Zoho is one of the most versatile and affordable business software solutions available, offering an impressive range of tools to help businesses of all sizes thrive. From CRM and project management to marketing automation, finance, and HR, Zoho’s suite of applications is designed to support your business at every stage.
The key to getting the most out of Zoho? Being savvy about its pricing structure. While Zoho offers plenty of free features, understanding what’s included at no cost and what’s worth investing in can help you maximize its value without overspending.
At Relativity Ltd, we’re certified Zoho Partners based in East Sussex, with years of experience helping businesses make smart decisions about their tech. In this blog, we’ll show you how to navigate Zoho’s plans with confidence—highlighting what’s free, what delivers the most bang for your buck, and how to strategically use its tools to fuel your business growth.
What Can You Use for Free in Zoho?
Zoho’s free plans are a fantastic way to dip your toe into its ecosystem without committing to a significant financial investment. Here are some key applications and features included in Zoho’s free tier:
Zoho CRM (Free for Up to 3 Users):
Core CRM functionality, including lead and contact management.
Basic reporting and analytics.
Mobile app access.
Zoho Mail (Free Plan for 5 Users):
5GB of storage per user.
Custom domain email hosting for one domain.
Basic email features with spam protection.
Zoho Projects (Free for Up to 3 Users):
Task and milestone tracking.
Basic time tracking.
File sharing up to 10MB.
Zoho Meeting (Free Plan):
Host online meetings with up to 3 participants.
Record meetings for up to 10 meetings/month.
Zoho Social (Free for 1 Brand):
Schedule and publish posts on social platforms.
Basic performance analytics.
Zoho Invoice (Free for Unlimited Users):
Create and send professional invoices.
Track expenses and accept online payments.
Multiple currency support.
You can access a solid range of starter business tools for free, giving you the perfect opportunity to familiarise yourself with the Zoho interface, learn how to navigate its features, and decide if it’s the right fit for you.
What Parts of Zoho Require Payment?
While the free plans are excellent for small businesses or those just starting, many advanced features and additional capacity are available only in paid tiers. Here are examples of paid functionalities:
Zoho CRM (Paid Plans):
Advanced analytics and customizable dashboards.
Workflow automation and custom modules.
Integration with third-party apps like Zapier or Slack.
Zoho One:
Access to the entire suite of Zoho apps.
Advanced user permissions and analytics.
Centralized administration.
Zoho Projects (Premium Features):
Gantt charts and resource utilization.
Unlimited file storage.
Integration with apps like Zoho CRM and Zoho Books.
Zoho Desk:
Free plan available for 3 agents, but higher tiers include AI-driven tools, advanced ticketing, and multi-brand support.
Zoho Analytics:
Free for 2 users with limited functionality.
Paid plans offer more storage, advanced BI features, and integration with data sources like Google Sheets or SQL databases.
When you start using Zoho’s paid features, you truly unlock its full potential. This is where the real power of the platform comes to life—seamless cross-platform connections, powerful integrations, and in-depth analytics that let you see just how much of your business can be streamlined and managed within Zoho’s ecosystem.
How Does Zoho Pricing Work?
So, how does Zoho’s pricing work once you decide to fully commit to the platform? Will it fit your budget, or are there hidden costs to watch out for? Let’s break it down.
Zoho’s pricing structure is flexible and based on the following factors:
Per User, Per Month:
Most Zoho apps are priced per user, with discounts for annual billing.
Feature Tier:
Each app typically has multiple pricing tiers (e.g., Standard, Professional, Enterprise), with higher tiers unlocking more features.
Bundles:
Zoho offers bundled pricing for those who need multiple apps. For example, Zoho One provides access to over 40 applications for a single price per user, starting at $37/user/month (billed annually).
Pay-As-You-Go:
Some services like Zoho Campaigns charge based on usage (e.g., number of email subscribers or emails sent).
The Most Cost-Effective Way to Use Zoho
Now that we’ve shared the essentials, what are our top tips as UK-based Zoho experts? Here are some smart strategies to help you get the best value from Zoho:
Start with Free Plans:
Test Zoho’s apps using free plans to understand your needs before upgrading.
Leverage Bundles:
If you require multiple apps, consider Zoho One or other bundles like Zoho Workplace (focused on productivity tools) for better pricing.
Scale Gradually:
Begin with individual app subscriptions and upgrade to bundles like Zoho One as your team grows.
Annual Billing:
Opt for annual billing to take advantage of significant discounts.
Optimise User Seats:
Only purchase seats for active users who need access. Regularly review and adjust your subscription.
Why Zoho is Worth Exploring
Zoho provides an unmatched balance of affordability and functionality, making it an excellent choice for businesses of all sizes. Its free plans allow you to get started with no risk, and its scalable pricing ensures you’re only paying for what you use. By understanding its pricing model and leveraging its offerings strategically, you can implement a robust suite of tools without breaking the bank.
Ready to explore Zoho? Start with a free trial or consult with us today to find the perfect setup for your business needs.
How can Relativity help you with Zoho?
If you would like to find out more about Zoho, Relativity can help. We are a Zoho Authorised Partner, and Zoho Consultant. To find out more, contact Relativity, the business technology experts on +44 1825 280123 or email info@relativity.co.uk
Please note all information and prices are correct at time of publishing December 2024. Prices and offers included are subject to change