When it comes to maximizing revenue and optimizing interactions with current and prospective clientele, CRM is the leading resource that — when used properly — can truly make all the difference.

If you are a small business owner, you most likely don’t have a very large staff, let alone an IT division to handle all of your technical hiccups and software integration. Organizing and managing the contact/lead tracking, follow-up opportunities, cross-sell and upsell opportunities, and sharing the information in a way that is easily accessible and simple to understand can be difficult to do through outdated means. So, you are considering getting CRM software for your business, but which one do you get? What do you look for and how can you tell which one is right for your business?

Throughout this article, we will discuss what you should consider and look for in both your business and CRM applications to determine which one is right for you.

The first step when deciding which CRM is right for you, is assessing your business’ needs and finding the the CRM software that captures said needs effectively.

If you own a small business with limited startup funds and/or a small team, you may want to consider these CRM software applications:

Microsoft Excel: This program is easy to set-up, simple to use, and only requires a one-time purchase — allowing you single-handedly manage your interactions with contacts and leads, organize important data, and monitor your transactions with clientele.

Workbooks: Since Workbooks is a startup business itself, it understands the importance of VC funds in growing your business. This CRM application offers your business with a free option that allows for 2 users, as well as a friendly user-interface for easy integration and a wide range of flexibility to accommodate the needs of a variety of different business plans.