By HubSpot Staff

With advances in technology and evolving media consumption habits over the years, publishers are no strangers to business model pivots — and it’s only getting more challenging with the rise of generative AI. To conquer obstacles to monetization and distribution, publishing companies need to be able to build stronger relationships with their readers, subscribers, and viewers as well as measure the ROI of different campaigns to ensure they spend resources on what works best. From managing subscriber relationships to automating workflows to crafting personalized marketing campaigns, a good CRM can help you tackle modern-day obstacles.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare the top CRM solutions for publishing companies, complete with pricing details, feature breakdowns, and implementation guidance. HubSpot leads our recommendations with proven success in the publishing industry. Research publisher Springer Nature increased email click rates from 6% to 9% after implementing HubSpot, demonstrating the platform’s impact on publishing engagement.

To bring you timely, in-depth CRM comparisons, this article’s initial draft was generated with AI tools, then revised and fact-checked by a HubSpot staff writer to ensure accuracy.

Table of Contents

• What is a CRM for publishing companies?
• CRM Comparison Table
• Best CRM Software for Publishing Companies
• Benefits of CRM Software for Publishing Companies
• 5 Important Features for a Publishing CRM
• How to Choose a CRM for Publishing Companies (Step-by-Step)
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Meet HubSpot, the Top CRM Choice for Publishing Companies

What is a CRM for publishing companies?

A CRM for publishing companies is specialized software that stores data, tracks interactions, and manages relationships across the entire publishing ecosystem — from writers, contributors, and advertisers to subscribers, distributors, and readers. HubSpot’s Smart CRM helps publishers personalize content, automate renewals, and improve campaign ROI across multiple channels.

Best CRMs for Publishing Companies at a Glance

CRM	Best For	Key Features	Pricing	Free Trial Available
HubSpot	Small to mid-size publishers looking for a free CRM that scales with their business	Subscription management, advanced email marketing automation, popular software integrations	HubSpot’s CRM is always free and includes free tiers for all six core products. Paid plans start at $15/seat/month.	Yes, 14-day free trial of Marketing Hub Professional and free tiers for all products
Salesforce Media Cloud	Large media enterprises and publishing groups requiring purpose-built industry solutions with complex …read more Source:: HubSpot Blog        Author: Aaron Categories: International Association of Digital Marketing Professionals Related Articles 5 best CRMs for plumbers in 2025 By HubSpot Staff If missed appointments, mismanaged invoices, and fragmented customer communication are draining your revenue, it’s time to consider implementing a CRM for plumbers.… Aaron July 30, 2025 4 best pharma CRMs in 2025 By HubSpot Staff Managing relationships across healthcare professionals (HCPs), healthcare organizations (HCOs), and complex regulatory requirements makes choosing the right CRM critical for pharmaceutical companies.… Aaron July 31, 2025 7 best CRMs for pest control companies in 2025 By HubSpot Staff Managing a pest control business means juggling customer appointments, technician schedules, service plans, and follow-ups. A traditional spreadsheet or generic tool simply… Aaron July 21, 2025 4 best CRMs for manufacturing businesses in 2025 By ttaylor@hubspot.com (Tristen Taylor) Manufacturing companies face unique challenges when managing customer relationships. Complex sales cycles, custom product configurations, and multi-stakeholder decision processes require specialized… Aaron July 10, 2025 5 best CRM software for hotels in 2025 By HubSpot Staff Your hotel already has a lot to manage in its tech stack. Between your PMS, CRS, and booking engine, it’s easy to… Aaron July 11, 2025