That’s the magic of a sales pipeline. It’s a visual roadmap that shows you exactly where each lead is, what’s next, and how close you are to hearing “yes.” You get to nudge people along, fix bottlenecks, and keep the whole thing humming like a well-oiled espresso machine.

And it works. Companies with strong pipeline systems see up to 80% higher revenue and profitability. Why? Because most sales die in the follow-up. And a pipeline makes following up easy, automatic, and almost impossible to screw up.

That’s where Zoho Bigin comes in. It’s a lightweight CRM built for real businesses—not software demos. So if your current system is a spreadsheet duct-taped to your inbox, keep reading. We’re about to fix that.

Meet Zoho Bigin: The Simple CRM For Small Business

Now here’s where things turn around. Zoho Bigin isn’t just another CRM. It’s the one that was actually designed for you—the solopreneur, the small team, the business owner who’s doing All The Things.

It’s affordable (we’re talking $7/month per user), it’s mobile-friendly, and it doesn’t require a week-long training to get started. Think of it like a tidy little control panel for your business—with all the grown-up automation and none of the enterprise fluff.

You can get access to Zoho Bigin via Zoho One. (This is your lowest total cost option)

Zoho One - The Operating System for Small Business

Imagine a world where all your business tools play nicely together (cue angelic choir). Whether it’s handling your finances, projects, or marketing, Zoho One keeps everything seamless and oh-so-simple. Plus, the price? A fraction of what you'd pay for piecing together different apps. Talk about a BARGAIN!

If you’re ready to take the leap from surviving to thriving, Zoho One is your trusty steed. Let’s ride into the sunset of efficiency, my friends. Click that button and get ready to supercharge your hustle!

Buy Now

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What Makes It Different?

First let’s talk about the fact that most CRMs are more for management reporting than helping sales stay on top of deals.  Salespeople hate CRMs because filling in all the details often takes more time than managing the sale.  

And this is why I love Zoho Bigin.  Zoho Bigin is more focused on helping you close the deal and keep the prospect in the loop, without wasting all your time filling in fields.  

Here are just a few features that make it easy:

• Easy pipeline views so you can see who’s where in your process at a glance

• Task and follow-up automation so nothing slips through the cracks

• Email and calendar integration that actually works

• Customizable fields and tags to keep everything organized your way
  

In short, you can make Bigin as simple or as complex as you like.  And that’s what makes it a terrific choice. 

How to Start Using Bigin the Smart Way (Without Importing a Thing)

Here’s the thing: I don’t recommend starting with a giant contact import. Why? Because dumping a hundred contacts into a CRM before you even know how you’ll use it is like buying a closet full of new clothes before organizing your dresser. It’s overwhelming and counterproductive.

Instead, let Bigin grow with your business.I recommend that you start by setting up your sales pipeline; the steps your prospect moves through from first contact to final sale.  

Pick a Pipeline Template

If you’re not sure what your pipeline should look like, don’t worry – Bigin offers templates for 12 of the most popular industries for small businesses. 

Of course, you can create your own custom template as well.  But I recommend picking one of the templates,  You can customize them along the way. 

Add Your Prospects (Manually)

With your pipeline chosen, you can start adding your prospects.  Add them manually.  Do NOT import them.  Importing them will create garbage.  If you add them manually, you’ll learn the system and give yourself the opportunity to intentionally qualify and add specific notes related to your project. Not only that, but after you’ve entered your prospects manually, you’ll uncover exactly what kind of information you need to include when you automate.

Adding Prospects Automatically

After you’ve added your prospects manually, I recommend you set up a few ways to automatically add prospects with the same level of quality information that you added manually. 

Here’s what I do:

1. Integrate with your calendar tool.  I happen to use Zoho Bookings, so this is really easy.
2. Use a form.  You can create forms (I use either Zoho Forms, or Zoho Campaigns) you can use MailChimp or whatever lead capture system you prefer. This will allow you to grab targeted leads and place them inside your Zoho Bigin pipeline. 
3. Connect Bigin to tools like Microsoft 365, Google Contacts, Mailchimp, Constant Contact, Zoho Books, and Zoho Forms. New or updated contacts in those systems can sync automatically to Bigin, keeping your data up to date without manual entry
4. Business Card/QR Scanner:Use the Zoho Card Scanner app to scan business cards or QR codes. The app will automatically fill in the relevant fields and create a new contact in Bigin—no typing required.
5. Email-In Feature: Set up an email alias for your pipeline in Bigin. Any email sent to that alias will automatically create a new contact (if it’s a new email address) and associate it with a record in your pipeline. If the sender is already a contact, their info is updated as needed.
6. Of course, you can also Import from Spreadsheets: If you have a list of contacts in a spreadsheet, you can import the file directly into Bigin. During import, you can map spreadsheet columns to Bigin fields, and all details are added automatically

Bonus Round: Automate Your Sales Process

Bigin lets you build “if this, then that” workflows without needing to code or cry. Like:

• If someone fills out a contact form, send a welcome email and assign a task to follow up
• If a deal hasn’t moved in 7 days, send a reminder
• If a deal is won, send onboarding docs and mark them in the “Client” tag

The result? A system that works while you sleep. Which means fewer things fall through the cracks—and more deals close themselves.

Real-Time Everything, Even on Mobile

And since most small business owners are mobile, Bigin has you covered. 

You know what makes a CRM truly game-changing? Being able to use it when you’re not at your desk.

Bigin’s mobile app is fully functional and dead simple. You can call clients, log meetings, check pipelines, and get reminders without having to open your laptop.

Perfect for:

• Post-networking follow-ups while the convos are still fresh
• Quick updates between appointments
• Keeping your pipeline moving even when you’re out running your business

FAQ: Sounds Great – But…

Do I need to use other Zoho tools for Bigin to work? 

Nope. Bigin works beautifully on its own, but it also plays nice with the Zoho family. That said, even if you’re not using Zoho Books, Zoho CRM, or Zoho Mail, Bigin will still give you everything you need to manage leads and close deals.

What if I’m not tech-savvy? Will Bigin be too hard to set up? 

You’re in good company. Bigin was built specifically for people who don’t have time for complex tools. If you can use a calendar and email, you can use Bigin. The setup process is straightforward, and most people get up and running in less than an hour.

Can I use Bigin if I offer different types of services? 

Absolutely. You can create multiple pipelines for each service—consulting, coaching, VIP packages, you name it. Each pipeline can have its own stages, automations, and workflows so you’re not trying to jam everyone into the same process.

How secure is my client data in Bigin? 

Zoho takes data security seriously. Your information is encrypted, stored in secure data centers, and protected by enterprise-grade security protocols. You own your data, and they don’t sell it.

Can I share Bigin with a VA or team member without giving them full access? 

Yes! You can add users to your Bigin account and control what they can see or do. Whether it’s a virtual assistant, sales rep, or project manager, you decide what level of access they get.

The Final Word

You didn’t start your business to spend hours searching for client phone numbers or retyping the same email 10 times. You started it to serve clients, make money, and have more freedom.

Zoho Bigin helps you do exactly that—with a price tag even the leanest business can handle.

So let’s call it: 2025 is the year you finally get your systems together.

No more spreadsheet chaos. No more missed follow-ups. No more wondering if you remembered to do that thing you swore you’d do last week.

Try Bigin. You’ll thank yourself by next Friday.

Ready to switch? Start your Zoho Bigin free trial today and see what happens when your business runs like the real thing.

Fix It Session

$150.00

Send me one thing you’re stuck on in your business — a page, funnel, or offer. I’ll review it and send you a short video with clear feedback and next steps. No pressure, just a simple, actionable fix to get you unstuck.

Schedule Now

That’s the magic of booking automation.

If you’re a service-based solopreneur—consultant, coach, creative, or advisor—the fastest way to generate income is by selling your time. In this guide, we’ll show you how to do it right inside Zoho One using Zoho Bookings.

You’ll create a booking page, sync your calendar, and connect payments—all without needing a website, VA, or complicated setup.

Let’s turn your calendar into a revenue stream.

Why Selling Your Time Is the Fastest Way to Get Paid

Your time is your most valuable (and easiest to monetize) asset. If you know something that solves a problem, there are people willing to pay to pick your brain. Or get your advice. Or spend an hour working through their strategy.

You don’t need a digital product, eCommerce store, or content funnel to start making money.

You just need a booking link.

Step 1: Structure Your Offer

Before you create your booking page, decide what you’re offering:

• Free consults (15–30 min) to get leads in the door
• Paid discovery calls for more serious prospects
• Strategy sessions or working calls charged by the hour
  

Make it clear, focused, and valuable. Example: “30-Min Strategy Call – $97”

This simple, specific offer sets the foundation for everything that follows. It’s what you’ll be automating and promoting.

Zoho One - The Operating System for Small Business

Imagine a world where all your business tools play nicely together (cue angelic choir). Whether it’s handling your finances, projects, or marketing, Zoho One keeps everything seamless and oh-so-simple. Plus, the price? A fraction of what you'd pay for piecing together different apps. Talk about a BARGAIN!

If you’re ready to take the leap from surviving to thriving, Zoho One is your trusty steed. Let’s ride into the sunset of efficiency, my friends. Click that button and get ready to supercharge your hustle!

Buy Now

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Step 2: Set Up Zoho Bookings

With your offer locked in, it’s time to turn that idea into a real booking link your clients can click.

Step-by-Step: Set Up Your Booking Link

1. Log into your Zoho One dashboard and open Zoho Bookings.
   
2. Click “Create New Service” and choose One-on-One Appointment.

3. Name your service (e.g. Strategy Session).
   
4. Set your duration (30 mins, 60 mins, etc.) and price.
   
5. Add a description so your prospect knows what to expect.
   
6. Set buffer times, cancellation windows, and intake forms.

7. Connect your calendar (Zoho or Google Calendar).

8. Choose your availability.
   
9. Link your payment gateway (Stripe, Razorpay, PayPal).

10. Save and publish your booking link.
    
    

👉 Set up Zoho Bookings now

Step 3: Unlock Automated Workflows

Once your booking link is live, the real magic begins. Zoho Bookings isn’t just a calendar tool—it’s a workflow powerhouse.

Here’s what you can automate:

• Confirmation emails and SMS reminders
  
• Client notifications and staff alerts
  
• Reschedule and cancellation workflows

• Intake form data pushed to your CRM
  

And the best part? It’s all built-in. No Zapier. No code. Just powerful automations that make your life easier.

Step 4: Sync Everything

Let’s make sure your entire business talks to each other.

Zoho Bookings integrates seamlessly with your existing tools:

• Syncs with Zoho Calendar so you’re never double-booked

• Sends Zoho Mail confirmations to both you and your client
  
• Adds contacts to Zoho CRM or Bigin automatically

This isn’t just a scheduling tool. You’re building a full sales process that runs without you.

Step 5: Bookings vs. Calendly — What You’re Getting for Free

Lots and lots of people are using Calendly.  I did too.  But it wasn’t long before I realized that Bookings in Zoho One gave me PAID Calendly features as part of my Zoho One subscription.  It was a no brainer. 

So, I’m sure you’re probably wondering how these two compare.  

Let’s compare what you get with Zoho Bookings (included in Zoho One) vs. what you’d have to pay for in Calendly.

With Zoho Bookings, you’re not paying more for more features. You’re getting the premium experience as part of Zoho One—no extra cost, no upsells.

Final Thoughts: Your Calendar is Your New Sales Funnel

You don’t need complicated funnels or high-ticket sales scripts. If you have an offer people want, your calendar link is the shortest path to payment.

Set it up once, and let people book you while you sleep.

Next Week: We’ll help you build a bio site and landing page that ties everything together.

👉 Start with Zoho Bookings today

Need Help? Book a Fix-It Session

Not sure how to set up your booking flow? I can help.

In one Fix-It Session, we’ll:

• Create your booking page
  
• Sync your calendar and payment system
  
• Test your workflow from booking to confirmation
  

👉 Book Your Fix-It Session Now

Placeholder for video:
Your Booking Link is Your Sales Funnel

FAQ: Everything You Wanted to Know About Zoho Bookings

1. Do I need a website to use Zoho Bookings?
Nope! You get a hosted booking page with a link you can share anywhere.

2. Can people pay when they book?
Yes—just connect your payment method and you’re good to go.

3. What calendars does it sync with?
Zoho Calendar and Google Calendar.

4. Can I collect info before the call?
Absolutely. Use custom intake forms to gather details before the appointment.5. Can I send reminders?
Yes—email and SMS reminders are built in.

Your website isn’t broken—it’s just not doing its job. It’s collecting dust, not customers. While you obsess over sleek designs, your competitors are quietly launching conversion funnels fueled by AI-generated traffic, smart research, and one streamlined platform. That platform? Zoho.

If you haven’t noticed, the digital landscape changed. AI now answers before people even click. Brands like HubSpot saw 75% declines in organic traffic. According to Forbes, nearly 60% of Google searches end without a click. Bain reports 80% of consumers rely on zero-click results in at least 40% of searches. SparkToro data confirms only 360 out of 1,000 Google searches in the US lead to a non-Google site.

What does this mean for your business? The old “content-to-blog funnel” no longer works. Instead, you need pages built to convert—funnels disguised as single pages. And those funnels need automation, analytics, and ease of use. 

That’s exactly what Zoho offers.

Why AI Took Your Traffic—And Why That’s Not the Problem with Zoho Websites

AI-driven zero-click search means users get answers without clicking your site. Semrush recently reported that AI Overviews are now in 13% of all search queries, and that number is rising. Users are consuming content directly in search results.

If you’re relying on blog content to drive discovery, that discovery is happening on Google’s turf—not yours. Which means you have to shift from attracting visitors to converting them immediately when you have their attention.

Andy Crestodina—co-founder of Orbit Media—reminds us that clarity is everything: Clear messaging builds trust fast, which makes persuasion easier. He emphasizes quick scanning: 75% of users don’t scroll past the fold. And he warns about overusing form fields—each extra field drops conversions.

From Vision to Funnel: The Structure That Works

Let’s talk structure. There are a lot of formulas out there, but I’m going to recommend Andy Crestodina’s because this is his area of expertise and he measures and tracks these strategies with real businesses, just like yours.  

Here’s how you can improve your web page’s conversion rate and be human at the same time 

1. Headline = Answer

Immediately let visitors know they’re in the right place. Think: “Launch Your Online Store in One Afternoon” instead of “Welcome to My Site.”

There is so much to love here. There is the clear and unambiguous description of the business; not pithy, no play on words, it just tells you exactly what the business does.  It lets you know that you are in the right place. 

2. Proof = Evidence

Client logos. Case study stats. Certifications. These provide emotional and logical reassurance. If someone else trusted you, your visitor might too.

189 5-star reviews.  Think about this, every single review is 5-stars.  Just one 4-star review takes you down to less than 5.  So this is significant. 

You can also use testimonials for this.  But if you focus your business on generating 5-star reviews on Google – this is a big win. 

3. CTA = Invitation

Tell people what to do. Don’t use wishy-washy phrasing like “learn more”—use clear, action-driven language like “Start My Free Trial” or “Get My Demo.”

LOVE this call to action layout.  You can call or text, you can chat, you can request a call back, you can send a message on Facebook, you can email – all the things. 

4. Simple Design = No Clutter

Whitespace is underrated. Avoid clutter, keep your CTA visible, and remove distractions. If it doesn’t support conversion, it doesn’t belong.

Granted, in this example, there’s not a lot of white space, but everything you need is right there. Most importantly, this small business is very close to their customer, they know exactly what customers want to know in order to make a decision on stump grinding.  And they give it to them. 

5. Form Fields? Less Is More

Limit forms to 3-4 fields: name, email, maybe one qualifier. More than that, and you’re asking too much too soon.

This form is about as simple as it can get.  The only thing missing here is the ability to attach images of the stumps you want removed. 

6. Track Everything

Install analytics, heatmaps, and behavior tracking from day one. Gut feelings don’t scale—data does.

Each of these elements becomes a decision point in your page design.

Flip the Switch on Zoho: Launch a Funnel in a Day

One thing I will tell you about this example site is that it’s hosted on a streamlined, integrated platform (Not Zoho) but the fundamental system applies. 

A vertically integrated platform means that the website, the communications (the forms, the calls, the messaging, the scheduling, etc. is all inside of a single platform.  The biggest benefit of this is that everything is connected, nothing will “break” because there was an update or change in one element of your lead generation.

The short skippy is that you should look for a completely integrated system where all your customer information is in one place so that you can easily create new relationships, and build on your existing relationships.  

Loyalty and repeat business don’t come from providing loyalty cards, they come from consistently delivering on your promise. 

Launch a Funnel With Zoho Landing Pages

Do you need a full blown website like this to start?

Nope.  

No code? No problem. Zoho Landing Pages offer ready-made templates tailored for conversions. Select a layout, edit the copy, and integrate with Zoho CRM or Campaigns.

You can:

• Use templates designed for opt-ins, booking calls, or sales.
• Customize text, images, and CTAs within minutes.
• Integrate directly with your CRM to manage leads effortlessly.

Take a look at my “Fix it Session” landing page:

This took me about 30 minutes to build (I already had the copy completed).  It’s got everything you need to start making money.

Build Your Home Base with Zoho Sites

Zoho Sites offers a drag-and-drop website builder with all the essentials for a professional business presence. Here’s what to include:

• Homepage: A hero image, strong value prop, and clear CTA.
• Services Page: Break out your offers using benefit-driven headlines and client-focused copy.
• Testimonials: Add credibility with quotes and stats.
• Contact Page: A form, your email, maybe a map and phone number.

Here’s an actual example from a Zoho user called Urban Element

Everything you need is in one place.  Nothing fancy, just tell people who you are and what you do. 

No – You Don’t Need a Blog

Skip the blog for now. With the onset of AI summaries in Google (and all search engines) blog and content traffic is DOWN by more than 85%! In other words, writing content for the sake of answering questions is over for most small businesses. 

The good news, however, is that landing pages and sales pages, or any page where conversions happen, is still doing well. 

Sell Smarter with Zoho Commerce

Need e-commerce? Zoho Commerce handles everything:

• Product listings with photos and variants
• Secure checkout and payments
• Inventory and tax settings
• Sales tracking and order management

Here’s my Zoho Commerce store that I (again) built in about 30 minutes.  

It took me longer to create the products than it did to get them up on the site.  This is a simple example with simple products. 

But check out Automation Werks.  These guys are an Illinois parts distributor.  That means that inventory and distribution management is a big deal.  

Not the sexiest site on the planet, but the sexy is happening behind the scenes.  They are using Zoho Commerce to manage more than 35,000 products, thousands of customers, and all of this with only 14 people!.

Read their story here.

Trigger Automation with Zoho Flow + CRM + Campaigns

Imagine your business running itself:

• New leads are tagged in Zoho CRM
• Campaigns kick off tailored email sequences
• Sales team gets auto-notified for follow-ups
• Cold leads re-engage via timed offers

Zoho Flow connects your tools, triggers events, and simplifies automation.  Zoho Flow is your alternative to Zapier!  And, it’s not an extra fee, it’s included in your Zoho One subscription.  

The above is a shot of the “flows” I have set up inside my Zoho One.  Zoho is also launching more advanced AI agents monthly, so expect this to become even more powerful. 

Measure Smarter with Insight, Not Vanity

With Zoho Analytics and Zoho PageSense, you can track:

• Heatmaps: See where users scroll and click
• Conversion Funnels: Understand where people drop off
• Source Attribution: See what actually drives sales
• Revenue per Visitor: Get ROI at-a-glance

Data wins over guesswork every time. Even if you only check it weekly, insights like “People are abandoning my form halfway through” lead to fast wins.

I set up Zoho PageSense to measure and track the performance of my new “Fix it Session” page.  The data I’m collecting here will help me improve and optimize that page. 

I love heatmaps because they show you exactly how much time someone spends on each section of your site.  

In this example, red is actually GOOD.  People are spending a lot of time reading the offer, what it is, and how it can help them. 

Crush Perfectionism: Launch Now, Iterate Always

Your first version won’t be your best—but it needs to exist to improve. Publish now, tweak weekly. Use heatmaps, form analytics, and A/B testing to optimize. Run tests like:

• Which CTA drives more clicks?
• Does a testimonial or stat convert better?
• Should the form come earlier or later?

Let’s look at an example from one of my landing pages. 

So what’s driving the attention and the action – that button at the very top of the screen is driving all the clicks.  So here’s what we know – the offer is good, it’s driving them to explore the options of the offer. 

And then, as we scroll down, we can see what the most popular offer is.

Sound like something you want?  Awesome, I’ve pulled together a basic plan that you van use. 

Your 30-Day Zoho Setup Plan

If you haven’t guessed by now, I’m going to give you a simple way to set up your business on Zoho so that you can start making money right away.

First, start by starting a free trial with Zoho One.

Read my detailed review of Zoho One

Zoho One - The Operating System for Small Business

Imagine a world where all your business tools play nicely together (cue angelic choir). Whether it’s handling your finances, projects, or marketing, Zoho One keeps everything seamless and oh-so-simple. Plus, the price? A fraction of what you'd pay for piecing together different apps. Talk about a BARGAIN!

If you’re ready to take the leap from surviving to thriving, Zoho One is your trusty steed. Let’s ride into the sunset of efficiency, my friends. Click that button and get ready to supercharge your hustle!

Buy Now

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Here’s a tip.  The typical trial is for 30 days, but you can definitely extend it.  Just reach out to support@ZohoOne.com

Week 1

• Set up Zoho One
• Create 1 landing page and feature a simple offer.
• Use Zoho Checkout to set up your shopping cart. 
• Connect to Zoho CRM

Week 2

• Build out Zoho Sites homepage + services
• Add 3 testimonials, 1 contact form

Week 3

• Set up Zoho Commerce
• Connect payments, taxes, shipping
• List 3-5 products or services

Week 4

• Automate email sequences with Zoho Campaigns
• Track performance in Zoho Analytics
• Launch first A/B test via PageSense

Why Zoho Wins: One Platform, One Price, One Dashboard

You don’t need a Frankenstein stack of apps. Zoho gives you everything:

• Websites (Zoho Sites)
• Landing Pages (Zoho Landing Pages)
• CRM (Zoho CRM)
• Email (Zoho Campaigns)
• Analytics (Zoho Analytics)
• Commerce (Zoho Commerce)
• Automation (Zoho Flow)

And it’s all included in Zoho One.

Final Word: Be Tactical, Not Tactless

The AI revolution didn’t kill websites. It killed lazy ones. You don’t need more traffic. You need a system that converts the traffic you already have.

Zoho lets you launch fast, test smart, and automate everything.

Ready to turn your site into a sales machine?

And I mean fast.

Because nothing kills momentum like doing all the work of building your business… and then realizing you have no easy way to collect payments. That ends here.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to set up Zoho Checkout, Zoho Invoice, and basic invoicing in Zoho Books—all from your Zoho One dashboard. I’ll also show you how you can also use Zoho Bookings to get paid for meetings and consulting sessions. 

You’ll create a real offer, a simple way to accept payment, and an automated system that tracks your income like a pro.

Let’s make you money—today.

Zoho One - The Operating System for Small Business

Imagine a world where all your business tools play nicely together (cue angelic choir). Whether it’s handling your finances, projects, or marketing, Zoho One keeps everything seamless and oh-so-simple. Plus, the price? A fraction of what you'd pay for piecing together different apps. Talk about a BARGAIN!

If you’re ready to take the leap from surviving to thriving, Zoho One is your trusty steed. Let’s ride into the sunset of efficiency, my friends. Click that button and get ready to supercharge your hustle!

Buy Now

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Why You Need to Get Paid Before You Start Marketing

Most small businesses spend weeks creating content, running ads, and posting on social… without a single way for someone to buy. That’s backwards.

Marketing is expensive—in time, energy, and money. Before you invest in it, you need to validate your offer and open the door for revenue. With Zoho, you can do this in minutes..

Setting up your payment tools first means:

• You test and validate offers quickly
• You have real cash flow to reinvest in growth
• You act like a business from day one

Step 1: Create Your First Offer

You don’t need a full product catalog or fancy launch. You just need a simple offer people can say yes to.

Here’s how to do it:

• Pick something you already know how to do (service, product, session)
• Define the result your customer gets
• Put a price on it (flat fee is easiest)
• Give it a name they can remember

Example: “Power Hour Strategy Call – $97”

It’s specific, clear, and you can sell it right now.

More information on how to create offers:

• These 3 Methods Will Help You Create a Product Offer – Guaranteed
• How to Create an Irresistible Offer

Need help creating an offer? Grab a Fix it Session Today

Step 2: Accept Payments with Zoho Payments

Once you’ve got your offer ready, the next step is to make sure your business can accept money—securely and easily. Zoho Payments is the built-in solution that connects across the entire Zoho ecosystem.

Zoho Payments is a great built-in alternative to platforms like PayPal. It supports a range of payment options, including credit cards and ACH, and integrates directly with other Zoho apps.

Why use Zoho Payments?

Using Zoho Payments means you’re skipping the need for extra tools and third-party services. You don’t need to sign up for PayPal, Stripe, or anything else to start getting paid. Everything’s already connected and ready to roll.

• No third-party payment processor required – Everything is managed within Zoho, reducing friction and fees.
• Direct integration across your tools – It syncs instantly with Zoho Checkout, Zoho Invoice, Zoho Books, and even Zoho Bookings.
• Global-ready from day one – Accept payments in multiple currencies using cards, ACH, UPI, and more—perfect if you work with international clients.

It’s a simple, secure, and seamless way to manage money without juggling a million accounts.

How to Set Up Zoho Payments

1. Go to the Zoho Payments setup in your Zoho One dashboard.
2. Choose your business location and currency.
3. Connect your bank account for direct deposit.
4. Set up supported payment methods (ACH, card, UPI, etc.).
5. Verify your business details and submit documents (if requested).
6. Once verified, Zoho Payments will be your default method in Checkout, Invoice, and Bookings.

Zoho Finance Apps: Which One Is Right for You?

Let’s pause for a second. You’ve got your offer, your payment setup, and you’re ready to start bringing in money. But before we dive into invoicing and tracking every dollar, here’s a quick overview of Zoho’s finance tools—so you know what’s what.

Great news!

You get access to all of these with Zoho One. That means you don’t have to stress over picking the “perfect” one. They’re built to work together, and whichever you start with, you’re covered.

Here’s a quick rundown:

Zoho Invoice
Think of this as your lightweight, super-smart billing sidekick. Perfect for freelancers, service providers, and solopreneurs. If you need to send professional invoices, track time, or set up recurring billing, this one’s for you.

Zoho Books
Ready for more advanced bookkeeping? This is the upgrade. It’s ideal for small business owners who want a bird’s-eye view of income, expenses, and taxes—all without hiring a bookkeeper.

Zoho Billing
Running a subscription model? This app helps you manage plans, track metered usage, and automate the back-and-forth of recurring charges. Great for SaaS businesses or agencies with packaged monthly services.

And remember: you don’t have to choose just one. Since they’re all part of Zoho One, you can mix and match, try them out, and find the flow that fits your biz. It’s like a buffet of financial automation—with zero pressure and no extra cost.

Comparison Table

What We Recommend

For this series, we’re using Zoho Invoice to automate your client billing and Zoho Books to track all your payments. If you run a subscription model, explore Zoho Billing separately for its advanced features.

Step 3: Set Up Zoho Checkout

Zoho Checkout is the fastest way to collect payments online. It’s perfect for one-time offers, flat-fee services, or digital products.

Step-by-Step: Set Up Zoho Checkout

1. Log into your Zoho One dashboard and open Zoho Checkout.

2. Click “New Payment Page” and choose One-time Payment.

3. Name your product/service (e.g. Strategy Call).
4. Add a description and set your price.
5. Choose your payment method (Stripe or Razorpay integration).
6. Customize your checkout page (add logo, brand colors).

7. Save and publish your link.
8. Share the link in your emails, website, or social media.

Here’s an example of a complete payment page:

👉 Set up Zoho Checkout now

Step 4: Automate Invoicing and Track Payments with Zoho Books

Now that your payment systems are in place and you’re ready to collect money, it’s time to organize it all. This step is where Zoho Books takes over to streamline your invoicing and make tracking income totally stress-free.

Here’s the thing about Zoho One—once you’ve added Zoho Invoice, you’re likely to be redirected to Zoho Books. Why? Because Zoho Books includes everything Zoho Invoice does… and then some. It’s your all-in-one accounting suite, and it’s where invoicing, payments, and reports all live together.

So instead of managing your invoices in one app and tracking payments in another, we’re going to keep it simple and do it all inside Zoho Books.

Why use Zoho Books?

Zoho Books isn’t just an invoicing tool—it’s a full-on business finance command center. Whether you’re sending your first invoice or prepping for tax season, it brings everything together in one easy-to-navigate place.

• Everything’s in one place – Track your clients, payments, invoices, and financial reports without switching between tools. It’s your money HQ.
• Works beautifully with the rest of Zoho – Zoho Books syncs automatically with Zoho Checkout, Zoho Payments, and Zoho CRM, so you’re never duplicating data or chasing down missing info.
• Powerful built-in tools – From tax summaries and profit/loss statements to budgeting and expense tracking, it helps you make smart decisions with clear, simple insights.

And remember—Zoho Books is included in Zoho One. That means no extra cost, no extra signups, and no reason not to start.

Step-by-Step: Set Up Invoicing and Payment Tracking in Zoho Books

1. From your Zoho One dashboard, open Zoho Books.
2. Click to Settings>Preferences> Organization and customize with your logo, business info, and payment terms.

3. Navigate to Settings > Preferences > Sales>Invoices to set up your default invoice template.

4. Head over to Contacts and add your first client.
5. Click + New Invoice, select your contact, and add your offer details.
6. Set a due date and add any taxes or discounts.

7. Click Send to email the invoice directly—or copy the link to share it.
8. Turn on Payment Reminders to automate your follow-ups.
9. Check Payments > Customer Payments to track who paid and when.
10. Use the Reports tab to generate summaries for taxes, income tracking, or budgeting.

👉 Try Zoho Books now

Bonus: Get Paid with Zoho Bookings

If you’re a consultant, coach, lawyer, or service provider—this one’s for you.

Zoho Bookings lets you get paid just by letting people book time on your calendar. No back-and-forth. No chasing payments. You set the availability, price, and payment method—Zoho handles the rest.

Here’s how to use it:

1. Open Zoho Bookings from your Zoho One dashboard.
2. Sync your Zoho Calendar or Google Calendar.
3. Create a new service (e.g. “Strategy Session – $197”).
4. Set your availability, duration, and buffer time.
5. Connect your payment gateway (Stripe, Razorpay, or PayPal).
6. Embed the booking link on your site or share it directly.

Your clients can book and pay in one smooth motion—no manual invoicing required.

Screenshots to include:

• Zoho Bookings calendar sync
• Service creation screen with pricing
• Booking link preview with payment option

👉 Try Zoho Bookings now

You don’t need a website. You don’t need a funnel. You don’t even need an audience. You just need a payment link and an offer that solves a problem.

By setting up your Zoho Checkout and Zoho Invoice tools now, you’re making sure your business isn’t just busy—it’s bankable.

Next Week: We’ll build out your online presence with a landing page, a bio site, and link everything to your brand.

👉 Set up Zoho Checkout now

Need Help? Book a Fix-It Session

If setting this up sounds like a headache, let me walk you through it.

I offer Fix-It Sessions where we get your Zoho payment tools set up in real time. You’ll walk away with:

• A live checkout page
• Your first invoice template
• Everything tested and connected to your bank account

👉 Book Your Fix-It Session Now 

Placeholder for video: How to Take Payments by Tonight Using Zoho Checkout and Invoice

FAQ: What New Business Owners Want to Know

1. Do I need a website to use Zoho Checkout? Nope! You get a hosted payment page with a shareable link you can post anywhere.

2. Can I connect PayPal or Stripe to Zoho? Yes, Zoho supports Stripe and Razorpay natively. For PayPal, you can use Zoho Invoice.

3. Is Zoho Invoice free? Zoho Invoice is 100% free and includes time tracking, estimates, recurring billing, and more.

4. What if I need recurring payments? Use Zoho Checkout’s recurring option or set up auto-invoicing in Zoho Invoice.5. Do I need Zoho Books too? If you want to track income and generate reports, yes—but Zoho Books Lite is included in Zoho One.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to use Zoho Start, Zoho Domains, and Zoho Mail to set up your entire business foundation—legally and professionally—in less than an hour. It’s all part of our 90-day plan to build a profitable business on one secure platform.

No consultants. No complicated tech. Just simple steps and one Zoho login.

Why You Should Register Your Business

Before we jump into the how, let’s talk about the why. Registering your business isn’t just a formality—it’s your first real move as a business owner. It unlocks bank accounts, tax deductions, vendor relationships, and builds immediate trust with customers and partners.

The 3 Most Common Business Structures:

• Sole Proprietorship: Easiest and cheapest to start, but you’re personally liable for everything.
  
• LLC (Limited Liability Company): The sweet spot for most solo businesses. Protects your personal assets and is simple to manage.
  
• Corporation (S or C): Best for startups planning to raise money or bring on investors. More paperwork and tax rules.
  

Our Recommendation:

If you’re a service provider, freelancer, or coach, go with an LLC. It gives you personal protection without the hassle of corporate formalities.

Now let’s walk through setting it all up with Zoho Start.

Zoho One - The Operating System for Small Business

Imagine a world where all your business tools play nicely together (cue angelic choir). Whether it’s handling your finances, projects, or marketing, Zoho One keeps everything seamless and oh-so-simple. Plus, the price? A fraction of what you'd pay for piecing together different apps. Talk about a BARGAIN!

If you’re ready to take the leap from surviving to thriving, Zoho One is your trusty steed. Let’s ride into the sunset of efficiency, my friends. Click that button and get ready to supercharge your hustle!

Buy Now

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Step 1: Register Your Business with Zoho Start

Zoho Start is like the friend who knows what paperwork to fill out and exactly where to send it.

Here’s your step-by-step:

1. Go to Zoho Start and create an account

2. Choose your business structure (LLC recommended)
   
3. Enter your desired business name and check for availability
   
4. Input your business address and member/owner details

5. Select any add-ons you want (like an EIN or Registered Agent)

6. Review and submit your application
   

Zoho handles the filing with your state and will keep you updated on the status. Most people complete the setup in under 30 minutes.

👉 Click here to launch your business with Zoho Start

You should be able to complete this in under 30 minutes—and Zoho will update you as your paperwork is processed.

Step 2: Grab a Domain with Zoho Domains

Before we dive into the setup, let’s talk about why this matters.

Buying a custom domain isn’t just about looking professional—it’s about building trust, securing your identity, and creating a brand that sticks.

Here’s why it matters:

• Branding: A domain like “janesmithcoaching.com” tells the world you’re serious. It helps people remember you and builds authority in your niche.
  
• Email Credibility: Using your domain for email (like you@yourbusiness.com) improves email deliverability and looks way more legit than Gmail or Yahoo.
  
• Privacy Protection: When you register through Zoho, you get domain privacy included. That means your personal information isn’t exposed online.
  
• Security & Control: Domains registered through Zoho are automatically integrated with Zoho Mail and other apps. You get full control over DNS, renewals, and user management—all in one place.
  

Now that you know why it matters, here’s how to do it with Zoho Domains.  If you’ve ever purchased a domain with GoDaddy, the process is exactly like that.  If you’ve never purchased a domain, you’ll find it a breeze.

Zoho Domains is built for solo founders who want simplicity and security. 

Here’s how it works:

• Buy or Bring Your Domain: You can register a brand-new domain or connect one you already own. If it’s registered elsewhere, you’ll verify it by adding a TXT or CNAME record. I’ll show you how to buy a domain name below.  Here is how I’ve added my existing domain. 

• Instant Email Integration: Domains registered with Zoho are pre-configured for use with Zoho Mail. That means no complicated DNS setup—email just works.
  
• Centralized Admin Console: You manage everything—email accounts, user access, DNS records, security settings—from one clean dashboard.
  
• Advanced Features: Use catch-all addresses, subdomain aliases, and domain-wide disclaimers without extra tools or tech help.
  

It’s all designed to support your small business operations without adding complexity or cost.

👉 Get your domain now with Zoho Domains

Step-by-Step: How to Purchase a Domain with Zoho Domains

1. Go to Zoho Domains and either sign in with your Zoho credentials, or open an account. 

2. Search for a Domain Name: Enter your desired domain name in the search bar to check availability. Try to get a .com if possible.

3. Select Your Domain: Choose from the available domains and click “Buy Now.”
4. Choose the Duration: You can register your domain for 1 to 5 years. One year is usually fine to start.
5. Enable Domain Privacy: Make sure this option is selected to protect your personal contact information from public WHOIS databases.

6. Review Your Cart: Confirm the domain name, duration, and privacy settings.
7. Make Your Payment: Enter your billing information and complete the checkout process.
8. Domain Activation: Once purchased, your domain will be listed in your Zoho admin console, pre-integrated for Zoho Mail and ready for further configuration.

That’s it—you’ve officially claimed your online real estate.

Step 3: Set Up Your Branded Email with Zoho Mail

Now that you’ve secured your domain, it’s time to tie it all together with a branded email address. This is the step that often takes down even the most determined DIY business builders. Why? Because setting up custom email on your domain usually involves digging through DNS settings, adding confusing MX records, and hoping you don’t accidentally crash your website in the process.

But this time, you’re using Zoho. So, it’s going to be easy.

When you get your domain through Zoho and use Zoho Mail, the entire process becomes nearly automatic. That’s not just easier—it’s smarter. You don’t need to call in a tech-savvy friend or spend hours Googling instructions. Zoho Mail does the heavy lifting for you.

Even better? Zoho Mail is one of the best Gmail alternatives out there—especially if you care about your data privacy. Zoho doesn’t scan your emails, doesn’t serve you ads, and doesn’t sell your data. It’s a secure, business-class inbox designed for entrepreneurs who want control without complexity.

And when you bundle it all with Zoho One? You’re looking at a full Google Workspace alternative—email, calendar, contacts, file sharing, and more—without the monthly shock to your wallet.

Once your domain is live, you’ll create a professional email address using Zoho Mail. Something like you@yourbusiness.com instantly upgrades how people perceive your brand.

With Zoho Mail, you get:

• A clean, ad-free inbox that feels like Gmail (without the tracking)
• Built-in calendar, tasks, and contacts
• Seamless integration with your new domain

Now let’s set up your Zoho Mail account. 

Step-by-Step: How to Set Up Zoho Mail

1. Log in to your Zoho Admin Console: Start at mailadmin.zoho.com and sign in with your Zoho credentials.

2. Add Your Domain (if not already integrated): If you registered your domain through Zoho, it’s pre-configured. Otherwise, follow the on-screen steps to verify and configure DNS.
3. Create User Accounts: Add yourself and any team members as users. Assign email addresses (e.g. you@yourbusiness.com).

4. Set Up Email Delivery: If you purchased or registered your domain through Zoho Domains, this will be done for you.  Zoho will guide you through updating MX records if needed (for outside-registered domains like from GoDaddy).  
5. Enable Security Features: Turn on two-factor authentication and SPF/DKIM for email security. 

• Go to Security and Compliance > TFA (Two-Factor Authentication).
• Toggle it ON and enable for your entire organization.
• Users will be prompted to set up their preferred 2FA method (Zoho OneAuth, SMS, etc.).

6. Set Up SPF Record: Setting up an SPF (Sender Policy Framework) record tells email providers that Zoho is authorized to send emails on your behalf. This helps prevent spoofing and improves your email deliverability.

• Navigate to Domains > [Your Domain] > Email Configuration > SPF.
• Copy the SPF TXT record (typically v=spf1 include:zoho.com ~all).
• Paste it as a TXT record in your DNS provider.
• Click ‘Verify SPF Record’ in Zoho.

7. Set Up DKIM Record: DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) adds a digital signature to your emails, verifying they came from your domain and weren’t tampered with in transit. This is critical for brand trust and inbox placement.

• Go to Domains > [Your Domain] > Email Configuration > DKIM.
• Click ‘Add’ and generate a selector (e.g., zoho).
• Copy the DKIM TXT record.
• Add it to your DNS provider under the name zoho._domainkey.
• Verify and enable DKIM in Zoho Mail.

👉 Set up Zoho Mail with your domain

If you bought your domain through Zoho, setup is nearly automatic. If not, Zoho gives you a step-by-step guide to update your DNS settings.

Why Zoho Is the Best Choice for Solo Founders

Most people spend $250–$500 cobbling together tools to get their business off the ground. With Zoho, you can:

• Register your LLC
• Buy your domain
• Set up a branded email
  

…all for around $120–$150 total. And you do it all in one place. No juggling logins, no hidden fees, and no waiting weeks for approvals.  And these are basically one time set up costs.  After you’ve done that, if you’re using Zoho One, you are at about $37 per month per user,

Plus, Zoho’s values align with yours. They don’t answer to shareholders—they answer to you. They’re committed to privacy, small business support, and tools that make sense for founders who want to run lean.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let This Be Another Thing You Put Off

Whew, that was a lot of work—but here’s the thing: you could literally do all of this in one sitting. No tech help. No 12-tab YouTube rabbit hole. Just a streamlined, professional setup that gives you everything you need to get started.

And the result? Your business is legit (literally). You’re officially registered and you’ve hung out your shingle—on paper and online. You’ve claimed your name, your email, and your presence. That’s more than most would-be entrepreneurs ever do.

Next week, we’re going to get you paid. We’ll walk through how to set up Zoho’s payment tools and connect them to your bank account, so you’re ready to make your first sale and actually collect money like a real business.
Need Help? Book a Fix-It Session

If you’re feeling stuck or just want someone to walk through this with you—I’m here to help. I offer personal Fix-It Sessions where we go through your Zoho Start, domain setup, and email configuration step-by-step.

Whether you’re stuck at the beginning or just want to make sure it’s done right, we’ll get your business set up fast—and right the first time.

👉 Book Your Fix-It Session Now

Placeholder for video:
How to Set Up Your Business in 30 Minutes Using Zoho Start (walkthrough of all 3 tools)

FAQ: What New Business Owners Want to Know

1. Do I have to use Zoho for everything?
Nope—but using Zoho for your business foundation means everything is designed to work together. No duct tape. No Frankenstacks. Just clean integrations and one login to rule them all.

2. What if I already registered my business—can I still follow along?
Absolutely. You can skip the Zoho Start part and jump straight into getting your domain and setting up your email with Zoho Mail. Everything else still applies.

3. Can I use a domain I already own with Zoho Mail?
Yes! You can connect any domain to Zoho Mail with a few simple DNS tweaks. Zoho provides clear, step-by-step instructions.

4. What if I’m not tech-savvy—will I need help?
That’s the beauty of Zoho Start and Domains. These tools are made for non-techies. No coding. No jargon. You can truly do this in one sitting without outside help.5. Is Zoho really a good alternative to Google Workspace?
Yes, and in some ways it’s better—especially if you care about data privacy and cost. Zoho gives you email, calendar, documents, and even CRM in one affordable platform.

You’ve got a login for email marketing, another for your CRM, maybe something else for scheduling, accounting, file sharing, team messaging, and project management. And every one of those platforms is billing you separately. Monthly.

Now, imagine if all of that came bundled into one suite. One login. One invoice. Less than a buck a day.

That’s Zoho One. And it’s the best-kept secret in solopreneur success.

What is Zoho One?

Zoho One is the perfect suite of 50+ business productivity apps for entrepreneurs overwhelmed by the technology they need to run their businesses. In some ways it’s very similar to Google or Microsoft — but better.

All of these companies offer basic “office” software such as spreadsheets, documents, presentations, and meetings. But then Zoho went off and did something crazy by bundling all of its apps into a single platform for a low price that’s honestly hard to beat.

But there’s so much more to Zoho One than the features and the apps. Zoho’s leadership has made a firm commitment to you, the small business owner and put their money and their efforts where their mouth is.

Every year, Zoho makes running your entire business from one platform at an insanely low cost. You simply cannot get high performing software like this to run your business — no how, no way.

Who Should Use Zoho One?

If you’re a consultant, coach, creative, or small agency owner wearing all the hats — this is for you. Zoho One gives you a powerful, integrated foundation to:

• Capture and convert leads
  
• Deliver services efficiently
  
• Automate your follow-ups
  
• Get paid faster
  
• Measure your business performance with real dashboards

Why You Want an All in One, Unified Platform

Zoho One is a unified platform. That means that all the software you need to do just about every function of your business is in one place; one tab, one platform, and one price.

Having a unified business software platform means that you choose a single brand of software and use all of the apps from that brand. Google is a unified platform. Microsoft is a unified platform. Zoho One is a unified platform.

The trend right now is to shift from a patchwork of software to a unified and integrated software. Here’s why:

• You’ll save time. You make ONE decision. Choose the platform and all the apps come with it. That’s it.
• You’ll save money. You’ll pay a small monthly fee for the platform and all the apps are free. Since they are already integrated, you don’t need to spend money on any additional apps or software.
• Unified platforms work well together. The integrations are built in and all the appropriate data is shared without your having to do anything.
• Unified platforms collect and share data across all the applications. This makes it easy to get a solid picture of your business performance.
• With all your business data in one place, you can leverage the power of artificial intelligence to help you gain insights you might have missed in your business.

Why You’re Missing Out on New Customers

You know what the biggest lie in small business is? That the most important thing you bring to the party is your technical skill or knowledge. I hate to burst your bubble, but just because you bake the best cupcakes, doesn’t mean your cupcake bakery will succeed. Just because you are a yoga pro, doesn’t mean your yoga studio will attract enough students to pay the bills. And, just because you make beautiful jewelry, doesn’t mean anyone will buy it!

The most important skill in running a business is — running a business. That includes all those tedious. technical, stick-a-fork-in-your-eye stuff that you’d rather pay someone to do like marketing, sales, accounting, building a website, HR, customer service,etc.

In 2019, BizSugar collected feedback from more than 600 small business owners just like you. And the results uncovered the great unsaid — most small business owners think that their biggest challenge is generating leads and customers. But the real problem is something more insidious.

30% of our respondents said they were working in their business instead of on their business. In other words, sales and marketing is only a challenge because you don’t have the time and energy to devote to them.

This is why you need to take a fresh look at Zoho One.

Why I Love Zoho One and Recommend it

My admiration for Zoho goes way beyond the software or what a great value for the money it is. Zoho excels in four major categories that I use to choose a platform; people, platform, price, and promise.

Zoho is a people-first company. That means that the small business owner is at the center of every software development.

The Zoho platform is seamlessly integrated so that you only have to make one decision; to use the platform. Other than that, there’s an app for anything you need for no extra cost. Use as much or as little as you like.

Of course, the price is insanely affordable. Just $37/mo per user. That’s it. There are no levels, no limits on features.

All this is great, but let’s get to what really matters. What can Zoho One do that you can’t do or don’t want to do?

Zoho One - The Operating System for Small Business

Imagine a world where all your business tools play nicely together (cue angelic choir). Whether it’s handling your finances, projects, or marketing, Zoho One keeps everything seamless and oh-so-simple. Plus, the price? A fraction of what you'd pay for piecing together different apps. Talk about a BARGAIN!

If you’re ready to take the leap from surviving to thriving, Zoho One is your trusty steed. Let’s ride into the sunset of efficiency, my friends. Click that button and get ready to supercharge your hustle!

Buy Now

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Zoho One Replaces $400 per Month in Small Business Tools for $37/mo

What would you do with an extra $400 per month? That’s nearly $5,000 per year! While you think about that, check out some of the tools I’ve been paying for before using Zoho One.

• Microsoft 365 ($8.25/mo)
• Dropbox Business ($20/mo)
• Zoom ($14.99/mo)
• Keap.com ($100/mo)
• Kajabi ($119/mo)
• Constant Contact ($20/mo)
• MailChimp ($14.99/mo)
• Buffer ($5/mo)
• Evernote ($9.99/mo)
• Quickbooks Online ($40/mo)
• Calendly ($12/mo)
• SurveyMonkey ($32/mo – billed annually)
• Zapier ($19.99/mo)
• Zendesk ($19/mo)
• WebinarJam ($42/mo)

I’m pretty sure there are more, but these are just the tools I’ve replaced with Zoho One.

Zoho One has two pricing plans:

1. Flexible user pricing: Starts at $90/user/month. Under this pricing model, companies can purchase any number of licenses for managing their business better.
2. All employee pricing: Starts at $37/user/month. Under this pricing model, companies must purchase licenses for all their employees. For more information please head to https://www.zoho.com/one/pricing/

The pricing I’m quoting here is for an annual contract. You can also pay monthly at $45/mo.

Saving money is great! But the real benefit of using Zoho One as your business operating system is in how it either eliminates some of those tasks that everyone says you should do — but you don’t do because it’s a complete pain in the neck.

I’ve made a list of tasks and responsibilities from some of the small businesses I’ve worked with and outlined how Zoho One either eliminates the problem or makes it easier to do.

17 Dreaded, Annoying and Tedious Tasks Zoho One Will Do For You

Typical software reviews talk about features. But in this Zoho One review, I want to talk about how Zoho One simplifies your life. I’ve pulled together all of those tasks that keep you from working ON your business that Zoho One simplifies for you.

1. Choosing software to run your entire business.

It can take as long as two years to choose a software for your business. Imagine how many more new customers you could get in that time? Zoho One’s cloud software combines CRM, project management, email marketing, website design, HR, and more into one platform. All you need to do is choose it and use it.

2. Making software work together.

Even after choosing your software, the next challenge is having it all work together. Integrations often break down and it takes an expert to set them up and fix them when they break down after an update. Because Zoho One is an all-in-one unified platform and the integration is already set up — not a problem.

And another thing.

Business software tends to multiply. As soon as you choose two different platforms, you’ll usually need a third to integrate it. But wait, then you want to look at everything in one dashboard – now you need a fourth platform. Most businesses aren’t that technical. This means that you have to jump from one application to another to measure your progress. As a result, you’re missing out on new leads and opportunities.

If you’re using the Zoho One platform, the integrations are seamless. Not only that, but Zoho One also pulls your data together all in one dashboard.

3. Put all your business performance data in one unified dashboard

How many times have you tried to pull together a business performance report and gotten different numbers from a team member who pulled the report?

This happens All. The. Time. It’s insanely frustrating because you might choose one set of criteria and someone else will choose another set.

Because Zoho One seamlessly integrates all your apps, all you need to do is set the criteria and select what you want in the dashboard. BOOM. Everyone sees the same numbers and track progress consistently.

4. Figuring out what customers want.

Experts tell you that you should always be gathering feedback from your customers. You can run a survey and get the numbers, but wouldn’t it be great if you could include a survey link at every step of the buying process and then have that data all in one place?

Zoho Surveys is the answer. Imagine being able to collect customer feedback and then have their responses synchronized to their Zoho CRM record!

5. Capture leads from everywhere and put them in one place.

Every small business wants more leads and customers. But the challenge isn’t “getting them” so much as collecting them all in one place.

Prospects enter your business from email, from social media, from forms on your website, from recommendations, and from direct phone calls.

With Zoho One, you can capture those leads, categorize them and put them in one place.

6. Automatically follow-up and move leads through your sales process.

Did you know that the number one reason you aren’t converting leads to customers is because it’s difficult to keep track of all your leads as they go through your sales and marketing funnel.

Zoho One helps you automate your entire sales process. You can create automated workflows that instantly label or tag leads and make it easy to follow up.

7. Run and manage all of your marketing campaigns from one place

Of course you’re frustrated with sales and marketing! You’re losing leads because they come in from all over, you aren’t following up with them, and nurturing those leads with emails takes so much time!

Most integrated sales and marketing platforms can cost hundreds of dollars per month — and they aren’t connected to the rest of your business. That’s no help!

The new Zoho One has a suite of sales and marketing apps that are already synchronized in a way that allows you to capture leads from a form, your site, or a phone call and then automatically place them into your CRM and the proper marketing campaign. No matter where a new lead comes from, you can make sure that they receive timely and relevant follow-ups.

Let’s not forget about the relationships you build and nurture on social media. Zoho Social is also included in Zoho One. Use Zoho Social to post, track and run reports on your social engagements.

But here’s where Zoho Social shines — you can capture LEADS from social and automate their progress through their sales funnel. All you need to do is tell Zoho Social when you want to move a lead into your marketing funnel.

8. Building and managing a website or ecommerce site.

The trouble with small business websites is that you often need a team of technical folks like designers, developers, SEO experts, analytics experts and social media experts to make your website do what it’s supposed to do.

If you’ve been in business for any length of time, you’ve been burned by this entire process. You’ve thrown money at it and gotten nothing in return.

What you need is a website that funnels new leads to your business! That’s what Zoho Sites does. And yes, Zoho Sites is included in the Zoho One platform.

Zoho Sites has all the awesome features of most DIY website builders:

• Tons of gorgeous professional templates
• No code, drag and drop building
• A/B testing and analytics
• SEO optimization
• And more….

But none of this is all that different from other site builders like Wix or WordPress. What makes Zoho Sites so powerful is….its ability to automatically integrate with your entire business system:

• Collect leads and add them to CRM and your marketing automation (Zoho Campaigns).
• Optimize for user experience and SEO with Zoho PageSense
• Provide chat support with Zoho Sales IQ

If you’re a brick and mortar business, ecommerce business, manufacturing business or service business — this is an ideal platform for you.

9. Automatically track your business success with pre-built reports and dashboards.

Whoever said “You can’t track what you don’t measure” hasn’t tried to integrate a dozen custom apps into one dashboard without custom coding or spending a fortune on reporting software.

The new Zoho One provides more than 1500 pre-built reports and dashboards so you can finally be the one to boast about your business growth.

10. Got a question about your business? Ask “Zia”.

One of the most frustrating things about running a business is data analysis. Luckily Zoho One has an AI, lovingly named Zia.

If you’re a Star Trek fan, it’s like having your own “Enterprise Computer”!

The great thing about Zia is that “she” can search your entire Zoho One database and answer some of your basic questions.

You can type your question or even use voice search to ask your question.

11. Easily onboard and train new team members.

You’ve worked tirelessly to create a business process that delivers quality – but it seems to take forever (and cost a fortune) to train everyone on your team to follow them. Zoho One includes a powerful Learning Management System so that you can quickly, easily and automatically onboard employees and create on-going training programs.

12. Be two places at the same time!

Zoho One’s “Lens” custom app gives you the ability to troubleshoot virtually. This is an ideal app for service businesses like HVAC repair that have a service team on the move who need to solve problem.

13. Eliminate email overwhelm and critical tasks falling through the cracks

Another major annoyance for small business owners is dealing with a flooded email inbox that mixes external emails with team communication. This can lead to missing important information makes collaboration and follow-up difficult.

This is where TeamInbox saves the day. This is a shared inbox for teams so that every team member can see all the messages related to a project or customer issue. You can assign owners to each incoming message so that no email is left without a response. You can see what everyone is working on, share thoughts and ideas, and most importantly, make sure that all of your customers get the right answer as fast as possible.

One feature I really love is that you can configure all of your channels in one place so that you’re not jumping from one tab to another.

The great thing about TeamInbox is that you can run ALL of your emails (internal and external) through this app. Not only that, but you can also create tasks and communicate ALL from your inbox! This is especially useful when dealing with online reviews.

14. Backup and secure your data without an IT department.

Most small business owners don’t have an IT department. We count on the tools we use to keep our data private and secure.

Well, get this. When you have Zoho One, you also get “Vault”. This is an app that allows you to easily and securely backup all your data.

15. Don’t work alone! Stay connected, chat and meet with your team anytime, anywhere

The biggest challenge business owners face when working virtually is connecting with their team — not just for meeting, but for quick questions, announcements and even a quick video chat.

Zoho One’s Cliq app is your alternative to Slack.

16. Schedule meetings and even get paid for your advice with one click

One of my biggest peeves is going back and forth with someone to schedule a simple meeting. Zoho One’s “Bookings” app is how I schedule meetings with one click.

Another peeve is not making money on the advice I give and not knowing what types of meetings yield new clients and customers.

One of the features I love most about Zoho Bookings is that you can turn a meeting into a lead and that lead into a customer! Again — this is the benefit of a unified and synchronized operating system that doesn’t let a single interaction go to waste.

Sure, you can use other Calendar tools — but they won’t give you REPORTS the way Zoho Bookings does.

You can create reports by meeting type, revenue reports and so many more!

I’ve also created “breakthrough sessions” as a meeting type that allows clients to schedule 1-hr consulting meetings and where I can get PAID for my advice. This has been a game changer for me — because I hate asking for money. Instead, I simply tell my client to schedule a “breakthrough” session. This is a low-investment for them and allows me to get paid for my advice.

17. Leaving money on the table because you aren’t keeping the books

You know that feeling when you put on a coat and stick your hand in the pocket and find a $10 bill? I can see you smiling already.

Well, your business has money hidden in the nooks and crannies; phone consultations that go unbilled, getting lost in a project and not billing for all your time, pricing too low because you don’t understand your costs — and so much more.

Luckily Zoho One has Zoho Books.

When you use Zoho Books along with apps list Zoho CRM, Zoho Bookings, Zoho Sites and other integrated apps, you’re not leaving any money on the table.

New and Improved Zoho One Pulls Everything Together at a Price You Can Afford

Zoho One is a robust suite of business applications, designed to help entrepreneurs handle their most important tasks from anywhere with just an internet connection. They have the tools to run your entire company from accounting and finance to sales and marketing. 

I’ve been using Zoho for about two years now, and I’m very happy with it! I love that you can share documents with other users so we don’t have to email around spreadsheets or files anymore! There’s also a chat function where we can communicate in real-time – it’s great for brainstorming sessions or getting feedback on a proposal before submitting it. 

So Many Apps — Where Do You Start?

This is the most important question you can ask yourself. The best way to start using Zoho One is to start with a single app, get familiar and comfortable with it, then add the next most obvious app.

Here are some basic “triggers” or entry point apps to Zoho One:

Bookings (Calendly Alternative): This is how I started. A calendar booking app is simple, we all understand how they work, and, because it’s connected to your calendar, you’ll get some basic experience with connecting or integrating Zoho One to your existing calendar tool.

Bigin (Simple CRM): Another great way to start with Zoho One is with their basic, simple CRM, Bigin. This is a “Trello” like CRM that is ideas for anyone who has NOT used a CRM before. Again, you can use it out of the box, without integrating to anything. So it’s a great place to start.

Invoice: A lot of my friends start with this one. It’s a free invoice tool, you can also connect it to Bigin and just work on managing and growing your sales.

Zoho CRM (Salesforce alternative): This is the most popular way to start using Zoho One and a lot of companies choose this one. It’s not at the top of my list for solopreneurs because it can feel overwhelming (That’s why I recommend you start with Bigin). Now, you can start with some bare bones features because EVERY Zoho One app integrates with CRM, like everyone. So I’d recommend you connect your apps to Zoho CRM and you can jump into it when you are ready.

Ultimately the answer of where you start is up to you. Just start. Start with one app at a time and work your way up.

How to Get Started Without Overwhelm

Start with one app. Here’s what I recommend:

• Beginner? Start with Bookings or Bigin CRM
  
• Need to get paid? Use Invoice or Books
  
• Ready to scale? Start with Campaigns and CRM
  

Each app plays nice with the others. No integration headaches. Just activate, connect, go.

The Bottom Line

Zoho One is the ideal choice for a startup or new business that hasn’t committed to a wide variety of software just yet. Zoho One works best when you have all of your information in the single platform. That’s where the magic happens.

If you would rather spend your time working on your business, serving customers and seeing how your business is doing by glancing at a dashboard – Zoho One is for you.

Overall Zoho One and its apps are outstanding and will serve the needs of 90%+ of small business owners. Granted if you are very specific in a particular area, you may want to use particular tools or you might find that some Zoho apps don’t have the advanced features you want. BUT — Zoho One is very customizable. And if you struggle with measuring business results and making business decisions because you can’t see all the data, investing in some customizations will be well worth it.

Zoho One has made it easier for small businesses to operate out of one secure platform by seamlessly connecting all their apps so they don’t have to worry about data silos or multiple logins anymore. They can now focus on what matters most – growing their business!

FAQ

Is Zoho One good for solopreneurs? 

Yes! It’s built for small teams and solo operators who want affordable, integrated tools.

What’s the difference between Zoho CRM and Zoho One? 

Zoho CRM is one app. Zoho One includes CRM + 45 more apps.

Can I try Zoho One free? 

Yes — you get a 30-day free trial without a credit card.

How much is Zoho One? 

$37/month per user (annually). $45/month if billed monthly.

How is it different from G Suite or Microsoft? 

Zoho One includes CRM, marketing, accounting, analytics, and more. It’s a full operating system.

Can I cancel Zoho One anytime? 

Yes, Zoho One offers both monthly and annual plans. Cancel monthly anytime without penalty.

Is Zoho One customizable for my business? 

Absolutely. Most apps are modular, and you can enable only what you need.

Do I need to hire someone to set it up? 

Nope. Start simple. Use one app. As you grow, the platform grows with you.

Will Zoho One work for my team? 

Yes, you can add users as your business grows. Permissions and roles are built in.

Each month, I give QuickBooks $80. Think about that. I’ve been paying twice the amount for one app (Zoho One is about $40/month) as I do for an entire suite of integrated tools that run my whole business. And now that Zoho has launched its U.S. edition of Zoho Payroll, the timing couldn’t be better.

The Problem with Running a Business on Too Many Tools

If you’re running a small business, you’ve probably felt this pain. You’ve got QuickBooks for financials, Trello for projects, some kind of CRM, a payroll tool that barely talks to anything else, and maybe a dozen spreadsheets in between. That’s a lot of toggling back and forth, a lot of manual data entry, and a lot of lost time. 

Nothing integrates as smoothly as it should, and you’re constantly second-guessing your numbers. Sound familiar? That’s where Zoho One comes in. It’s not just one tool—it’s an entire ecosystem where everything works together. 

Zoho One - The Operating System for Small Business

Imagine a world where all your business tools play nicely together (cue angelic choir). Whether it’s handling your finances, projects, or marketing, Zoho One keeps everything seamless and oh-so-simple. Plus, the price? A fraction of what you'd pay for piecing together different apps. Talk about a BARGAIN!

If you’re ready to take the leap from surviving to thriving, Zoho One is your trusty steed. Let’s ride into the sunset of efficiency, my friends. Click that button and get ready to supercharge your hustle!

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And now with Zoho Payroll, I’ve finally got a complete, integrated financial system for my business.

Let me walk you through the details, and I’ll show you exactly why I’m so excited.

The Dashboard That Does It All

Let’s start with the Zoho Payroll Dashboard, where everything you need is right at your fingertips. This isn’t one of those cluttered dashboards that gives you 20 charts but no real answers. It’s simple, clean, and shows me exactly what I need to know:

• How much you owe for federal and state taxes
• Your total payroll costs, broken down into net pay, taxes, benefits, and deductions
• A quick snapshot of your active employees and whether they’re hourly or salaried

Look at that! Everything is right where it should be, without any of the clutter or confusion. No more jumping between systems or reconciling scattered data. It’s all in one place, ready to go.

Managing Employee Benefits Doesn’t Have to Be a Headache

No employees? No problem.  I’m willing to bet that you’re avoiding offering comprehensive benefits because, let’s be honest, it’s a lot of work. Managing 401(k)s, tracking PTO, and keeping up with health insurance details isn’t exactly a small business owner’s dream task. But Zoho Payroll makes it easy to manage all of that in one spot.

This is what benefits management looks like when it’s done right. You can set up everything from retirement plans (401(k)s, Simple IRAs, you name it) to medical, dental, and vision insurance. It even tracks PTO balances and accruals automatically. That means I can offer a real benefits package to my team—full-timers, part-timers, even my virtual contractors—without the usual headache.

Taxes? Handled. Like, Really Handled

Let’s talk about taxes, everyone’s favorite topic. If you’ve ever missed a payroll tax deadline, you know how stressful it can be. The fines add up fast, and the paperwork is brutal. 

Zoho Payroll automates the entire process for federal, state, and local taxes in all 50 states. That means it calculates, files, and pays everything for you, on time, every time.

I mean, look at this. It’s clean, clear, and straightforward. Everything’s tracked, and you can see exactly what’s pending and what’s funded. No more chasing down tax forms or panicking at the last minute.

Online Payroll System | Cloud Payroll Software | Zoho Payroll

Zoho Payroll is a seamless, all-in-one payroll solution for small businesses. It automates tax compliance across all 50 states, simplifies benefits management, and empowers employees with a mobile self-service portal. Fully integrated with Zoho Books, People, and Expense, it’s the perfect tool to streamline payroll and grow your business effortlessly.

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Zoho Payroll vs QuickBooks Online

But wait! QuickBooks is the standard – is it worth the hassle of switching? 

Honestly, that’s not for me to say.  After all, it’s taken me a few years to get here. But as soon as the opportunity presented itself, I was in. 

I get it. For years, QuickBooks Online has been the go-to for small business accounting and payroll, but the comparison starts to fall apart when you dig a little deeper. At least it has for me. 

When you break it down, Zoho Payroll does everything QuickBooks Payroll does—and more—at a lower cost, with seamless integration across all your business operations. QuickBooks feels like a standalone tool with add-ons, while Zoho Payroll feels like part of a bigger, smarter system.

The Employee Experience: A Mobile App That Makes Life Easier

Here’s the part my team loves the most: the Zoho Payroll employee self-service portal. If you’ve ever had someone email you asking for a copy of their pay stub or wanting to know how much PTO they have left, you’re going to love this too.

This mobile app is a game-changer. Employees can view their pay stubs, update their tax withholdings, check their benefits, and even track PTO—all from their phones. It’s like giving them their very own payroll assistant. And you know what that means for me? Fewer emails, fewer interruptions, and a happier team.

Expense Reimbursements Made Simple

If you’ve got a virtual team like I do, chances are you deal with a lot of expense reimbursements. Zoho Payroll integrates seamlessly with Zoho Expense, which means approved reimbursements flow straight into payroll. No more tracking down receipts or manually adding reimbursements to paychecks.

It’s smooth, seamless, and automatic. Exactly how it should be.

W-4 Forms? Paperwork-Free

Onboarding a new team member? Zoho Payroll even handles digital W-4 forms. Employees can complete, verify, and submit their forms right from the platform. No more scanning, printing, or chasing down paperwork.

It’s one of those small touches that makes a big difference when you’re running a small business.

Why This Matters for Your Business

Here’s the bottom line: if you’re juggling multiple software tools to manage your business, you’re working harder than you need to. I’ve spent years trying to make disconnected tools work together, and I can tell you firsthand—it’s not worth it. With Zoho One, everything from payroll to marketing to project management happens in one place. And now with Zoho Payroll, I finally have a financial system that’s fully integrated and built to grow with my business.

This isn’t just about saving money (although the savings are real). It’s about saving time, reducing stress, and making better business decisions because all your data is finally working together.

For $90 a month, I’m running my entire business on Zoho One. That’s CRM, email marketing, project management, and now payroll—all for the same price I was paying for QuickBooks alone.

If you’re still juggling a dozen tools or hesitating to hire because payroll feels too complicated, let this be your sign: it doesn’t have to be. Zoho Payroll is here, and it’s everything small business owners like us have been waiting for.

2025 is my year of integration. What about you?

One of my mentors once told me, “By the time you’ve analyzed everything, the opportunity will have passed you by.” That advice stuck with me.

But as much as I love the “just-do-it” mindset, ignoring the numbers means you’re flying blind. And that’s where Zoho’s latest version of Zoho Analytics comes in. 

They’ve packed this update with tools that make sense of your data without forcing you to become a data scientist. 

So if you’ve been avoiding analytics because of all the numbers and complexity, stick with me—this new release is a game-changer for solopreneurs, especially when it comes to sales and marketing.

The Game-Changing Features for Solopreneurs

1. Map Sales Data for Better Decisions

This feature really grabbed my attention. Geo-mapping sales data. Imagine this—you upload your sales and customer location data, and Zoho Analytics automatically plots it on a map for you. This is where the magic happens.

For example, let’s say you sell online courses and notice you’ve got a hot spot of customers in a certain region. Zoho Analytics can map this out, helping you see where you’re gaining traction. You can then focus your marketing dollars on that area—perhaps by launching a targeted Facebook ad or hosting a local webinar. This mapping feature doesn’t just show where your customers are; it helps you predict where future customers might come from. You can make smarter, data-driven decisions in minutes, not weeks.

2. Predict Customer Behavior with No-Code ML Models

One of the most intimidating things about data analytics is machine learning, right? Zoho’s got that covered. Their new no-code ML (Machine Learning) Studio lets you build models to predict things like customer churn or sales trends without writing a single line of code. It sounds fancy, but the idea is simple: you give it some data, and Zoho spits out insights that help you act proactively instead of reactively.

For example, if your website visitors usually purchase within three days of signing up for your newsletter, but suddenly you see people are taking longer—your model might predict this as a sign of declining interest. You can then take action, like offering a limited-time discount or sending a re-engagement email, before losing that potential sale.

3. Automated Dashboards: Because We Don’t Have Time

I’m not going to lie—one of the reasons I’ve avoided business intelligence tools in the past is the amount of setup involved. Setting up dashboards, figuring out which data to track—it’s a lot. But Zoho’s Auto Analysis feature cuts through that. You upload your data, and it suggests dashboards and reports. It’s like having your own personal data assistant. You don’t have to decide what to track; Zoho tells you what matters.

This is perfect for solopreneurs who don’t have time to spend hours tracking every metric. You upload your sales data, and it tells you what’s working, what’s not, and what to keep an eye on. You get a full picture of your business without the usual overwhelm.

4. Integrating Data from Multiple Apps for a 360° View

If you’re anything like me, your business data is probably spread out across a dozen different apps—email marketing in one, customer data in another, sales transactions in yet another. Zoho Analytics now allows you to blend data from different platforms—think Salesforce, QuickBooks, or even Shopify—and create a single dashboard that shows everything in one place.

This means you can analyze how your email marketing campaigns are affecting your sales in real time. Did you send out a newsletter? Now you can see if it led to more product purchases without having to manually compare data from different platforms. It’s all laid out in front of you, helping you connect the dots faster.

5. AI-Driven Insights for Fast Decisions

Zoho’s AI assistant, Zia, now delivers diagnostic analytics. This is more than just tracking data; it’s understanding the “why” behind your numbers. Why did sales dip last month? Why did you suddenly get a surge in traffic from social media? Zia digs into your data and provides answers.

Let’s say you run a digital marketing campaign, and after a couple of days, you see a spike in web traffic but not in sales. Zia could tell you that visitors are dropping off after reaching a certain page, suggesting a UX issue. You can then tweak that page and potentially turn that traffic into conversions.

How You Can Use These Features in Real Life

Let’s break down a simple example of how you might use all of these features in a real-world scenario. Say you run an online business selling handcrafted items and you’ve been shipping products all over the country. Using Zoho Analytics, you can:

1. Map Sales Locations: Upload your customer data, see where most of your sales are coming from, and focus marketing efforts on those regions. Maybe you discover that people in the Midwest love your product. You can launch Facebook ads specifically targeting that region.
2. Blend Data from Different Platforms: Pull in sales data from your e-commerce platform, email marketing stats, and social media engagement to see how everything correlates. Did people who engaged with your recent Instagram post end up buying? You’ll know right away.
3. Predict Sales Trends: Use the no-code ML model to predict which months will be best for sales based on past performance. Let’s say your model shows a slow summer—this gives you time to plan a promotion to keep sales up.
4. AI-Generated Reports: Let Zia handle the “why” questions. Why did your best-selling product suddenly drop in sales? Maybe Zia points out that the drop coincided with a price increase, suggesting you test a discount to see if that gets sales moving again.
5. Automated Dashboards: You upload your sales and marketing data, and Zoho builds a dashboard that tracks the most critical KPIs for you. That’s less time crunching numbers and more time focusing on strategy.

Wrapping Up

At the end of the day, tools like Zoho Analytics are here to make your life easier. It’s about getting actionable insights without drowning in data. Whether it’s mapping your sales to target new markets or using AI to predict customer behavior, these new features mean you can finally start using your data to grow your business—without the headache.

I’ve been using Zoho One for a while, and if you’re a solopreneur, it’s honestly the best bang for your buck. Now that Zoho Analytics has leveled up, there’s no reason not to take advantage of what your data can tell you.

What’s Marketing Automation

Before I get into the nitty gritty of Zoho Marketing Automation apps, I think you need to have a clearer idea of what marketing automation is overall.

Think of marketing automation as your business’s personal assistant for handling all the repetitive marketing tasks you’d rather not do manually. It’s software that helps streamline things like sending emails, posting on social media, and running ads, so you don’t have to do it all yourself. It’s like putting your marketing on autopilot—but with smarter, more personalized touches.

Why Use Zoho One for Your Small Business Marketing?

The quick answer is that Zoho Marketing Automation is included in Zoho One – in addition to another 50 apps.  So for about $47 per month you can automate your entire business — and not just marketing. 

I’ve used Zoho One for over five years and have dabbled in just about every marketing automation tool over the last 20+ years. My conclusion? If you’re a small business operating on a tight marketing budget (around $500 a month), Zoho marketing automation within Zoho One is the most cost-effective way to manage your business and marketing.

Zoho One - The Operating System for Small Business

Imagine a world where all your business tools play nicely together (cue angelic choir). Whether it’s handling your finances, projects, or marketing, Zoho One keeps everything seamless and oh-so-simple. Plus, the price? A fraction of what you'd pay for piecing together different apps. Talk about a BARGAIN!

If you’re ready to take the leap from surviving to thriving, Zoho One is your trusty steed. Let’s ride into the sunset of efficiency, my friends. Click that button and get ready to supercharge your hustle!

Buy Now

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Zoho One is like the Swiss Army knife of business tools—it has something for almost everything. But we’re here to discuss marketing, so let’s focus on that.

Think of marketing automation as the engine that keeps your marketing efforts running smoothly and delivering sales-ready leads, even while you sleep. And within the Zoho One platform, you’ve got two powerful options: Zoho Campaigns and Zoho Marketing Automation. Don’t let the names fool you; you need both.

Zoho Campaigns: Your Content Marketing Powerhouse

Zoho Campaigns is your go-to for inbound and content marketing. It’s perfect for:

• Creating and sending email newsletters.
• Building landing pages that convert.
• Segmenting your audience for targeted messaging.
• Tracking the performance of your campaigns.

Email marketing software | Zoho Campaigns

If you're looking to run sharp, well-timed email campaigns without the headache, Zoho Campaigns is your new best friend. It’s easy to use, offers tons of pre-built templates, and lets you send out emails that actually get opened. Plus, its automation features take care of the heavy lifting, so you can focus on the big ideas.

Whether you're sending newsletters, promos, or follow-ups, Zoho Campaigns makes it feel like a breeze. It's affordable, too—perfect for solopreneurs who want professional results without breaking the bank!

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Zoho Marketing Automation: Fueling Your Sales Funnel

Zoho Marketing Automation kicks things up a notch, especially if you rely on ads to generate leads. It goes beyond email and lets you:

• Design automated workflows that nurture leads across different touchpoints.
• Score leads based on their engagement.
• Trigger personalized emails based on user behavior.
• Align your sales and marketing teams seamlessly.

The key is to figure out how Zoho marketing automation integrates with the other marketing must-haves already in Zoho One. That’s what we are here to uncover, so let’s go.

Zoho CRM and Bigin: Managing Your Leads Like a Pro

Let’s be real; marketing is all about getting people interested in what you offer—and those people are your leads. Managing those leads effectively is important to business growth. Zoho CRM and its simpler counterpart, Bigin, are here to make sure nothing falls through the cracks.

Zoho CRM is a robust tool perfect for businesses that need detailed lead management, sales forecasting, and marketing analytics. Think of it as your command center.

Now, if you’re new to CRM, Bigin is like dipping your toes in without getting overwhelmed. It offers an intuitive interface and focuses on contact management, pipeline tracking, and basic reporting. It’s simple, yet powerful. Marketing automation tools are essential for this.

Bookings: Scheduling Made Easy (and Automated.)

Let’s face it—scheduling can be a time-suck. This is where Zoho Bookings seamlessly integrates into your Zoho ecosystem. Just like Calendly, it lets you:

• Create a personalized booking page to share with potential clients. They can easily book time with you without back-and-forth emails.
• Send automated appointment reminders to reduce no-shows. (Because, who needs those?.)
• Even charge for your time if you offer consulting or paid appointments. The beauty of this is it talks directly to your Zoho CRM.

That means all the information from Bookings populates your CRM, keeping everything organized without manual entry.

Zoho Social: Mastering the Social Media Game

Social media in 2024 is a different beast. Quality trumps quantity every time. Zoho Social empowers you to ditch the “post-as-much-as-you-can” approach and focus on what matters. With this nifty app, you can:

• Plan and schedule your social media posts across various platforms all in one dashboard. That’s right, manage your Facebook, Instagram, Twitter (or is it X now?), and LinkedIn efforts effortlessly.
• Use social listening tools to monitor brand mentions and track relevant industry keywords. This can be invaluable for market research, competitor analysis, and staying on top of trends. Track the performance of your posts to understand what resonates with your audience. See which posts generate the most engagement and adapt your strategy for continuous improvement. But hold on—it gets even cooler with Zia, Zoho’s AI-powered assistant. Zia, within the marketing automation tools, can:
• Analyze your audience’s behavior and suggest the best times to post. Talk about working smarter, not harder.
• Offer content suggestions based on what’s trending and relevant to your industry. This takes out the guesswork, leaving you more time to focus on strategy.

Embracing the Power of Zoho Marketing Automation: Your Key Takeaways

Let’s be real—understanding Zoho marketing automation is no longer a “nice-to-have”—it’s essential. As a small business owner, time and resources are your most valuable assets, and automating your marketing efforts helps you get the most bang for your buck. Plus, you free up more time to focus on strategy, creating kick-ass content, and building meaningful relationships with your customers. And that, my friend, is how you build a thriving business.

FAQs about Zoho Marketing Automation

Do I have to use Zoho One to get access to Zoho Marketing Automation?

Not at all.  You can also get a complete suite of marketing automation tools with Zoho Marketing Automation.

If all you want is Marketing Automation, you can have an email list that’s about 6,000 emails for about $36 per month. This is the BEST deal you’re going to get for any marketing platform out there. 

What is the Difference Between Zoho Campaigns and Zoho Marketing Automation?

This is one of the most common questions — after all, they are kind of similar. 

Zoho Campaigns focuses primarily on email marketing, providing tools for creating, sending, and tracking email campaigns. While it offers some automation features, Zoho Marketing Automation is a more comprehensive suite of apps and features. It automates various aspects of your marketing funnel, including lead nurturing, scoring, and personalized communication.

I always recommend starting with Zoho Campaigns to send emails, and then as your marketing system grows and becomes more sophisticated, you can move up to Marketing Automation

Is there a free trial?

There’s a 30-day free trial for Zoho One. There is a 14-day free trial for Zoho Marketing Automation (no credit card required).  

What kind of customer support does Zoho Offer?

Every Zoho app comes with “Zoho Cares” support.  The best way to get support is to contact support@[name of zoho app].com.  For example, if you want to reach Zoho Cares for Zoho Campaigns, send an email to support@zohocampaigns.com. If you’re using Zoho One, send an email to support@zohoone.com.  Overall Zoho Corporation support teams will respond within a few hours. 

I want to say one more thing about Zoho support.  They really do care about their small business customers and may even reach out to you to do an online session with you.  I love their commitment to personalized experiences. 

How do I Connect Zoho CRM to Marketing Automation?

Connecting Zoho CRM with your marketing automation platform is crucial for syncing lead data and tracking campaign effectiveness. Thankfully, Zoho makes integration easy. In each of the Zoho Apps, there’s an integration page where you can connect Zoho with either other Zoho apps or with third party apps with a single click 

Conclusion

Successfully leveraging Zoho marketing automation doesn’t have to be scary, overwhelming, or expensive. If you use a total system solution, you will find tremendous marketing power when starting small and need to keep costs low.

You’re in business to make money, right? But let’s be real, managing finances can be a headache, especially when your accounting software speaks a different language—Accountantese. Enter Zoho Billing, the game-changing full-fledged billing platform designed to help you, the business owner, make more money. No accounting degree required.

Why Traditional Accounting Software Isn’t Enough

You’ve probably tried QuickBooks or something similar. Sure, they’re great—if you’re an accountant. But what about you, the business owner who needs to get paid, like, yesterday? Traditional accounting software focuses on ledgers and balance sheets, not on helping you get paid faster.

Zoho Billing: Making it Easier for Customers to Buy

Zoho Billing flips the script. It starts with the most important business function—getting paid for your products or services. Everything else is secondary. And guess what? It’s built for you, the owner, not for accountants.

Zoho Billing gives you the tools to create and send invoices, track expenses, and get paid online. No more waiting for checks in the mail or chasing down payments.

Stay On Top of Your Finances

Now, let’s talk about one of the biggest headaches in managing finances—staying on top of your numbers.

With Zoho Billing, you can easily monitor your cash flow, track expenses, and generate financial reports. No more guessing or drowning in spreadsheets. Plus, Zoho Billing integrates with other popular accounting software like QuickBooks and Xero, so you can have a complete picture of your finances.

Keep Your Customers Happy

Happy customers are repeat customers, which means more money for your business. With Zoho Billing’s automated payment reminders and recurring billing options, you can ensure your customers pay on time, every time. And with customizable invoices and professional-looking templates, you can impress your clients and maintain a strong brand image.

Now let’s dig into some of my favorite Zoho Billing features.

Features that Solve Real Cash Flow Problems

Do you now why small businesses fail? Lack of cash. With that in mind, one of your top priorities is making sure that you’re making money from all of your products and services. To do that, you’re going to need a platform that’s focused on helping you create products, services and offers that are profitable.

And this is something that Zoho Billing does in spades.

Easy Product Management

Problem: Ever spent hours setting up a product catalog? I’m actually guessing that you probably do NOT have a complete list of your products and services.

If you want to run a profitable business, you’re going to need to come up with profitable offers.

Solution: With Zoho Billing, you can effortlessly manage your products and services, making sales a breeze. Zoho Billing follows “best practices” when it comes to creating irresistible and profitable offers.

Create a list of everything that you can sell, how much that product or service costs, and the HIGHEST price you intend to sell it for.

Here, you can see a simple example of what I have as my individual items.

I can’t say enough about how powerful this is.

Embeddable Pricing Tables

Problem: Have you ever thought about how much money you’re leaving on the table?

Creating packages and bundle offers is a proven way to increase your sales by up to 300%. However, creating pricing tables can be a time-consuming task and require graphic design skills.

Solution: Zoho Billing makes it easy for you to create visually appealing pricing tables that showcase your products and services in a way that entices customers to buy. Plus, you can easily customize the pricing tables to fit your brand and offerings.

Here’s how to create that pricing table:

Click on Subscription Items

Then add your different offers. You can create subscriptions such as “Good, Better, Best” or you can do what I did and simply create unique offers.

Granted, my table isn’t so “pretty” but finding a design you like is just one click away.

Just click on “Change” in widget template and you’ll see several professionally designed tables.

But here’s what makes these tables so powerful. If and when your pricing changes inside of Zoho Billing — it’s going to change on your website! If you update the text, you’ll just have to repaste the code into that section of your website (just to be sure).

Upsell and Cross-Sell Opportunities

Problem: Are you missing out on opportunities to increase your revenue from existing customers?

Upselling and cross-selling are powerful strategies for increasing sales and profits, but many businesses struggle to implement them effectively.

Solution: With Zoho Billing, you can easily set up upsell and cross-sell offers for your customers based on their previous purchases. This allows you to make more money from each customer without having to constantly market to new leads.

You wouldn’t normally think about a billing software when it comes to upselling or cross selling, but I’m going to bring it up because upsells and cross sells are the best and easiest ways to increase your profits.

Remember that itemized product and service list we discussed above? This is where you put that list to use.

Everywhere you create an offer, you can include specific “add-ons”. For example, let’s say your basic plan includes a single monthly call with you. Your customers can “add on” additional calls.

Efficient Billing Processes

Problem: Tired of manually creating invoices and tracking expenses?

Solution: Zoho Billing automates all of that, freeing you to focus on what you do best—running your business. With customizable invoice templates, you can create professional-looking invoices in minutes. And with online payment options, you can get paid faster and more efficiently.

In a way, your billing practices form a crucial part of your overall marketing strategy. They help to shape customer perceptions of your brand and can significantly influence customer retention and word-of-mouth referrals.

Timely billing also plays a significant role in building your credibility. It sends a strong message to your customers about your professionalism and reliability. With Zoho Billing, you can guarantee that payments are made on time, every time.

Convenient Payment Handling

Problem: Struggling with partial payments or multiple payment methods?

Solution: Zoho Billing handles partial and bulk payments with ease, even sending automated reminders to make sure you get paid.

A smooth and flexible payment process significantly contributes to a seamless customer experience, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty. By accommodating partial payments and multiple payment methods, Zoho Billing caters to the diverse needs and preferences of your customers.

This convenience in payment handling removes potential obstacles in the purchasing process, making it easier for customers to buy from you.

Manage Customer Lifecycle

Problem: Are you struggling to maintain meaningful relationships with your customers throughout their journey with your brand?

Solution: With Zoho Billing’s customer lifecycle management features, you can automate and simplify the process of managing customer accounts, from the trial phase through to the retention phase. This comprehensive approach ensures that no customer falls through the cracks, helping to foster lasting relationships that go beyond a single transaction.

From a marketing perspective, an effective management of the customer lifecycle can lead to higher customer retention rates, increased customer lifetime value, and more word-of-mouth referrals—all of which are crucial for sustainable business growth. It also enables you to identify and respond to customer needs more effectively, resulting in better customer experiences and a stronger brand reputation.

Powerful Business Insights

Problem: Need actionable insights but don’t know where to start?

Solution: Zoho Billing offers powerful metrics that help you make informed decisions to grow your business.

Zoho Billing reports provide a deep dive into your financial health, shedding light on key performance indicators (KPIs) such as revenue, expenses, unpaid invoices, and more. The detailed financial reports can be customized based on your needs, enabling you to focus on metrics that matter most to your business.

For example, the Sales Report gives you an overview of your sales performance, breaking down your revenue by product, service, or customer. It helps you identify which offerings are doing well and which ones might need tweaking.

Integration and Flexibility

Already using QuickBooks? No problem. Zoho Billing plays nice and integrates seamlessly. And if you’re a coach, consultant, or freelancer, you’ll love how easy it is to bundle services and create unique offers.

Just click on Settings in the upper right hand corner and scroll down to the “Integrations” box.

To integrate with Quickbooks, select “Accounting”

This will bring you to the Accounting software integrations. As you can see, I have both Zoho Books and my Quickbooks online connected.

Conclusion

Zoho Billing is more than just software – it’s a full-fledged billing software that empowers you to make more effective marketing decisions. By providing detailed insights into your sales performance and financial health, it enables you to identify which products or services are performing well and which ones need improvement. Armed with this data, you can tweak your marketing strategies to better target your customers, optimize your product offerings, and maximize your profits.

The integration capabilities of Zoho Billing further enhance its utility. By seamlessly connecting with Quickbooks and other accounting software, it creates a holistic financial ecosystem that saves you time and reduces the hassle of managing multiple platforms. This means you can spend more time focusing on your marketing efforts and less time worrying about accounting tasks.

In conclusion, Zoho Billing is not merely a financial management tool, but a strategic partner in making smarter, data-driven marketing decisions. If you want to streamline your billing processes, improve your marketing strategies, and ultimately grow your business, Zoho Billing is a reliable choice.

Call to Action

Ready to make more money with less hassle? Start your free trial of Zoho Billing today.