Teal illustration of a person on a laptop at a work desk.

How to close books in Quickbooks Online and maintain financial security

Accounting, QuickBooks / By

Learn how to close books in QuickBooks Online. Follow this guide to protect your financial data and always maintain accurate reporting.

How to close books in Quickbooks Online and maintain financial security Read More »

Closing your books in QuickBooks might sound a little tedious (maybe even a little boring), but it’s one of the most important ways to protect your business.

When you close your books, you lock down your financial reports, keeping them safe and correct for the next big financial milestone.

And yes, this process keeps your accounts error-free, meaning when tax time rolls around, there won’t be a mad scramble to reconcile.

Let’s walk through how to close books in QuickBooks Online with some detailed steps, learn why it matters, and understand how to do it right.

What does it mean to close books in QuickBooks Online?

In QuickBooks Online, closing your books means finalizing your journal entries and locking in your company file for a specific period (usually a fiscal year). 

Once you close your books, no one (even the company admin) can access and edit any past transactions without unlocking them first.

Why is this so important? Because once you close your books, all the information within your financial reports stays the same and doesn’t get adjusted or changed.

Put it this way: if someone were to get in and make even a small tweak to last year’s numbers, your taxes will get messed up and you’ll have to spend time balancing the books again. 

Doesn’t sound like a good use of a Sunday afternoon, right? Well, that’s precisely the kind of problem closing the books can prevent.

When you should close your books in QuickBooks Online

At the bare minimum, you should aim to close your books annually to keep your records accurate. For the best results, close your books every month.

Monthly book closing means your bookkeeping stays up to date and ensures you’re more than prepared for tax season and even the dreaded audit if it comes your way. It also means that you’re being diligent and running accurate reports on your company’s financial health, making it easier to catch errors early.

Best of all, your accountants will absolutely thank you for it.

Grow your business without leaving QuickBooks Online.

Build on QuickBooks

How to close your year-end books in QuickBooks Online

Now, let’s get into the step-by-step process of closing your books in QuickBooks Online. These detailed steps will make sure everything is locked down and accurate before the start of the new fiscal year.

Step 1: Confirm the first month of your financial year

Begin by confirming the first month of your financial year. You must confirm this because QuickBooks uses this month to adjust your company file.

  1. Go to the gear icon (settings) and then select “Accounts and Settings.”
  2. Under the Advanced tab, click the pencil icon next to “Accounting.”
  3. Choose the correct month from the drop-down menu labeled “First month of fiscal year.”
  4. Click “Save.”
  5. Click “Done.”
A screenshot showing how to set the fiscal year in QuickBooks Online.

Image credit: QuickBooks

Step 2: Review your accounts

Before closing your books, you need to make sure all of your accounts are in order. This will include entering anything missing, like invoices, expenses, or payments.

  1. Check all journal entries and make sure no adjustments are needed.
  2. Review your expense accounts to make sure that everything is categorized correctly.
  3. Don’t forget to check for any balances that are outstanding in reports.

Step 3: Reconcile bank accounts, credit cards, and petty cash

Next, you will need to make sure that all your financial accounts are fully reconciled. This includes bank accounts, credit cards, and petty cash. 

Use the reconciliation tool included with QuickBooks online to check that all transactions match up. Watch the video below to see how, or simply follow the steps underneath.

  1. Go to the account menu and select “Reconcile.”
  2. Use the calendar to select your closing date and review all transactions.
  3. Make sure your accounts are completely balanced before going any further.

Step 4: Close your books

Once you have followed the steps above and are confident your account is in good shape, you’re ready to officially close your books.

  1. Go to the gear icon (settings) and select “Account and Settings.”
  2. Under the “Advanced” tab, click the pencil icon next to “Close the books.”
A screenshot showing how to set the first month of your fiscal year in QuickBooks Online.

Image: QuickBooks

  1. Tick the “Close the books” checkbox.

Image: QuickBooks

  1. Set a closing date password to prevent any unwanted and future changes by entering a new password in the “Password” and “Confirm Password” fields.
A screenshot showing where to enter your password when changing the fiscal year in QuickBooks Online.

Image: QuickBooks

  1. Click “Save.”

Step 5: Review your closed books

The final step is to review your closed books and make sure everything is in order. At this point, you can run a “Profit and Loss Report” and compare it to your balance sheet to ensure that everything checks out.

  1. Go to the “Reports” menu and run a “Profit and Loss Report.”
  2. Make sure to choose the right accounting method: “Cash” or “Accrual.”
  3. Compare this with your balance sheet and carefully make sure everything matches.
  4. If you spot any error, you should bring it up with your accountant(s).
A screenshot showing the Profit and Loss Report in QuickBooks Online

Image credit: QuickBooks

Year-end adjustments QuickBooks makes automatically

QuickBooks Online is quite helpful at year-end as it automates several adjustments, making your job a little bit easier. 

It automatically transfers your net income to the “Retained Earnings” account on your balance sheet. This handy little adjustment means that your company file will reflect accurate data for the next fiscal year.

Just something to keep in mind: these adjustments happen after the closing date, so make sure all your numbers are correct before you close your books.

Year-end vs. month-end close: What’s the difference?

Other than the timeframes, there are a few key differences between a year-end close and a month-end close in QuickBooks Online. 

With a year-end close, you review an entire year’s worth of data. You will be looking at everything from journal entries to expense accounts, and finalizing it all for tax reporting.

You also need to reconcile all accounts and run reports like P&L (Profit and Loss) and the balance sheet.

On the other hand, a month-end close focuses on regular reconciliation and making sure that all invoices are entered correctly. It’s sort of like a mini year-end close, but it happens every calendar month.

How to close your month-end books in QuickBooks Online

The month-end close process is quite similar to the year-end steps but much simpler. Follow these simple steps to keep your monthly statements and records straight:

  1. Review your accounts and enter any missing invoices or payments.
  2. Reconcile all your financial accounts using the “Account” menu.
  3. Run a Profit and Loss Report to check for anything that doesn’t match up.
  4. Set a closing date and close your books for the month.

Remember that doing monthly closes keeps your bookkeeping tight and financial reports accurate — your future self will be very thankful come year-end closing time.

Wish you could get more from QuickBooks? Method makes it possible.

See for yourself

How to edit your closed books in QuickBooks Online

Don’t worry if you need to make any changes after closing. Your books aren’t set in stone just yet, so it’s still an option. QuickBooks makes it easy — but only if you’re the company admin.

Here’s how:

  1. Go to the gear icon and select “Accounts and Settings.”
  2. Under the Advanced tab, click on the pencil icon next to “Close the books.”
  3. Make the required changes and then change the closing date password by entering a new password in the “Password” and “Confirm” fields.

Here are some of the specific changes and edits you can make after closing:

Edit the closing date

To change the date the books were closed, follow these steps:

  1. Go to the gear icon and select “Accounts and settings.”
  2. Click the pencil icon next to “Close the books.”
  3. Put a tick in the “Close the books” checkbox.
  4. Enter a new closing date and set a password if necessary.

Track any changes made after you close your books

QuickBooks also lets you monitor any changes made to your company file long after you have closed the books. This feature helps you keep data secure by tracking any edits and alerts you to the exact adjustments that were made. 

Here’s how to set it up:

  1. Go to the gear icon and select “Audit log” under the Tools menu.
  2. Once in the audit log, you will see a detailed list of the changes that were made after closing the books, including who did it and when.
  3. Use the filters to narrow down specifics like dates, users, or transaction types to answer any question about edits made to your product data, accounts, and financial transactions.
  4. Review the list carefully, especially for changes made to journal entries or expense accounts.

Closing entries

In QuickBooks Online, you don’t typically need to manually create any closing entries. The system automatically transfers your net income from your income and expense accounts to a “Retained Earnings” account on your balance sheet.

This way, all your temporary accounts are automatically reset and ready for the brand-new fiscal year. Your company’s retained earnings are also updated by QuickBooks.

If you do need to make specific adjustments after this automatic process, like moving a balance from one account to another, you can create manual journal entries.

Wrap it up with confidence

Following these steps to close your books in QuickBooks Online will save you time, keep your accounts in order, and avoid any mad rushes come tax time.

QuickBooks makes it super easy for you to close the books and keep track of any changes your team makes, even after you click the close button.

If you’re worried about non-accountant team members making changes to your company file, Method CRM securely integrates with QuickBooks Online to give you and your accountants full visibility without ever having to touch your sensitive data. This means no more accidental changes or annoying reconciliations.

Close books QuickBooks Online FAQs

How do I lock closed periods in QuickBooks?

It’s easy! Click the gear icon, select “Accounts and settings,” and then, under Advanced, turn on the “Close the books” feature. 

Set a closing date password and lock down your data.

How do I close the prior year’s books to send to the accountant?

QuickBooks Online makes this very easy and hassle-free. Before jumping in, make sure you have reviewed your reports, reconciled your accounts, and entered in any last-minute invoices or payments. Then, simply set a closing date password, select “Close the books” and click “Save.”

Send the company file to your accountant after closing, they’ll really appreciate the clean data.

What changes after year-end close?

Quickbooks will automatically move your net income to “Retained Earnings.” Your expense accounts get reset, and your company file will be all ready for the next fiscal year. 

Should I share the closing password with my employees?

Short answer: no! Keep the closing date password under lock and key. You’re the admin, after all. You absolutely don’t want any of your employees accidentally messing with your financial reports — that’s the fastest way to create accounting chaos.

Want to maintain financial security while letting your team do more with your QuickBooks data? Try Method free.

A fuchsia illustration of two hands high-fiving.

The top 25 lead generation strategies to set your sales up for success

Marketing, Sales, Small Business / By

Get 25 lead generation strategies that drive sales success. Explore proven tactics to attract high-quality leads and boost conversions.

The top 25 lead generation strategies to set your sales up for success Read More »

Lead generation is building a list of prospective customers that could one day become actual buyers — and it all starts with the right strategy.

Nowadays, managing your time and keeping track of every single contact can make or break a sale. So, whether you’re running email campaigns or posting digital content, you need to have a clear plan to capture (and then nurture) those leads. 

The more organized your approach, the better your chances of guiding those leads straight through the funnel and onto a sale.

Keep reading for 25 lead generation strategies that will set you up for success.

What are lead generation strategies?

Lead generation strategies are the tactics you use to attract potential customers (your target audience) and turn them into high-quality leads (the kind that are ready to buy).

Think of these strategies as the process of navigating the sales funnel, from grabbing attention to closing the sale. They are usually only possible with a unified approach. Your marketing team draws them in, and your sales team gets them signed on the dotted line.

When both teams are working together in harmony, those leads have a much smoother journey through the sales funnel, setting you up for success.

Sick of missing invoices and other data in QuickBooks?

See Method’s two-way sync

Your top 25 lead generation strategies to ensure conversions

Here are 25 of the best lead generation strategies to help you turn a “maybe” into a handshake:

1. Create quality content across several mediums

Your target audience craves valuable content, and that means mixing it up. Sticking to one medium or one type of campaign gets boring very quickly. For example, instead of pushing out blog post after blog post, you could also create infographics or tutorial videos.

The more variety in your content, the more likely you’ll capture a wider scope of leads. Using different medium types lets you appeal to different engagement styles. The result? You’ll build trust and see engagement soar.

2. Lean on your website and optimize for SEO

Your website isn’t just there for show or for the occasional hit on the “Contact us” button — it’s your 24/7 salesperson, a hub for marketing materials, and a source of truth for potential and existing customers. 

Naturally, you’re going to want to drive as much traffic to it as possible, and you do so by emphasizing a search engine optimization (SEO) strategy for your site. 

Create personalized landing pages for each of your buyer personas, and make it easy for visitors to know how to take the next step by adding clear calls to action (CTAs).

3. Use digital lead generation forms across your content

Whether it’s on blogs, videos, landing pages, or other site content, you can strategically embed smart lead forms in all your valuable content. These digital forms, known as web-to-lead forms, capture contact information like email addresses from customers when they’re most engaged. See an example below.

Method CRM Lead Gen Form

From there, you can send personalized email campaigns to the leads your website automatically captures. 

4. Publish and promote case studies

Don’t just tell — show. Your buyer success stories are one of the best ways to convert potential leads by showing what’s possible should they choose you.

Share these on your website and across your social media platforms to build up trust and credibility. For an example of a case study, check out this Method customer story.

5. Create an email marketing strategy

While we now see lots of paid digital marketing strategies like influencer marketing and pay-per-click ads spammed across Google, guess what? Email newsletters and marketing still work. 

In fact, email marketing attracts an ROI of $36 for every $1 spent. Sounds good, right?

Segment your audience and send targeted messages to really create and convert qualified leads.

6. Conduct paid advertising through PPC (pay-per-click) ads

Speaking of pay-per-click (PPC) ads, these are one of the fastest ways to get your message in front of your target audience. 

PPC ads generate traffic quickly and reliably. And best of all, you only pay if someone actually clicks. This means, unlike many marketing strategies, you’re not wasting precious budget on the gaze of uninterested eyes. 

The most common types of PPC ads include:

  • Search ads that appear on search engine results pages (SERPs).
  • Display ads shown on websites.
  • Social media ads on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.

7. Leverage social media

Remember that old saying, “If it’s free, then you’re the product”? Well, with social media platforms, users who share everything about their lives — from holiday plans to pictures of their food  — are the product. You can tap into their feeds with information on what you offer and convert them from visitors into leads.

As you already know so much about your potential customers, social media is the ultimate goldmine for reaching your ideal customer profile (ICP). 

Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok let you showcase images and stories, and connect directly with your buyer persona. So post those insights, behind-the-scenes moments, and success stories to keep customers engaged. Not to mention, you can leverage paid ads on most platforms too.

8. Organize webinars to capture new leads

Want an opportunity to showcase your business and engage prospective customers? Webinars are the way to go. 

A webinar is an interactive online seminar or presentation that lets participants engage with the host and content in real time through videoconferencing technology. This means you can build trust and answer questions on the spot.

Webinars let you share valuable content and, most importantly, collect those contact details for qualified lead follow-ups. 

9. Host or attend events

Whether in person or online, industry events are filled with opportunities to connect with people who are likely to become new potential customers. You can even host your own events.

Networking in a space that is full of like-minded businesses and individuals helps your business build trust and show off its products — all of which are bound to generate some high-quality leads. 

10. Develop a referral program

Your salespeople are the best at selling your products or services, but coming in a close second are your happy customers. 

Encourage your customers (and employees) to refer others to your business and offer rewards like discounts and freebies for some extra motivation. 

It’s much cheaper than traditional marketing and will have a snowball effect of new potential leads coming your way in no time.

11. Employ a video marketing strategy

Your potential customers are more likely to engage with an exciting video than a huge wall of text. This is a chance for your marketing team to start getting creative with storytelling, fancy graphics, and of course some strategically placed CTAs for customer interaction.

The key to generating leads with videos is to keep them short, ideally between 15 and 30 seconds. In fact, 44% of consumers prefer to learn about products from short videos.

12. Use AI and automation tools

Do you want to save time and still nurture leads to the same degree as with manual marketing? AI and lead automation tools like Method CRM, OptinMonster, and Leadfeeder use generation techniques like automated follow-ups and email campaigns to do the heavy marketing and sales processes for you. 

So, not only do you bring in leads without additional effort, but you also get time back in your day to focus on other areas of your business.

Need an easier way to keep your QuickBooks data up-to-date?

Try Method’s two-way sync

13. Run retargeting and remarketing campaigns

It’s a sad fact of marketing that not every visitor converts the first time. The good news is that retargeting and remarketing can bring them back.

It’s important to distinguish between these two marketing terms:

  • Retargeting: Typically refers to serving targeted ads to users who have previously interacted with your website or brand. It primarily uses display ads on third-party websites to reach these users as they browse the internet.
  • Remarketing: Generally involves re-engaging existing customers or leads through direct communication channels like email. It focuses on nurturing relationships with people who have already interacted with your brand, often using personalized messaging based on their previous interactions.

These campaigns should target potential leads who have shown at least some interest, giving you another chance to win them over. 

14. Put on contests or giveaways

There’s one universal constant in business, and that’s that everyone loves free stuff. But giveaways shouldn’t be thought of as giving away your products (although that is definitely a part of it), but as getting some high-quality leads in return. 

Run giveaways that actually encourage engagement with your brand specifically, and make sure that all participants leave behind their contact details. It’s a win-win scenario: they get free stuff, and you get a shiny new list of leads.

15. Leverage CRM and sales data

Your customer relationship management (CRM) system is so much more than a glorified contacts list. It’s a source of truth for insights into your current customers. With a CRM, you can track every touchpoint, interaction, and transaction for all your contacts — whether they’re leads, customers, or vendors.

Analyze those sales statistics in your CRM and use the results to inform marketing decisions, like tailoring campaigns to diffent lead segments. Tools like Method let you quickly and easily:

  • Track every opportunity.
  • Create estimates and invoices.
  • Convert leads to Quickbooks as soon as they become paying customers.

Learn more about Method CRM in the video below.

16. Cold outreach (email and calling)

Believe it or not, cold outreach, whether by phone or through email, is still alive and kicking. Sure, conversion rates can be low (to the tune of 2%), but with the right script and some solid persistence, it can create a domino effect of incoming leads.

When combined with follow-ups, cold calling is still a great strategy for sales reps.

17. Influencer marketing

Influencers are individuals on social media with influence over a large audience, and digital natives and Gen Z absolutely trust them — in some cases even more than celebrity endorsements. 

If you partner with the right influencer, you’re likely to connect with prospective customers you might not even know you had. Influencers can: 

  • Introduce your brand.
  • Build credibility.
  • Ultimately drive purchases. 

18. Establish authority, expertise, and trust

Everyone knows that people buy from brands they trust — but what is the best way to build that trust?

Other than offering a standout product or service, one of your first tasks when establishing trust is to consistently deliver valuable content that is backed by original research and real testimonials. 

Keep your promises, and you’ll start to build long-lasting relationships with high-quality leads.

19. Network online and in person

Networking with fellow professionals in your field is still one of the best lead-generation techniques. 

Networks give your business an opportunity to have genuine conversations with both your target audience and big industry peers. Those relationships, if nurtured well, often lead to valuable business opportunities down the road.

20. Look at your competitors

It never hurts to analyze your competitors’ lead generation strategies to see what is and isn’t working for them. Study their tactics, uncover the gaps, and slot your business in to provide a better solution. 

21. Offer incentives

As we mentioned earlier, people love free stuff. But what if your product can’t really be given away for free? If your business is online, you can always offer free trials and demos or bundle in some free tools with your platform.

It’s the next best thing to free — try before you buy — and customers just love it and get hungry for more. Some other incentives you can offer include:

  • Promo codes.
  • Annual or bulk discounts.
  • Free consultations.

Incentives are the perfect way to get a hesitant customer off the fence and into your sales funnel.

22. Keep your messaging and positioning consistent

Your target audience should always know exactly what you’re about, so mixed messages are a big no-no. Keep it simple, keep it clear, and most of all, keep it consistent across your entire sales process.

Confusion is costly, but consistency? That’s how cold leads turn hot.

23. Create lead magnets

Sometimes, you have to give something to get something. Lead magnets like free guides, exclusive templates, or video tutorials can be irresistible bait for getting contact details. 

Start publishing these kinds of materials and you’ll see your email list grow faster than weeds on a warm spring day. Once you have their info, you can nurture them into those highly coveted qualified leads through targeted email campaigns. 

24. Try direct mail

Snail mail still works, and in a world full of cluttered inboxes and easily accessible unsubscribe buttons, a targeted, well-thought-out piece of physical mail is surprisingly fresh.

Reach out to prospective customers with something that they can hold in their hand and make them stop and take notice. It’s personal, tangible, and it’s much harder to ignore than an email.

25. Test and evolve your tactics

Just like everything in marketing, lead generation isn’t “set it and forget it.” Your marketing and sales team should constantly evaluate what worked and what didn’t (hint: software is great for this) and tweak their approach accordingly.

So, keep on evolving. Whether it’s new-generation techniques or fresh tactics dreamt up through an employee advocacy program, you must always keep your lead game sharp.

Online payments, automated leads, and customer management?

See how Method does it all

Lead generation strategies FAQs

What are the top lead generation tools?

Good lead generation comes from automated CRM and marketing tools like Method CRM for follow-ups and tracking leads, OptinMonster for lead capture through smart forms, and Leadfeeder for catching website visits. 

What are the differences between inbound and outbound lead generation?

Inbound lead generation is focused on attracting leads through content posting, SEO, and social media — in other words, letting them come to you.

Outbound lead generation involves actively reaching out to potential customers through methods such as email campaigns, cold calling, and pay-per-click ads.

One key difference between the two is that inbound leads are often softer and more long-term, whereas outbound leads are more direct and yield much quicker results.

How do I measure the success of my lead generation strategies?

Success can be measured via: 

  • Conversion rates.
  • Number of leads generated.
  • The quality of those leads (high-value vs. low-value).

Conversion rates are the percentage of leads that end up turning into paying customers.

Your number of leads generated tracks how many potential customers your business has attracted over a specific amount of time.

Quality of leads identifies high-value leads – or the leads that are likely to convert, vs. low-value leads – or the leads that have gone cold and are unlikely to get anywhere near a sale.  

Ready to generate more leads in less time? Try Method free.

A purple illustration of a person online shopping.

6 strategies to improve your lead-to-customer conversion rate and how to calculate it

Marketing, Sales / By

Learn how to calculate your lead-to-customer conversion rate and why your business should track it. Plus, get 6 top strategies to improve it.

6 strategies to improve your lead-to-customer conversion rate and how to calculate it Read More »

If you found yourself in a room with 100 people, how many could you convince to buy your product? Your ability to turn leads into paying customers is the backbone of one of the most important key performance indicators (KPIs) in business.

So, what is the metric you should use to track this, and how do you calculate it? Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about your lead-to-customer conversion rate.

What is lead-to-customer conversion rate?

A lead-to-customer conversion rate indicates the percentage of leads that turn into paying customers. In simple terms, it measures the number of people expressing interest in your product who — through visiting your website or signing up for a trial, for instance — end up making a purchase.

How to calculate lead-to-customer conversion rate

To calculate your lead-to-customer conversion rate, you will need two key figures: 

  • The number of leads generated.
  • The number of those leads who converted to a paying customer.

These can represent your entire business, or you can break them down by things like marketing channel, product segment, or customer demographics to get more detailed information. 

Lead conversion rate formula

The formula looks like this:

Lead-to-customer conversion rate = (Number of customers / Number of leads) * 100%

Take the number of leads that converted to a paid customer, divide that by the total number of leads generated, and then multiply this answer by 100 in order to get your answer as a percentage.

Example case

For example, if your business generated 500 leads and 50 became customers, the conversion rate would be:

(50 / 500) * 100% = 10%

Why should you track your lead conversion rate?

Some marketing and sales teams forget that the ultimate goal of their efforts is to secure revenue, and instead focus on generating as many leads as possible. If those leads aren’t progressing through the sales funnel, they quickly become useless to you. 

Tracking your lead conversion rate is important for several reasons:

See how your marketing and sales efforts perform

If Marketing generates leads but Sales can’t close them, there’s an obvious mismatch. Your conversion rate is a key indicator of how effectively different teams collaborate, and whether there needs to be an adjustment. 

Maximize your return on investment (ROI)

Monitoring your conversion rate helps identify the most effective marketing channels, allowing you to allocate your budget wisely and enhance ROI.

Decrease your customer acquisition cost (CAC)

Getting customers is great — but they can’t be too costly. A high conversion rate means more customers per dollar spent on lead acquisition. It’s essential to reduce your cost of acquiring customers while maintaining a strong conversion rate for efficient business growth.

Identify gaps in your sales pipeline

You can use your conversion rate to help identify where you need to improve your sales funnel. This helps you pinpoint where leads are falling through the cracks and informs your strategy.

Inform your goals

When developing new marketing and sales strategies, your lead-to-customer conversion rate is often a “North Star metric” — one that aligns all efforts cross-departmentally. 

Need an easier way to keep your QuickBooks data up-to-date?

Try Method’s two-way sync

Other helpful lead conversion metrics

While your lead-to-customer conversion rate provides critical information, there are other insightful metrics that you should be aware of:

Lead-to-opportunity conversion rate

Your lead-to-opportunity conversions track how many leads become sales opportunities. This conversion rate here helps you understand how well your team is qualifying leads, and can often be thought of as the leads that Marketing gives to Sales.

Lead-to-sale conversion rate

This metric gives you a strategic view of your overall sales performance by measuring how many actual sales you generated. One lead could result in multiple sales, making it a different metric than lead-to-customer. 

Lead-to-customer ratio

This ratio is similar to the lead-to-sale conversion rate and often used to identify the balance between lead generation and customer acquisition. Unlike lead-to-sale conversions, one lead can only result in one customer.

Cost per conversion

This is the end-to-end total cost of acquiring one customer, which helps you understand the financial impact of acquiring each lead. 

Conversion ROI

If your costs are too high, a conversion may not even be worth the resources you’ve spent to acquire it. Conversion ROI lets you see how valuable the lead-to-customer process is. 

Lead value

Your lead value determines the monetary value of each lead based on your average customer value and conversion rate.

Time to conversion

This metric tracks the time it takes for a lead to convert into a paying customer.

Sales cycle length

Similarly, sales cycle length measures the total time it takes from initial contact to closing a sale. This is more of an average or approximation than a specific and exact time-to-conversion metric.

Abandonment rate

This helps e-commerce businesses track when shoppers leave their carts before buying, offering key insights for retargeting campaigns.

Get everything you need to run your business in one place.

See what’s possible

Average conversion rates by industry

Knowing the average conversion rates for your field helps you set realistic goals. For instance, the finance and education sectors often see 5-10%, while e-commerce and retail can be significantly lower. 

IndustryAverage Conversion Rate
E-commerce2.0%
Real Estate4.0%
Technology (Software)7.0%
Financial Services5.0%
Healthcare8.0%
Retail3.0%
Automotive6.0%
Travel and Hospitality4.5%
Education8.0%
Professional Services10.0%

Source: Alore

Stages of lead conversion

A sales pipeline consists of several stages guiding a lead from initial contact to final sale. Here’s a general framework common to most businesses:

1. Lead generation

Start by pinpointing potential customers and gathering their interests and demographics. Effective lead generation methods include SEO, content marketing, and paid ads to drive relevant traffic to your site.

2. Lead qualification

Determine if your product or service suits your potential customer’s needs, and whether they can afford (and have the authority) to purchase. Use lead scoring to prioritize high-quality leads likely to convert.

3. Lead nurturing

Personalize your communication to keep leads engaged. Build trust by addressing pain points and overcoming objections, setting the stage for conversion. 

4. Close the sale

When the lead is ready to buy, finalize the process by presenting quotes, negotiating terms, and completing the transaction. You should also handle any objections that come from each prospect.

5. Follow-up and retention

After closing the sale, make sure you follow up to deliver customer satisfaction. Happy customers are more likely to become repeat buyers or refer your business through word of mouth to others.

Online payments, automated leads, and customer management?

See how Method does it all

6 strategies to improve your lead-to-customer conversion rate

Improving your conversion rate requires intentional efforts across various parts of your sales process. Here are six proven strategies:

1. Build and optimize your website

Produce diverse, high-quality content such as text, videos, and infographics. Optimize your site for SEO with keyword research and include features like live chat or smart forms to capture leads efficiently. See an example of a lead capture form below.

Method CRM Lead Gen Form

2. Employ an advertising strategy

Test different advertising platforms and formats like pay-per-click (PPC) and social media ads. Use clear, compelling calls-to-action (CTAs) to encourage conversions.

3. Invest in email marketing

Automate campaigns with personalization and segment your email list to target specific audiences for greater impact. Use tracking codes to evaluate campaign success.

4. Talk to your existing customers

Don’t make decisions solely on numbers. Ask your customers: 

  • What they like about the product.
  • New ways they’ve used it.
  • Any issues they have. 

Leverage this feedback to refine your marketing strategies, targeting new customers with a more specific experience. 

5. Build a community

Boost conversion rates by engaging with your audience both online and offline. Social media and online channels target audiences effectively, while real-world events offer personal connections. You can even host your own events that fit within your industry or target audience.

6. Leverage technology

Research and try out different dedicated tools to make running your business easier. Customer relationship management (CRM) tools like Method can significantly improve your sales cycle. For example, you can increase lead conversion by: 

  • Tracking interactions.
  • Automating follow-ups.
  • Managing relationships. 

If you’re a QuickBooks or Xero user, Method is a no-brainer to drive growth and profitability without spending too much extra time or money to achieve results. Check out some of the things Method can do for your business in the video below.

Wrap-up: Improve your lead-to-customer conversion rate

Tracking your lead-to-customer conversion rate will show you exactly where things are going right and where things are going wrong. To calculate it for your business, you need your number of leads and number of paying customers in a given time period. From there, just divide your leads by your customers and multiply by 100%.

Ready to build up your lead-to-customer conversions? With Method, you can:

  • Centralize your lead management.
  • Automate follow-ups.
  • Keep your sales pipeline flowing smoothly.

The result? No more missed opportunities to turn leads into customers.

Try Method for free today.

Lead-to-customer conversion rate FAQs

What’s the difference between an inquiry and a lead?

An inquiry is specific expressed interest, like when a potential customer asks for more information about your product or service. A lead, however, is someone who meets specific criteria that indicates they could purchase your product. For example, maybe they’ve given you their contact details by signing up for your email newsletter.

What is a good lead conversion rate?

A good lead conversion rate typically ranges between 2% and 10%, but varies significantly across industries. 

How do I find a balance between lead quantity and lead quality?

Striking a balance between lead quantity and quality involves focusing on generating high-quality leads with a higher conversion potential, rather than solely increasing lead volume. It’s a good idea to implement lead scoring to prioritize leads based on their likelihood to purchase.

What are SQLs and MQLs?

Sales-qualified leads (SQLs) are vetted by your sales team and ready for direct sales engagement. Marketing-qualified leads (MQLs) have shown interest in your offering through actions like content downloads or webinar attendance but require further nurturing.

An orange illustration of two people communicating through a long tube.

The best way to convert leads into sales and increase profits

Marketing, Sales, Small Business / By

Is there a best way to convert leads into sales? Learn how to optimize your sales funnel and nurture leads more effectively in this blog.

The best way to convert leads into sales and increase profits Read More »

At the core of every business, it all boils down to sales, doesn’t it? 

No matter how innovative your product or service is, how persuasive your marketing is, or how efficient your operations are, the true measure of success is profitability. And that’s where sales come in — the decisive factor that separates thriving businesses from struggling ones. 

You know that turning leads into sales is key to driving business growth. But what’s the most effective way to convert leads, and how can you refine your sales process to maximize revenue?

As a business owner, entrepreneur, or sales professional, you’re probably grappling with this question. You may have even already:

  • Invested in lead generation.
  • Honed your sales pitches.
  • Perfected your closing techniques. 

Yet, your conversion rate remains a nagging concern. 

In this article, you’ll uncover the fundamental principles of turning leads into sales, highlighting proven strategies, tactics, and tools to: 

  • Enhance your sales funnel.
  • Strengthen customer relationships.
  • Ultimately increase profits. 

Let’s jump in.

Need an easier way to keep your QuickBooks data up-to-date?

Try Method’s two-way sync

What does it mean to convert leads into sales?

Leads are people or organizations who have expressed interest in what you’re selling. For some examples, they may have: 

  • Voluntarily shared their contact information with you through a form on your website.
  • Made inquiries over the phone.
  • Interacted with your business on social media platforms. 

Turning leads into sales means effectively persuading potential customers to choose your product or service. From there, the idea is to turn these prospects into loyal, paying customers. It’s the crucial step where interest is transformed into action, driving revenue and growth for your business.

Is there one single best way to convert leads into sales?

No, there isn’t one best way to convert leads into sales. The conversion process differs from business to business. However, a good tip to remember is that turning leads into sales generally requires a multi-level strategy that spans multiple channels and media using the best marketing and sales practices. 

Some effective strategies for converting leads into customers include:

  • Focusing on solving prospective customers’ problems. 
  • Creating engaging, visual, and educational content.
  • Using clear calls to action. 

Ultimately, the best approach combines a deep understanding of your leads with a robust sales process that nurtures and converts them effectively.

MQLs vs. SQLs: What’s the difference?

Marketing-qualified leads (MQLs) are leads who have shown interest in your business offerings by performing actions like: 

  • Downloading content.
  • Signing up for newsletters.
  • Engaging with your social media posts. 

However, they are not ready to buy from you because they are still in the “early awareness” stage of the buyer journey.

Sales-qualified leads (SQLs) are leads who have shown that they want to purchase from you. They may have: 

  • Requested a quote.
  • Scheduled a meeting with a sales rep.
  • Tried out product demos.

Your sales process, and ultimately your business, will benefit from a clear understanding of the difference between MQLs and SQLs, as they each require different nurture strategies. 

When dealing with MQLs, provide relevant content and engagement opportunities, and they can become SQLs over time. When dealing with SQLs, your sales team must approach them and encourage them to make the final buying decision. Read on to discover how you can turn sales-qualified leads into loyal customers. 

Stages of lead conversion and best practices

No two companies’ sales pipelines are the same. You’ve got to define yours clearly to see how leads move down the funnel. Here’s a broad framework that describes most businesses’ pipelines.

1. Lead generation

This is the first step in your sales pipeline. It’s where you prospect and capture the right leads. Prospecting refers to activities aimed at identifying, researching, and engaging potential customers who may be interested in your product or service. Its goal is to fill your sales pipeline with potential customers. 

Traditionally, prospecting relied heavily on cold calling the target audience. However, an effective lead generation strategy today should incorporate a variety of strategic activities, such as: 

  • Relevant content creation.
  • Marketing automation.
  • Targeted outreach on various platforms. 

Capturing is where you convert interested prospects into leads. Common ways of doing this include collecting contact information (like email and phone number) through marketing strategies like:

  • Encouraging sign-ups (newsletters, free trials, etc.). 
  • Offering valuable gated resources (eBooks, webinars, etc.). 
  • Creating engaging experiences (events, contests, etc.).

See an example of how you can capture leads on your website below.

Method CRM Lead Gen Form

The fate of your lead generation strategy rests solely on targeting and capturing the right market and understanding your customers’ needs. 

2. Lead qualification

Lead qualification is evaluating generated leads based on their likelihood to purchase your product or service. This stage answers a simple yet crucial question: is this lead worth pursuing? If you get this answer right, you’ll prevent your business from wasting resources on prospects unlikely to convert. 

Also known as the “needs analysis” stage, this is where you determine if your product or service solves the pain points of each lead and if they can pay for it. To get the most out of this process, it’s essential to segment leads by:

  • Industry. 
  • Demographics. 
  • Company Size. 
  • Behaviour. 
  • Firmographics.

With proper segmentation in place, you can:

  • Develop customized messaging. 
  • Focus on high-potential leads. 
  • Use lead scoring (a point system) to prioritize leads. 

With this strategic approach, business owners can save resources while improving customer engagement and increasing conversion rates.

3. Lead nurturing

Now that you’ve determined the leads worth pursuing, it’s time to nurture them. Lead nurturing involves engaging with leads, addressing their pain points, and providing them with personalized interactions in line with their needs and interests.

If your lead is part of an organization, you want to first identify the key business decision-makers and address them directly to cut out the middleman. Then, find out your lead’s preferred communication method (face-to-face, email, phone calls, Slack, WhatsApp, etc.) and establish contact. 

These tips can kick your lead nurturing process up a notch:

  • Make it a conversation — a sales pitch can be off-putting.
  • Offer relevant value propositions to show your leads you’ve done your homework.
  • Weigh client perceptions against reality and handle any objections that come up.
  • Be clear about what action you want your lead to take.

4. Closing the sale

You’ve nurtured your leads and built trust, and they’re ready to buy. Now it’s time to seal the deal! Keep these key points in mind:

  • Provide a clear, concise quote outlining:
    • Product/service details.
    • Pricing and payment terms.
    • Delivery timelines.
    • Any warranties or guarantees.
  • Finalize and agree on the details with the customer.
  • Deliver high-quality products or services.
  • Create FOMO (fear of missing out) and a sense of urgency.
  • Make opt-ins and purchases easy.
  • Make payment terms clear and use reliable payment processing.

5. Follow-up and retention

Sealing the deal might leave you feeling your job is done, but it isn’t. You want to start a dialogue with your leads as soon as they convert. As a part of this conversation:

  • Make sure they are happy with their purchase.
  • Address concerns or issues.
  • Offer support and resources.
  • Collect feedback and insights.

With CRM platforms like Method, you can automate follow-ups to ensure you’re always engaging with customers — without having to spend too much time on them.

Creating a follow-up activity in Method CRM.

As each customer relationship develops, it’s a good practice to identify complementary products or services you can upsell or cross-sell to enhance their experience.

Finally, measure performance using reporting and analytics to track metrics like:

  • Customer retention rates.
  • Satisfaction scores.
  • Upsell/cross-sell success.
  • Return on investment (ROI).

Stop spending your day sending emails, estimates, and invoices.

Watch Method do it for you

Technical strategies for how to convert a lead into a sale

Lead generation and conversion rely on a combination of factors, not just one magic solution. Think of it as adjusting various levers to fine-tune your sales machine. Here are some levers you can pull to get your conversion ratio up:

Build and optimize your website

Your website is often the first impression potential customers have of your business. To make it count, start by crafting a solid SEO strategy. This isn’t just about stuffing keywords — it’s about creating a smooth user experience that search engines will love, too. Use thorough keyword research to identify what your customers are searching for. This will inform your content creation and ensure you’re speaking their language.

But SEO is just the beginning. To truly improve your website’s performance, you need to test and refine it. Run A/B tests to compare different versions of pages, CTAs, and content. This will help you identify what resonates with your audience and what doesn’t. Use data-driven insights to inform design and content decisions.

Another crucial element is an effective FAQ page. This goes beyond providing responses to common questions, as it’s about showcasing your expertise and building trust. Use research and clear, concise language to address customer concerns, and you will be converting visitors into leads in no time.

Develop your content marketing

Content marketing is the unsung hero of lead generation. It can help you build trust, establish authority, and attract potential customers through valuable, relevant content.

Start by using your SEO strategy to inform your content creation. Use keyword research to identify gaps in the market and craft content that resonates with your target audience. Produce high-quality, engaging content that addresses their pain points and interests.

Educate and inform with blog posts, exploring topics such as:

  • Industry trends and insights.
  • Problem-solving guides.
  • Thought leadership pieces.
  • Success stories and case studies.

But don’t stop at written content. Explore different mediums to reach your audience, such as:

  • Video: Explainers, tutorials, and testimonials.
  • Long-form content: E-books, whitepapers, and guides.
  • Live webinars: Interactive sessions and Q&A.
  • Podcasts: Interviews and industry discussions.
  • Social media: Snippets, stories, and behind-the-scenes.

Social proof is powerful. What others are saying about you and your business can help you attract more leads. Share positive customer testimonials, reviews, and ratings to build credibility and trust. 

Invest in advertising

Advertising can boost your lead-generation efforts. When deciding how to advertise, consider digital and local options. If your business type allows for it, a blend of both would be ideal. 

Behavioral ad campaigns

To get the most returns on your digital advertising investment, run behavioral campaigns, which target individuals based on their actions and behaviors online, such as:

  • Search history.
  • Page visits.
  • Abandoned carts.
  • Product interests.

With this approach, your ads can reach high-intent prospects and increase your chances of converting leads to sales.

PPC

Similarly, conducting PPC (pay-per-click) keyword research can contribute to boosting your conversion metrics. It helps you to:

  • Identify relevant search terms.
  • Create targeted ad groups.
  • Improve ad copy and landing pages.

Retargeting

Finally, another form of online advertising you should use is retargeting ads. These ads target users who have previously interacted with your brand but haven’t yet converted. With retargeting ads, you can remind them of your brand and encourage them to revisit your website or complete a desired action. That way, you’re more likely to: 

  • Increase conversions.
  • Improve brand recall.
  • Enhance customer engagement.
  • Get a better ROI compared to traditional advertising.

Whichever advertising you choose to invest in, use clear and concise calls-to-action (CTAs) in your ad copy to drive action and conversions.

Optimize your lead-scoring model

Lead scoring is a dynamic process, not a one-time setup. To maximize its effectiveness, continually refine, build upon, and reevaluate your lead-scoring model.

Your ideal customer profile (ICP) can evolve as your business grows. Market trends shift, customer needs change, and your value proposition must change too. Regularly reassess your lead-scoring criteria to ensure alignment with your updated ICP.

Here are a few questions you must ask regularly about your lead-scoring approach:

  • Are we scoring leads based on relevant behaviors?
  • Are our thresholds too lenient or too strict?
  • Are we prioritizing the right demographics?
  • Are we neglecting crucial qualification factors?

Your answers to these questions will give you data and insights for refining your lead-scoring model and improving your conversion strategies.

Employ an email marketing strategy

Email marketing remains an effective channel for lead nurturing and conversion. To maximize its potential, start by choosing the right email marketing tool for your business, such as:

  • Method.
  • Mailchimp.
  • ActiveCampaign.
Email Campaign Review and Send Screen

These tools offer features like:

  • Contact management and segmentation.
  • Automation workflows and triggers.
  • Email builders and templates.
  • Performance tracking and analytics.

If you want to get the best results from your email campaigns, remember to use tracking codes to:

  • Monitor open rates, clicks, and conversions.
  • Identify top-performing subject lines and content.
  • Segment audiences based on behavior and preferences.
  • Refine targeting and personalization.

Build a social media presence

Social media is a powerhouse for lead generation and brand awareness because of the sheer number of users and how much time they spend on those platforms. If you want to tap into its potential, you must approach it strategically.

For starters, identify the right channels based on your buyer persona. Each platform is most suited to different audience profiles and marketing content:

  • LinkedIn for B2B connections and industry insights.
  • Facebook for broad reach and targeted advertising.
  • Twitter for real-time engagement and news.
  • Instagram for visual storytelling and influencer marketing.
  • YouTube for long-form content and educational videos.

Whichever platforms you decide to use, here are a few strategies you can use:

  • Create content calendars for consistent posting.
  • Design engagement campaigns to spark conversations.
  • Partner with influencers to expand reach.
  • Use paid advertising for targeted lead generation.
  • Track for performance optimization with analytics.

Make phone calls

Sometimes, the most effective way to connect with a lead is through a simple phone call. If you have a phone number in your lead records, consider reaching out.

While cold calling success rates only average, according to our research, around 2%, it can yield significantly better results as part of a targeted outreach to warm leads. Done right, it can also create a domino effect of word-of-mouth referrals. 

Phone calls offer a personal touch, letting you:

  • Build rapport and establish trust.
  • Address concerns and answer questions.
  • Provide personalized solutions.
  • Move leads closer to conversion.

Also, pay attention to your leads’ preferences. Some may prefer to speak to you or your team directly. In such cases, a call might be the only way to nudge them forward in their customer journey.

Try out influencer marketing

Another way to boost your conversion is through influencer marketing. This lets you promote your brand by tapping into the credibility and reach of experts and leading voices in your industry or community. 

Here are two major types of influencers you can partner with:

  • Macro-influencers: Established thought leaders with large followings (typically 100,000+), often across multiple industries. They are often costly but have significant influence and recognition.
  • Micro-influencers: Niche experts with smaller, highly engaged audiences (typically 1,000-100,000). They offer authenticity and targeted reach, as well as more affordability.

Influencers give your brand access to an audience base who already trusts them. Some of this trust will be transferred to your brand simply because you associate with the influencer. 

That’s why it’s important to select influencers that:

  • Are aligned with your brand values and target audience.
  • Have high engagement rates and good content quality.
  • Are relevant to your industry or niche.
  • Have positive reviews from past collaborations.

Network to make partnerships and build community

Networking is also a powerful way how to convert a lead into a sale. With it, you can: 

  • Expand your reach.
  • Foster collaborations.
  • Establish thought leadership. 

Connect with fellow industry professionals on social media platforms like LinkedIn to build meaningful relationships. Online forums are another digital option for demonstrating your expertise to your target audience. 

You may also want to seek out and attend local events in your niche, both online and offline. You can even go a step further to create your own events and community. Just try to work with others in your field while at it.

Leverage software

Thanks to technology, you can do almost everything faster and better, including converting leads to sales. You can tap into that technological advantage with CRM, AI, and automation tools, for example. 

With such tools, your sales team can build their lead lists faster by automating lead collection with digital forms. They can also track and manage leads and send follow-ups all in one software, like in Method. 

Top tips for turning leads into sales

The more, the merrier

In lead generation, rejection is inevitable. In fact, 80% of new leads never translate into sales. So don’t feel dejected when the majority say no — every “no” brings you closer to a “yes.” 

Remember, every conversion is a win, regardless of how small it may seem. The key to success lies in diversification and persistence. The more strategies you use and invest in, the greater your results will be.

Offer expert advice

Building trust with potential customers requires more than just a sales pitch. Don’t think only in terms of sales. Instead, offer free advice and assistance to establish your expertise and authority. Wow your audience by offering:

  • Expert advice and guidance.
  • Exclusive resources and informative guides.
  • Personalized solutions to common problems.
  • Responsive engagement on social media.

While at it, demonstrate your understanding of customers’ needs and show your product or service’s value.

Have your sales and marketing teams work together

Even if you have your sales and marketing teams operating separately, their ultimate goal is the same: driving revenue growth. Too many leads may slip away during hand-offs if both teams don’t work together to achieve the goal. To prevent this, get rid of silos across your business and let ideas flow across the organization.

Respond in a timely manner

When leads reach out, timing is crucial. Promptly responding to their questions and inquiries not only makes them feel valued, but also enhances the perception of your customer service.

Offer specials, discounts, and freebies

Let’s face it — everyone loves a good deal! Offering specials, discounts, and freebies is an effective way to capture attention, build excitement, and spur leads to act. For example, you can offer a discount code or a two-week free trial of your product or service. You can also offer seasonal promotions to take advantage of regular holidays and festivities.

Use appealing calls-to-action (CTAs)

A well-crafted call-to-action (CTA) can make all the difference in converting leads. Effective CTAs combine clarity, conciseness, and active language to prompt action. While you’re at it, use “you”-centric language to put the reader first. 

For example, instead of saying “Click here,” you might consider “Start your free trial today.”

In addition, be sure the lead is ready before asking for an action, or you might lose them altogether.

Use visuals

In today’s visually driven world, a wall of text will get you nowhere. You want to break up content with engaging images, videos, and graphics to capture attention and convey your message.

Listen to your unhappy customers

Negative feedback isn’t always all bad. Don’t ignore or skip over them. Unhappy customers can give you valuable insights into strengthening your sales process. Even negative reviews can help you grow, evolve, and address issues with your product or service.

Online payments, automated leads, and customer management?

See how Method does it all

Best way to convert leads into sales FAQs

What is a sales funnel?

A sales funnel is a model that represents the journey a potential customer goes through, from their first interaction with a company to the final purchase. 

What is the difference between prospect stages and pipeline stages?

Prospect stages refer to the early phases where potential customers are identified and their interest is gauged. Conversely, pipeline stages refer to the entire sales process, detailing each step from initial contact through to the closing of a sale.

What is a good lead conversion rate?

A good conversion rate varies by industry and specific business goals. Average conversion rates are between 2% to 5%, while anything above 5% could be seen as strong performance.

Ready to turn more leads into sales without the extra effort? Try Method free for 14 days.

A teal illustration representing data analysis, with a person grabbing a pie chart from a smartphone.

How to unreconcile in Quickbooks Online safely and easily

Accounting, QuickBooks / By

Learn step by step how to unreconcile transactions in QuickBooks Online safely, so your financial records always stay accurate and up to date.

How to unreconcile in Quickbooks Online safely and easily Read More »

So, you’ve gone through and matched up your accounts in QuickBooks, but something just isn’t adding up. Perhaps there’s an odd transaction or a little hidden mistake somewhere. Whatever the reason might be, you’ve decided it’s time to undo the reconciliation process. 

Before you get started, let’s make one thing clear: unreconciling in QuickBooks Online needs to be handled very carefully and accurately. Mess this up, and you could throw your whole account off balance — and trust us, that’s definitely one thing you don’t want.

Unreconciliation can sometimes be complicated. If done wrong, it often leads to issues with data integrity — not to mention inaccuracies in reports and a whole lot of confusion. 

Sound like a painful process? Don’t worry. Our guide will show you how to do it properly and help avoid those issues down the line.

What preparations do you need to unreconcile in QuickBooks?

A little bit of preparation makes all the difference in ensuring that you don’t accidentally mess your books up. So, before you even consider the idea of unreconciling, there are a few important steps to take first. 

Here’s what you need to do before starting:

  • Back up your data.
  • Review reconciled transactions.
  • Check for errors or disparities.

Back up your data

First things first — make sure everything is backed up. QuickBooks has a handy built-in backup feature that you’ll definitely want to use for this. The last thing you need is to make some changes and not be able to undo them. 

Once your data is safely backed up, you can rest easy knowing that if anything goes wrong, you can quickly restore your account to the state it was before you started.

Review reconciled transactions

Once your backup is safe and sound, go through your reconciled transactions with an extremely detailed approach. 

You can access these reconciliation reports by going into the “Accounting” or “Banking” menu and checking out your bank register. 

Pay close attention to the “R” column (that’s the reconciliation column) to ensure everything matches. 

When you find something that doesn’t look right, this is where you can begin your troubleshooting.

A screenshot of the reconciliation screen in QuickBooks Online, with the "R" column highlighted.

Image credit: QuickBooks

Check for errors or disparities

Now that you’ve reviewed those transactions thoroughly, it’s time to identify any discrepancies or errors lurking around. 

Look for differences between what’s on your bank statements and what QuickBooks shows as transactions. 

This is where the QuickBooks reconciliation report becomes incredibly useful—it will show exactly where things started to go awry, helping you pinpoint which specific transactions need fixing (so you’re not left guessing).

Push QuickBooks Online further than ever with Method.

See all the ways how

Steps to unreconcile in QuickBooks Online

The process of reversing reconciliations really depends on whether you’re handling just one transaction or many of them all at once.

Single transaction

Only one annoying transaction causing issues? Here’s how you can handle it quickly:

  1. Head over to the “Accounting” menu.
  2. Navigate to the “Chart of Accounts” and then select the bank account where this particular transaction is located.
  3. Click on “View Register.”
  4. Locate the transaction that’s giving you issues, click on the “R” in the checkmark column, and change its status from “R” (reconciled) to “C” (cleared) or “None.”
  5. Hit “Save,” and breathe a sigh of relief. You’re done.
A screenshot showing the steps to unreconcile transactions in QuickBooks Online.

Image credit: QuickBooks

Troubleshooting tips

  • If you’re having problems finding that specific transaction, double-check that you are indeed in the correct account.
  • If it doesn’t let you unreconcile, adjusting your reconciliation dates might be necessary.

Multiple transactions in QuickBooks Online

If you need multiple transactions fixed, don’t worry — the process is quite similar:

  1. Go back to the “Chart of Accounts” and click “View Register” for the bank account you’re dealing with.
  2. Find each individual transaction that needs unreconciling.
  3. Change their “R” status for each one from “R” (Reconciled) to “C” (Cleared) or “None.”

Save each change as you go along (don’t wait until the end).

Just keep in mind that the more reconciliations you end up reversing, the bigger the discrepancies, so track everything you’re doing carefully.

Account-level unreconciliation

Sometimes, issues extend beyond just single transactions and require an entire account-level fix-up. Here’s how you can do this safely:

  1. Navigate over to “Accounting” and choose your bank account from within the “Chart of Accounts” section.
  2. Click “View Register” and set all relevant transactions from “R” (Reconciled) back down to “C” (Cleared).
  3. Then head over to the “Reconcile” page, inputting the correct ending balance before clicking
    “Start Reconciling” again.
  4. Make any necessary changes here and save them accordingly.

Be very careful when performing an unreconciliation at this level as it can drastically affect your entire financial picture. So, double and triple-check absolutely everything before moving forward.

How to bulk unreconcile in QuickBooks Online

If you’ve got a mountain of transactions needing correction, doing it one by one sounds like a nightmare. Luckily, QuickBooks has a bulk option:

  1. Head to the “Bank Register” and filter by reconciled transactions specifically.
  2. Select multiple entries at once, then change their reconciliation status collectively.
  3. Finally, save the changes and check again.
A screenshot showing the Bank register screen in QuickBooks Online, highlighting the filter option.

Image credit: QuickBooks

We advise you to proceed with caution here. Bulk unreconciliation could impact reports and statements across all your accounts significantly. So, only use this option sparingly and as a last resort.

How to unreconcile previous months in QuickBooks Online

If you find yourself needing to go back and fix something from previous months, it’s no problem:

  1. Go to “Reports” in the left-hand navigation menu.
  2. Type “Reconciliation Report” in the “Find report by name” search bar.
  3. Click “Reconciliation Reports.”
  4. In the “Account” menu, select the account for the report you want to view.
  5. From the “Report period” drop-down, choose the reconcile period (the previous month you need to fix).
  6. Select “View Report.”
  7. Find the transaction you need to fix, hit view, and adjust the status from “R” to “C” or “None.”
  8. Save the reconciliation now that you have the correct ending balance.
A screenshot showing the print screen of a Reconciliation Discrepancy Report in QuickBooks Online.

Image credit: QuickBooks

Keep in mind that when you change past months, the totals affect your balances from the current period, so go through to ensure these are now up to date, too.

Unreconcile in QuickBooks Desktop

With QuickBooks Desktop, you will find the operation a bit different than Online, but thankfully, the process for unreconciling is much the same:

  1. Go to the “Banking” section, then select “Reconcile.”
  2. Choose the account with the reconciled transaction.
  3. If you simply want to unreconcile the most recent transaction, click “Undo Last Reconciliation.”
  4. If you need to unreconcile specific transactions, go to the “Account Register” and then remove the “R” status.

Common issues and solutions

  • Problem: Can’t find the unreconciled transaction.

Solution: Make sure the date filters are displaying the correct time frame.

  • Problem: Reconciliation won’t save you after you make changes.

Solution: Check and adjust the reconciliation date or ending balance.

How to unreconcile credit card in QuickBooks Online

To unreconcile a credit card transaction in QuickBooks Online, you can follow the same basic steps as with a bank account:

  1. Go to “Chart of Accounts” and select your credit card account.
  2. Click “View Register” and locate the transaction.
  3. Change the “R” status to “C” or “None.”
  4. Save and close.

Keep in mind that credit card transactions can often make up part of monthly statements. Unreconciling one can affect your closing statements, so double-check everything before you finalize. 

Can you unreconcile a reconciled monthly statement?

You can unreconcile a reconciled statement, but be careful. Unreconciling an entire monthly statement can throw your financials off in a huge and irreparable way. But if you absolutely must, here’s how:

  1. Open up the Reconciliation Report for the required month.
  2. Find the transactions and change their reconciliation status to “C” or “None.”
  3. Reconcile your accounts again (but with the correct balance).

Get everything you need to run your business in one place.

See what’s possible

Key takeaways: How to unreconcile in QuickBooks Online

Now that you know how to unreconcile in QuickBooks Online, keep these key points in mind:

  • Before you start a single unreconciliation activity, back up your data
  • Unreconciliation can be done on a single transaction, multiple transactions, and even an entire account — but tread carefully.
  • Double-check all of your balances after unreconciliation to avoid any further mistakes. 
  • Always be very careful when making any changes to previous months or when doing bulk reconciliations. 

Afraid of your team messing with your sensitive QuickBooks data? Integrate with Method CRM to give everyone complete visibility into your business performance without impacting your financial data. Method centralizes your lead and customer data to give your whole team the full picture — without the risk of needing to unreconcile the mistakes your non-accountants are bound to make.

Ready to give it a shot for free? Try Method for 14 days.

How to unreconcile in QuickBooks Online FAQs

Can you modify a reconciliation in QuickBooks?

Yes. Editing an existing reconciliation in QuickBooks is possible, but keep in mind this is not the same as an unreconciliation. Editing just allows you to adjust details like transaction notes and reconciliation reports. Unreconciliation, however, removes the state of “reconciled” and is actually a reverse of the reconciliation process. 

Why can’t I reverse a reconciliation in QuickBooks Online?

The most common reason for being unable to reverse a reconciliation in QuickBooks Online is if the process is locked for financial reporting. The second most common reason is a lack of administrator permissions, which are required to reverse a reconciliation that has already been closed.

How many months can I undo reconciliations in QuickBooks?

There are no limits to how many months you can unreconcile in QuickBooks. However, a basic rule and caution to follow is that the further back you unreconcile, the more likely it is to affect your current financial reports, balance sheets, and tax filings. 

For very old reconciliations, you should consult with an accountant to make sure that you don’t cause more problems and discrepancies. 

A fuchsia illustration of a person using a chat feature on their phone.

The 8 best HubSpot alternatives for every business in 2025 

CRM, Marketing, Sales / By

Is HubSpot right for you? Explore the 8 best HubSpot alternatives that offer effective solutions for your business’ sales and marketing needs.

The 8 best HubSpot alternatives for every business in 2025  Read More »

Finding the perfect cloud-based customer relationship management (CRM) platform for your business can be a challenge these days. A simple online search returns thousands of options, including global juggernauts like HubSpot.

But as popular as HubSpot is, it doesn’t tick all the boxes for many businesses for various reasons. Whether it is the price, complexity, or it’s simply not a fit for your business, there are a number of options that might work better for you.

Since you’re here, we wager you’re still looking for that perfect fit. In this article, you’ll uncover the eight best HubSpot alternatives that may be the ideal solution for you.

But first, let’s look at HubSpot itself.

HubSpot Overview

A screenshot of HubSpot CRM contacts page showing customer information

Image Credit: PCMag

HubSpot is a cloud-based CRM software used to handle the marketing, sales, and customer service of a business. 

It is primarily known for its all-in-one nature, from email campaigns to lead tracking and even content and contact management. Through your selection of “hubs,” you get a suite of key features that allow you to simplify operations and genuinely improve customer relationships. And the best part is, it’s user-friendly…  until it isn’t (but we’ll get into that shortly).

HubSpot: Why or why not?

HubSpot is a popular CRM for a reason — it has its perks. Here’s why some businesses love it:

  • All-in-one solution: HubSpot covers inbound marketing, sales, customer service, and even website building.  
  • Free plan: HubSpot’s free CRM offers quite a few basic features to small businesses without having them pay in the process. 
  • User-friendly interface: Its clean, intuitive interface means your team can jump in with little training.
  • Rich integrations: HubSpot works well with tons of other tools, making your life easier.
  • Support and resources: The platform offers extensive tutorials and an academy to help you become a CRM pro.

That said, HubSpot also has its downsides:

  • Costs escalation: You see that free plan? Once you outgrow it, expect prices to climb fast, especially for advanced features.
  • Customization limitations: While you can tweak it, HubSpot’s customization is more rigid than you might like.
  • Overkill for small teams: HubSpot can feel like too much if you only need the basics.
  • Complex setup for larger teams: Managing a larger marketing team with this system can take more time. A dedicated admin might be necessary to keep everything running smoothly.
  • User-friendliness drops off: Managing the platform can get tricky as your business grows. Adding extra tools like Sales Hub and Marketing Hub might make things feel a bit overwhelming.

Need an easier way to keep your QuickBooks data up-to-date?

Try Method’s two-way sync

Your 8 Best HubSpot Alternatives

1. Method CRM

Method CRM is the ideal CRM for small businesses using QuickBooks or Xero. It connects to your accounting data both ways, meaning any changes on one end instantly reflect on the other. Method also features a 24/7 self-service portal for customer payments and documentation, plus near-limitless customization to build a system that works around your business needs and goals.

Pros

  • Seamless integration with QuickBooks and Xero.
  • 24/7 customer self-service portal.
  • Dedicated customization team.
  • A complete view of customer interactions.
  • Automated follow-ups and reminders.
  • Fully customizable sales dashboards and workflows.

Cons

  • Best suited for QuickBooks or Xero users.
  • Available only in English.

Pricing

Method CRM has three pricing plans:

  • Contact Management: $25 per user per month.
  • CRM Pro: $44 per user per month.
  • CRM Enterprise: $74 per user per month.

Method CRM offers a free trial with no credit card required.

2. Zoho CRM

Screenshot of Zoho CRM dashboard.

Image credit: Discover CRM

Zoho CRM is among the best HubSpot alternatives for small-to-medium-sized businesses. Zoho CRM combines a user-friendly interface with extensive integration options, providing an all-in-one solution for businesses. Its custom sales dashboards and automation simplify even complex sales processes.

Pros

  • Simple for non-tech users.
  • AI assistant Zia offers predictive insights to boost productivity.
  • Strong mobile access for remote teams.
  • Strong dedication to user data privacy and security.

Cons

  • Extra charges for certain integrations.
  • Some advanced features come with a learning curve.
  • Lower reporting capabilities compared to some competitors.
  • Large datasets may slow down performance.

Pricing

Zoho CRM offers a limited free version for up to 3 users and four paid plans:

  • Standard: $20 per user per month.
  • Professional: $35 per user per month.
  • Enterprise: $50 per user per month.
  • Ultimate: $65 per user per month.

Depending on your plan, you will qualify for a 20-34% discount if you purchase an annual subscription.

3. Pipedrive

Pipedrive screenshot

Image credit: Pipedrive

Next up on our list of the best HubSpot alternatives is Pipedrive. This platform is laser-focused on sales, making it a top choice for small and medium-sized businesses looking to grow their profits. Its visual pipelines make it easy for teams to manage leads and deals.

Pros

  • Integration with over 500 third-party applications enhances functionality.
  • Easy to navigate.
  • Unlimited, customizable sales pipelines.
  • AI Sales Assistant delivers actionable insights.

Cons

  • Lower-tier plans offer fewer customization options.
  • Basic features cannot support complex sales processes.
  • Prices increase quickly with advanced features.
  • Limited reporting customization.

Pricing

Pipedrive offers five pricing plans:

  • Essential: $24 per seat per month.
  • Advanced: $44 per seat per month.
  • Professional: $64 per seat per month.
  • Power: $79 per seat per month.
  • Enterprise: $129 per seat per month.

Pipedrive offers an annual discount of 18-42% depending on your chosen plan, and a free 14-day trial.

4. ActiveCampaign

Screenshot of ActiveCampaign

Image credit: ActiveCampaign

ActiveCampaign stands apart due to its marketing automation platform, which it combines with email marketing and a CRM platform. It is an ideal HubSpot alternative for small to medium-sized businesses, entrepreneurs, and marketing agencies. 

Pros

  • Unlimited email sends, even at lower tiers.
  • Advanced lead scoring and segmentation.
  • Strong marketing automation tools.
  • Free migration for seamless onboarding.

Cons

  • Limited integrations on lower-tier pricing plans.
  • Its free trial is quite limited to 100 contacts and 100 emails.
  • Limited customization options for email templates.
  • Steep learning curve for advanced features.

Pricing

ActiveCampaign offers a free 14-day trial and four pricing plans:

  • Starter: $15 per month for a single user.
  • Plus: $49 per month for a single user.
  • Pro: $79 per month for three users.
  • Enterprise: $145 per month for five users.

ActiveCampaign offers a 20% annual discount on all plans.

5. Zendesk

Screenshot of the Zendesk Sell dashboard,

Image credit: Mopinion

Zendesk fuses CRM and customer service into one, providing multi-channel support via email, chat, and phone. Its user interface is friendly and makes customer interactions easier and more thorough.

Pros

  • Easy to use, even with minimal training.
  • Multi-channel customer support.
  • Strong automation capabilities.
  • Customer history tracking across mediums or departments.
  • Integration with 1,500+ apps through the Zendesk Marketplace.

Cons

  • Expensive for smaller businesses.
  • User interface is not intuitive or customizable.
  • Limited AI and automation features on lower-price tiers.
  • Pricing jumps up quickly as you add more features and users.

Pricing

Zendesk offers several pricing plans:

  • Build your own: Starts at $19 per month per agent.
  • Suite Team: $69 per month per agent.
  • Suite Growth: $115 per month per agent.
  • Suite Professional: $149 per month per agent.
  • Suite Enterprise: $219 per month per agent.

Zendesk also offers a 14-day free trial.

6. Insightly

Insightly dashboard

Image credit: Capterra

Insightly is an all-in-one CRM and project management tool that helps businesses organize their sales, marketing, and customer service processes — cementing it as one of the best HubSpot alternatives. It can also track projects, contacts, and tasks to foster collaboration and productivity.

Pros

  • Effective lead and contact management across all pricing plans.
  • Supports mass emailing (with some limits on lower-tier plans).
  • Project and task management tools are built directly into the CRM.
  • Customizable fields and layouts for tailored data entry.
  • Integrates with many third-party apps.

Cons

  • Fewer customer support options.
  • May slow down when handling large data sets.
  • Lower-tier plans offer fewer customization options.
  • Mobile app experiences can be inconsistent.
  • Reporting features aren’t as advanced as competitors.

Pricing

Insightly CRM offers three pricing plans:

  • Plus: $29 per user per month.
  • Professional: $49 per user per month.
  • Enterprise: $99 per user per month.

Insightly’s plans are all billed annually. For the Plus and Professional packages, a free 14-day trial is available.

7. Keap

Keap Screenshot

Image credit: Keap

Formerly known as Infusionsoft, Keap is a comprehensive CRM and marketing automation platform. It’s designed for small-to-medium-sized businesses that need to capture leads, manage contacts, and automate sales and marketing processes.

Pros

  • Intuitive interface.
  • Advanced automation for everything from emails to workflows.
  • Lead capture through forms, landing pages, and social media.
  • Built-in payment processing tools.
  • Integrated email and SMS marketing features.

Cons

  • Higher price compared to competitors.
  • Costs increase rapidly as your contact list grows.
  • Fees for necessary integrations.
  • Fewer third-party tool connections compared to other CRMs.

Pricing

Keap’s pricing is tiered based on the number of contacts and users you need. The minimum plan starts at 2 users and 1,500 contacts, with a monthly cost of $299. You can also save 17% by opting for annual payment.

8. Copper CRM

Keap’s pricing is tiered based on the number of contacts and users you need. The minimum plan starts at 2 users and 1,500 contacts, with a monthly cost of $299. You can also save 17% by opting for annual payment.

Screenshot of a Copper CRM dashboard.

Image Credit: Salesdorado

Designed for businesses using Google Workspace, Copper CRM simplifies lead and deal tracking with robust collaboration and automation tools.

Pros

  • Efficiently organizes leads and sales pipelines.
  • Built-in tools for sales management.
  • Automates repetitive tasks to focus on closing deals.
  • Tools for teamwork and communication.
  • Easy contact organization.

Cons

  • Slow performance, especially with large datasets.
  • Limited functionality compared to advanced CRMs.
  • Constant email open alerts can get annoying.
  • Some third-party app integrations can be tricky.

Pricing

Copper offers four pricing plans:

  • Starter: $12 per seat per month.
  • Basic: $29 per seat per month.
  • Professional: $69 per seat per month.
  • Business: $134 per seat per month.

Annual subscriptions come with discounts of up to 26%. Copper also offers a 14-day free trial.

Stop spending your day sending emails, estimates, and invoices.

Watch Method do it for you

Making your choice from the best HubSpot alternatives

It’s okay if you’re still wondering which of these best HubSpot alternatives to choose. Every business is unique, and your needs are radically different from those around you. 

Choose a CRM based on your business goals and requirements, but you’ll want to prioritize the following necessities: 

Administrative automation

Save time by choosing a CRM that includes workflow automation features for routine tasks like: 

  • Lead generation and management.
  • Everyday sales processes.
  • Follow-up reminders.
  • Task management and scheduling.

Email marketing

Your email marketing strategy is often the lifeblood of your business growth. Ensure your CRM supports bulk emails, campaigns, and integrations like A/B testing, landing page builders, and email templates.

Analytics and alerts

Strong custom report features and real-time alerts are key for: 

  • Tracking performance.
  • Improving your conversion rates.
  • Making informed choices. 

These are crucial to the success of your sales team.

Invoicing and payments

The best HubSpot alternatives all have invoicing and payment tools integrated into them. With these tools, you can speed up your financial processes and enhance your customers’ experiences for increased sales. Not to mention, you get paid for your work faster and more reliably.

Integration with your existing tools

Purchasing a CRM tool shouldn’t translate into discarding the tools you know and love, such as QuickBooks, for example. Go for one that can integrate with your existing systems. That way, you won’t have to start fresh. 

Wrap-up: What’s the best HubSpot alternative for you?

At the end of the day, the right software choice for you is decided by your needs and goals as a business. If HubSpot isn’t the right call for your business, consider these alternatives:

  1. Method CRM.
  2. Zoho CRM.
  3. Pipedrive.
  4. ActiveCampaign.
  5. Zendesk.
  6. Insightly.
  7. Keap.
  8. Copper CRM.

With so many solid options, it’s beneficial to do the research and try before you buy. That said, if you’re already a QuickBooks or Xero user, your best bet is clear as day. Method connects with your accounting software data both ways to give you a complete view of your business, without impacting your sensitive financial information.

 Stop spending time on the same tasks every day. Ready to give Method a try?

Best HubSpot alternatives FAQs

Is HubSpot CRM free to use?

Yes, but the free version has limited functionality and customization options. Growing businesses usually upgrade for more features, which very quickly gets costly.

Do CRM costs increase over time?

Yes, CRM costs increase over time — especially as you add features or upgrade plans. This is typical for CRMs like HubSpot that charge individually for advanced tools.

Is HubSpot CRM difficult to implement?

Implementing HubSpot CRM is easy at first, but becomes more complex as you add on additional hubs. Users often find managing its pricing model tricky.

How do I switch CRMs?

Switching CRMs can be tedious as it requires careful planning, execution, and data management. However, some providers, like Method CRM, have dedicated teams to assist with the transition, making the switch smoother by helping with data migration and setup.

A purple illustration of a person liking a social media post on their phone.

Electrician marketing tips: 8 ways to get more customers

Field Services, Small Business / By

Struggling to bring in new customers as an electrician? Discover 8 effective marketing tips for electrical contractors in this blog.

Electrician marketing tips: 8 ways to get more customers Read More »

Targeted marketing strategies are essential for electricians looking to expand their customer base. 

Effective marketing lets electricians highlight their unique skills and services, making it easier to attract new clients and stand out from the competition. 

With the right marketing plan, electricians can: 

  • Convert inquiries into sales faster and more reliably.
  • Leverage positive reviews to drive trust.
  • Boost their online presence and draw in more business.

Why is marketing important for electrical contractors?

The electrical contracting industry is fiercely competitive, making it crucial for contractors to develop effective marketing strategies to stand out. By investing in targeted marketing, you can: 

  • Enhance your visibility.
  • Attract a wider audience.
  • Ultimately grow your business.

Professional marketing strategies directly contribute to business growth in the electrical sector. Electricians who engage with followers online, promote special offers, and advertise on relevant platforms can expect to see an increase in client inquiries and job bookings.

Top marketing tips for electrical contractors

Implementing a diverse range of marketing strategies can yield significant benefits for electrical contractors. Here are the top eight things you need to consider.

Highlight your expertise

As you plan your marketing strategy, think of all the ways you can highlight your skillset and experience. Make sure you:

  • Showcase certifications, special projects, and years of experience on your marketing platforms.
  • Create a professional portfolio that includes photos and descriptions of completed projects.
  • Collect testimonials and case studies as proof of expertise.

Optimize for local SEO

SEO stands for search engine optimization, which is how platforms like Google prioritize your website content over your competitors. 

Don’t have a website yet? Make one, then come back to this blog. According to our research, 97% of people turn to online searches to learn more about a local business.

Local SEO is crucial for electricians aiming to improve their visibility in specific geographic areas. By optimizing your presence on search engines and leveraging your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business), you can attract more local traffic.

To optimize for local SEO, you should:

  1. Include relevant keywords on your electrician website.
  2. Ensure your business profile is updated for search and reviewing purposes.
  3. List your business in local directories.
  4. Collect customer reviews to enhance your online presence.
  5. Create different forms of content such as blogs, guides, and videos.
  6. Optimize your website for mobile users to improve search results.

Not to mention, over 90% of customers read reviews before buying products or hiring services — so it’s crucial to generate positive reviews wherever you can.

Offer expert advice

Becoming a known electrical expert is an ongoing process, but working towards that reputation helps you engage followers and establish your brand as an authority in the field.

For example, setting up a blog or FAQ section on your site lets you share valuable knowledge with your audience and assures them that you know your stuff. 

Additional examples include:

  • Create how-to videos and electrical safety tips.
  • Post updates on new industry trends and innovations.
  • Share useful electrical tips on social media platforms.

With an expert reputation, your word-of-mouth referrals increase, which means more business opportunities for you.

Need an easier way to keep your QuickBooks data up-to-date?

Try Method’s two-way sync

Network with other electricians or electrical contractors

Networking with other contractors in your field offers numerous benefits, including mutual referrals and joint marketing ventures. 

Electricians can connect through platforms like: 

  • Social media (namely LinkedIn).
  • Online forums and communities.
  • Local trade associations.
  • Industry-specific events.

Offer incentives and discounts to your customers

Your leads are significantly more likely to bite when you offer them something. You can:

  • Provide discounts for first-time customers.
  • Offer referral benefits to existing clients.
  • Create seasonal promotions to attract more business.

Communicating these offers effectively through email marketing, social media, and your website ensures that your target audience is aware of these promotions and can easily act on them.

Invest in online ads and paid promotions

While they can get costly, leveraging online ads and paid promotions is a strong way to generate business and get a near-immediate ROI. 

Examples include:

  • Google Ads.
  • Facebook Ads.
  • Instagram sponsored posts.
  • PPC (pay-per-click) campaigns.

Businesses that invest in Google Ads and social media marketing generally see a measurable boost in traffic and inquiries. On average, advertisers make $2 in revenue for every $1 spent on Google Ads. 

Remember that setting appropriate budgets and measuring the return on investment for paid campaigns is crucial for maximizing the effectiveness of your advertising efforts.

Dominate local marketing

When it comes to hiring electricians, people like to look at options that are close to home. To maximize your visibility in this sense, it’s a great idea to:

  • Sponsor local events and community projects.
  • Advertise in local newspapers and magazines.
  • Partner with local businesses for cross-promotions.

A strong local presence, both online and offline, is vital for becoming the go-to electrician in your area.

Electrical contractor scheduling software

Using scheduling software can significantly improve customer experience and efficiency. Popular options include Method:Field Services, ServiceTitan, Jobber, and Housecall Pro. See more about Method:Field Services below.

What’s the best social media channel for electrical contractors?

78% of consumers state their purchases are influenced by posts on the social media pages of brands, but which one (or ones) should you use? To extend your reach as far as possible, the more the merrier.

Electricians often find success on Facebook and Instagram due to their visual nature and large user base. LinkedIn and X (Twitter) are not as big, but tend to be more business-focused, making them a great place to find new prospects.

For best results on these platforms, consider:

  • Posting project images and client testimonials.
  • Running targeted ads to reach specific demographics.
  • Engaging with followers through live Q&A sessions.

Marketing tips for electrical contractors: Key takeaways

In a nutshell, here are the eight key electrician marketing tips to grow your customer base and your business:

  1. Highlight your expertise, skills, and experience.
  2. Implement a website with local SEO strategies to enhance visibility.
  3. Generate positive reviews and word-of-mouth referrals by becoming an expert.
  4. Network with other contractors for referrals and partnerships.
  5. Offer incentives and discounts to entice new customers.
  6. Budget for online advertising and paid promotions to extend your digital reach.
  7. Invest in offline marketing to dominate your local scene.
  8. Use scheduling software like Method to scale without issues.

Electrician marketing tips: Frequently asked questions

How profitable is running an electrical business?

Running an electrical business can be highly profitable, depending on factors like market demand, pricing strategy, and operational efficiency. Electricians who effectively manage their marketing strategy, especially regarding customer service and lead generation, can see substantial earnings — generally achieving a gross profit margin of around 65 – 67%.

You can stay informed about new marketing trends and tools by subscribing to industry newsletters like EDN’s, attending trade shows, and participating in online forums.

What is the target market for electricians?

The typical clientele for electrical services includes homeowners, small businesses, and commercial property managers. Effective marketing campaigns should showcase your expertise and reliability to target these demographics.

Ready to focus on electrical work instead of admin work? Try Method:Field Services.

An orange illustration of a person online shopping.

The benefits of payment gateways for your business

Sales, Small Business / By

Learn how payment gateways can enhance your business by providing secure transactions and improving customer trust in this blog.

The benefits of payment gateways for your business Read More »

Managing payments can often feel complicated and time-consuming. With Method, you can simplify how you handle payment information and credit card transactions in order to manage payments more effectively. Here’s how Method’s payment solution can help your business:

1. Real-time QuickBooks sync

Method integrates directly with QuickBooks, meaning every payment you process is instantly synced. No need for double data entry — your payment information is always accurate and up-to-date in real-time.

Screenshot of Method payment processing

2. Multiple payment gateway options

Method gives you the flexibility to accept payments through a variety of gateways, including PayPal, Stripe, and Square. This means your customers can choose their preferred payment method, making it easier for them to pay and for you to manage payments.

Partners of payment gateways integration

3. Secure and compliant transactions

Security is critical when dealing with credit card information. Method’s payment gateways are PCI DSS compliant, ensuring every transaction is protected by top-level security standards. This helps you manage payments confidently, knowing they’re safe and compliant.

4. Easy payments through customer portals

With Method’s customer portals, your clients can view their transactions and pay at their convenience. This self-service option makes managing payments smoother and faster, improving the overall experience for your customers.

Customer view of a personalized Method portal.

5. Better cash flow

A streamlined payment process means fewer delays and faster payments, helping you keep your cash flow steady. This makes it easier for you to manage payments and keep your business running smoothly.

6. Comprehensive reporting

Method offers detailed reporting on your payment transactions, giving you insights into your payment processes. You can track trends, monitor performance, and make informed decisions to improve your business operations.

Conclusion: Simplify your payment management


Method makes managing payments easy and efficient. By integrating payment gateways into your workflow, you can focus more on growing your business and less on the complications of payment management.

Method CRM lets you run your business, your way.

Watch it in action
A teal illustration of a person swiping a credit card.

Why integrated payments are essential to grow your business

Sales, Small Business / By

Explore the importance of Method’s integrated payments for business growth. Learn how to simplify transactions and improve satisfaction.

Why integrated payments are essential to grow your business Read More »

When running a business, every second counts — especially when it comes to getting paid. Delays in payments can slow down your cash flow, disrupt operations, and even stall business growth. That’s why integrated payments are so important.

How Method’s integrated payments make a difference

Method makes it simple to accept payments by connecting directly with QuickBooks. With payment gateways like PayPal, Stripe, and Square, you can choose the best option for your business. This flexibility saves time and helps reduce processing costs.

Why integrated payments matter

  • Get paid faster: Waiting for payments can be frustrating, especially when your cash flow is at stake. Integrated payments help you accept payment quicker, keeping things running smoothly.
  • Flexibility to choose: Every business has unique payment needs. Method lets you pick from multiple payment gateways, whether it’s PayPal, Stripe, or Square. This makes it easier to serve more customers and never miss a sale due to limited payment options.
  • Secure payments: With cyber threats on the rise, securing credit card information is crucial. Method’s built-in security features ensure your transactions are safe and compliant with industry standards. You can accept payments confidently, knowing your business and customer data are protected.

Make payments easier for you and your customers

Integrating payments with Method is more than just convenience. It’s about managing payments efficiently and securely. By keeping everything in one place, you reduce administrative work and free up more time to focus on growing your business.

Screenshot of Method payment processing

Conclusion

Don’t let outdated payment systems slow you down. Integrated payments with Method help you get paid faster, more securely, and more efficiently. Improve your payment process today and see how it can benefit your business and your customers.

Online payments, automated leads, and customer management?

See how Method does it all
Fuchsia drawing of a woman working at a desk on a laptop.

12 best Salesforce alternatives for 2025

CRM / By

Salesforce is a popular CRM, but that doesn’t mean it’s the right fit for you. Check out the best Salesforce alternatives in this blog.

12 best Salesforce alternatives for 2025 Read More »

Salesforce is the world’s leading cloud-based CRM platform, but that doesn’t mean it’s a perfect solution for everyone.

If you’ve landed on this blog, you’re likely feeling that Salesforce isn’t quite the right fit — whether it’s the cost, complexity, or something else entirely. 

Don’t worry, you’ve got options. In fact, we’re about to walk you through the 12 best Salesforce alternatives for 2025.

What is a CRM?

Before we jump into the best Salesforce alternatives, let’s start with the basics: CRM stands for customer relationship management.

Think of it as the ultimate organizational tool for sales, customer support, and marketing teams. Key functions include:

  • Lead and customer management.
  • Integrations (email, calendar, accounting software).
  • Reporting and analytics.
  • Sales pipeline management.
  • Administrative and marketing workflow automation.
  • Customer service tools.
  • Mobile access.

A CRM helps you keep track of everything in one place, automating tasks and freeing up your team to do what they do best.

Salesforce: Why or why not?

Image credit: PCMag

Salesforce is often seen as the giant in the CRM world. But it’s crucial to recognize that it primarily targets large businesses and enterprises, particularly those with over 1,000 employees. So while it’s packed with features, let’s be real: Salesforce is not for everyone — especially small-to-midsized businesses. 

Pros of Salesforce:

Salesforce users most appreciate the platform because of its:

  • Rich feature set with tools for collaboration, automation, and business management.
  • Strong integration potential.
  • Diverse industries served, including professional services, manufacturing, and finance.
  • Advanced insights through Einstein Analytics.
  • Cloud-based for easy access.
  • Robust security measures.

Cons of Salesforce:

While Salesforce is great for businesses with the resources to dedicate to its ongoing usage and maintenance, it comes with several downsides:

  • High cost.
  • Steep learning curve.
  • Overcomplicated for smaller businesses.
  • Time-consuming implementation.
  • Potential feature overload.
  • Requires dedicated maintenance team.
  • Performance issues in complex setups.

The sheer number of tools can feel overwhelming, and unless you have a team dedicated to mastering the platform, you may end up paying for features you don’t need or know how to use. Plus, Salesforce comes with a hefty price tag, which makes it less appealing for smaller businesses or those just starting out.

Now, if you’re thinking, “That’s not really what I need,” you’re in the right place. Let’s get into the best alternatives to Salesforce.

Need an easier way to keep your QuickBooks data up-to-date?

Try Method’s two-way sync

Best Salesforce alternatives and competitors

1. Method CRM

Out of all the best Salesforce alternatives, Method is the #1 CRM for QuickBooks and Xero users. The platform is highly customizable, yet user-friendly, making it the perfect solution for your unique needs and workflows.

Method features

  • Automated lead capture using web-to-lead forms.
  • Seamless syncing of data to and from QuickBooks or Xero.
  • 24/7 customer self-service portals for access to documentation and paying invoices.
  • A complete view of each customer, including purchase history and interactions.
  • Unlimited customization to mold the platform to your business.
  • Drag-and-drop tools for workflow automation.
  • Automated follow-ups and reminders to keep everything on track.

Method limitations

  • Method works best if you are a QuickBooks or Xero user.
  • The platform is currently only available in English.

Method pricing

Method CRM has three pricing plans:

  • Contact Management: $25 per user per month.
  • CRM Pro: $44 per user per month.
  • CRM Enterprise: $74 per user per month.

Method CRM offers a free trial with no credit card required. Get started today!

2. Zendesk

Screenshot of the Zendesk Sell dashboard,

Image credit: Mopinion

Primarily recognized for its customer service tools, Zendesk provides a user-friendly platform that focuses on improving support efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Zendesk features

  • Powerful service tools like quick and easy support tickets.
  • Multi-channel support across email, phone, chat, social media.
  • Centralized hub for customer profiles and interaction history.
  • Collaboration features between agents and across departments.
  • Growing knowledge base for self-service.
  • Provides advanced analytics and reporting.
  • Integrates with 1,500+ apps through the Zendesk Marketplace.

Zendesk limitations

  • Lacks advanced CRM functionalities compared to dedicated CRM platforms.
  • Pricing jumps up quickly as you add more features and users.
  • May be overkill for very small teams with basic support needs.
  • Requires some setup and configuration to unlock full potential.
  • AI and automation features are limited on lower-tier plans.

Zendesk pricing

Zendesk offers several pricing plans:

  • Build your own: Starts at $19 per month per agent.
  • Suite Team: $55 per month per agent.
  • Suite Growth: $89 per month per agent.
  • Suite Professional: $115 per month per agent.
  • Suite Enterprise: Contact their sales team directly.

Zendesk also offers a 14-day free trial.

3. Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central

Image credit: ADMN

Next up on our list of the best Salesforce alternatives is Microsoft Dynamics 365. This comprehensive CRM and ERP solution provides businesses with sales, marketing, and customer service tools for an all-in-one system.

Microsoft Dynamics features

  • Native integrations with other Microsoft products like Office 365 and Teams.
  • AI-driven insights for smarter decision-making.
  • Robust sales and marketing tools.
  • Advanced reporting and analytics capabilities for performance tracking.
  • Customizable app modules for a tailored business solution.
  • Omnichannel engagement tools to support customer interactions via multiple channels.
  • Mobile access enables on-the-go updates and management.

Microsoft Dynamics limitations

  • Complex, time-consuming setup process.
  • Requires a larger budget than other options on this list.
  • Steep learning curve that may require training.
  • Reported customization challenges and external integration issues.
  • Limited out-of-the-box reporting and analytics.

Microsoft Dynamics pricing

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central offers two core pricing plans:

  • Essentials: $70 per user per month.
  • Premium: $100 per user per month.

You can also add team members to these packages at $8 per user per month, where they get limited access to read data, make approvals, and create or update select information. The platform also offers a 30-day free trial.

4. Zoho CRM

Screenshot of Zoho CRM dashboard.

​​Image credit: Discover CRM

Zoho CRM is a cost-effective solution tailored for small to medium-sized businesses. Its flexibility positions it as one of the best Salesforce alternatives for businesses looking for an affordable CRM solution.

Zoho features

  • Easy-to-use interface with several integrations.
  • Customizable dashboards and reports.
  • Automation tools to reduce manual admin tasks.
  • An AI-driven assistant, Zia, for predictive analytics and lead scoring.
  • Collaboration features for team coordination and project management.
  • Mobile access for on-the-go management of customer relationships.

Zoho limitations

  • Lacks depth in analytics, customization, and automation compared to some competitors.
  • Customer support can be inconsistent, leading to varying user experiences.
  • May require additional training for users to fully utilize its capabilities.
  • Some integrations may incur additional costs or require separate licenses.
  • Performance can be affected when handling large volumes of data.

Zoho pricing

Zoho CRM offers a limited free version for up to 3 users, and offers four paid plans:

  • Standard: $20 per user per month.
  • Professional: $35 per user per month.
  • Enterprise: $50 per user per month.
  • Ultimate: $65 per user per month.

If you decide to purchase an annual subscription, Zoho also offers a 20-30% discount depending on your plan.

5. HubSpot CRM

A screenshot of HubSpot CRM contacts page showing customer information

Image credit: PCMag

HubSpot CRM is a user-friendly powerful system with an integrated content management system. Users appreciate HubSpot for its various “hubs” that give them the flexibility to select only the hubs they need, ensuring they pay solely for the services they use.

HubSpot CRM features:

  • Free plan to start that allows up to 1,000,000 contacts.
  • Easy document uploading and access.
  • Email tracking and alerts.
  • Strong integration capabilities.
  • Contact task management.
  • ​​Performance metrics and reporting.

HubSpot CRM limitations:

  • Free version has very limited features, especially for customization.
  • Costs rise quickly as you add more features and “hubs.”
  • The pricing model gets confusing for new users.
  • Customer support response times can be lengthy.
  • Pricing is based on the number of contacts, which is costly for businesses with large contact lists that only need basic features.

HubSpot CRM pricing:

Hubspot offers a free, limited plan for up to 2 users and three core paid plans:

  • Starter Customer Platform: $20 per user per month. There is a 25% discount for annual subscriptions.
  • Professional Customer Platform: $1,300 per month for up to 5 users. Additional seats start at $45 per month each. There is a slight discount for annual subscriptions.
  • Enterprise Customer Platform: Starts at $4,300 per month for up to 7 users. Additional seats start at $75 per month each.

Method CRM lets you run your business, your way.

Watch it in action

6. Pipedrive

Pipedrive screenshot

Image credit: Pipedrive

Known for its intuitive interface, Pipedrive offers a sales-focused CRM that helps teams manage leads and deals effectively, cementing its place among the best Salesforce alternatives for smaller businesses.

Pipedrive features

  • Visual dashboards for tracking progress.
  • Customizable sales pipelines tailored to unique processes.
  • Activity-based selling approach to drive deals towards completion.
  • Integrations with over 500 applications for enhanced functionality.
  • Smart Contact Data for your leads.
  • Lead generation tools, including the LeadBooster add-on.
  • Mobile app.

Pipedrive limitations:

  • Limited customer support tools.
  • Basic features may not meet the needs of complex sales processes.
  • Pricing escalates quickly with advanced features.
  • Some users report that Pipedrive’s customer service is lacking.
  • Limited customization options in lower-tier plans.
  • Performance issues when handling large volumes of data.

Pipedrive pricing:

Pipedrive offers five pricing plans:

  • Essential: $24 per seat per month.
  • Advanced: $44 per seat per month.
  • Professional: $64 per seat per month.
  • Power: $79 per seat per month.
  • Enterprise: $129 per seat per month.

Pipedrive offers an annual discount of 18-42% depending on your chosen plan. There is also a free 14-day trial available.

7. SugarCRM

Screenshot of the SugarCRM dashboard.

Image credit: Medium

SugarCRM is known for being a flexible platform with extensive customization and integration options. As one of the best Salesforce alternatives, it helps users manage customer relationships while adapting to their specific processes.

SugarCRM features:

  • High level of customization.
  • Strong focus on sales and marketing automation.
  • AI-driven analytics and insights with extensive reports and dashboards.
  • Mobile CRM app for on-the-go access.
  • Multilingual and multicurrency support.
  • Integration with popular third-party applications.
  • Some project management features for team collaboration.

SugarCRM limitations:

  • User interface and basic functionality can feel outdated.
  • High cost and steep learning curve compared to competitors.
  • Limited out-of-the-box customer support tools.
  • Occasional performance issues with large datasets.
  • Inconsistent customer support experiences reported.
  • Customization is complex and time-consuming.

SugarCRM pricing:

SugarCRM offers four pricing models:

  • Essentials: $19 per user per month, billed annually, with a 3-user minimum and 9-user maximum.
  • Standard: $59 per user per month, billed annually, with a 10-user minimum.
  • Advanced: $85 per user per month, billed annually, with a 10-user minimum.
  • Premier: $135 per user per month, billed annually, with a 10-user minimum.

SugarCRM also offers a 7-day free trial.

8. Insightly CRM

Image credit: Insightly

Combining project management with CRM capabilities, Insightly is ideal for small-to-midsized businesses that need both customer relationship management and project tracking in one central, user-friendly platform.

Insightly features:

  • Project and task management tools built directly into the CRM.
  • Customizable fields and layouts for tailored data entry.
  • Smooth integration with popular third-party applications.
  • Email tracking and communication history for contacts.
  • Reporting and analytics tools for performance insights.
  • Mobile app for managing projects and contacts on the go.
  • Workflow automation for repetitive tasks.

Insightly limitations:

  • Lacks more advanced features for complex project management needs.
  • Limited customer support options.
  • Performance issues when handling extensive data sets.
  • Customization options are limited in lower-tier plans.
  • Inconsistent user experiences with the mobile app.
  • Reporting capabilities are not as robust as those in other CRMs.

Insightly pricing:

Insightly CRM offers three pricing plans:

  • Plus: $29 per user per month.
  • Professional: $49 per user per month.
  • Enterprise: $99 per user per month.

Insightly’s plans are all billed annually. For the Plus and Professional packages, a free 14-day trial is available.

9. Bitrix24

Image credit: Bitrix24

Bitrix24 offers a free or low-cost solution that integrates CRM with collaboration tools. Its affordability and versatility make it one of the best Salesforce alternatives for small businesses looking to drive team productivity.

Bitrix24 features:

  • Free version with solid features.
  • Built-in collaboration tools like chats and file sharing.
  • Strong project and task management capabilities.
  • Document management system for storing and sharing files.
  • Mobile app.
  • Email marketing tools for reaching customers.
  • Customizable workflows to automate processes.

Bitrix24 limitations:

  • User interface and customization options can be overwhelming.
  • Limited integrations with third-party apps.
  • Performance issues reported with large teams or data sets.
  • Customer support can be slow or inconsistent.
  • Limited reporting capabilities.
  • Basic functionality may not address your unique business processes.
  • Customization options can be complex and time-consuming.

Bitrix24 pricing:

Bitrix24 offers a free basic plan with unlimited users and 5GB of storage. There are four paid plans available:

  • Basic: $61 per organization per month, which includes 24GB of storage and 5 users.
  • Standard: $124 per organization per month, which includes 100GB of storage and 50 users.
  • Professional: $249 per organization per month, which includes 1,024GB of storage and 100 users.
  • Enterprise: $499 per organization per month, which includes 3TB of storage and 250 users.

Bitrix24 also offers an annual subscription discount of up to 20%, depending on your chosen plan. A 15-day free trial is available.

10. Oracle NetSuite CRM

Screenshot of an Oracle NetSuite CRM dashboard.

Image credit: NetSuite

Part of the comprehensive NetSuite cloud suite, this CRM solution provides a 360-degree view of customers with integrated ERP functionalities, making it one of the best Salesforce alternatives for larger organizations seeking robust financial and operational management.

Oracle NetSuite features:

  • Deep reporting and analytics capabilities.
  • Fully integrated with Oracle’s ERP.
  • Sales force and marketing automation.
  • Customer service management tools for handling support requests.
  • Partner relationship management for managing partner interactions.
  • Customizable dashboards for personalized insights.

Oracle NetSuite limitations:

  • Expensive and complex.
  • Requires a dedicated IT team for management.
  • Steep learning curve for new users.
  • Limited flexibility in lower-tier plans.
  • Some features may require additional licensing costs.
  • Integration challenges with certain third-party applications.
  • User interface can feel cluttered or overwhelming at times.

Oracle NetSuite pricing:

Oracle NetSuite CRM does not have pricing information available on their website. You must contact their sales team to get a quote for your business.

11. Copper

Screenshot of a Copper CRM dashboard.

Image credit: Salesdorado

Built specifically for Google Workspace users, Copper is an easy-to-use Salesforce alternative that integrates with Gmail and other Google apps for teams to be able to manage customer relationships directly within their existing workflows.

Copper features:

  • Natively integrated with Google Workspace.
  • Email tracking for monitoring communications with leads.
  • Customizable reporting for tailored insights.
  • Mobile app to manage tasks and communications.
  • Automatic data capture to reduce manual entry efforts.
  • Collaboration and communication tools.

Copper limitations:

  • Fewer features compared to larger CRMs.
  • Customer support isn’t always responsive.
  • Copper is best for Gmail users.
  • Learning curve with the user interface and advanced functionalities.
  • Limited customization options in lower-tier plans.
  • Integration challenges with some non-Google applications.
  • Pricing can escalate quickly with additional features or users.

Copper pricing:

Copper offers four pricing plans:

  • Starter: $12 per seat per month.
  • Basic: $29 per seat per month.
  • Professional: $69 per seat per month.
  • Business: $134 per seat per month.

If you pay for an annual subscription, you can also get up to 26% off depending on your chosen plan. Copper also offers a 14-day free trial.

12. Keap

Keap Screenshot

Image credit: Keap

Formerly known as Infusionsoft, Keap combines CRM with marketing automation features tailored for small businesses, helping them manage their sales processes while nurturing leads through targeted campaigns.

Keap features:

  • Simple, drag-and-drop workflows.
  • Sales pipeline management for tracking deals.
  • Automated follow-ups to nurture leads.
  • Integration with popular third-party applications.
  • Reporting tools for analyzing business performance.
  • Mobile app for managing tasks and communications on the go.
  • E-commerce capabilities for managing online sales.

Keap limitations:

  • Limited customization options.
  • Costly if you have many required contacts or users.
  • Customer support can be inconsistent or slow to respond.
  • Performance issues reported with larger data sets.
  • Fewer automation features compared to larger CRMs.
  • Integration challenges with certain specialized tools.

Keap pricing:

Keap charges based on your number of required contacts and users. Plans have a minimum of 2 users and 1,500 contacts — pricing starts at $299 per month with a 17% discount if you pay annually.

How to choose the right CRM for you

Out of all these best Salesforce alternatives, here’s how to find the perfect CRM solution for your unique business needs:

  1. Assess your goals and software requirements.
  2. Compare features, functionality, and pricing.
  3. Review customer feedback and case studies.
  4. Test with free trials or demos.
  5. Plan for implementation and training.

Get everything you need to run your business in one place.

See what’s possible

Wrap-up: Best Salesforce alternatives

No matter your business size or needs, there’s a CRM out there that can work for you. The key is finding one that aligns with your goals, is easy to use, and doesn’t break the bank. Overall, your twelve best Salesforce alternatives are:

  1. Method CRM.
  2. Zendesk.
  3. Microsoft Dynamics 365.
  4. Zoho CRM.
  5. HubSpot CRM.
  6. Pipedrive.
  7. SugarCRM.
  8. Insightly.
  9. Bitrix24.
  10. Oracle NetSuite CRM.
  11. Copper.
  12. Keap.

If you use QuickBooks or Xero, your choice is a no-brainer. Method syncs with your accounting software both ways to keep your financial data secure and your lead and customer data available to everyone who needs it.

Try Method free for 14 days.

Best Salesforce alternatives FAQs

Is CRM software only for large businesses?

No, businesses of all sizes can benefit from a CRM. Many options cater directly to small businesses to help them grow while staying organized.

Is there a better CRM than Salesforce?

“Better” depends on your needs. For some businesses, Method CRM’s customizability or HubSpot’s free plan may be a better fit than Salesforce.

Can small businesses use CRM?

Yes, small businesses benefit greatly from a CRM, especially as they begin to scale. CRM software helps even the smallest organizations manage customer relationships efficiently.

What are the benefits of a CRM?

A CRM system provides several benefits, including better customer service, increased sales, greater customer retention, detailed analytics, and enhanced team productivity and efficiency.