Zoho CRM Review & Ratings in 2023
Zoho CRM is a comprehensive customer relationship management (CRM) software that enables companies to manage and nurture their relationships with customers, optimize their sales processes, and enhance collaboration among team members.

In this Zoho CRM review, I will explore the features, costs, and other aspects of Zoho CRM.
I’ll also provide my opinions on the companies I believe will gain the most from implementing Zoho CRM.
What is Zoho CRM?

As a comprehensive CRM solution, Zoho CRM enables companies to manage and nurture their relationships with customers, optimize their sales processes, and enhance collaboration among team members.
At its core, the Zoho CRM tool is designed to help businesses manage their customer data, track leads and opportunities, automate routine tasks, and gain valuable insights from data-driven reports. Its highly adaptable nature makes it suitable for small and medium-sized businesses, as well as larger enterprises, in a wide range of industries. With a growing number of integrations and add-ons, Zoho CRM allows organizations to create a tailored CRM ecosystem that caters to their unique requirements.
Zoho CRM Key Features
Contact Management

By centralizing customer and prospect data, Zoho CRM makes it easier for sales teams to access and manage essential information. This not only improves efficiency but also ensures that your team has the necessary context for personalized communication. With custom fields and data segmentation, you can tailor your marketing and sales efforts to target specific customer groups, resulting in higher conversion rates.
Lead Management

Zoho CRM’s lead management features help businesses to capture, score, and nurture leads more effectively. By automating lead qualification and routing, your sales team can focus on high-priority leads with a higher likelihood of conversion. The lead nurturing capabilities ensure that no potential customer falls through the cracks, enabling your sales team to build strong relationships and improve the chances of conversion.
Sales Automation

Automation is a critical aspect of modern sales processes. Zoho CRM’s sales automation features enable businesses to reduce manual tasks, streamline workflows, sales force automation, and increase efficiency. From opportunity tracking to email automation, Zoho CRM can help your sales team save time, minimize errors, and focus on high-impact activities, ultimately boosting productivity and revenue generation.
Inventory Management

Zoho CRM offers an inventory management module that allows businesses to manage their product inventory directly within the CRM tool. With Zoho CRM’s inventory management module, businesses can track inventory levels, monitor product sales, and manage purchase orders.
The inventory management module allows businesses to create and manage product catalogs, including details such as SKU numbers, product descriptions, and pricing. Businesses can also track inventory levels in real time and receive alerts when inventory levels fall below a specified threshold.
Zoho CRM’s inventory management module also includes features such as sales order management, purchase order management, and vendor management. This allows businesses to manage the entire inventory cycle, from purchasing products from vendors to selling them to customers.
Additionally, Zoho CRM’s inventory management module integrates with other Zoho apps, such as Zoho Books and Zoho Inventory, as well as third-party shipping and logistics providers. This allows businesses to streamline their inventory management and shipping processes, improving efficiency and reducing errors.
Analytics and Reporting

Zoho CRM integrates with Zoho Analytics to provide businesses with advanced reporting and business analytics capabilities. Zoho Analytics is a business intelligence and analytics software that allows businesses to create reports, dashboards, and visualizations based on their CRM data.
With Zoho Analytics, businesses can create custom reports and dashboards based on their specific needs, using data from Zoho CRM and other sources. Zoho Analytics provides a range of visualization options, including charts, graphs, and pivot tables, allowing businesses to gain insights into their customer data and identify trends and patterns.
Zoho Analytics also includes features such as data blending, data cleansing, and predictive analytics, allowing businesses to analyze their CRM data more deeply and accurately. This can help businesses make better decisions based on their data and improve their overall performance.
One of the key benefits of using Zoho Analytics with Zoho CRM is that businesses can create custom reports and dashboards that are tailored to their specific business needs. This can help businesses gain a better understanding of their customer data and make more informed decisions.
Team Collaboration

Effective collaboration among team members is vital for a successful sales process. Zoho CRM’s team collaboration features, such as internal chat, shared calendar, and task management, help teams communicate more efficiently, coordinate their efforts, and stay aligned with common goals. As a result, businesses can experience faster deal closures and higher customer satisfaction levels.
Zoho Mobile App

The Zoho CRM mobile apps ensures that your sales team can access essential customer relationship management features and customer data even when they are on the go. Real-time notifications and updates keep your team informed about any changes or new developments, helping them respond quickly and maintain momentum in the sales process.
Zoho CRM User interface

Zoho CRM is a powerful tool for managing customer relationships, and one of its standout features is its user interface. The interface is designed to be intuitive and easy to navigate, even for those who are new to the platform.
Intuitive Design
Zoho CRM’s user interface is designed with simplicity and ease of use in mind. The clean, modern layout ensures that users can quickly locate essential features and tools without feeling overwhelmed. The platform employs familiar elements, such as a top navigation bar, collapsible side menus, and customizable dashboards, making it easy for users to adapt to the system, regardless of their prior experience with CRM software.
Easy Navigation
Navigating through Zoho CRM is very easy, thanks to its well-organized structure and clear labeling of features. The top navigation bar provides quick access to the main modules, such as Leads, Contacts, Accounts, Deals, and Activities, while the side menu offers shortcuts to frequently used tools like Calendar, Tasks, and Reports. Users can also use the search bar to locate specific records or data instantly.
Customizable Dashboards
Zoho CRM offers customizable dashboards, allowing users to create a personalized workspace that displays the most relevant information at a glance. Users can add, remove, or rearrange widgets according to their preferences, ensuring that critical data and insights are always within reach. This level of customization not only enhances productivity but also helps users stay focused on their priorities.
Contextual Information
One of the strengths of Zoho CRM’s user interface is its ability to display contextual information based on the user’s current activity. For example, when viewing a contact’s profile, users can see a summary of the contact’s details, recent interactions, and associated deals. This contextual information helps users make informed decisions and take appropriate actions without having to switch between multiple screens or modules.
Responsive Design and Mobile App
Zoho CRM’s responsive design ensures that users can access the platform from any device, including desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. This adaptability is crucial for sales teams that need to work on the go or access CRM data during client meetings. Additionally, the Zoho CRM mobile app, available for iOS and Android devices, offers a streamlined experience with features tailored for mobile use, such as location-based check-ins and mobile-specific reports.
Overall, Zoho CRM’s user interface is designed to provide a seamless, intuitive experience that simplifies navigation and enhances productivity. Its modern layout, easy navigation, customizable dashboards, contextual information display, and responsive design all contribute to a user-friendly environment that empowers businesses to manage their customer relationships and sales processes efficiently.
Zoho CRM Setup & Getting Started
A smooth setup process is crucial for businesses to quickly get up and running with their CRM system. In this section, we will describe the setup process for Zoho CRM and discuss how its user-friendly design and comprehensive resources enable businesses to start using the platform with minimal delays.
Step 1: Sign Up and Initial Configuration – To begin with, businesses need to sign up for a Zoho CRM account by visiting the Zoho CRM website and selecting a suitable pricing plan. The platform offers a 15-day free trial for new users, allowing them to explore the features and functionalities before committing to a subscription. Once the sign-up process is complete, users are directed to their Zoho CRM dashboard.
Step 2: Guided Setup Process – Zoho CRM provides a guided setup process that helps new users configure their CRM environment quickly and efficiently. This step-by-step process covers essential settings, such as company details, user management, and email configuration. Users can also choose to import existing data, such as contacts and leads, from various sources like spreadsheets, other CRM systems, or third-party applications.
Step 3: Customization and Personalization – One of the key strengths of Zoho CRM is its high degree of customization. During the setup process, users can configure custom fields, define sales stages, and create custom modules to match their unique business requirements. Additionally, Zoho CRM offers various layout and theme options, enabling users to personalize their workspace for a more comfortable and engaging experience.
Step 4: Integrations and Add-Ons – Zoho CRM offers seamless integration with other Zoho applications, as well as a wide range of third-party tools and platforms. During the setup process, users can connect their CRM environment with essential business tools, such as email clients, marketing automation systems, and project management tools. This ensures a streamlined workflow and enhanced collaboration across various business functions.
Step 5: Training and Support – To help businesses get up and running with Zoho CRM quickly, the platform offers comprehensive training and support resources. Users have access to an extensive knowledge base, which includes articles, how-to guides, and video tutorials. Additionally, Zoho CRM provides webinars and live training sessions to help users familiarize themselves with the platform’s features and functionalities. In case of any issues or queries, users can reach out to Zoho CRM’s support team via email, phone, or live chat.
In general, Zoho CRM’s user-friendly design, guided setup process, customization options, and extensive support resources enable businesses to quickly get up and running with the CRM platform. By streamlining the initial configuration and providing ample resources for learning and troubleshooting, Zoho CRM ensures that businesses can start leveraging its powerful features and functionalities with minimal delays and disruptions.
Zoho CRM Customization

Zoho CRM is a powerful tool that can help businesses manage their customer relationships more efficiently. One of the biggest advantages of using Zoho CRM is its flexibility and ability to be customized to meet the specific needs of a business. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how Zoho CRM can be customized to fit the specific needs of a business.
Custom Fields
Zoho CRM allows businesses to create custom fields that are specific to their needs. Custom fields can be created for a variety of purposes, such as tracking additional customer data, managing product information, or storing data related to specific marketing campaigns. Custom fields can be added to different modules in Zoho CRM, such as leads, contacts, and deals, making it easier to track information that is important to the business.
Custom Modules
In addition to custom fields, businesses can also create custom modules in Zoho CRM. Custom modules can be used to manage different aspects of the business that are not covered by the standard modules in Zoho CRM. For example, a business might create a custom module to manage customer service tickets or to track inventory levels. Custom modules can be designed to match the specific needs of the business, making it easier to manage different aspects of the business in one place.
Custom Workflows
Zoho CRM also allows businesses to create custom workflows that automate certain processes within the CRM. Workflows can be designed to trigger specific actions when certain conditions are met. For example, a workflow might be created to automatically send an email to a customer when a deal is closed, or to assign a task to a sales rep when a lead reaches a certain stage in the sales process. Custom workflows can help businesses save time and improve efficiency by automating repetitive tasks.
Custom Views
Zoho CRM allows businesses to create custom views that show only the information that is relevant to them. Custom views can be created for different modules and can be filtered based on different criteria. For example, a business might create a custom view that shows all leads that have been assigned to a specific sales rep, or a view that shows all deals that are in the negotiation stage. Custom views can help businesses stay organized and focus on the information that is most important to them.
Custom Reports
Finally, Zoho CRM also allows businesses to create custom reports that provide insights into their sales and marketing activities. Custom reports can be created for different modules and can be filtered based on different criteria. For example, a business might create a custom report that shows the number of leads generated by each marketing campaign, or a report that shows the sales performance of each sales rep. Custom reports can help businesses make data-driven decisions and identify areas for improvement.
Overall, Zoho CRM is a powerful tool that can be customized to fit the specific needs of a business. By leveraging the customization features of Zoho CRM, businesses can streamline their sales and marketing processes, automate repetitive tasks, and gain valuable insights into their customer relationships. Whether you’re a small business owner or a large enterprise, Zoho CRM has the flexibility and scalability to meet your needs.
Zoho CRM Integrations

Zoho CRM is a powerful tool that can help businesses manage their customer relationships more efficiently. One of the biggest advantages of using Zoho CRM is its ability to integrate with other tools and software, making it easier to streamline business processes and improve productivity.
Email Integration: Zoho CRM integrates with different email providers, such as Gmail, Outlook, and Yahoo, allowing businesses to track emails sent and received by their team members. With email integration, businesses can also send emails directly from Zoho CRM and track email opens and clicks. This integration can help businesses save time and improve communication with their customers.
Marketing Automation Integration: Zoho CRM integrates with Zoho Campaigns, which includes marketing automation features that allow businesses to create and send email campaigns, track email opens and clicks, and analyze campaign performance. With this integration, businesses can synchronize their customer data between Zoho CRM and Zoho Campaigns, ensuring that their marketing campaigns are targeted and effective.
Social Media Integration: Zoho CRM integrates with different social media platforms, such as Facebook and Twitter, allowing businesses to track their social media interactions and engage with their customers on social media. With this integration, businesses can monitor their brand reputation, respond to customer queries, and identify potential sales opportunities.
Project Management Integration: Zoho CRM integrates with Zoho Projects, a project management tool that allows businesses to plan, execute, and monitor their projects. With this integration, businesses can create projects and tasks directly from Zoho CRM, assign tasks to team members, and track project progress. This integration can help businesses stay organized and ensure that their projects are completed on time.
Accounting Integration: Zoho CRM integrates with different accounting software, such as QuickBooks and Xero, allowing businesses to synchronize their customer data and invoices between Zoho CRM and their accounting software. With this integration, businesses can streamline their accounting processes and ensure that their financial data is up-to-date and accurate.
Overall, Zoho CRM offers a variety of integrations that can help businesses streamline their processes and improve productivity. Whether it’s email integration, marketing automation integration, social media integration, project management integration, or accounting integration, Zoho CRM has the flexibility to meet the needs of different businesses. By leveraging these integrations, businesses can save time, improve communication, and gain valuable insights into their customer relationships.
Zoho CRM Pricing Plans

Zoho CRM is a powerful tool that can help businesses manage their customer relationships more efficiently. One of the key advantages of using Zoho CRM is its affordability, with pricing plans that can fit the needs and budgets of different businesses. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Zoho CRM’s pricing plans and what features are included at each level.
Free Plan: Zoho CRM offers a free version that includes basic CRM features, such as lead and contact management, basic workflow automation, and email integration. The free plan is designed for small businesses with limited needs and can accommodate up to 3 users.
Standard Plan: Zoho CRM’s Standard plan is priced at $14/user/month when billed annually and includes additional features such as sales forecasting, social media integration, and custom fields. This plan is designed for small to medium-sized businesses that need more advanced CRM functionality and can accommodate up to 10 users.
Professional Plan: Zoho CRM’s Professional plan is priced at $23/user/month when billed annually and includes features such as sales signals, email analytics, and advanced CRM customization. This plan is designed for businesses that need advanced CRM features and can accommodate up to 100 users.
Zoho Enterprise: Zoho Enterprise plan is priced at $40/user/month when billed annually and includes features such as advanced reporting and analytics, role-based security, and multiple currencies. This plan is designed for larger businesses with complex needs and can accommodate an unlimited number of users.
Ultimate Plan: Zoho CRM’s Ultimate plan is priced at $52/user/month when billed annually and includes features such as advanced analytics, custom modules, and dedicated support. This plan is designed for enterprise-level businesses with complex needs and can accommodate an unlimited number of users.
In addition to these pricing plans, Zoho CRM also offers add-ons for specific needs, such as marketing automation, project management, and sales enablement. These add-ons can be purchased separately and integrated with Zoho CRM to provide additional functionality.
Overall, Zoho CRM offers a variety of pricing plans that can fit the needs and budgets of different businesses. From the free plan to the ultimate plan, Zoho CRM provides a range of features and functionality to help businesses manage their customer relationships more efficiently. By selecting the right plan and add-ons for their needs, businesses can improve their productivity, increase their revenue, and enhance their customer relationships.
Zoho CRM Customer Support
Zoho CRM is a powerful tool that can help businesses manage their customer relationships more efficiently. While Zoho CRM is designed to be easy to use, businesses may encounter issues or have questions that require assistance. That’s why Zoho CRM offers a range of customer support options to help businesses get the help they need quickly and easily. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Zoho CRM’s customer support options.
Phone Support: Zoho CRM provides phone support to its customers. Customers can call Zoho CRM’s support team during business hours to get assistance with any issues they may be experiencing. Phone support is the most direct way to get assistance, as customers can speak with a live representative and get help in real time.
Email Support: Zoho CRM also provides email support to its customers. Customers can send an email to Zoho CRM’s support team and receive a response within a few hours. Email support is a convenient option for customers who may not be able to call during business hours or who prefer to have a written record of their support interactions.
Live Chat Support: Zoho CRM also provides live chat support to its customers. Customers can access live chat support from the Zoho CRM website and speak with a support representative in real time. Live chat support is a convenient option for customers who may not want to wait on hold on the phone or who prefer to communicate via text.
Knowledge Base: Zoho CRM also provides a comprehensive knowledge base that includes articles, tutorials, and user guides. Customers can search the knowledge base to find answers to their questions or to learn more about specific features and functionality in Zoho CRM. The knowledge base is available 24/7 and is a great resource for self-help.
Community Forum: Zoho CRM also provides a community forum where customers can ask questions, share ideas, and connect with other Zoho CRM users. The community forum is a great resource for customers who want to learn from other users or get advice on how to use Zoho CRM more effectively.
Overall, Zoho CRM offers a range of customer support options to help businesses get the help they need quickly and easily. Whether it’s phone support, email support, live chat support, the knowledge base, or the community forum, Zoho CRM has a variety of resources available to help customers get the most out of their CRM experience. By leveraging these customer support options, businesses can stay productive, minimize downtime, and enhance their customer relationships.
Zoho CRM Pros and Cons
What I Like
Intuitive Interface: Zoho CRM has a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate, making it easy for businesses to get started with the tool. The interface is designed to be intuitive and easy to use, with drag-and-drop functionality and customizable dashboards that allow businesses to see the information that is most important to them at a glance.
Customizable Features: Zoho CRM is highly customizable, allowing businesses to tailor the tool to their specific needs. With features like custom fields, custom modules, custom workflows, and custom reports, businesses can create a CRM that is tailored to their unique business processes and workflows.
Affordability: Zoho CRM is an affordable CRM system that offers pricing plans that can fit the needs and budgets of different businesses. From the free plan to the ultimate plan, Zoho CRM provides a range of features and functionality to help businesses manage their customer relationships more efficiently.
Integration with Other Tools: Zoho CRM integrates with a variety of other tools and software, such as email providers, marketing automation tools, project management tools, and accounting software. This integration makes it easy for businesses to streamline their processes and improve productivity.
Automation and Efficiency: Zoho CRM offers automation and efficiency features that can help businesses save time and improve productivity. With features like workflow automation, lead and deal scoring, and sales forecasting, businesses can automate repetitive tasks and focus on more important activities, such as closing deals and building relationships with their customers.
Zoho CRM offers a variety of advantages that can help businesses manage their customer relationships more efficiently. From its intuitive interface to its customizable features, affordability, integration with other tools, and automation and efficiency features, Zoho CRM provides businesses with the tools they need to stay productive, improve their customer relationships, and grow their business.
What I Don’t Like
Limited Integrations: While Zoho CRM does integrate with a variety of other tools and software, the number of integrations available is more limited compared to some other CRM software. This could be a drawback for businesses that rely heavily on specific software or tools that do not integrate with Zoho CRM.
Steep Learning Curve: While the user interface of Zoho CRM is designed to be intuitive, there can still be a learning curve for businesses that are new to the software. This could be a drawback for businesses that are short on time or resources to devote to training their team on the software.
Limited Customization in Free Plan: While the free plan of Zoho CRM does offer basic CRM functionality, it does have limited customization options compared to the paid plans. This could be a drawback for businesses that need more advanced customization options but are on a tight budget.
Limited Storage Space: The amount of storage space available in Zoho CRM is limited, especially in the free plan. This could be a drawback for businesses that have a large amount of customer data or need to store a lot of files and documents within the CRM.
Advanced Features at Higher Price Points: Some of the more advanced features of Zoho CRM are only available in the higher-priced plans. This could be a drawback for businesses that need these features but cannot afford to upgrade to a higher-priced plan.
Overall, while Zoho CRM has many advantages, there are also some potential drawbacks to using the software. These drawbacks include limited integrations, a steep learning curve, limited customization in the free plan, limited storage space, and advanced features at higher price points. However, with careful consideration of these drawbacks and a focus on the benefits of the software, businesses can determine if Zoho CRM is the right fit for their needs.
Which businesses are best suited for Zoho CRM?
Small to Medium-Sized Businesses: Zoho CRM is a great fit for small to medium-sized businesses that need a cost-effective CRM system. With pricing plans that can fit different budgets and needs, Zoho CRM can provide these businesses with the tools they need to manage their customer relationships more efficiently.
Sales-Driven Businesses: Zoho CRM is a great fit for businesses that have a sales-driven approach. With features like lead and deal scoring, sales forecasting, and sales automation, Zoho CRM can help these businesses streamline their sales processes and focus on closing deals.
Service-Based Businesses: Zoho CRM is also a great fit for service-based businesses, such as consulting firms or agencies. With features like customer service ticket management, contract management, and project management integration, Zoho CRM can help these businesses manage their customer relationships more efficiently and provide better customer service.
E-commerce Businesses: Zoho CRM is a great fit for e-commerce businesses that need to manage customer data and track customer behavior. With features like website visitor tracking and social media integration, Zoho CRM can help these businesses better understand their customers and improve their marketing efforts.
Businesses with Remote Teams: Zoho CRM is a great fit for businesses with remote teams that need to access customer data from different locations. With cloud-based storage and mobile accessibility, Zoho CRM can provide these businesses with a centralized CRM platform for managing customer relationships from anywhere.
Overall, Zoho CRM is a versatile tool that can be beneficial for a variety of businesses. Small to medium-sized businesses, sales-driven businesses, service-based businesses, e-commerce businesses, and businesses with remote teams are all well-suited for Zoho CRM. By leveraging the features and functionality of Zoho CRM, businesses can improve their productivity, increase their revenue, and enhance their customer relationships.
Final Recommendation
After taking a closer look at the features, advantages, and potential drawbacks of this Zoho review, it’s clear that the software is a powerful tool that can help businesses manage their customer relationships more efficiently. With a range of pricing plans, customizable features, and integration options, Zoho CRM can meet the needs of different businesses.
For businesses considering using Zoho CRM as their CRM system, our final recommendation is to take advantage of the free trial or free plan before making a commitment. This will allow businesses to test out the software and determine if it’s the right fit for their needs.
Once businesses have decided to use Zoho CRM, we recommend taking the time to fully customize the software to fit their unique business processes and workflows. This will help businesses get the most out of the software and ensure that it’s tailored to their specific needs.
Additionally, we recommend taking advantage of the customer support options available through Zoho CRM, such as phone, email, and live chat support. These support options can help businesses quickly resolve any issues or questions they may have, ensuring that they can stay productive and efficient.
In conclusion, Zoho CRM is a powerful CRM software that can help businesses manage their customer relationships more efficiently. By taking advantage of the free trial or free plan, fully customizing the software, and leveraging customer support options, businesses can get the most out of Zoho CRM and improve their customer relationships.
Get started with Zoho CRM.
What are the Zoho CRM Alternatives?
Salesforce: Salesforce is a cloud-based CRM software that is popular among large enterprises. Salesforce offers a wide range of features and customization options, but its pricing plans are generally more expensive than Zoho CRM.
HubSpot: HubSpot is a popular CRM software that is designed for small to medium-sized businesses. HubSpot offers a free plan as well as paid plans that include marketing automation, sales automation, and customer service tools.
Freshsales: Freshsales is a CRM software that is designed for small to medium-sized businesses. Freshsales offers features such as lead scoring, deal management, and contact management, and its pricing plans are similar to those of Zoho CRM.
Pipedrive: Pipedrive is a CRM software that is designed for small to medium-sized businesses. Pipedrive offers features such as pipeline management, contact management, and sales forecasting, and its pricing plans are similar to those of Zoho CRM.
Copper: Copper is a CRM software that is designed for small to medium-sized businesses. Copper offers features such as contact management, pipeline management, and lead scoring, and its pricing plans are similar to those of Zoho CRM.




