🧠 Introduction
If you’re a UK freelancer juggling clients, projects, and follow-ups in spreadsheets or email threads… it’s time to stop.
A CRM (Customer Relationship Management) tool helps you:
- Keep track of clients and leads
- Set reminders for follow-ups
- Centralise notes, files, and invoices
- Stay organised without overkill
The best part? Many solid CRMs are totally free — even for solo operators.
Here’s a roundup of the best free CRM tools for UK freelancers in 2025.
✅ Best Free CRM Tools for UK Freelancers
🔹 1. Notion + Templates (Free & Flexible)
- 🧠 Not a “CRM” by default — but with templates, it becomes one
- Create pages for clients, projects, reminders, and timelines
- Free forever for personal use
- Tons of pre-made freelance CRM templates online
- 👉 Try Notion
🔹 2. Trello + Custom CRM Board (Free)
- 📋 Visual, card-based system
- Great for tracking project stages or sales pipelines
- Free tier more than enough for freelancers
- Works well for creative professionals and coaches
- 👉 Try Trello
🔹 3. HubSpot CRM (Freemium)
- 🧰 One of the most popular free CRMs out there
- Built-in email tracking, task reminders, client timelines
- Fully cloud-based, GDPR-compliant
- Free plan includes unlimited contacts + 1 user
- 👉 Use HubSpot Free
🔹 4. Bonsai (Free Trial + Lite CRM)
- 👨💻 Freelance-specific platform (invoicing, contracts, CRM, time tracking)
- CRM features like lead tracking, notes, reminders
- Free trial, then paid plans
- 👉 Try Bonsai
🔹 5. Zoho CRM (Free Tier)
- 🏢 Enterprise-grade CRM, but usable for freelancers
- Good if you already use Zoho tools (like Zoho Invoice/Books)
- Free for 3 users, includes contact mgmt, tasks, deals
- 👉 Try Zoho CRM
⚖️ Comparison Table
| Tool | Free Forever | Ideal For | Bonus Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Notion | ✅ Yes | Customisable planners | Tasks, calendar |
| Trello | ✅ Yes | Visual thinkers | Drag-drop boards |
| HubSpot | ✅ Yes | Traditional CRM users | Pipelines, emails |
| Bonsai | ⚠️ Trial | Freelancers (all-in-one) | Contracts, invoices |
| Zoho CRM | ✅ Yes | CRM power users | Sales tools, workflow |
🔁 Related Tools for Freelancers
If you’re using a CRM, you’ll also want:
And don’t forget: if you deal with clients in-person or give advice, you may need insurance as a part-time freelancer.
❓ FAQs
Q: Do freelancers really need a CRM?
If you manage more than 2–3 clients at a time, yes — even a simple Trello board can save you hours.
Q: What’s the easiest CRM for beginners?
Notion or Trello. If you want something more structured, try HubSpot Free.
Q: Can I use a CRM to track invoices and payments?
Not directly — but tools like Bonsai and Zoho integrate CRM with invoicing and proposals.
🧠 Final Thoughts
Even if you’re just starting out, having a lightweight CRM helps you stay on top of clients, deadlines, and follow-ups.
Start simple. Notion or Trello is often all you need.
And when you’re ready to scale? Tools like HubSpot, Bonsai, or Zoho are ready to grow with you.
Looking to build out your full tech stack? Check out our guides on freelancer invoicing and accounting software.