Customers are the lifeblood of any business. Effective management and ongoing engagement of your customer base is the key to business success. This is why Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software can be so valuable and why picking the right CRM platform is so important – so which do you choose? Zoho or Salesforce?
Zoho CRM is the perfect solution for UK businesses looking to overhaul and enhance their customer relationship management strategies. It offers localised support and tailored implementation for UK SMEs. Whatever your organisation’s unique needs and requirements are, Zoho CRM can be fully customised to suit your goals and objectives.
To find out more about how Zoho CRM can support your business, request your CRM comparison consultation today. We can explain everything in more detail and guide you through the implementation process.
In this blog, we’ll be drawing a comparison between Zoho CRM vs Salesforce to see how the two stack up against each other. Read on to find out more.
Platform Overview & Positioning
Zoho CRM Overview

Zoho CRM is a comprehensive CRM platform that offers a wide range of tools and special features. These include engagement channels, including phone, social media, live chat, email and dedicated portals. All communication can be managed inside Zoho CRM. You can also harness the power of AI to automate some of these communicative and other administrative tasks.
Analytics also play an important role in Zoho CRM. You can access a number of analytic tools to review and evaluate your processes and results. This information is invaluable and allows you to optimise your strategy as you move forward.
Zoho CRM is the perfect solution for UK SMEs that are looking to enhance their customer relationships but do not have the budget for a large IT department. This is a cost-effective approach with a number of benefits.
Salesforce Overview

Salesform CRM is a cloud-based software platform that serves as a centralised data hub for customer information. It can be used to manage communications and automate tasks and can even be accessed on mobile for improved accessibility and remote use. The platform also offers automation and analytical tools for optimising processes and analysing results.
With Salesforce CRM, businesses can enhance customer engagement, boost sales and improve customer service. The platform is commonly used across the retail, financial services and manufacturing sectors.
Market Positioning
While there might be some overlap in terms of features and functions when comparing Zoho CRM vs Salesforce, there are significant differences in both platforms’ market positions.
Salesforce is designed for use by established, large-scale enterprises, and this is reflected in the price. Zoho CRM, while it can certainly be used by large organisations, is designed with affordability and accessibility in mind. This makes it the perfect choice for small- to medium-sized businesses looking to take their operations to the next level.
Comparative Analysis


Pricing & Cost Efficiency
The price of a Zoho CRM subscription starts at £16 per month for the basic package. This price scales up to £28, £45 and £55 per month if you want to access more tools and features.
Comparatively, the cost of a Salesforce subscription starts at a base rate of £20 per month. This can reach as high as £80+ per month for the full package.
What this price comparison highlights is how Zoho CRM is geared towards UK SMEs, offering an affordable solution with upgrade options as organisations scale.
Ease of Use
Trying to learn how to use a new software tool can be difficult. Zoho CRM understands this perfectly, and this is why the platform is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly. The interface is clearly labelled with easy-to-follow workflows. This makes it the perfect choice for developing businesses, particularly those with non-technical teams.
While Salesforce has some similar features, it’s not as user-friendly as Zoho CRM and may require some prior technical knowledge to fully utilise.
Customisation & Integration
Modern businesses use a wide range of different software tools. Keeping track of all these can be difficult, which is why a centralised platform can be of such value. Both Zoho CRM and Salesforce can be integrated with a number of widely used business tools and apps. However, Zoho CRM’s compatibility with platforms like WhatsApp, Shopify and Microsoft 365 make it particularly useful for SMEs.
Localised Support
Salesforce is an international service that caters to companies from all over the world. This can make it a tempting option for businesses looking to boost their reputation and standing, but it may not be particularly suitable for UK-based organisations. Zoho CRM, on the other hand, has UK-based customer support and resources, making it tailor-made for UK brands.
Who Should Choose Zoho CRM?

Who should choose Zoho CRM, and why should they choose it over alternative options like Salesforce?
If you’re a UK SME without the budget for an IT department, Zoho CRM could be exactly what you’re looking for. Its rapid and affordable implementation process means you’ll be up and running in no time at all, without the weight of a significant financial burden.
Another key advantage that Zoho CRM offers is its usability. Designed to be intuitive and with a user-friendly interface, Zoho CRM does not require specialist technical knowledge or complex setup processes. It’s easy to learn and can be used by any member of your team.
Zoho CRM is the perfect option for UK businesses that have not yet expanded internationally. It offers local support with UK-based training resources and a community of other users. Backed by this support, you can grow with the platform and tailor it to suit the changing demands of your developing business.
Client Success Examples
Below, we have included screenshots from Zoho CRM’s sales management screen and sentiment analysis section. These highlight how simple the interface is; note the clear labelling and easy navigation.


Contact & Call to Action
Choosing the right CRM solution is a difficult decision. You have to weigh up a number of different factors and ensure the choice you make is right for your organisation. For UK SMEs, Zoho CRM is the perfect option; its features, user-friendly platform, and support network are unrivalled. By choosing Zoho CRM, you can enhance your customer relationships, boost sales and automate tasks, leaving your organisation perfectly placed for future growth.
If you’re thinking about integrating Zoho CRM into your business operations, reach out and speak to Ascent Business? As an official Zoho partner, we can talk you through the process and offer personalised advice to ensure you are on the right track. There’s no need to go it alone, Ascent Business will be with you every step of the way. Speak to us and book your CRM strategy session today.