How to self host your own CRM (Customer Relationship Manager)

Published on July 04, 2016

We thought it would be super useful to write a short post on how to self host your own CRM. We hope that most of you have used WordPress and know how to get it installed and up and running on your website. But if you haven’t and you’re new to WordPress and this self-hosting concept, read on.

How to self host your CRM

1. Find a hosting provider

The first thing to find is a good host, you can find our recommendations here. There’s other options available but what is hosting? The Google definition of web hosting is:-

the activity or business of providing storage space and access for websites.

So, it’s something offered by businesses to provide storage space and access for websites. You own the ‘space’ whether this be shared hosting, or VPS or dedicated hosting running from servers.

Anyway, the way to look at it is it’s the foundation of your website, it what makes it always be online and accessible to you from anywhere. Starting at low prices we recommend going with a basic plan and get your domain up and running.

2. Choose a domain name

This is less crucial for a CRM, as it’s not a website that you’re looking to promote widely to the public. We recommend using any domain or a subdomain of one of your existing domains. There’s plenty of tools to find good domains. This one is our favourite.

3. Install WordPress

Installing WordPress is really straightforward and there’s plenty of guides online on how to do this. Most hosting providers come with Quick Install options where you can pick your domain and hit ‘Install WordPress’ fill in an few details and you’re good to go.

4. Install Jetpack CRM plugin

Jetpack CRM is a free plugin available from wordpress.org. This means getting setup initially is super simple. If you’re reading this, you’ve probably already downloaded and activated the plugin. If you haven’t then you can get the Jetpack CRM system onto your WordPress install in a few simple steps.

Go to Plugins -> Add New

Then Search for Jetpack CRM. This will bring up the plugin from the WordPress directory. Then hit Install Now.

5. Start adding customers

Now onto the fun part, adding customers to your CRM, this takes minutes to do, you can learn more here.