Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools are essential for businesses to manage interactions with customers, improve sales, and streamline operations.
While Salesforce, HubSpot, and Microsoft Dynamics dominate the CRM landscape, there are several lesser-known yet powerful CRM tools that can significantly enhance your skill set and boost your resume in 2025.
In this article, we’ll explore five underrated CRM tools that are gaining traction, their unique features, and how learning them can give you a competitive edge in the job market.
1. Zoho CRM – A Versatile, AI-Powered CRM
Why It’s Valuable: Zoho CRM is a cost-effective and feature-rich solution that helps businesses of all sizes automate sales and customer support processes. It integrates AI-driven analytics and automation features that are in high demand.
Key Features:
· AI-powered sales assistant (Zia)
· Workflow automation and analytics
· Omnichannel communication (email, social media, live chat, phone)
· Customizable dashboards and reporting
How to Learn It:
· Zoho CRM Learning Portal
· Zoho Academy
Who’s Hiring? Companies in industries like finance, healthcare, and e-commerce actively seek professionals with Zoho CRM experience.
2. Pipedrive – A Sales-Focused CRM
Why It’s Valuable: Pipedrive is a user-friendly CRM designed to help sales teams manage leads and close deals efficiently. It’s known for its intuitive pipeline management and automation capabilities.
Key Features:
· Visual sales pipeline
· AI-powered deal insights
· Email integration and tracking
· Custom reporting and analytics
How to Learn It:
· Pipedrive Academy
· Pipedrive Support & Training
Who’s Hiring? Startups and mid-sized companies in the B2B sector frequently use Pipedrive for their sales operations.
3. Agile CRM – A Complete Sales & Marketing Solution
Why It’s Valuable: Agile CRM is an all-in-one CRM that combines sales automation, marketing automation, and customer service tools, making it an attractive option for businesses looking for an integrated approach.
Key Features:
· Marketing automation (email campaigns, social media tracking)
· Helpdesk and customer support tools
· Appointment scheduling and contact management
· Sales tracking and analytics
How to Learn It:
· Agile CRM Tutorials
· Agile CRM Blog
Who’s Hiring? E-commerce businesses, marketing agencies, and service-oriented companies often seek Agile CRM experts.
4. Copper CRM – Best for Google Workspace Users
Why It’s Valuable: Copper CRM is designed for businesses that rely heavily on Google Workspace (Gmail, Google Drive, Calendar). Its seamless integration with Google products makes it a preferred choice for many teams.
Key Features:
· Native Google Workspace integration
· Automated data entry
· Task automation and email tracking
· Customizable reporting and insights
How to Learn It:
· Copper CRM Training
· Copper Help Center
Who’s Hiring? Tech startups and digital marketing firms looking for Google-friendly CRM solutions often use Copper CRM.
5. Insightly – A CRM for Project Management & Sales
Why It’s Valuable: Insightly is a powerful CRM that integrates project management features, making it ideal for businesses that need a combined solution for sales and task management.
Key Features:
· Built-in project management tools
· Workflow automation and lead tracking
· Email marketing automation
· Customizable dashboards and analytics
How to Learn It:
· Insightly Learning Center
· Insightly Training Videos
Who’s Hiring? Consulting firms, service-based businesses, and agencies prefer Insightly for their CRM and project management needs.
Conclusion
Expanding your CRM expertise beyond mainstream platforms like Salesforce and HubSpot can set you apart in the competitive job market.
Learning these five lesser-known CRM tools – Zoho CRM, Pipedrive, Agile CRM, Copper CRM, and Insightly – will not only enhance your resume but also open doors to new career opportunities in sales, marketing, and customer relationship management.
Start exploring these tools today and stay ahead of the curve in the evolving CRM landscape!
Additional Resources:
· Best Free CRM Tools for Beginners
· CRM Jobs
By gaining proficiency in these tools, you position yourself as a versatile CRM professional ready for 2025’s job market!