A work remotely sign in an office.

10 Must-Have Tools For Effective Remote Sales

15 min read
folder icon CRM

Having a remote sales team comes with a unique set of challenges. Team members must be able to collaborate easily and access customer data from anywhere. Luckily, there are plenty of remote sales tools that can help.

In this guide, we'll explore ten indispensable tools to streamline your processes, boost productivity, and drive sales growth. But first, here are the key things to know about remote sales tools:

  • Remote sales tools are software platforms and applications that streamline the sales process in a virtual environment.
  • These tools offer a versatile and comprehensive solution for various needs, including communication, organization, data analysis, and automation.
  • Some examples of remote sales tools include Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems, email tracking software, video conferencing platforms, project management apps, and sales analytics tools.
  • By carefully considering factors like pricing, integration, and customer support, you can select remote sales tools that meet your current needs and support your team's growth and success.
  • This guide lists ten must-have tools your remote sales team should consider using to level up their sales performance, including FiveCRM.

Table of Contents:

Here are the top tools for remote sales:

  1. FiveCRM
  2. Trello
  3. Salesforce
  4. DocuSign
  5. Slack
  6. HubSpot
  7. Dropbox
  8. Pipedrive
  9. Notion
  10. Confluence

Remote Sales Tools Comparison Chart

Rating

Key Features

Pricing

FiveCRM

4.4/5.0 (G2)

  • Completely customizable
  • Many integrations
  • Contact management
  • Sales forecasting
  • Email and call tracking
  • Starts at $70 per seat if billed monthly or $63 per seat annually

Trello

4.4/5.0 (G2)

  • Task management
  • Collaboration
  • Workflow automation
  • Offers a free basic plan

Salesforce Sales Cloud

4.3/5.0 (G2)

  • Lead and opportunity management
  • Automated tasks
  • Sales forecasting
  • Sales Cloud starts at $25 per user/month (when billed annually)

DocuSign

4.5/5.0 (G2)

  • Electronic signature
  • Document tracking
  • Workflow automation
  • Starts with the Personal plan, available at $10 per month when billed annually

Slack

4.5/5.0 (G2)

  • Instant messaging
  • File sharing and collaboration
  • Integrations
  • Free 90-day access; paid plans start at $7.25 per user/month when billed annually

HubSpot Sales Hub

4.4/5.0 (G2)

  • Lead and opportunity management
  • Email tracking and automation
  • Reporting and analytics
  • Free, but premium features start at $20 per month

Dropbox

4.4/5.0 (G2)

  • File sharing and storage
  • Collaboration tools
  • Integrations
  • Free personal plans; premium features start at $11.99 per user/month

Pipedrive

4.2/5.0 (G2)

  • Pipeline management
  • Automation
  • Reporting and analytics
  • Free 14-day trial period before moving to subscription-based plans

Notion

4.7/5.0 (G2)

  • Note-taking and documentation
  • Task and project management
  • Collaboration
  • Free personal plan with limited features; team plans start at $8 per user/month when billed annually

Confluence

4.1/5.0 (G2)

  • Team collaboration
  • Knowledge management
  • Customizable workflows
  • Free plan for up to 10 users; paid plans depend on number of users

What are Remote Sales Tools?

Remote sales tools are software platforms and applications that streamline the sales process in a virtual environment. These tools encompass various functions, including communication, organization, data analysis, and automation.

Regardless of location, sales teams use these remote tools to manage customer relationships, track sales activity, automate routine tasks, and collaborate with colleagues.

Some examples of remote sales tools include Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems, email tracking platforms, video conferencing platforms, project management apps, and sales analytics tools.

How to Evaluate Remote Sales Tools for Your Team

Choosing the right remote sales tools for your team can significantly enhance productivity and efficiency. By carefully considering the following factors, you can select a remote sales tool that not only meets your current needs but also supports your team's growth and success.

Price

The most expensive tool isn't necessarily the best one for your needs. Consider your remote team's needs and look for tools that offer features to bridge the gap at a reasonable price.

At the same time, the cheapest one may not be the most cost-effective option in the long run. Look into upfront costs, monthly or yearly subscriptions, and any additional fees for premium features.

Integrations

You'll likely be using multiple tools in your sales process, so choose the ones that integrate seamlessly with your tech stack. This will save time and effort when it comes to data transfer and ensure all your systems work together effectively.

Customer Support

Good customer service is crucial for resolving issues, especially during the initial setup phase. Check if the provider offers timely and practical support in various formats, such as live chat, email, phone, downloadable guides, videos, etc.

1. FiveCRM

10 Best Marketing Automation Lead Generation Software | FiveCRM

Rating: 4.4/5.0 (G2)

Key Features:

  • Full customization: You can easily customize FiveCRM's interface and features to fit your team's workflows.
  • Automation features: FiveCRM can automate the tedious tasks that drain your resources, such as data entry.
  • Contact management: Store and manage all your customer information in one, easy-to-access location.
  • Sales forecasting: Make data-driven decisions with accurate sales predictions, from anywhere.
  • Email and call tracking: Track all client communication to ensure timely follow-ups.

FiveCRM is a comprehensive CRM solution that enhances telemarketing, outbound sales, and lead generation. It offers a range of features, including contact management, email marketing, and robust analytics and reporting—all essential for remote sales operations.

One of its key differentiators is its customization ability, allowing your remote team to tailor the software to their needs. FiveCRM also integrates seamlessly with other cloud-based platforms, enhancing your team's workflow regardless of location.

FiveCRM provides a straightforward and all-inclusive subscription plan starting at $63 per seat/month when billed annually.

2. Trello

10 Best Marketing Automation Lead Generation Software | FiveCRM

Rating: 4.4/5.0 (G2)

Key Features:

  • Task management: Assign and track tasks for yourself and your remote team.
  • Collaboration tools: Share information, files, and updates with team members in real-time, from any location.
  • Workflow automation: Streamline processes and boost team efficiency with customizable workflows.

Trello is a project management tool that helps remote sales teams stay organized and on track. Trello's versatile and user-friendly interface provides a visual way to collaborate on projects. The platform uses customizable Kanban boards, lists, and cards, which can be edited to manage sales workflows and track leads.

Trello stands out for its ease of use (it has little to no learning curve) and flexible integrations with platforms such as Salesforce, Slack, and more.

Trello offers a free basic plan but also has paid ones that start at $5 per user/month if billed annually. These paid plans carry premium features for scaled-up collaboration.

3. Salesforce Sales Hub

A mix of dashboards including contact management, opportunity management, and workflow automation.

Rating: 4.3/5.0 (G2)

Key Features:

  • Lead and opportunity management: Track your entire sales pipeline, from leads to deals, in one place.
  • Automated tasks: Reduce manual work with customizable automation.
  • Sales forecasting: Use data analytics to make informed decisions on future sales strategies.

Salesforce is a cloud-based CRM tool that offers an extensive range of features for remote sales teams. Its Sales Cloud service provides advanced analytics tools, helping you gain valuable insights into sales performance, trends, and customer behavior.

One of its differentiators is its adaptability to businesses of all sizes, from small teams to enterprise-level organizations. Salesforce is one of the most robust product suites, encompassing sales, marketing, commerce, service, IT, and data.

Salesforce offers several pricing plans to cater to different business needs. For instance, the pricing for Sales Cloud starts at $25 per user/month (when billed annually).

4. DocuSign

10 Best Marketing Automation Lead Generation Software | FiveCRM

Rating: 4.5/5.0 (G2)

Key Features:

  • Electronic signature: Securely sign and manage documents remotely.
  • Document tracking: Easily track essential documents sent to clients or team members.
  • Workflow automation: Streamline document processes with built-in templates and integrations.

DocuSign is a cloud-based electronic signature software that streamlines your document signing processes. Its key features include eSignature for sales, contract management tools, and automation capabilities that align with the entire contract lifecycle.

The platform shines in terms of accelerating remote B2B selling by streamlining agreement phases. Plus, it integrates e-signature capabilities and document generation features with your CRM, reducing time spent on paperwork.

Pricing options start with the Personal plan, available at $10 per month when billed annually. The most popular plan is the Standard plan, priced at $25 per month/user.

5. Slack

10 Best Marketing Automation Lead Generation Software | FiveCRM

Rating:4.5/5.0 (G2)

Key Features:

  • Instant messaging: Communicate with team members in real-time from anywhere.
  • File sharing and collaboration: Easily share files, updates, and information with your team.
  • Integrations: Connect with other tools for streamlined workflows.

Slack is a popular business communication platform that enables remote teams to stay connected and collaborate effectively. Known for its collaboration features, Slack facilitates file-sharing, document collaboration, and seamless integration with other apps like CRM platforms and Google Workspace.

The platform is best known for its intuitive interface, enhancing project management and workflow efficiency. Slack also enables automated onboarding processes and training for sales teams.

As for pricing, Slack offers paid plans starting at $7.25 per user/month when billed annually.

6. HubSpot Sales Hub

Shows a simplified Sales Hub user interface where a user is viewing various sales deals from the deals dashboard

Rating: 4.4/5.0 (G2)

Key Features:

  • Lead and opportunity management: Track leads, deals, and sales performance in one platform.
  • Email tracking and automation: Send personalized emails and automate follow-ups.
  • Reporting and analytics: Gain insights into sales metrics for informed decision-making.

HubSpot is one of the leading CRM platforms that provides a suite of services. It improves your remote team's productivity by integrating various capabilities into an all-in-one platform for marketing, sales, customer service, operations, and commerce.

Its key differentiator is the many integrations found within HubSpot's App Marketplace. In fact, you can integrate with over 1,500 tools. The platform also provides metrics remote sales teams can use to gauge their success and improve their strategies.

While HubSpot is free, it also offers specialized tools. In HubSpot Sales Hub, premium features start at $20 per month.

7. Dropbox

10 Best Marketing Automation Lead Generation Software | FiveCRM

Rating: 4.4/5.0 (G2)

Key Features:

  • File sharing and storage: Easily store and share files with team members, regardless of location.
  • Collaboration tools: Work on documents together in real-time.
  • Integrations: Connect with other apps for streamlined workflows.

Dropbox is a cloud-based file-sharing and storage platform that enables remote sales teams to store, access, and share files anywhere securely. Its collaboration tools allow team members to work on documents simultaneously in real-time, making remote sales processes more efficient.

Dropbox is a powerful remote sales tool known for its robust document management and collaboration features. Because it's cloud-based, Dropbox offers an always-on backup and easy document signing. It also offers file recovery, version history, and remote device wipe features for enhanced security.

Dropbox offers free personal plans but also operates on a subscription-based model with premium features for individuals and businesses. The standard business plan starts at $11.99 per user/month when billed annually.

8. Pipedrive

10 Best Marketing Automation Lead Generation Software | FiveCRM

Rating: 4.2/5.0 (G2)

Key Features:

  • Pipeline management: Track deals and sales progress, from initial lead to purchase.
  • Automation: Streamline repetitive tasks to save time.
  • Reporting and analytics: Gain insights into sales performance through robust reports.

Pipedrive is a cloud-based CRM platform that offers everything from scheduling tools for setting up remote sales meetings to hundreds of integrations.

Pipedrive's key features include a visual sales pipeline, customizable fields and pipelines, email integrations, document storage, and sales forecasting. Its user-friendly interface makes it easy for remote sales teams to use and navigate.

Pipedrive offers a free 14-day trial period before moving to subscription-based plans. Its most popular plan, Professional, starts at $49.90 per user/month when billed annually.

9. Notion

10 Best Marketing Automation Lead Generation Software | FiveCRM

Rating:  4.7/5.0 (G2)

Key Features:

  • Note-taking and documentation: Create, customize, and manage notes and documents on any device.
  • Task and project management: Manage tasks and projects with customizable workflows.
  • Collaboration: Enable real-time collaboration on documents and projects with team members.

Notion is a versatile workspace platform that helps remote sales teams stay organized and collaborate effectively. With features like note-taking, task management, data storage, and integrations with popular tools, Notion streamlines remote sales processes and enhances productivity.

While not explicitly designed for sales teams, Notion's customizable features make it a versatile tool for remote selling. Notion integrates with various tools, such as Slack and Google Drive, making it easy for remote sales teams to streamline their workflows.

Notion offers a free personal plan with limited features, but its team plans start at $8 per user/month when billed annually.

10. Confluence

Confluence - Pricing | Atlassian

Rating: 4.1/5.0 (G2)

Key Features:

  • Team collaboration: Collaborate on documents and projects in real-time.
  • Knowledge management: Easily store, organize, and access team knowledge.
  • Customizable workflows: Create custom templates to streamline sales processes.

Confluence is a project management and collaboration tool designed for remote teams. Its key features include document creation and collaboration, team knowledge management, and customizable workflows.

Confluence also offers integrations with popular tools like Jira and Trello, making it a valuable addition to your remote sales team's tech stack.

Confluence has a free plan for up to 10 users. Paid plans depend on the number of users that will be taking advantage of the tool.

Run Your Remote Sales Team Smoothly With FiveCRM

FiveCRM focuses on providing tailored solutions for sales teams, regardless of where they're located. It offers unique features like multichannel communication, automation of sales processes, and detailed analytics that give you a clear view of sales performance.

FiveCRM provides a more customized experience than other tools in this list, allowing you to adjust the CRM to fit your team's specific needs.

Ready to see how FiveCRM can transform your remote sales processes? Start a demo today and experience the benefits firsthand.

Remote Sales Tools FAQs

Q: What are remote sales tools?

A: Remote sales tools are software platforms and applications designed to streamline the sales process in a virtual environment. They cater to various needs, including communication, organization, data analysis, and automation. Examples include CRM systems, email tracking software, video conferencing platforms, project management apps, and sales analytics tools.

Q: Why are remote sales tools essential for a virtual sales team?

A: Remote sales tools are crucial for virtual sales teams because they facilitate collaboration, ensure easy access to customer data from any location, and enhance productivity. These tools help overcome the challenges of working remotely by providing a centralized platform for communication, data management, and task automation.

Q: Are there any remote sales tools that focus on task and project management?

A: Yes, Trello, Notion, and Confluence are remote sales tools that emphasize task and project management. They allow teams to assign, track, and collaborate on tasks, manage projects with customizable workflows, and store and organize team knowledge.

Q: How do I choose the right remote sales tool for my team?

A: When selecting a remote sales tool, consider factors like pricing, integration capabilities, and customer support. It's essential to assess the specific needs of your remote sales team, the features offered by the tool, and its compatibility with your existing tech stack.

Q: Are there remote sales tools that offer electronic signature capabilities?

A: Yes, DocuSign is a remote sales tool that provides electronic signature capabilities. It allows users to securely sign and manage documents remotely, track essential documents, and automate document processes.

Q: Which remote sales tools are known for their collaboration features?

A: Slack, Notion, and Confluence are known for their collaboration features. Slack offers instant messaging and file sharing, Notion provides note-taking, documentation, and real-time collaboration, and Confluence focuses on team collaboration and knowledge management.

Q: Can I customize the interface and features of remote sales tools?

A: Many remote sales tools, like FiveCRM and Salesforce, offer customization options. Users can tailor the tool's interface and features to align with their team's workflows and specific needs.

Michael King says...

"I can’t think of a time where a client has requested something that we weren’t able to do with FiveCRM. Unlike most systems, it has a lot of flexibility."

Improve your outbound efficiency now

Managing Director, Senior Response

JAINE HUSBANDS SAYS...

“Each client, and each of their campaigns, has its own unique specifications. We essentially needed to set up mini CRMs on one platform to meet those requirements.”

Improve your outbound efficiency now

Operations Director, Team Telemarketing

Why wait?

Start improving your outbound efficiency now, with the most customizable Telesales solution on the market.

Improve your outbound efficiency now
You might also like other posts ...
article background
Email-Marketing
6 min
Why is Email Marketing So Effective?
Why is Email Marketing So Effective? There's a lot of buzz online about how email marketing is an incredibly effective platform - and rightly so - but there is still a...
article background
Email-Marketing
6 min
What is a Sales Funnel?
A "sales funnel" may sound like something you'd find somewhere at the back of your kitchen cupboards, but this simple concept can boost your sales and marketing effort...
Five individuals having a work meeting
Email-Marketing
5 min
Beginner's Guide to Email Marketing Automation
The concept of marketing automation can seem confusing, but it needn't be. It's often the final stumbling block for most companies when setting up their online marketi...