Running a small business means wearing many hats, managing clients, following up on leads, staying on top of projects, and keeping your communications organised. That’s where a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system comes in.
The right CRM can help you track customer interactions, manage your pipeline, and save valuable time, whether you’re a local tradesperson, an accountant, or a real estate agent.
Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best CRM systems for small and local businesses — including a mix of free and paid options — and what makes each one stand out.
1. HubSpot CRM
Best for: Small businesses getting started with CRM tools
Why we like it: HubSpot’s free plan is one of the most generous on the market. It offers contact management, email tracking, deal pipelines, meeting scheduling, and built-in marketing tools, all in one easy-to-use dashboard.
You can start free and upgrade as your business grows, adding automation, reporting, and advanced features.
Free plan: Yes — includes all core CRM features
Paid plans: From around £18/month per user
Great for: Service providers, consultants, and small teams who want to manage sales and marketing in one place.
2. Zoho CRM
Best for: Growing businesses that want flexibility and automation
Zoho is known for being affordable and customisable. You can track leads, automate tasks, and even connect with WhatsApp or social media channels.
It integrates seamlessly with Zoho’s other tools — like Zoho Books for invoicing and Zoho Campaigns for marketing — which makes it an excellent all-in-one ecosystem for small businesses.
Free plan: For up to 3 users
Paid plans: From around £12/month per user
Great for: Professional services and businesses looking to scale their client management.
3. Capsule CRM
Best for: Professional services and relationship-based businesses
Capsule keeps things simple. It’s designed to help you build stronger client relationships, not just manage deals. You can store contacts, track conversations, and set reminders for follow-ups, all in a clean, intuitive interface.
It also integrates easily with tools like Xero, Mailchimp, and Google Workspace.
Free plan: Up to 250 contacts
Paid plans: From £14/month per user
Great for: Accountants, consultants, and small agencies who rely on repeat clients.
4. Pipedrive
Best for: Sales-focused teams and growing small businesses
Pipedrive is built around visual pipelines, making it easy to see where every deal stands at a glance. You can automate follow-ups, track calls, and measure performance with clear reporting.
Its clean layout and smart automation make it ideal for business owners who want a more structured sales process without complexity.
Free plan: No
Paid plans: From £14/month per user
Great for: Estate agents, marketing teams, or any business with an active sales pipeline.
5. Jobber
Best for: Trades and home service businesses
If you’re in the trades — think electricians, landscapers, or decorators — Jobber is a game-changer. It’s more than a CRM; it handles job scheduling, quoting, invoicing, and client communications in one place.
It’s designed to make running a service-based business easier and more professional, from first enquiry to final invoice.
Free plan: No
Paid plans: From around £35/month
Great for: Tradespeople, cleaning companies, and other local service businesses.
6. Streak CRM
Best for: Solo founders who use Gmail
Streak sits directly inside your Gmail inbox, turning your emails into an organised CRM system. You can track leads, set reminders, and create pipelines without ever leaving Gmail.
It’s lightweight, simple, and ideal if you don’t want another platform to manage.
Free plan: Yes — basic CRM features
Paid plans: From £12/month per user
Great for: Freelancers and small business owners who live in their inbox.
How to Choose the Right CRM for Your Business
When choosing a CRM, think about:
Your business size: Do you need a simple contact tracker or full automation?
Your team: Will multiple users need access or is it just you?
Your goals: Are you focused on relationship-building, sales tracking, or service delivery?
Your budget: Start small — many tools offer free trials or plans that can grow with you.
If you’re just starting out, HubSpot or Capsule are great entry points.
For trades and service-based businesses, Jobber offers the most relevant features.
Summary
A CRM isn’t just a piece of software, it’s a smarter way to manage your customer relationships and create a more consistent, professional experience for every client.
And with a well-built website, you can connect your CRM seamlessly to your contact forms and lead capture tools, helping you stay organised while never missing an opportunity.
We love helping businesses grow their client base through strategic website design and strong SEO. If you're looking for support to grow your business, get in touch with our friendly team to find out more.
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