Act! vs. Pipedrive: Which CRM Is Right for You?

Choosing the proper Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system is critical for any business. With many options available, narrowing down the best fit can be daunting.  

Two notable CRM offerings are Act! and Pipedrive. This blog will help you understand the critical differences between these two CRMs so you can decide which suits your needs. 

Overview 

Act! 

Act! has been in the CRM market for over three decades, catering to small and medium-sized businesses. It offers a robust set of features, including: 

• Contact Management: Comprehensive tools for managing customer information. 
• Sales Pipeline Management: Visualize and track deals through various stages. 
• Marketing Automation: Tools for email campaigns and social media marketing. 
• Customization: High level of customization to fit specific business needs. 
• Integration: Connects with numerous third-party applications. 

Pipedrive 

Pipedrive, on the other hand, is a newer entrant but has quickly gained popularity due to its user-friendly interface and sales-focused approach. Key features include: 

• Intuitive Pipeline View: Easy drag-and-drop interface for managing deals. 
• Activity Management: Schedule, track, and manage activities like calls, emails, and meetings. 
• Sales Reporting: Detailed insights and reports on sales performance. 
• Automation: Automate repetitive tasks to save time. 
• Integrations: Seamless integration with a wide range of applications. 

Key Differences 

Ease of Use 

• Act!: While helpful, Act! can have a steeper learning curve due to its extensive feature set and somewhat archaic architecture. 
• Pipedrive: Known for its simplicity and ease of use, it is an excellent choice for sales teams looking for quick implementation. 

Customization 

• Act!: Offers extensive customization options, albeit challenging to accomplish. 
• Pipedrive: Provides essential customization with various third-party connectors and other tools.  

Pricing 

• Act!: Offers perpetual licenses. Prices start at $30 per user/month. 
• Pipedrive: Operates on a straightforward subscription basis, with plans starting at $49 per user/month. 

Target Audience 

• Act!: Ideal for businesses that require deep customization and additional marketing tools. 
• Pipedrive: Perfect for sales-driven organizations looking for a straightforward, easy-to-use solution. 

Pros and Cons: Act! vs. Pipedrive 

Act!

Pros: 

• Comprehensive feature set 
• Highly customizable 
• Marketing automation tools 

Cons: 

• Steeper learning curve 
• Higher cost for advanced features 

Pipedrive

Pros: 

• User-friendly interface 
• Quick setup and implementation 
• Affordable pricing 

Cons: 

• Limited customization options 
• Basic marketing tools 

So, What CRM is Right for You? 

Choosing between Act! and Pipedrive depends on your specific business needs. If you require a highly customizable CRM with strong marketing capabilities, Act! is a solid choice. However, if you’re looking for an intuitive, sales-focused CRM that’s quick to implement, Pipedrive might be the better option. 

Evaluate your business requirements, budget, and user preferences to make an informed decision. Reach out to a BrainSell expert to also learn how we can help ensure you make the correct CRM choice moving forward.