If you run a service-based business and you’re still tracking leads in a notebook or spreadsheet, it might be time for a CRM. But choosing one can feel overwhelming.
Many tools are built for big sales teams with complex pipelines. Others are so simple they barely help you stay organized.
In this post, I’ll break down five solid CRM options for small service businesses. Each one is practical, easy to learn, and designed to help you stay on top of leads, follow-ups, and client communication.
Before we get into specific tools, here’s what actually matters when choosing a CRM for a local or home service business:
You don’t need a “sales pipeline.” You need something that helps you follow up, stay organized, and close jobs without stress.
Here’s a breakdown of five CRMs that are actually worth your time:
Best for: Landscapers, cleaning services, general contractors
Price: Starts around $20/month
Jobber is built for service-based businesses and includes quoting, scheduling, invoicing, and basic CRM features. It’s great if you want everything in one place, and it’s easy to learn.
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Best for: Operators who want automation, texting, and funnel building
Price: Starts at $97/month
GoHighLevel is a powerhouse. It can manage your CRM, website, funnels, email marketing, and text automation all in one. It’s ideal if you want to build an advanced follow-up system or replace multiple tools.
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Best for: Businesses just starting to track leads
Price: Free to start
HubSpot offers a clean, user-friendly CRM with zero upfront cost. It’s limited compared to more specialized tools but is a great entry point for someone new to using software to track sales or service interactions.
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Best for: HVAC, plumbing, and electrical businesses
Price: Starts around $49/month
This is a trusted all-in-one tool used by thousands of service providers. It includes quoting, job scheduling, payments, and client communication. If you want a streamlined solution, this is a great option.
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Best for: DIY operators who want full control
Price: Free or low-cost
Notion is not a traditional CRM, but it can work well if you build a simple tracking system using templates. It’s best if you already use Notion for other parts of your business.
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If you want an all-in-one tool with scheduling, quoting, and payments built in, go with Jobber or Housecall Pro.
If you want more control over automation and marketing, try GoHighLevel.
And if you’re brand new to CRMs and just want a clean place to track leads, start with HubSpot Free or a Notion template.
Choosing the right CRM isn’t about features. It’s about finding a tool that fits your workflow, saves you time, and helps you stay on top of your leads.
Pick one. Use it. And let your systems do more of the work so you don’t have to.
If you'd like some help deciding where to start, let's talk.
