Sales and managing the sales pipeline are critical for any startup at any phase of their growth, with founders deeply involved. Startups often struggle with managing sales teams due to unclear processes and limited resources.

Are you often left in the dark regarding your sales team's performance, yearning for clarity on their successes and shortcomings?

Ever wished for X-ray vision to penetrate the layers of your sales processes, uncovering hidden improvement opportunities?

Do you feel overwhelmed by a flood of sales data, struggling to decipher the numbers and extract actionable insights?

Do you question whether your sales reps are truly making cold calls or just watching cat videos?

Sound familiar? Many early stage startup founders are searching for solutions to these challenges. Startups commonly resort to tools like Excel or Google Sheets for managing sales processes. However, as complexity grows, these spreadsheet-based solutions can become unwieldy leading to issues.

• Limited Scalability: Excel and Google Sheets have limitations in handling large datasets and complex calculations.

• Fragmented Data across Teams: With multiple team members using different versions of spreadsheets or creating their own customized sheets, data fragmentation becomes a significant issue.

• Lack of Collaboration Features: Collaboration features are limited compared to dedicated sales management platforms.

• Version Control Problems: Managing different versions of spreadsheets can lead to version control issues.

• Limited Automation: Macros fail miserably in excels. Offer basic automation capabilities through formulas and scripts.

• Inadequate Reporting and Analysis: There are limitations in visualization tools and data analysis capabilities.

• Data Security Concerns: Data is not safe on excel.

To overcome these hurdles, startups need to shift towards dedicated sales tracking software or applications. These tools act as lifeguards, rescuing teams and founders from the depths of data overload and guiding them to shore with actionable insights.

In this article, we aim to help you [the startups] determine the best sales tracking and management solution for your business, with a CRM standing out as the ideal choice. We'll explore what a sales team tracking app is, why you should choose a CRM for tracking your sales team and their performance, and the best options available in the market.

1. What is Sales Tracking Application?
2. Key Features of Sales Tracking Application or CRM
3. 5 Best Sales Team Tracking Apps for Startups

What is Sales Tracking Application?

For Startups, every sales interaction counts.

Whether it's nurturing leads, closing deals, or managing customer relationships, maximizing sales efficiency is crucial for driving revenue and achieving sustainable growth.

Sales team tracking apps are software tools such as CRM, Lead Mangement Platform, Sales Automation software designed to help companies monitor and manage their sales teams' activities, performance, and progress in real-time. These apps typically offer features such as lead tracking, pipeline management, activity tracking, performance analytics, and communication tools, providing founders and sales leaders with valuable insights into their sales operations and enabling them to identify areas for improvement and optimization.

Sales team tracking apps work by integrating with existing CRM (Customer Relationship Management) systems or operating as standalone solutions.

Key Features of Sales Tracking Application or CRM

Some key features of a sales tracking application like a CRM include:

• Lead Management: Capture and organize leads efficiently.

• Pipeline Visualization: Visualize sales pipeline stages for better tracking.

• Activity Tracking: Monitor sales team activities, including calls and emails.

• Reporting and Analytics: Generate customizable reports and dashboards.

• Integration: Seamlessly integrate with other business tools.

• Mobile Access: Access the system from mobile devices.

• Notifications: Receive real-time alerts for important events.

• Contact Management: Maintain a centralized database of customer information.

• Forecasting: Predict future sales performance based on data.

• Customization: Tailor the app to specific sales processes.

• Security: Ensure data security and compliance.

These features not only assist founders and sales leaders in tracking more effectively but also enhance bottom-line performance. Now, let's explore various scenarios where CRM proves advantageous and its associated benefits.

1. CRM software can help startups prioritize high-quality leads for faster conversions.

Impact: Lead conversion rate increases, response time improves.

What if: Team can adjust lead qualification criteria, refine marketing strategies.

2. Using real-time alerts and notifications, founders can act swiftly on critical sales activities.

Impact: Increased Response time, Increased deal velocity.

What if: Team can Prioritize tasks, streamline processes.

3. Startups can streamline their pipeline better. Get more visibility into deals and proactively address stalled deals.

Impact: Pipeline velocity increases , cycle length reduces.

What if: Optimize sales processes, provide training.

4. CRM can help founders optimize their sales team performance which includes identifying top performers and areas for improvement for others.

Impact: Individual and team productivity improves, quota attainments.

What if: Leaders can provide targeted coaching and training, set clear goal & expectations.

Do you believe excel-based solutions can achieve all of this? Can you envision any alternative solution, aside from CRM, capable of delivering such clarity and enhancing your sales performance?

This is precisely why every enterprise invests in CRM and reaps substantial benefits from it. Should it be any different for early-stage and growing startups? Investing in a CRM with a lead tracking feature can became a game changer for startups. The visual sales pipeline can help prioritize sales efforts, and behavioral insights can enable hyper-personalized pitches, enhancing conversions. In all, lead tracking CRM software can empower startups to optimize their marketing and sales strategies with valuable insights into lead quality, interests, and responsiveness.

However, are there any concerns to consider? What about pricing, customization, and onboarding? These are challenging questions that a startup founder must address before committing. Numerous CRMs require substantial customization and upfront investments from businesses, raising the crucial question of affordability for startups.

In our following section, we'll explore the essentials of selecting the ideal CRM for your startup, as well as highlight the top CRMs in the market for monitoring your sales team's effectiveness.

5 Best Sales Team Tracking Apps for Startups

During our research, we curated a selection of tracking apps distinguished by customizable reporting features, visual appeal, affordability, and user-friendliness. Each app has been evaluated based on these criteria, ensuring comprehensive coverage. Furthermore, all CRMs listed offer the essential functionalities expected from such software.

We encourage you to carefully review the options provided and determine which sales team tracking app best aligns with the needs of your startup.

Sr No	Best CRM sofware	Pricing Starts at	Free Trial
1	LeadPixie	Flat pricing unlimited users	Yes
2	Zoho	$15 per user per month	Yes
3	FreshSales	$29 per user per month	Yes
4	Hubspot	$ 45 per user per month	Yes
5	PipeDrive	$ 10 per user per month	Yes

LeadPixie is a one-stop sales and marketing automation CRM and the easiest sales tracking system to enhance your startup’s sales opportunity and boost productivity.

Startups can use LeadPixie to streamline their operations with a unified solution for marketing, sales, and analytics. Completely tailor made for early stage and growing startups backed by affordable pricing and 100% customization capabilities helping minimize lead leakages, boost productivity and increase revenues.

Here are the top features of LeadPixie that make it a robust sales and marketing CRM software for startups.

• Lead generation and capturing with built-in tools: You will get powerful lead generation tools such as web forms and third party integrations to capture leads directly from your website, campaigns and lead generation platforms into your CRM.

• Lead management: You can easily manage and organize your leads, ensuring easy access to crucial details for further targeting. LeadPixie comes with dynamic, smart and automated lead scoring to prioritize hot leads for your sales team.

• Lead assignment and distribution: Qualified leads are assigned automatically to available sales executives for sales conversations.

• Custom Views and Dashboards: LeadPixie provides custom views for easy lead grouping, distribution, prioritization, and tracking empower startups to achieve precision in every interaction. Dashboards are designed to give founders and sales leaders overall view of the sales pipeline, team performance and conversions.

• Sales pipeline management: Create pipelines and have a bird’s-eye view of your sales process. Track each lead stage within your sales process with the sales pipeline management system.

• Marketing Automation: LeadPixie helps you run marketing campaigns across email, SMS and Whatsapp channels and drive intent for prospective leads. LeadPixie can help convert marketing leads into prospects seamlessly.

• Reporting and Analytics: LeadPixie provides detailed reports on sales performance, lead conversion rates, and team activities, enabling strategic decision-making for founders.

• Mobile CRM: LeadPixie also provides mobile app for inside sales teams for easy calling, tracking and followup and for field sales teams to access critical information on-the-go and update and add leads.

LeadPixie’s mission is to democratize access to for SMEs and SMBs across India and around the world at affordable pricing. We provide a 14 day FREE trial followed by starting package at Rs 4999 per month with unlimited users.

• All-in-one sales & marketing solution: LeadPixie providees comprehensive platform integrating sales and marketing functionalities for streamlined operations.

• Most Affordable CRM: Offering cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality or features.

• Most Customizable CRM: Tailored to meet unique business needs, providing flexibility and adaptability.

• Mobile CRM: Ensuring accessibility and convenience with mobile-friendly interfaces and functionalities.

• In-depth analytics and insights: Providing detailed analysis and valuable insights to inform strategic decision-making and optimize performance.

• Live tracking of field sales team is not available currently but the team is working on it.

• Inbuilt dialer and IVR calling facility is not available right now although we do provide integrations with third party IVR service providers for customized solutions.

LeadPixie CRM is build for startups that can help propel their growth story at any phase of their journey backed by affordability, customizability and one stop solutions to meet their sales needs. You don't have to break into the bank to afford this CRM software.

Bigin by Zoho is a robust CRM solution tailored specifically for small businesses and startups. With its user-friendly interface and intuitive features, Bigin simplifies lead and pipeline management, empowering teams to efficiently track and nurture customer relationships.

Bigin boasts a range of powerful features designed to streamline CRM for small businesses and startups:

• Customizable Pipelines: Tailor pipelines to match your unique sales processes and easily track leads through each stage.

• Automation: Automate repetitive tasks such as lead assignment, follow-ups, and notifications to save time and increase efficiency.

• Contact Management: Centralize customer data and interactions, including emails and calls, for a complete view of each contact.

• Email Integration: Seamlessly integrate with email providers to track communication history and engage leads directly from the CRM.

• Task Management: Stay organized with task lists, reminders, and deadlines to ensure no lead falls through the cracks.

• Real-time Insights: Gain actionable insights into sales performance, pipeline health, and team productivity with customizable reports and dashboards.

• Mobile App: Access and manage your CRM on the go with the Bigin mobile app, available for both iOS and Android devices.

• Free Plan: Ideal for startups and small teams getting started with CRM, offering basic features such as contact management, customizable pipelines, and task management for up to 3 users.

• Standard Plan: Priced at $7 per user per month, this plan includes advanced features like email integration, automation, and real-time insights, suitable for growing businesses with more extensive CRM requirements.

• Professional Plan: At $15 per user per month, the Professional Plan offers additional capabilities such as advanced analytics, customization options, and enhanced support, making it suitable for larger teams and businesses with complex sales processes.

• User-Friendly and Visually Appealing Interface.

• Custom Integrations Available: Access to a marketplace for purchasing, creating, and selling integrations.

• Ability to Make Calls Even with the Free Edition.

• Lack of Distinct Pages for Leads and Contacts, leading to difficulty in differentiation.

• Limited Customization Options, even in paid plans.

• Absence of Customer Support in the Free Plan.

Freshworks Sales CRM is a robust solution designed to streamline sales processes, optimize customer interactions, and drive revenue growth for businesses of all sizes. With its comprehensive set of features and intuitive interface, Freshworks Sales CRM empowers sales teams to manage leads, track deals, and nurture customer relationships more effectively than ever before.

• 360-Degree Customer View: Gain deep insights into your customers with a complete view of their interactions, preferences, and history, enabling personalized engagement and targeted selling strategies.

• Lead Management: Capture, qualify, and prioritize leads with ease, ensuring no opportunity is missed. With customizable lead scoring and routing, sales teams can focus their efforts on high-potential prospects.

• Pipeline Management: Visualize and manage your sales pipeline effortlessly, tracking deals through every stage of the sales process. Automated workflows and reminders keep deals moving forward, increasing efficiency and productivity.

• Email Tracking and Automation: Track email interactions in real-time, allowing sales reps to gauge engagement and follow up at the right time. Automated email sequences and templates streamline communication, saving time and improving response rates.

• AI-Powered Insights: Leverage artificial intelligence to uncover actionable insights, such as deal health, engagement predictions, and next best actions, enabling data-driven decision-making and proactive sales strategies.

Freshworks Sales CRM offers transparent and flexible pricing plans to suit the needs and budget of any business:

• Growth Plan: Starting at $29 per user per month, the Growth Plan includes essential features for small businesses looking to scale their sales operations.

• Pro Plan: Priced at $69 per user per month, the Pro Plan offers advanced capabilities for growing teams, including AI-powered insights and automation.

• Enterprise Plan: Contact Freshworks for custom pricing tailored to enterprise-level requirements, with additional customization options and dedicated support.

• User-Friendly Interface: Freshworks Sales CRM features an intuitive interface that is easy to navigate, minimizing the learning curve for new users.

• Comprehensive Features: From lead management to pipeline tracking and AI-powered insights, Freshworks Sales CRM offers a wide range of features to support sales teams at every stage of the customer journey.

• Integration Options: Freshworks Sales CRM integrates seamlessly with popular third-party tools and platforms, allowing for a more connected and streamlined sales ecosystem.

• Pricing: While Freshworks Sales CRM offers competitive pricing plans, some businesses may find the cost prohibitive compared to other CRM solutions on the market.

• Customization Limitations: While the platform offers customization options, some users may find that certain features are not as flexible or customizable as they would like.

• Support Options: While Freshworks provides customer support, some users may experience delays in response times or limited availability of support resources.

HubSpot Sales CRM is a powerful tool designed to revolutionize the way businesses manage their sales processes and drive growth. With its user-friendly interface, robust features, and seamless integrations, HubSpot Sales CRM empowers sales teams to attract, engage, and delight customers like never before.

• Contact Management: Centralize all your customer data in one place, including contact information, interactions, and engagement history, to provide a complete view of each prospect or customer.

• Pipeline Management: Visualize your sales pipeline and track deals at every stage, from initial contact to close. Customizable pipelines and deal stages ensure that sales processes align with your unique business needs.

• Email Tracking and Automation: Gain insights into email engagement with real-time notifications and tracking. Create personalized email sequences and automate follow-ups to nurture leads and drive conversions.

• Document Management: Store and share sales collateral, proposals, and contracts directly within the CRM. Track document views and engagement to understand prospect interest and progress.

• Reporting and Analytics: Access detailed reports and analytics to measure sales performance, track key metrics, and identify areas for improvement. Customize dashboards to focus on the metrics that matter most to your business.

HubSpot Sales CRM offers transparent and flexible pricing plans to accommodate businesses of all sizes:

• Free Plan: Ideal for small businesses and startups, the Free Plan includes core CRM features such as contact management, email tracking, and pipeline management.

• Starter Plan: Starting at $45 per month, the Starter Plan offers additional features such as email sequences, meeting scheduling, and reporting tools, making it suitable for growing teams.

• Professional Plan: Priced at $450 per month, the Professional Plan includes advanced features like predictive lead scoring, sales automation, and custom reporting, designed for larger teams with more complex sales processes.

• Enterprise Plan: Contact HubSpot for custom pricing tailored to enterprise-level requirements, with additional customization options, dedicated support, and advanced integrations.

• All-in-One Platform: HubSpot Sales CRM seamlessly integrates with other HubSpot products, including Marketing Hub and Service Hub, to provide a complete inbound sales and marketing solution.

• Ease of Use: With its intuitive interface and user-friendly design, HubSpot Sales CRM requires minimal training and allows sales teams to get up and running quickly.

• Extensive Integrations: HubSpot Sales CRM integrates with over 500 apps and tools, allowing businesses to connect their favorite tools and streamline their sales processes.

• Pricing: While HubSpot Sales CRM offers a free plan and competitive pricing for small businesses, some users may find the cost of higher-tier plans prohibitive compared to other CRM solutions.

• Customization Limitations: While the platform offers customization options, some users may find that certain features are not as flexible or customizable as they would like.

• Learning Curve: Despite its user-friendly interface, HubSpot Sales CRM may still have a learning curve for users who are new to CRM software or unfamiliar with inbound sales methodologies.

Pipedrive Sales CRM is a game-changing tool designed to empower sales teams and drive results. With its intuitive interface, robust features, and customizable workflows, Pipedrive Sales CRM equips businesses of all sizes with the tools they need to streamline their sales processes and close more deals.

• Pipeline Management: Visualize your sales pipeline and track deals through each stage of the sales process. Drag-and-drop functionality makes it easy to move deals forward, while customizable pipelines allow you to tailor your sales process to your specific needs.

• Contact Management: Keep all your customer data organized and easily accessible in one place. From contact information to communication history, Pipedrive Sales CRM provides a complete view of each prospect or customer.

• Activity Tracking: Stay on top of your sales activities with built-in reminders and notifications. Track calls, emails, meetings, and tasks directly within the CRM to ensure nothing falls through the cracks.

• Automation: Automate repetitive tasks and workflows to save time and increase efficiency. Set up automated email sequences, follow-up reminders, and deal updates to streamline your sales processes and focus on closing deals.

• Reporting and Analytics: Access detailed reports and analytics to gain insights into your sales performance. Measure key metrics, track progress against goals, and identify areas for improvement to drive continuous growth.

Pipedrive Sales CRM offers transparent and flexible pricing plans to suit the needs and budget of any business:

• Essential Plan: Starting at $15 per user per month, the Essential Plan includes core CRM features such as pipeline management, contact management, and activity tracking, making it ideal for small teams and startups.

• Advanced Plan: Priced at $29 per user per month, the Advanced Plan offers additional features such as automation, reporting, and integrations, designed for growing teams with more complex sales processes.

• Professional Plan: Starting at $59 per user per month, the Professional Plan includes advanced capabilities such as workflow automation, advanced reporting, and customization options, making it suitable for larger teams and enterprises.

• Intuitive Interface: Pipedrive Sales CRM features a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate, minimizing the learning curve for new users.

• Customizable Workflows: With customizable pipelines, automation, and reporting, Pipedrive Sales CRM allows businesses to tailor their sales processes to their specific needs.

• Extensive Integrations: Pipedrive Sales CRM integrates with over 150 apps and tools, allowing businesses to connect their favorite tools and streamline their sales processes.

• Limited Free Plan: Unlike some other CRM solutions, Pipedrive Sales CRM does not offer a free plan, which may be a drawback for businesses on a tight budget.

• Pricing: While Pipedrive Sales CRM offers competitive pricing plans, some users may find the cost of higher-tier plans prohibitive compared to other CRM solutions.

• Support Options: While Pipedrive offers customer support, some users may experience delays in response times or limited availability of support resources.

Whew! It's quite overwhelming given the multitude of CRM options out there. However, as a startup, not all of these apps will necessarily align with your requirements and budget. It's crucial to weigh factors like sales tracking capabilities, team performance metrics, pricing, ease of use, and suitability to your startup's specific needs. Narrow down your choices based on these criteria. Additionally, consider trying out a few applications during their trial periods to gauge their suitability for your workflow.

Make sure that any CRM you choose is well suited for your business needs and adequate training and coaching is provided to your entire team regarding the app.

But for startups, we highly recommend exploring LeadPixie. With its extensive customization options, all in one product suite, unbeatable pricing [best in the market and most affordable], and mobile app covers all essential CRM functionalities and offers sales team tracking features tailored for small businesses and startup founders.

Don’t wait anymore! Schedule a personalized demo with LeadPixie today and witness firsthand how our platform can transform one of your most important objectives namely Increase operational efficiency and Improve sales and marketing. Click here to schedule your demo. Unlike conventional CRM solutions, LeadPixie offers a pocket-friendly approach with flat pricing and the freedom of unlimited users. Experience the full potential of a feature-rich CRM without breaking the bank.