A CRM is a tool for managing customer interactions and data. It helps startups track sales pipelines and scale operations without relying on unmanageable spreadsheets.
Marketing automation uses software to streamline repetitive tasks. It helps startups scale communication but requires a solid strategy before implementation to avoid amplifying ineffective messaging to your audience.
Direct sales is a go-to-market model where companies use internal teams to sell directly to customers, ensuring control over margins and feedback while requiring significant operational investment.