Software decision guide
CRM features that matter for a solo service business
A CRM is useful only when it makes client work easier to manage. Start with a short requirements list—not a long comparison chart.
Published and fact-checked September 4, 2026 · By Seiya Utsumi
Five essentials
1. A clear contact record
See who the prospect is, what they need, how they found you, and the last meaningful interaction.
2. A simple pipeline
Use stages that match the way you actually sell: new enquiry, discovery call, proposal sent, follow-up, won, and lost.
3. A next-action reminder
A visible next action with a date is often more valuable than complex automation you never configure.
4. Searchable notes and history
Keep enough context to prepare before the next conversation.
5. A reasonable export path
Before subscribing, check how you can export contacts and core records if you leave.
Trial checklist
- Can I add a new enquiry in under one minute?
- Can I see every open opportunity and its next action?
- Can I adapt the pipeline to my actual process?
- Can I export core data?
- Does the cost still make sense as my business grows?
Take the checklist into a trial
Define the job, test one complete workflow, check the full cost, and confirm how your data can be exported.
Download the software evaluation checklistNo email address required.Start with the simple lead tracker if you have not yet tested your sales workflow.