Customer support with ticketing and automation solid for teams needing organised support without enterprise complexity.
Freshdesk organises customer support using tickets, automation, and self-service knowledge bases so teams can handle support requests efficiently.
You're outgrowing shared inboxes, need ticket routing and automation, and want something simpler than Zendesk.
€
/ year
€
/ month
Route tickets to teams with automation
Build knowledge base for self-service
Track support metrics and team performance
Growing companies building support teams, SaaS businesses needing ticketing systems, and teams wanting organised support without huge budgets.
Looking for other options? These are tools I've personally used with clients or tested extensively. Some might better suit your budget, tech stack, or team size. Consider this a shortlist if you need alternatives.
Tools like Zapier, n8n and Make.com are incredibly powerful, but they can feel overwhelming when you’re just getting started. Since you can connect almost anything, it’s hard to know where to begin.
No-code automation connecting 5,000+ apps to move data and trigger actions excellent for quick wins when you need integrations that just work.
Open-source automation with self-hosting ideal when you need complete control, want to own infrastructure, or have technical teams building workflows.
Visual automation platform with advanced logic and error handling more powerful than Zapier when you need control over complex, branching workflows.
Freshdesk competes with Zendesk at lower prices free plan works for tiny teams, paid plans start around €15/agent/month. Compared to Zendesk, Freshdesk is more affordable and simpler but less customisable for complex enterprise needs. Compared to shared email inboxes (Gmail, Outlook), Freshdesk adds proper ticket management, automation, and reporting. The platform works well for growing companies that need real support infrastructure but aren't ready for enterprise tools. If you're just starting support, the free tier is excellent. If you need deep customisation or have complex workflows, consider Zendesk. Freshdesk hits the sweet spot for SMBs wanting professional support tools without enterprise pricing. Part of Freshworks suite.
My personal notes on how to use this tool.
This tool is part of tactical playbooks that walk you through every stage of this engine. Read the full guides to learn how to implement the framework, set up your infrastructure, and execute the tactics that drive results.
The wrong tools waste money and create friction. The right tools compound productivity. Avoid vendor promises and feature bloat. Choose what actually fits your workflow, integrates cleanly, and grows with you.
See playbook
Code-friendly automation running Node.js workflows excellent when you need custom logic, API integrations, or automations that Zapier can't handle.
Online whiteboard for mapping ideas, journeys, and plans excellent for async workshops and brainstorms when teams can't gather in person.
Document platform that combines text, tables, and automation like Notion but with stronger formulas and buttons for interactive playbooks.
Consent manager that helps control tracking based on user choice, easy to add with tag manager and clear banners.
AI assistant for research, outlines, and drafts fast when prompted clearly, excellent for speed and idea generation in daily marketing work.
Password manager storing credentials securely with team sharing and policies essential for security hygiene when teams share logins responsibly.
