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Step 2: Self-Host Your CRM (Twenty)

Replace expensive CRM tools like HubSpot, Salesforce, or Pipedrive with self-hosted Twenty CRM. Save 60-87% on costs while gaining complete control over your customer data.

Why Twenty CRM?​

What is Twenty?

Twenty is an open-source CRM built for modern businesses. It's self-hostable, fully customizable, with a modern UI and powerful features. It has active development and a growing community.

Website: https://twenty.com/

Key Features:

  • Customizable views and permissions
  • Data model customization
  • Workflow automation
  • API access
  • Modern, intuitive interface
  • Self-hosted = complete control

Cost Comparison: SaaS vs. Self-Hosted​

SaaS CRM Alternatives:

HubSpot CRM:

  • Free: Limited features
  • Starter: £50/month (2 users)
  • Professional: £400/month (5 users)
  • Enterprise: £1,200/month (10 users)
  • For 5 users: £400/month = £4,800/year

Salesforce:

  • Essentials: £25/user/month
  • Professional: £75/user/month
  • For 5 users (Professional): £375/month = £4,500/year

Pipedrive:

  • Essential: £12.50/user/month
  • Advanced: £24.90/user/month
  • For 5 users (Advanced): £124.50/month = £1,494/year

Self-Hosted Twenty CRM:

  • Software: Free (open-source)
  • Server: £30-50/month (shared with other tools)
  • Setup: 8-12 hours (one-time)
  • Maintenance: 1-2 hours/month
  • Year 1: £600 (server) + £1,000 (setup) = £1,600
  • Year 2+: £600/year (server only)
  • For 5 users, Year 2+: £50/month = £600/year

Savings Calculation:

  • vs. HubSpot: Save £3,200/year (67% savings)
  • vs. Salesforce: Save £3,900/year (87% savings)
  • vs. Pipedrive: Save £894/year (60% savings)

Technical Requirements​

Server Specifications:

  • CPU: 2+ cores
  • RAM: 4GB+ (8GB recommended)
  • Storage: 50GB+ SSD
  • OS: Linux (Ubuntu 20.04+ recommended)

Software Requirements:

  • Docker and Docker Compose
  • PostgreSQL database
  • Domain name and SSL certificate
  • Backup solution

Installation Guide​

Step 1: Server Setup

  1. Provision server (DigitalOcean, AWS, Hetzner, etc.)
  2. Install Docker and Docker Compose
  3. Configure firewall and security

Step 2: Install Twenty

  1. Clone Twenty repository
  2. Configure environment variables
  3. Set up PostgreSQL database
  4. Run Docker Compose

Step 3: Initial Configuration

  1. Access Twenty via domain
  2. Complete initial setup wizard
  3. Configure users and permissions
  4. Set up data model

Step 4: Data Migration (if applicable)

  1. Export data from old CRM
  2. Map fields to Twenty structure
  3. Import contacts and deals
  4. Verify data integrity

Integration Setup​

API Access:

  • Twenty provides full REST API
  • Connect to other tools via API
  • Build custom integrations
  • Automate data sync

Common Integrations:

  • Email platforms (Gmail, Outlook)
  • Automation tools (n8n)
  • Analytics platforms
  • Custom applications

Maintenance & Updates​

Regular Tasks:

  • Weekly backups
  • Monthly security updates
  • Quarterly feature updates
  • Monitor server resources

Update Process:

  1. Pull latest Twenty code
  2. Update Docker images
  3. Run database migrations
  4. Test functionality

Next Step: Once your CRM is set up, proceed to Step 3: Self-Host Your Automation Platform (n8n).