Relativity - Blog #Zoho One

How to Choose the Best CRM for Small Business UK (Compared for 2026)

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 19:17:04 +0000

It is Monday, 9th of March 2026, and if your small business is still running off a messy collection of spreadsheets, "sticky notes," and hope, we need to have a serious chat.

The UK business landscape has shifted. We’re deep into the era of AI-driven sales, hyper-personalised customer service, and razor-sharp efficiency. If you aren't using a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system to track every interaction, you aren't just behind the curve: you’re likely losing money every single day.

But here is the problem: there are hundreds of options out there. Some are too expensive, some are too complicated, and some are just plain rubbish for a UK-based team. You don’t need a system built for a Fortune 500 company in Silicon Valley; you need something that works for a growing business in Manchester, London, or Birmingham.

In this guide, I’m going to break down the best CRM options for 2026, help you avoid the common pitfalls, and show you exactly how to pick the one that will actually grow your profit.

Do You Really Need a CRM? (The Truth About "Making Do")

Think you’re "too small" for a CRM? You would be absolutely wrong.

In fact, the smaller you are, the more you need one. When you have a tiny team, you can’t afford to waste time searching for a client’s phone number or trying to remember what was discussed in a meeting three months ago.

A modern CRM isn't just a digital address book. It’s your:

Central Intelligence: Every email, call, and note in one place so your team stays on the same page.
Sales Engine: It tells you exactly who to call today and which deals are about to close.
Automation Expert: It handles the boring stuff: like sending follow-up emails: so you can focus on high-value work.

If you want to scale without the stress, a CRM is your foundation.

The Top Contenders for 2026: Compared

The market has matured significantly as we head through 2026. AI is no longer a "buzzword"; it’s baked into the core of these platforms. Here is how the heavy hitters stack up for UK small businesses.

1. Zoho CRM: The All-Rounder for Growth

Zoho has long been a favourite at Relativity, and for good reason. For 2026, Zoho CRM remains the most robust option for businesses that want power without the eye-watering price tag of Salesforce.

The Vibe: Deeply customisable and incredibly integrated.
Key Benefit: It grows with you. You can start with the Standard plan (around £12/month) and move up as your needs become more complex.
The AI Edge: Their AI assistant, Zia, now predicts sales trends and identifies which customers are most likely to churn before they even know it themselves.
Best For: B2B service providers and SaaS companies who need a "forever" home for their data.

Ready to try it? Sign up for a Zoho CRM free trial here.

2. Freshsales: The AI-First Challenger

Freshsales (by Freshworks) has made massive strides. Starting at around £7 per user, it’s one of the most affordable ways to get high-end AI lead scoring.

The Vibe: Clean, modern, and very easy to pick up.
Key Benefit: Built-in phone and email. You can literally make calls from the browser and have them automatically recorded and transcribed.
The Drawback: While it’s great for sales, it doesn't always handle complex post-sale project management as well as others.

3. HubSpot: The King of Marketing

HubSpot is famous for its "Free" tier, which is genuinely excellent for basic contact management and email marketing.

The Vibe: Sophisticated and user-friendly.
Key Benefit: If your business lives and dies by "inbound" marketing (blogs, social media, ads), HubSpot is seamless.
The "Gotcha": It’s the "freemium" trap. Once you need the advanced automation or multiple pipelines, the price jumps from "free" to "hundreds of pounds" very quickly.

4. Pipedrive: The Sales Specialist

If you don't care about marketing or complex support tickets and just want to close deals, Pipedrive is still a top-tier choice in 2026.

The Vibe: Visual and focused.
Key Benefit: Its "Deal Pipeline" view is the gold standard. It makes it visually obvious where your money is getting stuck.
Best For: Small sales teams who need to stay laser-focused on the bottom line.

5. Bigin by Zoho: The Micro-Business Saviour

For those who find a full CRM intimidating, Bigin is a "pipeline-centric" CRM designed specifically for small teams. It’s ultra-affordable and removes the clutter of bigger systems. You can learn more about how we implement these types of solutions on our services page.

Key Considerations for UK Small Businesses in 2026

When choosing, don't just look at the shiny features. Think about these four practical "UK-centric" pillars:

1. Pricing in GBP and VAT

Ensure the provider bills in Pounds Sterling. Currency fluctuations can turn a "cheap" US-based CRM into an expensive headache overnight. Also, check if the advertised price includes VAT: most don't, as they are B2B services.

2. GDPR and Data Residency

Since 2026 data regulations have only become tighter, you must ensure your CRM provider has UK or EU-based data centres. This isn't just a legal box-ticking exercise; it’s about protecting your customers' trust.

3. Integration with UK Tools

Does the CRM talk to your UK accounting software? If you use Xero or Sage, you want a CRM that syncs your invoices automatically. This prevents manual entry errors and ensures your "finance" and "sales" teams aren't fighting over different sets of numbers. Check out our thoughts on Zoho Finance Plus for a look at how integrated systems should work.

4. Local Support

There is nothing worse than having a system crash at 9:00 AM in London and realizing support doesn't open until 2:00 PM because they are based in New York. Look for providers with UK-based partners (like us!) who can jump in when things go sideways.

The Pros and Cons of Going "DIY" vs. "Consultant-Led"

Many small business owners try to set up their CRM themselves. Sometimes it works; often it doesn't.

The Pros of DIY:

Lower upfront cost.
You learn the system inside out.

The Cons of DIY:

Data Silos: You might set it up in a way that doesn't talk to your other tools.
Low Adoption: If the system is clunky or poorly organized, your team will simply refuse to use it.
Time Sink: Every hour you spend watching "how-to" videos is an hour you aren't selling.

This is where a Business Software Consultancy comes in. We see it all the time: a business spends six months struggling with a CRM, only to call us to fix the mess. Getting it right the first time is always cheaper than fixing it later.

Implementation: The Step-by-Step Path to Success

If you’ve picked your tool, don’t just dump your data into it and hope for the best. Follow this path:

Clean Your Data: Don't import "Dead Dave" who hasn't bought anything since 2018. Only bring over active, high-quality contacts.
Map Your Process: Before you touch the software, draw your sales process on a piece of paper. What happens when a lead comes in? Who calls them? When do they get an invoice?
Start Small: Don't try to use every feature on day one. Master the contact management first, then move to automation.
Train Your Team: A CRM is only as good as the data entered into it. If your team doesn't see the benefit, they won't use it. Show them how it makes their life easier (less paperwork, easier commissions).

For a deeper dive into how to manage this, read our post on Zoho CRM Plus which covers the expanded suite of tools available for growing teams.

Common Misconceptions That Could Cost You

"The more features, the better." False. Too many features lead to "analysis paralysis." You want a system that is powerful enough for your needs but simple enough to actually use.

"AI will do all the work for me." Not quite. AI in 2026 is a co-pilot, not the pilot. It can suggest a follow-up, but you still need to build the relationship.

"Once it's set up, I never have to touch it again." Your business will change. Your CRM should be flexible enough to change with you. This is why we often recommend Zoho One implementation, as it provides a massive suite of apps that you can turn on as you need them.

Final Thoughts: Making the Right Choice for Your Future

Choosing a CRM in 2026 isn't a technical decision; it’s a strategic one. The right platform will act as the "brain" of your business, allowing you to step back from the day-to-day chaos and focus on high-level growth.

Whether you go for the AI prowess of Freshsales, the marketing muscle of HubSpot, or the incredible versatility of Zoho CRM, the most important thing is that you start.

Don't let another month of "spreadsheet madness" go by. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the options or you want to make sure your implementation is bulletproof, we’re here to help. At Relativity, we specialize in bridging the gap between complex software and real-world business goals.

Ready to transform how you work? Get in touch with us today for a casual chat about your needs, or dive straight in with a Zoho CRM sign-up here.

Learn To Love Your Systems

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 13:27:25 +0000

Tips and Tricks for making the most of your Zoho Suite

February brings us around to the month of love, and what a better way to celebrate than to talk about just how much we love our systems! Oh… you don’t love your systems? Well let’s see if we can fix that! With Zoho, you have all the tools and support at your fingertips to curate, craft, and build the perfect ecosystem for you, your employees, and your customers. What could be more lovely than that?

When you are juggling multiple apps to achieve one common goal, things can get messy. Data can get duplicated across systems, or worse, lost; information can be miscommunicated between employees or out to the customer, and generally, everything moves much much slower. What’s even worse is if your company is doing any of this manually! That’s why Zoho apps are built to work effortlessly with each other, and avoid all the problems that you might see yourself facing. With a custom Zoho ecosystem, your finance, inventory, email, CRM and operations can all be communicating with each other seamlessly with just a click of a button (and with Zoho Automations, you sometimes don’t even need that!). The first step is making the leap to Zoho, but after that, widespread adoption and integration will take away the jobs that waste time, the repetitive tasks, the worries of data duplication or erasure. All of this is at your fingertips with a Zoho ecosystem, and can be built, manipulated, and developed especially for you and your business with the help of a Zoho partner. A slow, outdated system can be the death of a business, but a new, seamlessly functioning system can send efficiency and development skyrocketing, taking away the mental drain and allowing you to love what you do.

A good system will do nothing if your employees don’t use it to its fullest potential. Without training, employees are unlikely to adapt, taking preference for ‘the old way’ of doing it, which leads us right back around to the data duplication, erasure, and all round logistical nightmare. But on the other end of the spectrum, with Zoho’s vast range of offers, it can look scary for the average employee, with no good knowledge of which buttons to press, what data to put where, and which menu gives you access to what you need. This is where the real strength of a Zoho partner comes in. With support from a partner like Gordon at Relativity, systems can be simplified and focused down to what really matters. Role-based access can be set up to ensure that the right employees get access to the correct information, without all the fluff of anything not of use to them. In addition, a partner will be there through the whole implementation process, and can be around even after it’s done. This way, everyone can get the training and support they need, and business owners can have the peace of mind that there’s always somewhere there if further support is needed. And of course the cherry on top is Zoho’s extensive support pages: from full handbooks written by Zoho users, to customer support teams to everything in between, the Zoho community is rife with intelligent people who have likely experienced the same problem as you. With Zoho, you’re never walking alone.

The real benefit of Zoho though is the power it has to help you grow. It’s all well and good if your online systems can help you streamline your workflow, but if you can’t see the results then what’s the point? With Zoho Analytics, reports and business insights are easier to access than ever. Create custom dashboards that lay out all the data you want to see clearly and effectively: and with well synced up systems, you could be pulling real time data from Zoho CRM, Zoho Books, Zoho Inventory, Zoho Desk and many others. You can also achieve similar results with automatic reports that can track cash flows, sales and project progress, without you ever having to lift a finger. With the comfort in the knowledge that your business is thriving, you then gain the mental space and capacity to grow your systems even further, and with bespoke advice from a partner, you can tap into the most effective software to expand, and continue to create a custom ecosystem that is built with your business as the priority. There really is nothing like it!

It’s clear that Zoho has the power to take your business to the next level, and leave you loving your company, your systems and your workday that little bit more. And with a partner, that power only reaches further, with the ability for full customisation and support in implementation. If that sounds like something you’d like to invest in as a little Valentine’s gift for your business this February, contact us today for a free consultation, and find out how we can best help develop your software, and take your business up a notch.

It's easy to build a system you love if you have the right people around to help you. If you’re looking for a company to support you and your business, then reach out for a free consultation to hear about all the work Relativity does, and how our team could support you and your business. We cannot wait to hear from you!

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Zoho Myth-Busting: Clearing Up Common Misconceptions About One of the Most Powerful Business Platforms

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 12:53:54 +0000

Zoho. You’ve likely come across it while exploring CRM tools or business automation systems.

Maybe someone mentioned it in a networking group. Maybe you glanced at the Zoho website and felt overwhelmed. Or maybe you’ve dismissed it entirely in favour of more well-known platforms like HubSpot or Salesforce.

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

Here at Relativity, a Zoho Partner based in East Sussex, UK, we work with small businesses, consultants and growing teams who are curious about using Zoho but feel unsure about where to start—or whether it’s even the right fit.

The truth? Zoho is one of the most flexible, comprehensive business platforms on the market—but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. Below, we tackle eight of the myths we hear most often and share practical tips to help you make the most of Zoho.

Myth 1: “Zoho is only for large companies”

Reality: Zoho is designed to scale from solo entrepreneurs to enterprise-level organisations. For small businesses and growing teams, it offers an affordable, modular system that can start simple and grow with you.

Tip: Start with just what you need—Zoho CRM and Zoho Projects are often enough to replace multiple tools. As your business grows, you can activate additional apps without needing to migrate or re-learn a new system.

Myth 2: “You have to be a tech expert to use Zoho”

Reality: With the right setup, Zoho becomes intuitive and user-friendly. While the platform is powerful, it does not have to be complicated. When your Zoho system is built around how your business actually operates, it saves time and reduces tech overwhelm.

Tip: Use Zoho’s mobile app to simplify daily tasks—like confirming appointments or accessing contacts on the go. A well-designed layout can make using Zoho as simple as using your phone’s calendar.

Myth 3: “Zoho is just a cheaper version of Salesforce or HubSpot”

Reality: Zoho isn’t simply the “budget” option—it’s an independent and robust ecosystem with unique advantages. You can run your CRM, marketing campaigns, finances, client communication, project management and reporting all within the Zoho suite.

Tip: Make use of Zoho One’s unified subscription model to access a wide range of tools under one login. It simplifies your tech stack and helps everything stay in sync.

Myth 4: “Zoho is overwhelming to get started with”

Reality: Yes, Zoho offers more than fifty apps—but you don’t need to use them all. You can begin with just one or two core tools that solve immediate problems.

Tip: Begin with the challenge you’re trying to solve—lead management, invoicing, email marketing—and select one Zoho app that addresses it. Build gradually as your confidence grows.

Myth 5: “You have to move everything into Zoho to benefit from it”

Reality: Zoho integrates with many popular platforms—Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Mailchimp, Slack, QuickBooks, Stripe and more.

Tip: Use Zoho Flow to link Zoho apps with the tools you already use. You can automate simple workflows (like sending a Slack message when a Zoho CRM deal is closed) without giving up the platforms you rely on.

Myth 6: “Zoho won’t work for my business model—it’s too niche or complex”

Reality: Zoho is extremely customisable. Whether you run a training business, coaching practice, service agency or something more specialist, Zoho can be configured to support your specific workflows.

Tip: Use custom modules and fields in Zoho CRM to reflect how your business works. Don’t force your processes to fit a generic setup—Zoho is built to adapt.

Myth 7: “Zoho lacks the polish or user experience of bigger platforms”

Reality: The interface has improved markedly in recent years, and most users find that the benefits of seamless integration far outweigh cosmetic differences.

Tip: Take time to customise your Zoho dashboards and views—show only the data you need, arrange fields logically, and hide the clutter. A clean interface makes all the difference.

Myth 8: “It’s easier to stick with what I know, even if it’s not ideal”

Reality: Many business owners remain tied to spreadsheets or disconnected tools because the familiar feels safer. But staying put often means lost time, missed leads and avoidable errors.

Tip: Choose one process—like tracking leads —and try automating just that with Zoho. Small changes can lead to big results without overwhelming your team.

Final Thoughts

Zoho is not just another CRM. It’s a powerful suite of connected tools that can simplify, automate and elevate your entire business—when implemented with strategy and clarity.

You don’t need to become a Zoho expert to benefit from it. You simply need a system designed around the way you work.

Need help getting started?

At Relativity, we help small business owners:

●Map their ideal client journey

●Identify opportunities to automate

●Implement Zoho systems that save time and reduce stress

If you’re ready to make your business run more smoothly—without reinventing everything—book a free 20-minute consultation and let’s explore what’s possible.

Relativity Ltd. is 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

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Zoho Bigin, Zoho CRM, or Zoho One: Which is Right for Your Business?

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 04:17:01 +0000

Choosing the right CRM system can be a daunting task, especially with a plethora of options available. Zoho offers a range of solutions to cater to businesses of all sizes and complexities. This blog post will delve into the key differences between Zoho Bigin, Zoho CRM, and Zoho One, helping you determine the ideal platform for your business.

Here at Relativity, a Zoho Partner based in East Sussex UK, we often encounter businesses grappling with which Zoho platform best suits their needs. In this post, we'll break down the key differences between Zoho Bigin, Zoho CRM, and Zoho One, and provide guidance on how to choose the right solution for your business.

Understanding the Differences

Zoho Bigin: The Starter CRM

Zoho Bigin is designed specifically for small businesses and startups looking for a simple, streamlined CRM solution focused on sales pipeline management. It offers:

Pipeline Management: Visualize and manage your sales pipeline with ease.
Contact Management: Store and manage customer details, communication history, and notes.
Task Management: Create, assign, and track tasks to stay organized.
Email Integration: Manage customer communications directly from the CRM.
Automation: Basic workflow automation to save time on repetitive tasks.
Mobile Access: Access your CRM on the go with mobile apps.

Ideal for: Sole traders, micro-businesses, or startups with straightforward sales processes.

Zoho CRM: The Comprehensive CRM

Zoho CRM is a full-featured customer relationship management system suitable for growing businesses. It provides a wider range of functionalities including:

Sales Force Automation: Automate sales processes to improve efficiency.
Lead and Contact Management: Manage leads and contacts with detailed tracking and segmentation.
Advanced Automation: Create complex workflows to streamline business processes.
Analytics and Reporting: Gain insights into sales performance and forecasts with comprehensive reports and dashboards.
Marketing Automation: Integrate with marketing tools for a cohesive customer experience.
AI-Powered Sales Assistant (Zia): Utilize AI for predictive sales insights and automation.
Customizable Dashboards: Tailor your CRM interface to fit your business needs.
Integration: Seamlessly integrate with other Zoho apps and third-party applications.

Ideal for: Small to medium-sized businesses with more complex sales processes and customer management needs.

Zoho One: The All-in-One Business Suite

Zoho One An integrated suite of over 45 applications, including Zoho CRM and Bigin. It offers a unified platform for various business functions, such as HR, finance, marketing, and customer relationship management.

Complete Suite: Includes all the features of Zoho CRM, marketing, finance, accounting, HR, project management software and other business applications.
Unified Data: Consolidate data across different functions for a holistic view of your business.
Integrated Communication: Manage customer interactions across multiple channels.
Extensive Customization: Tailor applications to meet specific business requirements.
Single Sign-On: Access all applications with a single login.
Comprehensive Analytics: Gain insights across various business functions with integrated reporting.

Ideal for: Medium to large businesses looking for an integrated solution to manage all aspects of their operations.

Choosing the Right Platform for Your Business

To determine which platform is right for your business, consider the following questions:

1 What's your business size and growth trajectory?

A small business with 1-5 employees might start with Bigin, while a rapidly growing company with 20+ employees might benefit more from Zoho CRM or Zoho One.

2 How complex is your sales process?

If you have a straightforward sales cycle, Bigin might suffice. For multi-stage pipelines or longer sales cycles, consider Zoho CRM.

3 What's your budget?

Bigin is the most cost-effective, while Zoho One offers the most value for businesses needing multiple applications.

4 Do you need integrations with other tools?

If you rely heavily on other software, Zoho CRM or Zoho One will offer more integration options.

5 What are your scalability needs?

If you anticipate significant growth, starting with Zoho CRM or Zoho One can prevent the need for migration later.

6 Do you need advanced features like automation and analytics?

For basic needs, Bigin works well. For more sophisticated requirements, look to CRM or One.

7 Are you looking to manage multiple business functions in one place?

If yes, Zoho One is the clear choice.

Examples:

A freelance graphic designer might choose Bigin to manage client contacts and projects.
A growing e-commerce business could opt for Zoho CRM to manage leads, sales, and customer service.
A medium-sized manufacturing company might select Zoho One to manage everything from sales and inventory to HR and finance.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the right choice will depend on your specific business requirements and goals. Evaluate your current needs, anticipate future growth, and consider how each platform's features align with your objectives.

Remember Zoho offers flexible pricing plans and free trials, allowing you to test different options before making a commitment. As a Zoho expert, I'm here to help you navigate these options and implement the best solution for your business.

You can try Zoho CRM for yourself with a free trial here.

You can try Zoho One with a free trial here

You can try Zoho Bigin with a free trial here.

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

Navigating Zoho: Tips and Tricks for Efficiency

Fri, 31 May 2024 16:07:25 +0000

So you’ve logged in for the first time and set up your Zoho account. Now what?

For new users, navigating Zoho can feel a bit overwhelming at first glance. With so many apps, menus, dashboards, and features, it's easy to feel lost in the sea of options. But don't worry - with a few key strategies, you'll be navigating Zoho like a pro in no time.

Here at Relativity, a Zoho Partner based in East Sussex, we’ve spent years compiling some top tips and tricks to help you customize your Zoho experience for maximum efficiency. Here’s what you need to know to get started:

Managing the Menu

One of the biggest hurdles new users face is getting a handle on Zoho's extensive menu system. With dozens of apps across categories like sales, marketing, finance, and more, it can be tough to find what you need. Start here:

The Hamburger Menu Saviour: Look for the ubiquitous hamburger menu (three horizontal lines) in the top left corner. This is your gateway to all the core features and functionalities of the application.
Search is Your Friend: Don't waste time sifting through menus. Use the search bar located at the top of most Zoho applications to find specific features or functionalities in a flash.
Simplify & Streamline: Take some time to prune your menu down to only the apps you really use. Just click the "Edit Menu" option, then uncheck any apps you don't need day-to-day. A streamlined menu will be much less overwhelming.
Bookmark Your Favourites: For functions you use regularly, bookmark them. Click the star icon next to the feature name in the menu to create a custom shortcut list for quick access

Crafting the Perfect Dashboard

Zoho dashboards are powerful tools for visualizing your data. The key is to personalise them by adding the widgets, charts, logs, and other components you need most.

Customise: Most Zoho dashboards come pre-populated with widgets. Don't be afraid to drag, drop, resize, and rearrange them to suit your workflow.
Add the Information that Matters: Zoho allows adding custom widgets to display data most relevant to you. Click the "Add" button, then browse components by category. We recommend adding ones for any apps or processes you use frequently, so you have quick access to important info and actions.
Filter Finesse: Zoho dashboards often allow filtering data by date, user, or other criteria. Leverage these filters to get granular insights and avoid information overload.

Master the Keyboard Shortcuts

If you really want to zoom through your Zoho workflow, memorize some keyboard shortcuts. A few favorites:

Ctrl+G (or Cmd+G on Mac) to access the global search function directly. This is a super-fast way to find anything within the application.
Ctrl+K to quickly search any app
Ctrl+L to go straight to your calendar
Ctrl+Shift+D to immediately create a new event.

You can find the full list by clicking the "?" icon > "Keyboard Shortcuts."

Top tip: Many Zoho features offer contextual keyboard shortcuts. Look for keyboard shortcut hints displayed next to menu items or buttons to discover them.

Stick with the Apps You Know

With so many Zoho apps on offer, it can be tempting to want to use them all. Our advice is to stick to mastering the core apps you know you'll use regularly, at least at first. There's a bit of a learning curve, so don't spread yourself too thin trying to adopt every single app right away. Focused mastery of the key apps for your role and tasks will serve you much better than a shallow familiarity across dozens of programs.

Embrace Zoho's Help Resources

Zoho offers a wealth of resources to help you navigate the interface and become a Zoho master.

The Mighty Help Button: Every Zoho application has a handy help button (often a question mark icon) located in the top right corner. Clicking it gives you contextual help articles and video tutorials.
Zoho University is Your Ally: Zoho Universityhttps://www.zoho.com/spark/ is a treasure trove of learning materials. Explore their courses, tutorials, and webinars to become a Zoho whiz.

Don't Be Afraid to Ask

Finally, don’t forget that you have a whole community of fellow Zoho users and experts to lean on when you need help. Whether posting questions on forums, chatting on Slack groups, or asking a Zoho expert like us, don't be afraid to seek out assistance.

With these strategies in your toolkit, you'll go from feeling like a newbie to an experienced Zoho pro before you know it. Remember, practice makes perfect. The more you explore Zoho's features and personalize your workspace, the more comfortable and productive you'll become. Welcome to the world of Zoho – happy Zoho-ing!

How can Relativity help you

For SMEs, Zoho offers a compelling solution by bringing together everything a business needs under one roof. Its integrated ecosystem ensures seamless operation, data consistency, and security, all while being highly customisable and scalable.

Relativity is a Zoho Authorised Partner, and Zoho Certified Professional Developer in East Sussex, supporting clients throughout the UK and the world. If you would like support implementing the Zoho EcoSystem in your business call Relativity on +44 1825 280123 or email info@relativity.co.uk

Are You Getting the Most Out of Your Zoho CRM?

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 19:47:47 +0000

As a UK-based Zoho partner, I've helped dozens of small and medium sized businesses implement Zoho CRM to manage their customer relationships. But I often find that companies aren't using the platform to its full advantage after the excitement of the initial setup.

Business processes evolve, and so should your CRM. Regularly reviewing and updating your Zoho CRM setup will help you get maximum return on the time and financial investment of initially setting it up.

Here at Relativity, a Zoho Partner based in East Sussex, we specialise in supporting smes and solopreneurs harness the power of the Zoho suite of applications, and share our top tips for how you can extract maximum value from Zoho CRM to grow your business:

1 Set Up Automated Workflows

Too many businesses manually move contacts between pipeline stages. This takes up unnecessary time and leaves room for human error. Instead, create automated workflows and triggers in Zoho CRM to progress contacts seamlessly based on behaviours like email opens, form fills, etc. This not only saves time, but ensures consistency in customer interactions.

2 Enable Social Media Integration

Chances are your customers and prospects interact with you on various social networks. Yet few companies connect platforms like Linked In and Facebook to their CRM portal. Make it easy on your marketing team by providing a unified view of all customer touch

points via social media integration.

3 Track Campaign ROI Properly

One major advantage of Zoho is the ability to monitor your marketing performance by campaign source. However, I notice that clients often neglect this. By tagging and tracking email, social media, and other campaign metrics back to your sales opportunity details, you can clearly identify your highest converting channels.

4 Utilise Zoho’s AI - Zia

Zia, Zoho’s AI assistant, can offer predictive sales and intelligent alerts. Use Zia to analyse email sentiments, predict the likelihood of a deal closure, and even suggest the best time to contact prospects. This can significantly increase your sales team's effectiveness.

5 Take Advantage of Native Integrations

Zoho CRM integrates beautifully with other Zoho tools like Zoho Meeting for video conferences and Zoho Desk for help desk tickets. Building a customised Zoho ecosystem tailored to your needs helps reduce departmental isolation so your teams can collaborate smartly.

6 Make Data-Driven Decisions

For all its functionalities, Zoho's analytics and custom reporting capabilities often go unused by customers. Changing this transforms Zoho from a static database into a dynamic asset that fuels smart, strategic decisions. Build reports and dashboards that deliver insights you need to take targeted actions.

Sometimes, an external perspective can be invaluable.

I hope these pointers help you make the most of your existing Zoho CRM setup. At the end of the day, this software is just a tool - you need to use it properly to succeed. As your local Zoho expert partner, I'm happy to schedule a demo and discuss additional ways to optimize Zoho for your unique SME needs. If you would like support implementing Zoho Desk in you business call Relativity on +44 1825 280123 or email info@relativity.co.uk

The Power of a Unified EcoSystem: Why Zoho Beats Multiple Apps Every Time

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 19:47:47 +0000

How efficient are the digital systems in your business? Are you paying more money than you need to?

It’s a common occurrence for successful businesses to find themselves dealing with a cumbersome and clunky tech stack. As your business grows, your technology needs to expand. What starts as a small, streamlined tech stack can rapidly grow into an unwieldy, complex system as additional functions and apps are hurriedly added to meet emerging demands. All too soon you have a fragmented and chaotic system, which you know is costing you too much, and could be much more efficient.

There is a solution.

Here at Relativity, a Zoho Partner based in East Sussex, we specialize in supporting smes and solopreneurs harness the power of the Zoho EcoSystem of applications. Why Zoho? Well you replace multiple apps with a scalable and integrated solution like Zoho

Zoho's integrated approach is a game changer for businesses striving to streamline operations and accelerate growth.

Seamless Integration, Fewer Complications

The allure of using specialised apps is undeniable. Each app offers specific features that seem to fit neatly into different aspects of your business. However, this fragmented approach can lead to a complex web of inter-app dependencies. You may use tools like Zapier, creating bridges between different applications. But, with every new integration, there's an added layer of complexity and potential for things to go wrong.

Zoho, on the other hand, offers a holistic ecosystem where all tools are designed to work together seamlessly. From CRM to finance, and from email marketing to customer support - every application within Zoho's suite communicates fluidly with the others. This interconnectedness means data flows effortlessly, processes are more streamlined, and the risks of miscommunication or data silos are significantly reduced.

Cost-Effectiveness and Value for Money

More than ever cost effectiveness and value for money are key business priorities. Using a patchwork of different apps not only complicates operations but also inflates costs. Each app has its subscription fees, and integrating them often requires additional expenditure on connectors like Zapier.

In contrast, Zoho's ecosystem offers a comprehensive range of business applications at a fraction of the cost. By consolidating your tech stack with Zoho, you're not only simplifying your operations but also significantly cutting down on costs.

Data Consistency and Security

Data is the lifeblood of modern businesses. When using multiple apps, data consistency becomes a major challenge. Syncing data across various platforms can lead to discrepancies, outdated information, and even security vulnerabilities.

Zoho's integrated ecosystem ensures that your data is consistent across all platforms. Since all Zoho applications are built to work together, data entered in one application is immediately available across the board, reducing the risk of errors and ensuring that everyone in your organisation has access to the most up-to-date information.

Moreover, Zoho's robust security protocols across its suite ensure that your data remains secure and compliant with global standards

Customisability and Scalability

Every business is unique, and Zoho understands this. Unlike the rigid patchwork of different apps that you may be using now, Zoho's suite is highly customisable. You can tailor it to fit your specific business needs, ensuring that you're not paying for features you don't use.

As your business grows, Zoho grows with you. The scalability of Zoho's applications means you can start with what you need and expand as your business demands more functionality. This flexibility is invaluable when you are on a growth trajectory and need a technology partner that can adapt quickly.

Streamlined Support and Learning Curve

Juggling multiple apps means dealing with different support teams, varied update schedules, and a steep learning curve for each new tool. Zoho simplifies this by providing a single point of contact for support (such as ourselves) and a unified learning curve across its applications. This not only makes it easier for your team to get up to speed but also streamlines the process of troubleshooting and updates.

How can Relativity help you

Zoho One – A Comprehensive Suite Of Business Applications

Sun, 27 Aug 2023 01:00:00 +0000

Zoho One is a comprehensive suite of business applications for all sizes of companies including startups. When setting up a new business, there is so much to do, and seemingly so much to pay out. It’s therefore easy to think that your business can’t afford digital technology. However, you couldn’t be more wrong as Zoho is there to provide a solution for your unique business. Zoho One with 40+ integrated apps can assist you where you need it, sales, finance, marketing, social media, HR and more. Sounds expensive? Here at Relativity, business technology specialists based in East Sussex, we know that you have a limited budget when you start your business and it can be a mine field choosing the right software without spending more than your business can afford. That’s where we come in, to put your business on the right digital footing right from the outset. Last time we looked at the benefits of digital technology for a startup business and this time we look at how the affordable solution of Zoho One is the answer.

Customise, Grow and Integrate Operating Systems

Zoho One is a comprehensive suite of apps which you can use to run your business from anywhere, anytime. These development tools from Zoho can be used to customise, grow and integrate operating systems to suit your business needs. Daily activities can be automated, sales can be tracked and you can engage with your customers. With Zoho One, you can have a sales department, a marketing department and hub, a finance suite, customer support, communication and collaboration channels and more.

Flexible and Customised Software from Zoho

Time is of the essence with any startup and it can be very frustrating if you choose a product that doesn’t work for you. Or one that is so complicated, you find you are spending an infinite amount of time trying to figure it out. That’s where Zoho fits the bill as it is customisable to match your business with flexibility to suit any workflow. All the apps are built on the same platform and you can gradually ease into the platform apps you require.

Benefits of Zoho One for Your Business

The main overall benefit of Zoho One is that it contains software solutions that support every process and department in your business. With Zoho offering a unified business software platform, you choose a single brand of software and use all apps from the Zoho brand.

Create awareness with marketing apps to reach a wider audience and new customers
Generate leads, close deals and gain repeat business
Manage your finances by keeping accurate records and monitor the financial health of your company
Automate daily, repetitive tasks and automate data management

How Relativity Can Help Your Startup Business with Zoho One?

Here at Relativity, the business technology specialists located in Sussex with worldwide clients, we look at your startup business to set up your software to fit your company’s individual needs. It can be customised to suit your unique requirements. We help you to determine which add-ones and integrations you require for your business. Organised processes and streamlined workflows will help your company grow and elevate it to the next level. You will soon find that you are working ‘on’ your business rather than working ‘in’ it. If you are looking to get your startup off to a flying start with the most suitable business technology, call our team on +44 (0) 1825 280123 or email info@relativity.co.uk

Six Reasons To Upgrade to Zoho One

Fri, 24 Sep 2021 23:32:25 +0000

Is it the right time for your business to upgrade to Zoho One? Are you looking for a comprehensive all-in-one software solution to run your company? And one that offers a significant return on your investment? Are you finding that as your business has grown, you have just added to your software in a somewhat haphazard way? Accounting, sales, marketing, HR, productivity and communication applications have just been implemented randomly with no real plan and certainly no integration. Now is the time to turn to ONE operating system to run your business and Zoho One with its apt name could offer just what you are looking for. Your workplace can become a lot more productive with Zoho One, which offers a suite of business software containing 40+ applications to cover every aspect. In the latest article from Relativity, the business technology specialists based in Uckfield in East Sussex, we look at Zoho One in a lot more detail and give you six solid reasons why it makes a lot of sense to upgrade.

Benefits of Zoho One at a Glance

Streamline your operation
Improve communication
Simplify daily work processes
Improve day-to-day operations
Handle projects efficiently

1. Simple Integration

Software needs to communicate and Zoho One offers easy integration. An upgrade to Zoho One will bring that much needed structure to your processes, helping you work more effectively and efficiently. Zoho One can also develop integrations with third party applications if you find an application that is better suited to your requirements.

2. Easy Customisation

Every business is unique and you will need powerful customisation choices. There are several options to customise performance with low code and no code frameworks available.

3. Robust Security Measures

Loss of any client data could have a very damaging, if not catastrophic effect on your business. Zoho One offers end-to-end encryption to help protect data and ensure security. Role-based access is just one of the ways that can help.

4. Available on All Devices and Systems

It is also supported on all devices, desktop, laptop and mobile devices and is accessible on Windows, Mac and web-based Android systems.

5. Flexible Pricing

A better return on your investment (ROI) is virtually guaranteed as Zoho offers flexible pricing on a monthly or annual basis. A free trial is also available so you can try out the functionalities of this bundle of apps.

6. Increased Efficiency

Previous repetitive manual tasks will now happen automatically saving a lot of time and making your business so much more efficient.

How Can Relativity and Zoho One Help Your Business?

Zoho One is certainly a sophisticated and innovative approach to business software for businesses of all types and sizes and an upgrade to Zoho One will give you the integrated system you are looking for. It’s the new generation of software that can bring many benefits to your business. If you are looking for an all-in-one solution for the easy management of your business and would like to know more about Zoho One, call Relativity on 01825 280123 or email info@relativity.co.uk. We’ll be on hand for the smooth implementation of your upgrade to Zoho One.

Zoho One – An Integrated Approach To Business

Mon, 20 Sep 2021 23:51:49 +0000

It happened so quickly, and there was no time to prepare an integrated approach to business or plan a long-term strategy. Everybody had to adapt to the new way, which was predominantly working from home. In the panic that ensued, speed was of the essence to ensure that everyone had the tools and the equipment so that they could work and communicate with each other away from the office. Zoom was the ‘go to’ choice for video conferencing meetings and seemingly became the leading video conferencing software app. It appeared that everyone was ‘Zooming’, for both business and keeping in touch with family and friends.

Is Zoom Still the Best Choice for Your Business?

Things are now calming down as we adapt to the new normal with many people returning to their offices either permanently or on a part time basis. Therefore, if you haven’t done so already, it’s time to consider the way forward. Is Zoom still the right software for you? Or would a full-featured platform using an integrated approach to business incorporating video communication be a better option? In this article from Relativity, the business technology specialists based in Uckfield in East Sussex, we look at Zoom in more detail and also consider Zoho One. This full-featured platform delivers everything you need to run a successful business and includes Zoho Meeting.

What is Zoom?

Zoom is a cloud-based video conferencing service aimed at businesses so that employees can work remotely. It enables companies to virtually interact with co-workers when in-person meetings are not possible. Services include video and audio conferencing, collaboration, webinars and chat. It has many pros including a free option although this is limited to 40-minute meetings. It is pretty easy to use and is scalable for businesses of all sizes.

Disadvantages of Zoom

Limited features and usability on the Free Plan
Additional subscriptions for large numbers of users are expensive
No flexibility with subscriptions
Zoom security concerns including Zoombombing – unwanted individuals crashing a call
Poor response from customer support

What is Zoho One?

Zoho One works is an operating system that will run your entire business through a comprehensive suite of apps. It is a full-featured platform consisting of 40+ applications that will help you to manage and automate business processes throughout your organisation. Irrespective of the size of your business, Zoho One will help you boost sales, promote your products and services and administer back-end processes. It will also support communication between teammates and customers to facilitate smooth workflows. It literally is a single platform for your entire business providing an integrated and customisable system so that you can work smarter, and progress faster with improved performance.

Applications Included in Zoho One

Sales
Marketing
Support
Communication
Collaboration
Productivity
Finance
Operations
HR
Business Processes

One Operating System for Your Entire Business

All of the 40+ applications can be used on the go on your mobile making it easy to access your business information, contact clients, track sales or marketing processes anywhere and anytime. With less administration, you will have more time to work on your business. Better collaboration is assured as you can access news quickly, conduct meetings and manage products.

How Can Relativity and Zoho One Help Your Business?

The coronavirus has changed the way that the world does business. If you are looking for a Zoom alternative, an integrated approach to your business, take your time to research in order to decide which software is best suited to your requirements. Look carefully at the features and always read customer reviews. To find out if Zoho One incorporating Zoho Meeting is the integrated approach to business you are looking for, call Relativity on 01825 280123 or email info@relativity.co.uk.

In our next article, we will be looking at Zoho One in more detail.