Self-employed people and Freelancer need their Customer relationships and Projects manage efficiently – often alone or with very small teams. A suitable one CRM system helps to keep track, communication to automate and Sales potential to use better. But which system really suits the needs of solo entrepreneurs? The comparison between HubSpot and Lexoffice CRM provides the answers.
Why do self-employed people and freelancers need a CRM?
In daily work as Freelancer or Solo self-employed person Structure and overview are crucial. A CRM system offers the following advantages:
- Central contact management for all customers, leads and partners
- Automated communication and memories
- Project and task management keep an eye on
- Invoicing and accounting depict digitally
- Reporting and evaluations to the course of business
- GDPR compliance and data protection
A good CRM saves time, avoids errors and creates space for the essentials: good job for the customer.
Overview: HubSpot and Lexoffice CRM in brief
HubSpot is a All-in-one CRM platformwhich can be flexibly adapted to the needs of solo entrepreneurs. The free basic version and the variety of automations in particular make HubSpot attractive for beginners.
- Free entry-level version with many functions
- Scalable packages for growing requirements
- Automations and templates for emails, tasks, workflows
- Marketing and sales tools including
Lexoffice CRM is the CRM component of the well-known accounting software Lexoffice. It is aimed specifically at self-employed people and small companies who value close integration Customer management and Invoicing place.
- Integrated into Lexoffice accounting
- Customer and contact management with invoice reference
- Automatic document capture and payment reconciliation
- Easy to use for non-technical people
Feature comparison: HubSpot vs. Lexoffice CRM
| feature | HubSpot | Lexoffice CRM |
|---|---|---|
| Contact management | Individual profiles, history, segmentation | Customer base, invoice reference, activities |
| automation | Email workflows, follow-ups, tasks | Few automations, focus on invoices |
| Project management | Deals, tasks, pipelines, integrations (e.g. Trello) | Not real project management |
| communication | Email, newsletters, templates, sequences | Email delivery of invoices and offers |
| Invoicing/Accounting | About integrations to Lexoffice, sevDesk and others | Integrated invoicing and accounting |
| Reporting & Analytics | Dashboards, reports, marketing ROI | Sales reports, tax overview |
| Mobile use | App for Android/iOS, responsive design | Mobile app for receipt entry and invoices |
| GDPR & data protection | Hosting in Germany/Europe on the starter tariff, consent management | GDPR compliant, German servers |
| Pricing structure | Freemium, scalable packages | From around €8.90 per month (accounting incl. CRM) |
Price comparison HubSpot vs. Lexoffice: How much do the systems cost?
HubSpot offers one free basic version with CRM functions. The paid packages for marketing, sales and service are modular and scale with requirements.
- Smart CRM Professional: from 45 euros per month
- Smart CRM Enterprise: from 75 euros per month
Lexoffice CRM is included in the accounting packages. Prices start at around 8.90 euros per month for solo self-employed people. Larger packages with more functions cost up to 21.80 euros per month.
Ease of use and getting started
HubSpot impresses with its intuitive user interfacewhich is easy to understand even for beginners. With a variety of Templatesan extensive one Help Center and German-speaking support The setup can be done in just a few hours. These are particularly helpful guided onboarding processeswhich guide you through the most important functions step by step. There is an active one for questions Community as well as numerous resources available, so that getting started is easy.
Also Lexoffice CRM is aimed specifically at beginners and scores with a particularly simple one User guidance. Many processes are running automatically in the background so that little prior technical knowledge is required. The direct integration with accounting Additionally simplifies the workflow and ensures a smooth start.
Integrations and expansion options
HubSpot offers one open API and about 1,000 apps and integrationswhich cover a wide variety of areas – from accounting above Project management up to marketing and communication. They are particularly practical Interfaces to well-known tools like Lexoffice, sevDesk, Trello, Google Workspace and Microsoft 365. With Zapier Individual workflows can be created that can be flexibly adapted to your own requirements.
Lexoffice CRM integrates seamlessly with common ones Tax consulting and accounting systems and provides one of its own API for developers ready. This is particularly useful for working with tax advisors DATEV export advantageous. The Document entry via app provides additional flexibility in everyday life.
Analysis and evaluation
With HubSpot receive users extensive dashboardswhich provides a detailed overview of Leads, dealsthe Customer development and the Marketing ROI offer. The Reports can be customized and make it possible to create your own reports. This is especially true for the self-employed KPI tracking a valuable tool for measuring success.
Lexoffice CRM provides Sales and tax reports ready and provides an overview of vacant positions as well as Payment receipts. With just one click, users get one Tax overview. Those too Sales statistics and the Billing history are available at any time.
Privacy and security
HubSpot hosts everyone Data from the starter tariff in Germany and the EU and guaranteed GDPR-compliant processes. Free users’ data is hosted in the USA. Features like Consent management, individual rights allocation and the automated deletion after deadlines ensure a high level of security. Audit logs and comprehensive Compliancefunctions complete the offer.
At Lexoffice CRM will all Data exclusively on German servers saved. The system is complete GDPR compliant and offers special Data protection functions for the self-employed. The Rights management for access enables secure and flexible control of user rights.
Typical challenges and opportunities when using CRM for self-employed people
In everyday life Solo entrepreneurs and freelancers It’s often about managing many tasks at the same time – from the Acquisition about the Project execution up to the Invoicing. It is precisely in this versatility that there is a risk of losing track or losing valuable information Sales potential not exploited. A CRM system helps, Automating routine tasks and to structure processes. This leaves more time for that Core business and individual support Customers.
Common stumbling blocks are: manual maintenance of contact detailsthe Tracking offers and the Organization of projects. With a suitable one CRM These processes can be significantly simplified: Reminders of follow-ups, automatic documentation of customer interactions and integrated workflows provide more Efficiency and fewer errors. Anyone who arrives early CRM sets, not only can appear more professionalbut also grow in a targeted manner – without them administration becomes a bottleneck.
A modern one also opens CRM new opportunities for the Customer loyalty: Personalized communicationquick response to inquiries and transparent processes create trust. The integration of accounting, Reporting and Data protection ensures that self-employed people and freelancers are on the safe side legally and organizationally.
Best practices for introducing CRM for self-employed people and freelancers
- Needs analysis: Think about which processes you want to digitize (customer communication, invoices, project management, etc.).
- Step-by-step introduction: Start with the most important functions and expand gradually.
- Use automation: Save time with automated emails, reminders and lead workflows.
- Regular evaluations: Use dashboards to measure success and optimize offers.
- Feedback culture: Get regular feedback from customers and adjust processes.
With these best practices you can achieve this CRM introduction sustainable and ensures more Efficiency, transparency and Customer satisfaction.
Practical workflows and automations for self-employed people
- Customer onboarding: Automated welcome emails and information delivery
- Project workflow: Schedule tasks, deadlines and status updates in CRM
- Invoice workflow: Automatic invoice creation and shipping (via integration)
- Feedback workflow: Automatic surveys after project completion
- Lead management: Automated lead qualification and follow-ups
Software conclusion HubSpot vs. Lexoffice: Who is which CRM suitable for?
- HubSpot is ideal for self-employed people and freelancers who Lead management, Campaigns and automation at the highest level and value flexibility.
- Lexoffice CRM is the first choice for everyone who wants a close connection Customer management and accounting and want to invest as little time as possible in administration.
FAQ: The most important questions about CRM comparisons
Can I migrate data between HubSpot and Lexoffice?
Yes, this is possible via integrations and third-party providers like Zapier.
How quickly can I start?
Both systems are ready to start in just a few hours, depending on the complexity of the processes.
Can I connect the tools with accounting or project management?
Yes, many interfaces and apps are available.
How secure is my data?
Both providers comply with the GDPR and offer hosting in the EU and Germany.
Which solution is cheaper?
Lexoffice CRM is often cheaper for simple requirements, but HubSpot offers more power and flexibility for comprehensive marketing and automation workflows.
Conclusion: CRM for the self-employed and freelancers
HubSpot and Lexoffice CRM are both strong solutions for self-employed people and freelancers who want to digitize and automate their customer relationships. Who one All-in-one platform with strong Marketing integration and automation If you are looking for something, HubSpot is the best choice. Anyone who wants a seamless connection Customer management and accounting preferred, will find the right tool in Lexoffice CRM. It’s worth testing the systems – because the right CRM determines the future of your business.
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