A common myth about CRM is that only big businesses can use it. Many small businesses never consider upgrading their business technology simply because of their size.
Large businesses greatly benefit from integrating customer relationship management software into their sales process because they used it to create an ideal situation that all businesses want.
The truth is that companies big and small face many of the same problems. Fortunately, there are many CRMs designed for small businesses so that your company can also fix issues even large companies encounter. If you think your business is too small for CRM, keep reading.
All Businesses Want Insight on Customer Data
Imagine that you knew everything about your customers such as how they wanted to buy, when they wanted to buy and why they wanted to buy. How would you sell to your potential buyers if you didn’t have to make any assumptions?
All businesses want recurring conversations, identified pain points and customer data reports at their fingertips. With CRM, companies can often review customer data for insight on buyer patterns and behaviors in order to devise the best marketing strategy and sales process.
Small businesses have the option to collect more than just names, email addresses and phone numbers. There are many CRM options built with small businesses in mind so that customer information is easy to gather and quick to access, no matter your company size.
All Businesses Want to Create the Best Customer Experience
Customers measure you not only by how stress-free the experience is with your company but also by how much effort is needed on their part to solve their problem. According to the Corporate Executive Board (CEB), 94% of buyers who experience low-effort service choose to purchase from that company again.
Companies with CRM can access detailed customer notes and interactions when on a sales call or solving a customer support ticket in order to provide personalized, low-effort service to every customer.
A seamless customer experience is something every business can offer. In fact, many CRM providers allow customization to customer data collecting so that any business, regardless of industry and size, can understand and better serve each buyer.
All Businesses Want a Sales Process That Works
Does your team have a strong closing rate? Work together to make the sale? Never forget to follow up with potential customers so that the sales opportunity isn’t lost? What if you could find the right pattern that encourages potential buyers to become current customers?
All businesses want to increase sales and close deals faster. Companies that use CRM can review reports pulled from customer data to define which phases of the sales process works and which steps need improvement.
How to sell to customers shouldn’t be a guessing game for small businesses. CRM is designed so that all businesses can define a sales process that’s easy to follow and flexible for potential buyer behavior.
How can CRM bring value to your business? Read our eBook to learn how your sales, marketing and support teams can benefit from CRM.
Do you think that no business is too small for CRM? Why or why not? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
FAQs
1. When should a small business start using a CRM?
Start using a CRM when you’re losing track of leads, missing follow-ups, or spending too much time on manual tasks like searching for customer information. If you’re managing more than a few dozen customers or your business is growing, a CRM helps you stay organized before things slip through the cracks. The best time to implement a CRM is before you desperately need one.
2. How much does a CRM cost for a small business?
CRM pricing typically ranges from free basic plans to $10−$100+ per user per month. Entry-level CRMs cost $10−$30/user/month and cover essentials like contact management and basic reporting. Mid-range options ($30−$100/user/month) add automation, integrations, and advanced analytics. Nutshell starts at just $13/user/month, offering powerful features without breaking your budget. Most CRMs offer free trials so you can test before committing.
3. Do I need technical skills to set up and use a CRM?
No technical skills are required for most modern CRMs. The best small business CRMs are designed to be user-friendly, with setup taking less than a day and minimal training needed. Look for platforms with intuitive interfaces, easy data import, and helpful support resources. Nutshell offers self-guided tutorials, onboarding support, and white-glove data importing to make getting started simple, even if you’re not tech-savvy.
4. What features does a small business actually need in a CRM?
Focus on core features: contact management, pipeline tracking, task automation, email integration, and basic reporting. You’ll also want mobile access, easy search functionality, and the ability to customize fields for your business needs. Avoid paying for enterprise features like AI forecasting or complex workflows until you actually need them. Start simple and scale up as your business grows.
5. Can I keep using spreadsheets instead of a CRM?
Spreadsheets work when you have just a handful of customers, but they quickly become disorganized as you grow. Unlike CRMs, spreadsheets can’t automate follow-ups, track communication history, or provide insights into your sales pipeline. If you’re spending more time managing your spreadsheet than selling, or if leads are falling through the cracks, it’s time to upgrade to a CRM that works with you, not against you.
