Running a small business often feels like a juggling act. You have one tool for email marketing, another for sales pipelines, a third for project management, and spreadsheets for everything else. If this chaotic mix of software is slowing you down, you aren't alone. This is exactly why the demand for all in one CRM for small business solutions is skyrocketing.
Instead of paying for five different subscriptions, imagine having a one place CRM—a single "command center" where your sales, marketing, and customer service data live together.
In this guide, we’ll break down what an all-in-one CRM is, why it is the best crm all in one choice for growing companies, and how it differs from standalone software.
What Is an All in One CRM for Small Business?
An all in one CRM for small business is a comprehensive software platform that combines customer relationship management (CRM) with other essential business tools—typically marketing automation, sales tracking, and customer support.
Unlike a standalone CRM that focuses strictly on sales contact management, an all in one CRM software acts as a unified ecosystem. It connects the dots between a marketing email sent to a lead, the sales call that follows, and the onboarding project that happens after they sign the contract.
Key characteristics include:
- Unified Data: Customer data flows seamlessly between departments.
- Cost Efficiency: One subscription replaces multiple software licenses.
- Simplicity: A single login and user interface for your entire team.
Why Small Businesses Are Switching to All-in-One Solutions
The shift toward CRM all in one software is driven by the need for efficiency. Here is why you need one:
1. Eliminating Data Silos
When your marketing data doesn't talk to your sales data, opportunities are lost. An all in one marketing CRM ensures that when a lead opens a marketing email, your sales team sees it instantly. This "360-degree view" is impossible when you are using disconnected tools.
2. Significant Cost Savings
Subscribing to separate tools for email marketing, project management, and a sales CRM can cost hundreds of dollars per user/month. Best crm all in one software bundles these features, often at a fraction of the combined cost.
3. Streamlined Project Management
One of the most powerful features to look for is all in one CRM and project management capabilities. Once a deal is closed, you don’t want to move data manually to a project management tool like Trello or Asana. An all-in-one system converts that "Won Deal" directly into a "New Project" with assigned tasks, keeping your delivery team in the loop instantly.
Key Features to Look For
When reviewing the list of all CRM software options, ensure your choice covers these four pillars:
- Sales Automation: Pipeline management, lead scoring, and automated follow-ups.
- Marketing Hub: Email campaigns, landing pages, and social media scheduling (making it a true all in one marketing CRM).
- Service & Support: Ticketing systems or live chat to handle customer queries.
- Industry Specifics: If you are in a niche market, look for specialized features. For example, an all in one real estate CRM will have features specifically for property listings and open house scheduling.
All in One vs. Standalone CRM: Which is Better?
Is a Best all in one CRM always the right choice? Not necessarily. It depends on your complexity.
Feature
Standalone CRM
All in One CRM
Depth
Extremely deep features for one specific function (e.g., complex sales cycles).
Good breadth of features across sales, marketing, and support.
Integration
Requires 3rd party tools (like Zapier) to talk to other apps.
Native, built-in integration between modules.
Cost
Can become expensive as you add more tools to your "stack."
Generally more affordable and predictable pricing.
Best For
Large enterprises with specialized teams.
Small to mid-sized businesses (SMBs) needing efficiency.
Examples of Top All-in-One CRMs
While we can't review every single tool, here is a quick categorization based on the list of all CRMs generally found in the market:
- General Small Business: HubSpot and Zoho One are often cited in CRM all in one software reviews for their massive feature sets.
- Creative & Agencies: HoneyBook or Dubsado are popular because they combine CRM with invoicing and contracts.
- Real Estate: For agents, an all in one real estate CRM software like LionDesk or Top Producer is often preferred over generic tools.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
To help you find the best all in one CRM for your specific needs, here are answers to common questions.
What is the best all in one CRM for small business?
There is no single "best" tool, but HubSpot, Zoho One, and EngageBay are frequently rated as top contenders because they offer a free tier and scale up as you grow.
Can a CRM replace project management software?
Yes, if you choose a CRM with all in one CRM and project management features. Tools like Monday.com CRM or ClickUp effectively blend these two worlds, allowing you to manage the customer relationship and the project delivery in one view.
Is an all-in-one CRM expensive?
Actually, it is usually cheaper. Instead of paying $50 for a sales tool, $40 for email marketing, and $30 for helpdesk software, an all in one CRM software might offer all three for $50-$70 total.
How do I choose the right one?
Start by reading CRM all in one software reviews. Look for "ease of use" scores. Small businesses often fail with CRMs because they are too complex to learn. The best software is the one your team actually uses.
Conclusion
The era of switching between ten different tabs to manage one customer is over. By adopting an all in one CRM for small business, you not only save money but also gain a clarity of data that drives growth. Whether you need a generic solution or a specialized all in one real estate CRM, consolidating your tools into a one place CRM is the smartest operational move you can make this year.
