Choosing the right sales automation platform is crucial for optimizing your sales process. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Closely: A LinkedIn and email outreach tool starting at $49/month. It’s built for small to medium-sized teams, offering AI-powered personalization, quick setup, and multichannel automation for LinkedIn, email, SMS, and phone calls. Ideal for teams focused on high-volume, personalized outreach.
- Salesforce Sales Cloud: A feature-rich CRM platform with variable pricing. It caters to large enterprises, offering advanced customization, detailed analytics, and integrations. Best for managing complex sales processes and large teams.
Quick Comparison:
| Feature | Closely | Salesforce Sales Cloud |
|---|---|---|
| Target Users | Small to medium sales teams | Large enterprises |
| Starting Price | $49/month | Variable |
| Key Strength | LinkedIn/email automation | Full-scale CRM |
| Setup Complexity | Simple and fast | Requires extensive configuration |
| Analytics | Basic campaign tracking | Advanced reporting with Tableau |
Closely is perfect for smaller teams prioritizing LinkedIn and email outreach, while Salesforce suits enterprises managing broader sales operations.
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Platform Overviews
Choosing the right platform for scalable sales automation starts with understanding what each option brings to the table. Here’s a closer look at two popular solutions.
Closely Overview
Closely simplifies LinkedIn and email outreach by using AI to personalize messages, all from a single, easy-to-use dashboard. It’s designed to save time while keeping communication personal, making it a great choice for sales development representatives (SDRs), account executives, and smaller sales teams. If your team relies heavily on LinkedIn for lead generation and needs seamless email outreach, Closely offers an efficient solution. However, for businesses with more extensive needs, platforms like Salesforce Sales Cloud might be more suitable.
Salesforce Sales Cloud Overview
Salesforce Sales Cloud is a well-established CRM platform built for larger organizations with complex sales cycles. It offers a wide range of tools, including customization options, workflow automation, and data integrations, to support enterprise-level operations. The platform excels in pipeline management and analytics, giving teams the ability to track and improve sales performance. While it can handle LinkedIn and email outreach through integrations, setting up these features often requires additional effort. Its vast ecosystem of partner apps further enhances its flexibility and functionality.
Key Features Comparison Table
Here’s a side-by-side look at how Closely and Salesforce Sales Cloud compare in key areas:
| Feature | Closely | Salesforce Sales Cloud |
|---|---|---|
| Deployment | Cloud-based SaaS | Cloud-based with extensive customization |
| Starting Price | $49/month (Starter plan) | Variable pricing based on configuration |
| Target Users | Small to medium sales teams, individual SDRs | Enterprise organizations, large sales teams |
| LinkedIn Automation | Native automation with multi-account support | Available via integrations |
| Email Integration | Built-in email automation and tracking | Integrated email features with additional setup |
| AI Personalization | AI-powered message personalization | Uses Salesforce Einstein for AI insights |
| Data Enrichment | Built-in email and phone number finder | Available through integrations with providers |
| Setup Complexity | Quick setup with minimal configuration | Requires more extensive configuration |
| Main Use Cases | LinkedIn prospecting, multichannel outreach | Comprehensive CRM, enterprise sales processes |
AI Sales Automation Features
Both platforms use artificial intelligence to make sales processes more efficient, but they take different approaches to automation. Knowing how each platform works can help align their capabilities with your team’s workflow and objectives.
AI Personalization Tools
Closely’s AI agents focus on crafting personalized LinkedIn and email messages. By analyzing data like company details, job roles, and recent activities, these tools highlight relevant information to create messages that feel personal and authentic. This approach is especially helpful for U.S.-based sales teams looking to scale outreach while maintaining a personal touch.
On the other hand, Salesforce offers Agentforce, an integrated AI system that automates tasks like lead nurturing, outreach, and scheduling. By handling these early-stage sales activities, Agentforce allows sales teams to focus on strategic efforts. According to Salesforce, this system has improved meeting preparation speed by 33% and increased win rates by 10% [1].
The distinction is clear: Closely excels in personalizing messages and automating outreach, while Salesforce provides a more comprehensive automation solution that spans the entire sales process.
Multichannel Campaign Tools
Closely supports multichannel outreach by integrating email, SMS, and phone into its sales sequences. Automated workflows coordinate LinkedIn messages, emails, and calls, ensuring consistent communication without manual effort.
Salesforce Sales Cloud also offers multichannel capabilities, but its strength lies in its flexibility. It allows for complex workflow automation that can trigger actions based on factors like prospect behavior, deal stage, or custom criteria. However, this level of customization often requires additional setup and configuration.
The main difference? Closely offers a faster setup for multichannel campaigns, while Salesforce prioritizes deeper customization for those with more complex needs.
Analytics and Reporting
Closely provides essential analytics tools, including activity reports, dashboards, and funnel metrics. Users can track key performance indicators like open rates, response rates, and conversions, making it easier to fine-tune outreach campaigns.
Salesforce, by contrast, takes analytics to the next level with integrations like Tableau and Einstein Analytics. These tools deliver detailed insights, advanced visualizations, and predictive forecasting. Features like Einstein Opportunity Scoring have been shown to improve win rates by 14% when paired with Forecasting [1].
The difference in analytics reflects each platform’s focus: Closely simplifies campaign optimization with actionable metrics, while Salesforce offers enterprise-grade analytics for strategic decision-making.
AI Features Comparison Table
| AI Feature | Closely | Salesforce Sales Cloud |
|---|---|---|
| Message Personalization | AI agents craft LinkedIn and email messages. | Agentforce focuses on lead nurturing and early sales tasks. |
| Autonomous Actions | Automates outreach sequences and follow-ups. | Handles lead nurturing, scheduling, and qualification. |
| Multichannel Support | Email, SMS, phone, and LinkedIn integration. | Supports email, phone, social, and custom channels. |
| Predictive Analytics | Tracks and optimizes outreach performance. | Advanced forecasting with Einstein Opportunity Scoring. |
| Setup Complexity | Quick setup with minimal configuration. | Requires training and customization. |
| Reporting Depth | Basic campaign metrics and funnel analysis. | Enterprise-level reporting with Tableau integration. |
| AI Learning Capability | Adapts based on response patterns. | Applies machine learning across the organization. |
| Performance Impact | Up to 25% increase in closing rates [2]. | 33% faster meeting prep and a 10% win rate boost [1]. |
A recent study shows that 83% of sales teams using AI reported revenue growth in the last year, compared to 66% of teams without AI [3].
LinkedIn Automation and Multichannel Outreach
Building on the role of AI in sales, let’s dive into how these tools handle LinkedIn outreach and multichannel communication. LinkedIn has become a cornerstone for B2B sales prospecting, and the way a platform manages LinkedIn automation can significantly impact your outreach strategy. Closely and Salesforce Sales Cloud each take a unique approach, catering to different sales workflows.
LinkedIn Automation Features
Closely is designed specifically for LinkedIn automation. It takes care of tasks like profile visits, connection requests, follow-ups, and personalized messaging – all from within its platform. According to users, this approach leads to 52% higher engagement on LinkedIn and three times more connections with decision-makers [5][6]. Closely’s AI agents analyze profiles and recent activities to create messages that feel natural and tailored. By automating these processes, sales teams can save up to 15 hours per week, freeing up time for other tasks [5].
Salesforce, on the other hand, integrates with LinkedIn Sales Navigator instead of directly automating LinkedIn activities. This integration focuses on syncing data, offering lead recommendations, and enriching CRM records with LinkedIn insights. The key difference? While Closely automates LinkedIn actions, Salesforce uses LinkedIn data to guide manual outreach.
With LinkedIn covered, let’s look at how these platforms handle outreach across multiple channels.
Cross-Channel Integration
Closely shines when it comes to managing multichannel campaigns. It lets users coordinate LinkedIn messages, emails, and phone calls from one dashboard, ensuring consistent outreach across all channels. For example, you can set up a sequence that starts with a LinkedIn connection request, follows up with a personalized email, and adds SMS or phone calls based on the prospect’s response. A unified inbox for LinkedIn and email replies makes it easier to track conversations without losing context.
Salesforce, meanwhile, enhances workflows by merging LinkedIn insights with email history, call logs, and deal information. This creates a more complete view of each customer but requires more manual effort to coordinate outreach across channels. Unlike Closely’s automated sequences, Salesforce relies on manual execution for outreach tasks.
Here’s a quick comparison of how these platforms stack up in terms of channel support:
Channel Support Comparison Table
| Channel Feature | Closely | Salesforce Sales Cloud |
|---|---|---|
| LinkedIn Automation | Direct automation of visits, connections, and messages | Data sync and insights via Sales Navigator integration |
| Email Integration | Native email automation with AI personalization | Email integration through the Salesforce ecosystem |
| Phone/SMS Support | Automated calling and SMS within sequences | Manual calling with integrated phone systems |
| Unified Inbox | Single inbox for LinkedIn and email responses | CRM-based communication history |
| Message Personalization | AI-generated LinkedIn and email messages | Manual personalization using LinkedIn insights |
| Sequence Automation | Fully automated multichannel workflows | Manual coordination with CRM triggers |
| Setup Complexity | Quick setup for immediate automation | Requires Sales Navigator subscription and configuration |
| Monthly Limits | Based on plan credits and LinkedIn account limits | 50 InMail messages per month via Sales Navigator |
Each tool supports different sales strategies. Closely is ideal for teams focused on automated, high-volume outreach, with users reporting a 35% boost in response rates and a 45% increase in pipeline opportunities [4]. On the other hand, Salesforce is better suited for teams that value deep CRM integration and relationship management over sheer outreach volume.
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Pricing and Team Fit
When selecting a sales automation platform, budget and team size play a critical role. These factors directly influence how effectively you can streamline outreach efforts. Closely caters to small and medium-sized businesses with straightforward pricing plans that are easy to navigate.
Closely Pricing Plans
Closely provides four pricing tiers designed to fit different team sizes and growth stages:
- Starter Plan ($49/month):
Ideal for solo entrepreneurs or small teams starting with automation. This plan includes one LinkedIn account, unlimited email accounts, and 1,000 monthly credits, which can be used for emails, phone lookups, or AI-driven personalizations. - Growth Plan ($127/month):
Designed for expanding teams. It offers three LinkedIn accounts, unlimited email accounts, and 3,000 credits per month. - Essential Plan ($205/month):
Tailored for established sales teams. It includes five LinkedIn accounts, unlimited email accounts, and 5,000 monthly credits. - Custom Plan (Starting at $350/month):
Built for larger operations. This plan provides 10 LinkedIn accounts and allows for customizable credit allocations. All plans include white-label options and full access to Closely’s features.
These pricing options are crafted to help startups and growing businesses scale their sales efforts efficiently while keeping costs predictable and transparent.
Up next, we’ll dive into how these plans compare to Salesforce’s pricing structure to help you identify the best fit for your team’s size and sales objectives.
Pros, Cons, and Best Use Cases
Platform Strengths and Weaknesses
Closely shines with its simplicity and focus on LinkedIn and email outreach, allowing teams to get up and running quickly. Its AI-powered personalization works seamlessly across both channels, making it a solid choice for businesses that emphasize building relationships. Plus, the inclusion of 24-hour support chat and a dedicated customer success manager on all plans ensures users can access help when they need it.
However, as a specialized outreach tool, Closely might not be ideal for teams looking for a full-scale CRM with extensive customization or deeper workflow integrations. Its credit-based pricing model, while straightforward, could be limiting for users aiming for very high-volume outreach campaigns.
On the other hand, Salesforce Sales Cloud is renowned for its robust CRM capabilities and high degree of customization. It supports complex sales processes, advanced reporting, and a wide range of integrations, making it a great fit for managing large sales teams and detailed customer journeys. That said, these advanced features come with trade-offs, such as the need for dedicated administration, extensive training, and longer implementation times – factors that might deter smaller teams looking for quicker results.
Understanding these strengths and limitations can help businesses determine which platform aligns best with their goals.
Best Fit Scenarios for US Teams
Closely’s AI-powered personalization and multichannel automation make it a great fit for small to medium-sized businesses aiming to run effective outreach campaigns with a personal touch. Startups, consulting firms, and agencies that focus on LinkedIn networking and streamlined operations will likely find Closely’s targeted functionality especially helpful.
In contrast, Salesforce Sales Cloud caters to established enterprises managing larger sales teams and more complex sales cycles. Companies that require detailed compliance tracking, extensive customization, and advanced reporting to handle intricate customer journeys will benefit from the platform’s expansive features.
Pros and Cons Summary Table
| Platform | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Closely | • Easy and fast setup • User-friendly interface • Automation for LinkedIn and email outreach • AI-powered personalization • Transparent credit-based pricing • 24/7 support and dedicated customer success manager |
• Lacks full-scale CRM capabilities with advanced customization • Credit-based model may restrict high-volume campaigns • Limited third-party integrations • Best suited for targeted outreach rather than managing complex sales processes |
| Salesforce Sales Cloud | • Comprehensive CRM functionality • Highly customizable and scalable • Advanced analytics and reporting • Broad third-party integration options • Enterprise-grade security features |
• Complex setup and configuration process • Steep learning curve for new users • Higher overall costs • Requires dedicated administration teams • Limited built-in tools for LinkedIn outreach |
Ultimately, the choice between these platforms depends on your team’s specific needs. Closely is ideal for businesses focused on efficient, personalized outreach, while Salesforce Sales Cloud offers a more expansive solution for enterprises looking to build scalable, comprehensive sales operations.
Final Recommendations
After diving into the comparisons of LinkedIn automation, multichannel outreach, and pricing, the choice comes down to aligning the platform with your team’s specific priorities.
If your focus is on launching LinkedIn and email outreach campaigns with ease, Closely is a solid option. Its AI-driven personalization and user-friendly design allow you to get campaigns up and running quickly. For small to medium-sized businesses, Closely’s clear and budget-friendly pricing makes financial planning straightforward.
On the other hand, Salesforce Sales Cloud is better suited for organizations that require a robust CRM with advanced customization to handle more intricate sales processes.
It’s also worth considering your team’s technical capabilities. Closely is designed for quick setup and doesn’t demand extensive training or dedicated administrators, making it perfect for smaller teams looking for fast results. In contrast, Salesforce requires a more involved setup and onboarding process, which is better suited for larger teams with the resources to manage it.
FAQs
How does Closely use AI to improve LinkedIn and email outreach effectiveness?
Closely uses AI-driven personalization to craft LinkedIn and email outreach campaigns that feel tailor-made for each recipient. By analyzing data and customizing messages for individual prospects, it ensures your outreach grabs attention and feels relevant – leading to much higher response rates.
Traditional outreach often relies on generic templates, but Closely takes a smarter approach. It dynamically adapts your content to match the preferences and behaviors of each recipient. The result? More engaging and impactful campaigns that save you time while delivering stronger outcomes.
What should small and medium-sized businesses consider when choosing between Closely and Salesforce Sales Cloud?
When weighing Closely against Salesforce Sales Cloud, small and medium-sized businesses should consider three key factors: cost, features, and ease of use. Closely shines with its straightforward, user-friendly interface, making it easy for teams to get started quickly. In contrast, Salesforce Sales Cloud delivers a broad spectrum of advanced tools, ideal for companies that need deep customization and scalability.
Closely is a strong choice for businesses focused on LinkedIn sales automation and multichannel outreach, thanks to its smooth integration with third-party tools. Meanwhile, Salesforce Sales Cloud excels as a robust CRM solution, catering to teams seeking an all-encompassing platform for long-term growth. Take a close look at your sales objectives, team size, and budget to choose the platform that best fits your business.
How does Closely make it easier to manage outreach across LinkedIn, email, SMS, and phone calls?
Closely streamlines multichannel outreach by automating personalized sequences across LinkedIn, email, SMS, and phone calls. It works effortlessly with tools like Gmail, Outlook, and LinkedIn, allowing you to launch campaigns in just a few clicks.
With features like smart delays and behavior-based triggers – such as profile views or post interactions – it ensures your messages are sent at the perfect moment, increasing response rates and engagement. Plus, its real-time analytics let you monitor performance and tweak your campaigns for improved outcomes.