The best CRM for freelancers allows them to track different prospects and consolidate client contacts, transactions, and projects. It must also offer reasonable price alternatives for independent contractors and solopreneurs operating on a limited budget.
This article compares and lists the best choices for freelancer CRM consideration. Here are key points it covers:
- What is a CRM?
- What is a freelancer?
- Why does a freelancer need a CRM?
- Best CRM for freelancers
- Best freelancers CRM with 100% free plans
- Best CRM for freelancers that are project management tools
What is a CRM?
CRM refers to Customer relationship management. Customer relationship management (CRM) organizes all of freelancing business’s interactions and connections with current and future clients. CRM software allows freelancers to record communications with clients (or potential clients) and information about them. Multiple individuals within an organization have access to the data in a centralized database.
What is a freelancer?
A freelancer is a person who works as an independent contractor and gets paid on a project-by-project or task-by-task basis for short-term projects. Part-time or full-time contract workers and freelancers sign contracts before beginning assignments. Short-term tasks are typical for freelance jobs, while happy clients often seek further work. Freelancers can do fractional work, handle multiple projects or work for one client at time.
Why does a freelancer need a CRM ?
Clients lifecycle management
Freelancer CRM applications serve as repositories for priceless customer information that is gathered and analyzed for audience positioning and marketing purposes.
Operations and workflow automation
Freelancer CRMs keep track of the interactions that send email messages off. They provide practical automation features that do it whenever a lead ascribes to users’ websites or a client makes another sale.
Remote collaboration
Freelancer CRM solutions provide independent contractors access to a safe file cabinet accessible anytime and from any location. They can access and share with others as needed.
Project Management
Today’s freelancer CRMs include simple task management tools with work items, to-do lists, and assignment possibilities, giving freelancers the everyday structural help they seek.
Profits Reports & Analytics
Reporting and statistics are two elements that track and measure freelancers’ current development and make it evident what users need to improve in the future.
What should freelancers consider for CRM software?
Reasonable pricing
Users can consider if the tool offers a free version, how much the entry-level choices cost, and whether or not there are paying alternatives every month.
Essential functionalities
For freelancers to utilize a CRM with affection, it is crucial to assess its core features, such as email marketing and automated processes.
Ease of use
Assessing if the program is user-friendly for beginners or takes some knowledge to get people acclimated to the platform is critical.
Integration
Users may assess each CRM option’s compatibility with external programs to improve its functions.
Help and support
Freelancers can research the support services provided by these companies via live chat, email, and phone, as well as the hours during which these assistance channels are open.
Customization
Users using a CRM solution with bespoke displays, processes, and statistics may satisfy customer expectations and maintain workflow alignment throughout all processes.
Best CRM for freelancers
Freelancer CRMs are excellent resources for managing a freelance business. They can assist a freelancer in managing several clients. When selecting new client management software, there are so many things to consider that independent contractors might feel overwhelmed. Here is a top pick (free and paid) for the best CRM for freelancers:
Keap
HubSpot CRM
Monday
Zoho CRM
Streak
ClickUp
Excel and Google sheets
Notion
Best CRM for freelancers with 100% free plans
An apparent make-or-break factor for a freelance firm is price. Freelancers want to be sure that every dollar they spend is worthwhile because they don’t have a lot of money. Freelancers must begin with a free CRM if they have a limited budget or are unsure about the value of freelancer CRM software.
HubSpot
Freshsales
Monday
Streak
Airtable
Keap
ClickUp
Best CRM for freelancers – project management tools
Free project management software allows freelancers to organize work, interact with stakeholders, and maintain project visibility without spending a dime. They also provide users with a ton of customizable templates. If there is a need to upgrade your project management tool that can also double as a freelancer CRM, you have the option.
Airtable
ClickUp
Notion
Airtable
What is Airtable?
Airtable CRM is a cloud-based database tool for small and medium and large enterprises. This software can be used as a CRM given it’s flexibility for customization.
| Airtable factors | Description |
| Pricing | Free: $0 per user per month Plus: $12 per user per month Pro: $24 per user per month Enterprise: Contact with Airtable team to get an exact price.Airtable offers unique solutions for charity and educational institutions. |
| Key features | Task scheduler and prioritization Resource management Time tracking Premade templates Automation Document storage File sharing |
| Ease of use | Signing up for an account takes little more than an email address and password via the web or apps for macOS, Windows, iPhone, iPad, and Android. |
| Integration | Dropbox, Box, Evernote, and Google Drive are among the services that Airtable integrates. Several devices can use Airtable. |
| Help and support | Email/Help Desk Chat Knowledge Base FAQs/Forum |
| Customization | With a user-friendly UI that includes several icons, Airtable keeps this modification straightforward. Nothing about it appears threatening. |
Is Airtable the best CRM for freelancers?
People like Airtable because of its software’s emphasis on creativity and customization. Users may create custom elements on the drag-and-drop dashboard and add anything to them, including files, run-on long-form text notations, checkboxes, linkages to data in other tables, and barcodes. If you’re interested in Airtable competitors and alternatives you can read more or read about the Airtable vs Trello comparison.
Airtable Overview
Asana
What is Asana?
Asana assists teams in orchestrating their work at scale, from routine chores to essential projects. It can be customized as a CRM to track pipeline and other CRM like needs.
| Asana factors | Description |
| Pricing | Basic: Free Premium: $13.49 per user per month Business: $30.49 per user per month Enterprise: Contact Asana for pricing information. |
| Key features | Multiple Project Views Process Management Automation Team Collaboration Agile and Scrum Support Versatility Smart Design |
| Ease of use | Asana is a versatile and adaptive project management tool that works with different management approaches and industry verticals. |
| Integration | Slack, Dropbox, Google Drive, Zapier, Tableau, Zoom, and Salesforce are some of the significant third-party applications that Asana interacts with. |
| Help and support | Email/Help Desk Chat Knowledge Base FAQs/Forum Customization |
| Customization | Users have the choice of using Asana in a unique and customized manner or in a guided manner by utilizing the tools and templates that Asana offers. |
Is Asana the best CRM for freelancers?
Asana is suitable for managing ongoing projects and specific project tasks. These are often lighter ones without hundreds of moving elements that users must coordinate with other concurrent projects in progress. Its versatility, which lets users choose what work to measure and how to use it, is one of its defining characteristics.
Asana Overview
ClickUp
What is ClickUp?
A cloud-based projects management and collaboration solution, ClickUp is appropriate for freelancers of all fields. Among the features are tools for collaboration and communication, task assignments and statuses, alarms, and a task toolbar.
| ClickUp factors | Description |
| Pricing | Free trial: Available Free version: Available Unlimited: $5 per user per month Business: $12 per user per month Business Plus: $19 per user per month Enterprise: Contact the sales team for information |
| Key features | Top-Notch Customization Capabilities Advanced Real-Time Reporting Capabilities Multiple Views Easy Time Tracking Excellent Mobile App |
| Ease of use | Many of the capabilities that ClickUp offers during the first setup may seem daunting to some people. |
| Integration | ClickUp integrates with Slack and GitHub. |
| Help and support | FAQs/Forum 24/7 (Live rep) Knowledge Base Chat Email/Help Desk Phone Support |
| Customization | Freelancers receive a configurable online software solution that enables users to approach their tasks in a personalized way. Users may change and configure the software on their workflow, business plan, individual interests, and any other way they see fit. |
Is ClickUp the best CRM for freelancers?
For task organization features, ClickUp receives points. The costs for ClickUp are pretty competitive. Many other freelancers charge $9 or more per teammate every month for the fundamental capabilities that ClickUp offers without charge. Because of this, it can be ideal for freelancers.
ClickUp Overview
Copper
What is Copper?
For small and medium-sized organizations that want a better approach to handling leads and developing client connections, Copper is an accessible CRM. Copper may be the right choice for users if users need more time for onerous admin activities, data input, or too sophisticated tools.
| Copper factors | Description |
| Pricing | 14-day free trial, no credit card required. Basic: $29 per user per month Professional: $69 per user per month Business: $119 per user per month |
| Key features | Automation Lead Management Customized Reporting Large Industry Range |
| Ease of use | Copper is a simple-to-use CRM. Its smooth Google Workspace connection and attractive user interface make setup quick and easy. |
| Integration | Copper CRM integrates with the Google Workspace ecosystem, including Google Contacts and Calendar. |
| Help and support | FAQs/Forum Phone Support 24/7 (Live rep) Email/Help Desk ChatKnowledge Base |
| Customization | For a charge, Copper provides personalized onboarding that includes setup, customization, and training. |
Is Copper the best CRM for freelancers?
Users can make a seamless connection with Google Workspace and log all of their emails and other interactions to the appropriate contact. Users may access data from every email thread, previous communications, and tasks in one location. Copper even prompts users to follow up on offers and contact networks. It may be overkill for a solo freelancer.
Copper Overview
Freshsales
What is Freshsales?
Freelancers may improve lead governance, client engagement, marketing analytics, customer relationship management, and other processes with the help of Freshsales. Users may use the platform to create unique methods using event-based triggers to automate tedious operations.
| Freshsales factors | Description |
| Pricing | Free trial: Available Free version: Available Growth: $18 per user per month Pro: $47 per user per month Enterprise: $83 per user per month |
| Key features | Contact & Account Management Contact Lifecycle Stages Built-in Chat, Email, & Phone Extensive customization options Proactive AI assistant |
| Ease of use | Its devices are simple to use and quick to get up and run. |
| Integration | Freshsales allows connectivity with many external programs, including Xero, PandaDoc, DocuSign, QuickBooks |
| Help and support | 24/5 support Phone Chat |
| Customization | Users may now alter dashboards to organize contacts and data any way they see fit. |
Is Freshsales the best CRM for freelancers?
Freshales has free plan which is available to freelancers. Freshsales is a good option of the best CRM for freelancers if they are searching for a straightforward, lightweight CRM with enough functionality.
Freshsales Overview
HubSpot CRM
What is HubSpot?
HubSpot CRM is a cloud-based customer relationship management (CRM) tool that assists independent contractors in tracking and nurturing leads and analyzing KPIs. It has features including lead management, email tracking, outbound and inbound marketing, sales automation, sales pipeline control, customer relations governance, and contact management.
| HubSpot factors | Description |
| Pricing | Free trial: Available Free version: Available Starter: $50 per user per month Professional: $1780 per user per month Enterprise: $4000 per user per month |
| Key features | Activity Dashboard & Tracking Appointment Management & Scheduling Task management Email marketing Billing and invoicing Live chat |
| Ease of use | Being simple for users to use every day, HubSpot is simple to build. |
| Integration | HubSpot integrates with additional HubSpot solutions, including HubSpot Marketing Hub and HubSpot Sales Hub. |
| Help and support | Email/Help DeskPhone SupportKnowledge BaseChat24/7 (Live rep)FAQs/Forum |
| Customization | Users may alter the dashboard’s default modules by adding new ones or removing those users dislike. |
Is HubSpot the best CRM for freelancers?
The HubSpot CRM is one of the best CRMs for freelancers because its free subscription offers unlimited user access to the company’s contact administration, sales, marketing, and customer care features. It can be a bit complicated to get setup but if you think you might grow your business and need other HubSpot add-ons down the road it’s worth considering.
HubSpot Overview
Keap
What is Keap?
Keap is a cloud-based sales and marketing system that combines e-commerce, marketing automation, and customer relationship management (CRM) capabilities into one package. Keap assists freelancers in various sectors with streamlining sales and managing client interactions.
| Keap factors | Description |
| Pricing | Free trial: Available Free version: Not Available Lite: $79 per user per month Pro: $159 per user per month Max: $159 per user per month |
| Key features | Users, Contacts, and Lead Management Automation Lead scoring E-commerce payments Sending and Tracking Emails and Campaigns |
| Ease of use | In small settings, Keap may be set up in 20 minutes, and every user receives a personal support manager to ensure effective use of the program. |
| Integration | Keap may be accessed from remote on iOS and Android smartphones. It also enables connection with SalesForce, Outlook, Gmail, and QuickBooks. |
| Help and support | Email/Help Desk Chat Knowledge Base 24/7 (Live rep) FAQs/Forum Phone Support |
| Customization | Users have the option to choose from prepared templates that are simple to modify to meet their needs in addition to creating new pipelines and utilizing other CRM capabilities. |
Is Keap the best CRM for freelancers?
Customers report saving ten hours a week thanks to the platform’s simple automation, which does away with manual duties like following up with texts and emails and documenting new leads.
Keap Overview
Monday Sales CRM
What is Monday?
With Monday Sales CRM, freelancers can govern all aspects of their sales cycle, from lead generation and pipeline administration to post-sales management tasks. It can help users with client projects and integration from a single centralized database.
| Monday factors | Description |
| Pricing | Free trial: Available Free version: Available for two users Basic plan: $30 per three seats per month Standard plan: $42 per three seats per month Pro plan: $72 per three seats per month Enterprise: contact the sales team |
| Key features | Automation Recipes Work Management Lead ScoringTemplate Center Contact Management Product & Price Management Call Management |
| Ease of use | It is among the quickest on the market when it comes to installation. People may manage the setup without the help of an IT specialist or a developer. |
| Integration | The two-way email integration with Gmail and Outlook allows users to send and receive emails from Monday sales CRM. |
| Help and support | Help and support Email/Help Desk FAQs/Forum Knowledge Base 24/7 (Live rep) Phone Support Chat |
| Customization | To match other teams, users can do anything from creating a high-level marketing budget to creating an efficient visual sales pipeline. |
Is Monday the best CRM for freelancers?
For bigger teams who need to manage many projects at once, Monday is one of the best CRMs for freelancers. One of its key advantages is that Monday allows for limitless software connections. If the user’s team utilizes a variety of software applications to do tasks, this might be useful.
Monday CRM Overview
Notion
What is Notion?
With Notion, freelancers may organize and manage notes, assignments, projects, documents, calendars, and more. Key features include a portfolio tracker, designer templates, database administration, documentation, and data export.
| Notion factors | Description |
| Pricing | Free trial: Available Free version: Available Free Personal: $5 per user per month Team: $10 per user per month Enterprise: contact the Notion team for a quotation |
| Key features | Task prioritization and scheduler Shared team calendar Mobile application Document storage File sharing Single sign-on (SSO) integrations |
| Ease of use | Notion gives independent contractors access to a product plan, task lists, and repository templates, easing project processes from start to finish. |
| Integration | With the help of Notion’s software interaction for applications (API), users may connect the platform to other services like Google Sheets, Twitter, Figma, and more. |
| Help and support | FAQs/Forum 24/7 (Live rep) Phone Support Knowledge Base Email/Help Desk Chat |
| Customization | Notion includes several healthy, helpful templates that users may copy and alter, saving them time from having to start from scratch. |
Is Notion the best CRM for freelancers?
Notion’s design philosophy includes numerous well-known components of project management software. The kanban boards, task lists, and project schedules are similar to those found in other well-liked project management applications like Monday or Asana. The simple design of Notion, which makes use and navigation simple, is what makes it so unique. Notion can be a great way for a freelancer to keep their CRM data organized.
Notion Overview
Pipedrive
What is Pipedrive?
Freelancers may organize their sales operations and keep track of opportunities with the help of Pipedrive, a web-based sales CRM and funnel administration system. The Pipedrive team developed the activity-based selling paradigm and simplified each step in turning a promising prospect into a profitable sale.
| Pipedrive factors | Description |
| Pricing | Free trial: Available Essential: $15 per user per month Advanced: $29 per user per month Professional: $59 per user per month Enterprise: $99 per user per month |
| Key features | Unlimited, customizable sales pipelines Machine learning-powered sales Workflow automation Autofill contact info Built-in telephony |
| Ease of use | Users can better understand the information displayed on screens because of Pipedrive CRM’s usage of simple-to-understand symbols and colors. |
| Integration | Pipedrive CRM integrates numerous well-known productivity programs, like Google Maps, MailChimp, Google G Suite, and Zapier. |
| Help and support | FAQs/Forum 24/7 (Live rep) Phone Support Knowledge Base Email/Help Desk Chat |
| Customization | Leadbooster from Pipedrive is a lead generation solution that freelancers may integrate with their websites. |
Is Pipedrive the best CRM for freelancers?
One of the best CRM for freelancers is Pipedrive. Users may drag and drop offers as they progress through users’ sales funnel, and the platform is simple to use when opening. It has outstanding reporting capabilities and infinite transaction pipelines. It’s a simple to use CRM for freelancers who are focused on B2B sales. A sales tool worth considering.
Pipedrive Overview
Streak
What is Streak?
Streak is a cloud-based CRM tool that assists freelancers in using Gmail to organize projects and fundraising efforts. Users may get task information in their inboxes and use the search feature to browse through messages to find relevant results.
| Streak factors | Description |
| Pricing | Free trial: Available Free version: Available Solo: $19 per user per month Pro: $59 per user per month Enterprise: $159 per user per month |
| Key features | Unlimited contacts and organizations Shared contacts Tasks reminders Call logs and meeting notes Private and shared pipelines |
| Ease of use | Users can navigate the app thanks to its straightforward design, which shows all of users’ necessary settings and task stages. |
| Integration | Streak has integrations with Google Workspace apps like Gmail and more. |
| Help and support | ChatEmail/Help Desk Knowledge Base FAQs/Forum |
| Customization | Users can modify their pipeline views, check open jobs, and transfer data through Google Sheets or file upload. |
Is Streak the best CRM for freelancers?
Streak is a as the best CRM for freelancers who use gmail.. It’s great for those who already use Gmail because the program integrates with Gmail and the G Suite. Streak could also be helpful for users if they’re willing to move from Outlook or another email service as it’s a CRM for Gmail.
Streak Overview
Zoho CRM
What is Zoho CRM?
All types of freelancers can use the cloud-based client management software Zoho CRM. It provides customer service, analytics, a help desk, and sales and marketing automation features.
| Zoho factors | Description |
| Pricing | Free trial: Available Free version: Available Standard: $20 per user per month Professional: $35 per user per month Enterprise: $50 per user per month Ultimate: $65 per user per month |
| Key features | Workflow Automation Configurable Views Leads and Deals management Reporting and Analytics Canvas, Motivator, and Zia assistant |
| Ease of use | Zoho is simple to install and use. The interface design of this program makes it easy to get the idea of it with minimal to no training. |
| Integration | Freelancers can integrate with platforms such as G Suite, WordPress, MailChimp, and Evernote. |
| Help and support | Help and support 24/7 (Live rep) FAQs/Forum Phone Support Email/Help Desk Chat Knowledge Base |
| Customization | Without the assistance of consultants or engineers, customers can now personalize their CRM using Zoho’s new drag-and-drop interface editor. |
Is Zoho the best CRM for freelancers?
One of the best CRM for freelancers options is Zoho because of its functionality and cost. It works for a wide range of businesses in various sectors. Zoho is user-friendly because its layout puts the most critical functionality on the home screen.
Zoho CRM Overview
Best CRM for freelancers when starting out
Excel and Google Sheets
The most popular spreadsheet programs nowadays are Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel. When it comes to computations and formulae, they are similar.
A spreadsheet is an excellent free approach as the best CRM for freelancers to start with contact management if users are fresh novices with a tight tool budget. They are practical and easy for routine tasks like contact and work management. Users may alter the columns and formulae in their view to suit their everyday needs. Using them gives consumers more time to consider which CRM application is idea
If you’re a freelancer starting out, you don’t need to implement a CRM. Save your money. If you’re a more established freelancer with larger needs, consider one of the options above.
