history, and project notes 

Pipeline Management: Visual monitoring of leads from first contact through signed contracts 

Task Management: Set reminders, deadlines, follow-up schedules 

Email Integration: Integrate with your current email accounts 

Mobile Access: Conduct your business on the move 

Customizable Fields: The system can be adapted to fit your business needs


6 Best CRM For Freelancers


1. Freshsales


Freshsales provides robust analytics and reporting capabilities that provide insights into sales-ready buying signs and behavior, so the sales team is informed when to act for optimal results. The analytics also display prospects' engagement level, context, and web behavior, to enable making conversations with prospective customers relevant to their interests and needs. 


Key features: 

  • Build custom fields, sales activities, and modules to suit your workflow. 
  • Leverage AI-powered insights, predictive analytics, and automation to streamline processes  
  • Integrates with tools like Google Workspace, Slack, QuickBooks, and others. 
  • Handle leads and follow deals on the move with the Freshsales mobile app. 

2. Streak


Streak is a US-based company that created a customer relationship management platform for Gmail. This CRM removes the necessity of using Post-it notes and last-minute phone calls to coworkers for vital data. Streak CRM simplifies customer management, allowing small businesses to more easily manage all of their interactions, regardless of whether they are working remotely or not. 


Key features: 

  • Streak operates directly within Gmail, allowing for seamless management of client interactions and emails. 
  • Monitor sales, projects, hiring, or any workflow with flexible pipelines that can be tailored to your needs. 
  • Organize yourself with integrated task management. 
  • Monitor interactions and update contact information by tapping into LinkedIn and social media. 

3. Capsule CRM


Capsule is created by zestia, a web and mobile tool for customer relationship management (CRM). It is a UK-based company with its headquarters in Manchester. Capsule serves businesses of all sizes, seeking to provide a full service for contact management, sales funnel, and corporate organisation. Capsule's CRM system, with its fully customisable user interface, is ideal for firms that engage with their customers across different channels. 


Key features: 

  • Capsule automatically populates customer records with social media profiles and other key information, reducing time spent manually entering data. 
  • The mobile app has a caller ID feature so that users can add notes right after calls or meetings. 
  • Users are able to set up multiple pipelines specific to distinct sales processes, making it versatile for different business purposes. 
  • Prioritizes data protection with security features such as two-factor authentication and user permissions. 

4. HubSpot


HubSpot CRM offers a free subscription that includes the key functionality of contact, deal, and communication management. It is a suitable starting point for smaller accounting practices or those new to CRMs.  


Key features:  

  • Basic contact management and monitoring are free to use.  
  • Use free email marketing tools to communicate with customers.  
  • Paid options include extra features like automation, reporting, and integration.  
  • It works well with HubSpot's other sales and marketing products.

5. Zoho


Zoho CRM is a popular and economical CRM solution that provides an excellent balance of functionality and scalability. It is integrated with Zoho Books, an accounting application, and other popular apps.  


Key features:  

  • Use full customer profiles and interaction histories to organise contacts.  
  • Organize your sales funnel to better track leads and possibilities.  
  • Workflow automation can help to streamline repetitive activities.  
  • Integrate with Zoho Books and other Zoho apps. 

Also Read

CRM for Customer Service: Turning Good Service into Great Retention 

How to Improve CRM Strategy: Expert Techniques for Enhanced Performance 

Top 6 CRM systems for financial services


6. Pipedrive


Pipedrive is the finest CRM for accountants seeking a sales-focused CRM. It is one of the most reliable CRMs for streamlining your sales process. Aside from a plethora of user-friendly features, it also boasts a clean and structured user interface. Its straightforward design and user-friendly features ensure that travel companies are always in control.  


 Key features:  

  • Make contacts with prospective new customers.  
  • Create reports as a customer and gain insights on customer dashboard to monitor performance.  
  • Pipedrive AI helps to ease client communications, collect data, and eliminate manual procedures. 

How to Select the Best CRM For Your Freelance Business?


If you need a basic CRM, HubSpot Free or Airtable are good choices because they are easy to use and have important features. But if you want more advanced tools to help with your freelancing, Pipedrive and HubSpot offer better ways to organize work and boost productivity. Here are some key points that you should consider while choosing a CRM.  

  • Identify the features you need, such as tools for organizing tasks and keeping track of important details.  
  • Pick a CRM that fits your workflow or lets you customize it to match your needs. 
  • Set a budget before searching, since CRM prices vary a lot. Knowing how much you're willing to spend will help you find the right option. 
  • Choose a CRM with a simple and easy-to-use interface so you can get started quickly without confusion. 

Conclusion


Selecting the most appropriate CRM as a freelancer can change business operations from disorganized to efficient. With HubSpot’s free inclusive features, Streak’s integration with Gmail, or Pipedrive’s sales-centric strategy, the important thing is selecting a solution that resonates with your unique workflow and finances.    

Keep in mind that even a simple CRM is superior to handling clients with disparate spreadsheets. Begin with a free version to test capabilities and progress to upgraded 

versions as your company expands. The cost of a quality CRM will reap rewards in enhanced client relations, better organization, and productivity. 


Author’s Bio  

Ashish Dwivedi CRM Expert

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Hello, I am Ashish Dwivedi. I am a core CRM developer with 15+ years of experience in delivering efficient CRM solutions that drive business growth and efficiency. I specialize in creating extensions for SuiteCRM and SugarCRM. My most notable extensions include SuiteCRM Email to Lead, SugarCRM Mailchimp, and SuiteCRM BCC Archiver. I also have a CRM of my own called OutRightCRM.