15 best sales forecasting tools for predicting revenue
What are the best sales forecasting tools?
The best sales forecasting tools use your past sales data and AI to predict future revenue far more accurately than manual methods.
- Top options include Clari, Anaplan, Gong, Pipedrive, and HubSpot.
- They automate forecasts, track pipelines, and flag deal risk.
- Pick one that scales, fits your budget, and links to your CRM.
List of best sales forecasting tools
- Clari
- Anaplan
- Gong
- Aviso
- Pipedrive
- Nutshell
- InsightSquared
- SPOTIO
- HubSpot’s Forecasting Software
- Keap
- Weflow
- Map My Customers
- EngageBay
- ForecastX
- ActiveCampaign
Sales forecasting helps companies predict future sales and revenue. However, doing it by hand is slow and hard. So many teams struggle to get it right.
Luckily, sales forecasting tools can automate the work. As a result, the whole process runs faster and with fewer errors.
The right software also gives you a clearer view of the road ahead. Because of this, you can plan for future sales with more confidence.
Many companies still lack a formal way to forecast sales. In addition, plenty are not fully sure their numbers are right. So the right tool can close that gap.
In this article, we list 15 of the best sales forecasting tools. Each one helps you predict revenue with greater precision.
What are sales forecasting tools?
Sales forecasting tools let businesses predict future sales and revenue with software and data. In short, they turn raw numbers into a clear outlook.
These tools draw on past sales data, market trends, and customer behavior. As a result, they can estimate likely sales outcomes.
Most use smart algorithms to show how much revenue you can expect over a set period. So you get useful insight without the guesswork.
The ability to produce an accurate forecast helps you manage resources and cash flow. It also lets you optimize inventory and plan your sales and marketing strategies. In addition, a clear view of your sales pipeline keeps deals moving.
The best software also helps sales teams work together. As a result, they produce forecasts that guide better decisions.
15 best sales forecasting tools to try
The right tool can lift your team’s ability to predict sales. So let’s look at 15 of the best sales forecasting tools, each with its own strengths.
1. Clari
Clari is a revenue platform that links with Salesforce and other sales apps. It gives real-time views of forecasts, output, and deal risk. Its AI also scans sales data, spots trends, and cuts data entry.
Some of Clari’s key features include:
- Deal tracking
- Pipeline management
- Real-time sales analytics
2. Anaplan
Anaplan is a cloud-based tool that boosts teamwork across sales, operations, and finance. It uses predictive analytics to manage sales data and revenue plans.
Anaplan has handy functions such as:
- Scenario modeling
- Demand planning
- Territory management
3. Gong
Gong is an AI tool that scans sales calls for customer needs and objections. So it helps leaders sharpen their strategy and coaching. It relies on machine learning and natural language processing.
Gong has useful features like:
- Call recording and analysis
- Conversation analytics
- Deal review
4. Aviso
Aviso uses machine learning to scan past sales data and pipeline activity. As a result, it delivers accurate forecasts. It also gives coaching tools to lift team output.
Aviso can do the following:
- Predictive forecasting
- Activity tracking
- Performance analytics
5. Pipedrive
Pipedrive is a CRM that uses a visual pipeline to forecast sales. So it simplifies the sales process and lifts team efficiency. It also improves how you manage customer ties.
Pipedrive offers these key features:
- Pipeline management
- Sales automation
- Email integration
6. Nutshell
Nutshell is a CRM with forecasting, reporting, and analytics built in. It has a custom dashboard and automated reports for accurate forecasts.
Nutshell can perform:
- Pipeline tracking
- Team collaboration
- Customer segmentation
7. InsightSquared
InsightSquared is a sales analytics platform that builds accurate forecast models from your data. Like most sales forecasting tools, it offers custom dashboards for real-time views.
Its key features include:
- Sales analytics
- Goal tracking
- CRM integration
8. SPOTIO
SPOTIO is a sales tracking platform with forecasting built in. It uses AI to spot leads, manage territory, and rank deals.
SPOTIO can perform:
- Lead tracking
- Territory mapping
- Performance analytics
9. HubSpot’s Forecasting Software
HubSpot is a full CRM with strong forecasting features. Its tool gives sales and revenue insight, and it links with other HubSpot apps.
HubSpot has useful features like:
- Pipeline management
- Email automation
- Sales analytics
10. Keap
Keap is a CRM for small businesses with forecasting and automation. It offers custom pipelines, advanced reports, and tailored forecasts.
Keap also offers services such as:
- Lead management
- Sales automation
- Customer segmentation
11. Weflow
Weflow is a real-time tool that uses AI to scan sales data. As a result, it shows future revenue chances. It also offers auto data capture and custom forecast models.
Weflow’s other key features are:
- Predictive analytics
- Sales reporting
- Performance tracking
12. Map My Customers
Map My Customers is a field sales CRM built for outside reps. It offers territory management and forecasting tools. Its AI also links with your CRM for accurate revenue projections.
Some of its notable features are:
- Territory mapping
- Lead tracking
- Performance analytics
13. EngageBay
EngageBay is an all-in-one CRM for small businesses. It is one of the most complete sales forecasting tools around. Its forecast function uses past data and smart algorithms to estimate future revenue.
EngageBay’s key features are:
- Contact management
- Email automation
- Sales reporting
14. ForecastX
ForecastX is a tool by John Galt built for retail and distribution. It pairs strong statistics with the flexibility of Excel. So it offers data analysis, what-if tests, and statistical models.
Other ForecastX services include:
- Demand planning
- Sales analysis
- Inventory optimization
15. ActiveCampaign
ActiveCampaign is a CRM and marketing automation tool with strong forecasting. It lets you predict revenue, spot product trends, and tailor projections from past data.
Other notable features of ActiveCampaign are:
- Email marketing automation
- Lead scoring
- Customer segmentation
Choosing the best sales forecasting tools
When you pick a tool, check its strength in data analysis first. Beyond that, the right choice depends on your own needs and goals. So keep these key factors in mind.
- Scalability. Make sure the tool can grow with your business and handle more data.
- Ease of use. Choose a tool your team can pick up and use fast.
- Integration. Look for software that links well with your existing CRM or sales systems.
- Customization. Pick a tool that lets you tailor forecast models to your process.
- Data accuracy. Favor tools that give reliable predictions through strong analytics.
- Support and training. Check for customer support and training to get the most from the tool.
- Cost efficiency. Weigh the cost against the value it brings. Keep your budget and ROI in mind.
Some teams also compare tools against a broader business intelligence strategy. In addition, wider predictive analytics tools can sharpen your forecasts even further.
Staying ahead with sales forecasting tools
Sales forecasting is a core part of every business plan. The right tools bring clarity and insight, so you can plan better.
Accurate forecasts help you manage resources and optimize your sales strategy. In turn, they help you achieve revenue targets. Some firms even pair these tools with sales outsourcing to scale faster.
The tools above help companies of all sizes automate their forecasts. As a result, firms that invest in them tend to see better results. So once you find the best fit, you can look forward to stronger sales.
Frequently asked questions about sales forecasting tools
What is a sales forecasting tool?
A sales forecasting tool is software that predicts future sales and revenue. It draws on past data, trends, and customer behavior. So it gives you a clear view of what lies ahead.
Do sales forecasting tools use AI?
Many do. Tools like Clari, Gong, and Aviso use AI and machine learning. As a result, they spot trends and predict outcomes with more accuracy.
How do I choose the right sales forecasting tool?
First, check that it scales and fits your budget. Next, make sure it links with your CRM. Finally, look for strong data accuracy and good support.
Are sales forecasting tools worth the cost?
For most teams, yes. Accurate forecasts help you plan resources and hit revenue targets. So the value often outweighs the price.
Key takeaways
- Sales forecasting tools use data and AI to predict future revenue.
- Top picks include Clari, Anaplan, Gong, Pipedrive, and HubSpot.
- They automate forecasts, track pipelines, and flag deal risk.
- Choose one that scales, fits your budget, and links to your CRM.
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