Sales & marketing for Xero users
For UK service and trades businesses using Xero, Connectably helps you to systemise your business more simply, more completely and in a more connected way.
Connectably helps you to repair awkward or disjointed sales and marketing processes so that you feel more in control and your clients experience more consistency and value working with you.
Solving the biggest sales & marketing problem in your owner-managed service business
Your clients cherish the idea of helping small businesses like yours because it plays to our natural human instinct to want to help those like ourselves. But your greatest selling point to them, their access to you, ‘the person in charge’, is also the biggest problem for you as you manage your ‘helping services’ or ‘home services’ business.
Being that single point of contact for your clients runs in direct conflict to you managing your other day-to-day activities: other clients’ demands, admin and finance, sales and marketing activities, and a home life you’d love to be giving more to.
These time bandits are barriers to having consistent operational processes and to creating glowing client experiences.
This experience for your client or customer can leave them feeling like they’re not your number one priority; that you’re not proactively and professionally moving their relationship forward. Their frustration rises further if they feel like they’re chasing you to do the things they want you to be doing at their desired pace: like booking an appointment, getting a proposal, or managing what gets delivered.
At worst, important steps along the way of trying to work with you can feel to them like they’re climbing mountains on their own to get there with little help from you:
Despite your best efforts to serve everyone well, unstructured or inconsistent parts of your clients’ experiences can leave your buyers feeling like your processes aren’t clear or consistent, or at worst ‘unprofessional’. 😬
How can you tell? Well, unless the majority of your clients are readily and regularly referring you to friends or contacts, or asking you to do more paid work, there’s an expectations gap. To continue the mountains analogy, they’ve experienced a ‘cliff-drop’. Clients will readily refer or re-hire if the outcome that they have received is at, or above, the expectation level that they started with. But if they do not refer, then that energy and excitement they began with, anticipating a positive end-to-end experience, hasn’t remained at a peak.
But guess what? This is probably not your fault.
You should blame Amazon Prime. Or Netflix. Or the iPhone.
Because – like it or not – as consumers, technology has trained them to expect immediate gratification.
That doesn’t seem fair on you does it? Because your service is a lot more involved than delivering a box, or choosing a film to watch isn’t it? Unfortunately though, it’s a 2020 reality.
Although you know that you’ve delivered what they’ve asked you to do to the best of your capabilities, these doubts remain in their mind.
But in precisely the same way that their natural instinct was to help you at the start, that same natural instinct now tells them to help their friends to avoid the experience of those same micro-challenges they’ve gone through. When asked, the referral or testimonial just isn’t readily provided.
Yet all is not lost. With small corrections, you can transform this.
Simpler, more systemised business
In one simple product, Connectably fixes these problems. It replaces the “stuck together with sticky tape” software and half-processes in your business that have become a tangled, confusing and underused mess. It helps you to run a simpler, more systemised business.
The crazy thing is, that these corrections aren’t huge. They don’t take significant efforts on your part, but small hinges swing big doors. Small, subtle improvements to what you do at seven important parts of your client’s experience can result in more referrals, more follow-on work, and a platform for higher profits in your business.
With one software subscription, you can join up and correct all those steps in the client experience, using a methodology that we call The SIMPLER Method™ to make your’s and your clients’ experiences much more positive, better managed and consistently good:
In a small business software sector that is notorious for introducing complexity, Connectably is a rare breath of fresh air. Connectably provides you with a simple business management system to manage all those important business processes in one place. We also provide the training to help you achieve it. Connectably is the simple, quick and better connected CRM for Xero users that helps you to:
attract, onboard and serve clients more professionally
manage contacts and do email marketing in one place
manage tasks and follow-ups
improve appointment booking and sales processes
get money into your bank faster with card and direct debit payments
use your own time more effectively, and
get better returns from your marketing activities.
Testimonials for Connectably
Invaluable for any small business. Very easy to use with some clever functionality.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Susan Heaton-Wright
The Superstar Communicator
“Connecting a CRM system with billing and calendar booking is an invaluable tool for any small business. It is very easy to use with some clever functionality. Whenever I have needed tips or help using the system, the support has been excellent. It is a one stop solution for any small business and I highly recommend it.”
Connectably isn’t just replacing software but providing better solutions all round.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Rory Delahoyde
Managing Director, HA Hosting
“I have used many different CRM systems but was pleasantly surprised as how straightforward everything is in Connectably. Connectably isn’t just replacing our email marketing software and calendar booking systems, but it is providing better solutions all round. Of course, the Xero integration just works as well.”
Small business software industry recognition
Connectably replaces expensive, disconnected software
All these functions are included in your Connectably subscription:
CRM & lead management
Workflows
Drag & drop cards
Tag contacts
Notes, diary, tasks
Works on mobile
Email marketing & automation
Mobile responsive
Brandable designs
Create on mobile
Schedule emails
Automate emails
Appointment scheduler
Online scheduler
Availability rules
Zoom integration
G Suite sync
Office365 sync
Quote builder using Xero data
Templates builder
Create on mobile
Xero product sync
PDF sent by email
Staged payments
Take payments securely
Direct debits
Card payments
Sends Xero invoice
Logs payments
Handles bank fees
Fully integrated with Xero
Organisations
Contacts
Sales history
Payment statuses
Lead tracking
Are you new to CRM?
Or, are you just ready for more than you get from your current CRM?
Small business owners look for a new CRM for one of two reasons. Which one brings you here?
- Are you looking for your first CRM to solve a problem that’s been developing in your business?
- Or have you been using something for a while that’s called itself a CRM, but isn’t really solving the issues you signed up to it for? You’re here looking for something that does more.
Either way, you’re probably wondering how to judge what you need. Yeah, we know. We’ve worked with hundreds of business owners in your situation, so look no further.
We have a simple checklist for you as a free download. It covers the ‘must haves’ that any CRM should have, and the ‘differentiators’ that really make the difference for delivering a boost to your business’ success by using CRM. You can access it here:
All these integrations are included with your Connectably subscription
– no complex configuration required
Instant two-way sync of contacts, invoices, payments, sales-to-date and marketing tracking with Xero.
Take debit and credit card payments simply and economically with Stripe, reconciled into Xero by Connectably.
Securely create digital bank transfers and direct debits using GoCardless, reconciled into Xero by Connectably.
Send emails, create and manage tasks, and get appointments booked into your G Suite or Office365 diary.
Book Zoom online meetings directly from Connectably without logging in separately to set them up.
Automatically move info between other web apps (2000+) that you want to use with Connectably.
Connectably FAQs
Who is Connectably for?
Connectably is how you do CRM with Xero and is a great fit for these two types of business:
‘helping services’ businesses: coaching, consulting, marketing, support services, therapists or;
‘home-services’ businesses: flooring, cleaning services, plumbing / HVAC, gardening and landscaping etc
Unlike disconnected software providers that don't ever quite have all the functionality you need, Connectably delivers simpler, quicker and more connected sales, marketing and finance processes. It helps you manage leads and contacts, book meetings, write quotes or proposals, do follow-up email marketing and send letters, get decisions on sales, take secure payments, and sync beautifully with your Xero account.
If you’re a current or future Xero accountancy software user where you get paid by clients for work you do for them on one-off jobs, packages, projects or on a recurring basis, then Connectably is probably a good fit for you.
There's another important factor in determining if you’re a good fit for Connectably. Compared to your competition, in your attitude to serving your clients, do you take a more professional approach than the vast majority to the way your market and deliver your services? And are you already charging more, or aspire to charge more for your services than most of your peers do? If you answered 'yes' - or would like to answer 'yes' to either or both of those questions, then Connectably is likely a great fit for you. Our successful users have a 'client first' mindset where they strive to provide excellent service to their clients, offer value for money, but are paid well for what they do.
How does Connectably do CRM with Xero?
No, it is not possible to use Xero as a CRM. Xero is the market leading bookkeeping and accounting software for small businesses. Whilst you can add and manage contacts in Xero and use it for getting paid and financial reporting, in order to manage relationships, marketing and sales activities a CRM that connects seamlessly with Xero is important.
For more details of what a Xero CRM should do, see the Connectably 'Features' page.
A Xero CRM is a small business CRM software that connects your sales and marketing with your accounting and bookkeeping. For service-based businesses, practically-speaking a CRM should enable you systemise core processes in your business like managing:
- contacts and leads;
- enquiry, marketing and sales workflows;
- diary and tasks;
- appointment bookings;
- email marketing (& ideally, automation);
- sending and following-up on proposals, and;
- taking credit / debit card and direct debit payments securely.
The CRM should integrate seamlessly both ways across major functions of your Xero account, for example: contacts, organisations, products, invoices, payments and tracking categories.
For more details of what a Xero CRM should do, see the Connectably 'Features' page.
For UK service and trades businesses who use Xero, Connectably is the leading CRM that helps you systemise your business more simply, quicker and in a more connected way. Unlike expensive, disconnected software, Connectably provides a complete software platform to manage enquiries, do follow-up email marketing, create quotes, convert sales, get paid and measure outcomes.
Connectably is the simple CRM for Xero users that connects your sales & marketing with your accounting & bookkeeping.
For more details of what a Xero CRM should do, see the Connectably 'Features' page.
Already using Xero?
Need Xero as well?
Getting started guide
To discover the steps you’ll take to get started with Xero and Connectably, you can visit the Xero connection help guide and review the first steps to complete your set up in Connectably.
Connectably integrates with Organisations and Contacts, Invoices, Payment Statuses, Products and Inventory, Tracking Categories and Bank Accounts in Xero. See the diagram below for more details:
About Xero
Xero is world-leading online accounting software built for small business.
- Get a real-time view of your cashflow. Log in anytime, anywhere on your Mac, PC, tablet or phone to get a real-time view of your cash flow. It’s small business accounting software that’s simple, smart and occasionally magical.
- Run your business on the go. Use our mobile app to reconcile, send invoices, or create expense claims – from anywhere.
- Get paid faster with online invoicing. Send online invoices to your customers – and get updated when they’re opened.
- Reconcile in seconds. Xero imports and categorises your latest bank transactions. Just click ok to reconcile.
Find out more or try Xero accounting software for free.
What should my accountant know about Connectably?
Connectably brings your most important business systems – marketing, sales, taking payments, onboarding, bookkeeping and accounting – under management with just two core logins: Connectably and Xero.
The benefits are covered on this page, and there's a handy Xero CRM checklist on this page. Connectably ticks all the boxes of the 'Must Haves' and 'Differentiators' on that checklist.
In summary, it's going to help you improve your business systems and help you grow your business with more control and structure.
In short, yes there are lots of benefits to you, your bookkeeper and your accountant:
Your Xero accountant will 💙 you and Connectably
Connecting Xero to Connectably means you:
- Always keep your customer database up to date, with every new customer in Xero synced to your CRM (& vice-versa);
- See the value of prospective business in Connectably's sales workflows and actual business won in both Xero and Connectably;
- Raise and send Xero invoices automatically from Connectably quotes / order forms;
- Can take secure payments on styled Connectably order forms via debit or credit cards (Stripe) or direct debit (GoCardless), and;
- Can track 'sales to date' by contact in your CRM.
Connectably helps you, your bookkeeper & accountant to:
- Have simpler points of focus for reviewing, measuring and helping guide your business;
- Save effort, errors and admin time by not having to re-key invoices in Xero;
- Have payments reconciled automatically in Xero, saving time on Xero bookkeeping;
- See what creates paying customers, by automatically mapping Connectably 'lead source' to Xero's 'tracking categories' so that;
- Without extra effort, review how and which of your marketing and sales activities drive your revenue and profit in Xero's financial reports.
No, not really. In our experience, accountants looking for CRM actually need more of a practice management software. So, practicing what we preach on simplicity, Senta, Karbon or AccountancyManager might be more comprehensive for your accountant. But if they do need a CRM to better manage your sales and marketing workflows, then Connectably might be a good option for them.
Realistically, Connectably's likely to be a far better fit for the clients of accountants; clients who are services or trades-based businesses. We’re more the recommendation when accountants get that ‘What CRM would you recommend?’ question!
How much does Connectably cost?
Connectably Standard Edition (
Connectably Growth Edition is £1000 / year and is a fully functioning account, for up to 10 users and 5000 contacts. Like Standard, it is for Xero ‘Standard‘ or ‘Premium‘ users.
Additional users and contacts can be added if required. See below.
Standard
£500 / year
(£600 / yr incl VAT)
- Up to 5 users
- 2500 contacts
- Email support
No. Payments, cancellations and refunds are handled simply and fairly:
- There are no long-term contracts. You set the renewal term, whether as a monthly or an annual subscriber. As long as you continue to pay for the service and use it within the terms, you will have access to the system.
- You can cancel your account without further period billing if notice of cancellation is given within 7 days of the subscription expiry date.
For more details on payments, cancellations and refunds, please see this page.
No you do not.
Signing up for the free 14-day trial does not require any payment details.If you decide during the trial that you'd like to start a full subscription then you can complete a direct debit agreement to do so at any time.
If you decide to not continue your subscription, then your trial account data will be securely deleted 7 days after trial completion.
We do offer three-year pricing plans (see below) offering 36 months' subscription for the price of 24, a 33% saving:
Standard (3-year)
£1000 every 3 years
(£1200 incl VAT)
- 1-5 users
- Up to 2500 contacts
- Email support
Growth (3-year)
£2000 every 3 years
(£2400 / yr incl VAT)
- 1-10 users
- Up to 5000 contacts
- Zoom support
Our pricing is simple and offers incredible value for money. We're not one of those software companies with large sales teams to feed that needs to have a strategy of yo-yo pricing to keep teams of middle management busy and create mock-scarcity, selling to buyers who mistrust us.
If price is your biggest barrier or most important selection criteria, then we haven't articulated the value of Connectably well enough. Sorry. Please see our features page, if you haven't done so already.
Your account will continue to function if you add more users or contacts to your account.
Upgrades will be billed automatically by the year so you can upgrade and downgrade between Connectably editions at any time.
The Standard plan automatically upgrades to the Growth plan.
Growth plan subscribers with more than 5000 contacts and / or 10 users will be billed as follows for additional contacts or users:
Additional Users
£100 / yr
per additional user
(£120 / yr incl VAT)
Additional Contacts
£100 / yr
per 1000 additional contacts
(£120 / yr incl VAT)
Yes. Your Connectably system is a secure area which is only accessible by you and your authorised users. Connectably support has controlled user access to your Connectably system which may be withdrawn by you or us at any time.
You agree to use your reasonable endeavours to prevent any unauthorised access to, or use of, your Connectably system. In the event of your becoming aware of any such unauthorised access or use, you must notify us immediately so that we can help you to mitigate any associated risk.
There's more on Service Security Here and Connectably Service Terms and Conditions here.
What’s included / not included?
Connectably is a full-service CRM software: so you can manage contacts, sales opportunities, marketing and workflow processes, send email marketing and run marketing and communications automation.
Your subscription to Connectably sits at the core of integrations we provide to Xero; Stripe and GoCardless for taking payments quickly and securely; email, calendar and tasks integration with GSuite and Office365 services; Zoom online meeting software; Docmail direct mail services for sending letters, postcards and cards.
We manage a Facebook community - The Connectables - for our users and provide online help content and chat support to help you implement Connectably successfully in your business.
CRM & Lead Management
Email Marketing & Automation
Appointment Scheduling
Send Quotes & Proposals
Online Payments Order Forms
One-Click Integrations
Facebook Group: The Connectables
Online Help & Chat Support
As you launch you Connectably trial, you'll connect to four online services that are not included in your Connectably subscription as you begin to use the software: Xero, GSuite (or Office365), GoCardless and Stripe. Do ask us if you need assistance with signing up to, or implementing any of them...
Xero Starter or Standard or Premium Subscription
GSuite or Office365 Essentials / Premium
GoCardless and Stripe Accounts (Both Free)
Optional additional integrations that can be added are Zapier (free), Docmail direct mail services for sending letters, postcards and cards and Zoom (if you run online meetings).
Budget for Standard Users (£70.27 / mo +vat)
Xero Standard: £24 / mo (6 or more invoices / mo)
Connectably Standard: £41.67 / mo equivalent
GSuite: £4.60 / user / mo
(or Office365: £3.80 / £9.40 / user / mo)
GoCardless & Stripe: Both Free
Budget for Growth Businesses (£111.93 / mo +vat)
Xero Standard: £24 / mo (6 or more invoices / mo)
Connectably Growth: £83.33 / mo equivalent
GSuite: £4.60 / user / mo
(or Office365: £3.80 / £9.40 / user / mo)
GoCardless & Stripe: Both Free
Missing something you need to start?
If you’re missing something you need to get started, then please contact us via phone or the chat icon at the bottom of this page to arrange a discussion around how we can help you get to that point.
We’ve helped users set up G Suite (Gmail etc for business) or Office 365 (business Outlook), and can introduce you to friendly Xero partners who can quickly and efficiently get you set up on Xero accounting software.
If you’re based outside the UK and would like to be kept informed of when we launch in your country then please let us know via the chat icon at the bottom of this page.
If you have any other questions on your mind that aren’t answered in the FAQ section below, then please do not hesitate to contact us via phone or the chat icon on this page. We look forward to helping.
Absolutely. See the Implementation Help page.
What can you expect from your Connectably free trial?
The free trial is a fully functional version of Connectably. The trial lasts for 14 days. No features are excluded from use and we fully expect you to be able to be up and running with the parts of Connectably that are important to your business in that time.
Why 14 days? Our goal is to get you to a "big result" quickly - whatever that "big result" is to you, e.g. having your contact relationships managed better, creating your first email marketing, getting paid for a service or package you sell etc. Our onboarding is designed around doing that quickly. Depending on your experience and confidence with tech, you might need a few hours, couple of days, or a week or so to get to your own "big result". With a small commitment of time over a couple of hours, first few days or first couple of weeks, you don't need lengthier trials to achieve your "big result" with Connectably.
The free trial of Connectably focuses on tangible outcomes for your business, focused on 'quick wins'.
Choosing your 1st ‘quick win’…
Getting all your contacts in one place:
Import additional contacts from other software
Segment your contacts by their interests or status
Create a web form to capture leads on your website
Sending email marketing to targeted audiences:
Brand your emails with your company’s colours and logo
Send your first marketing email
Getting systemised in your business:
Set up your 1st systemised business workflow
Create a simple marketing automation
Set up a meeting booking page online
Getting paid quickly, simply and securely:
Create a secure checkout page for a product or service
Take a payment by debit / credit card or direct debit
Create and send your 1st proposal
Starting your free 14-day trial of Connectably is one click away. If you still have questions before then, then this page should answer them, or please get in contact via phone or the chat icon at the bottom of the page if you’d like to know more.
To start your 14-day free trial, click the ‘Start Your Free Trial’ button. You will be taken to a page on Xero's website where you will authorise our integration with your Xero account and that will then open your Connectably account, using the same account information you've got set up in Xero.
If, however, you'd rather use a Xero demo account to trial Connectably instead of connecting your own Xero account up, then you can sign up for a Xero demo account here.
We recognise your time is precious so we have designed the Quickstart process in a way that doesn't require significant time to complete the 10 steps. If you do need longer to complete the onboarding process, then we recommend commencing a 'Starter' or 'Standard' subscription at the end of your 14 day trial and complete the onboarding process then, or ask us about 'Done For You' implementation services where we do some or all of the implementation for you.
If you decide that Connectably isn't for you and you do not continue and take a Connectably subscription, then your trial account data will be securely deleted 7 days after trial completion.
Any other questions…
If you've got other questions, simply start a chat discussion with us directly via the chat icon at the bottom right of this page or call 0333 050 0018. We'll be happy to help.
Get in contact
You can get in contact by phone via the support number on this page.
If you have other questions that we haven’t answered on this site, or would like to discuss your Xero CRM further, then please get in touch via this form: