In franchise sales, a disorganized process directly translates to lost leads and missed growth opportunities. While a basic spreadsheet might seem like a simple fix, it quickly becomes a bottleneck, unable to provide the real-time insights needed to manage a growing number of candidates effectively. A structured sales pipeline template is the essential upgrade, transforming your list of contacts into a visual, actionable roadmap that tracks every prospect from initial inquiry to a signed franchise agreement. It’s the foundation for a repeatable, scalable sales system.
This guide cuts through the noise to deliver a curated list of the 12 best sales pipeline templates for 2025. We will analyze everything from powerful spreadsheet downloads for Excel and Google Sheets to sophisticated CRM-native options from platforms like HubSpot, Pipedrive, and Asana. Each review includes screenshots, direct download links, and a practical breakdown of key features to help you find the perfect fit for your franchise development team. While this article focuses on templates, a true leap beyond spreadsheets often involves dedicated sales pipeline software solutions that streamline your entire process. We’ll show you how to select the right template and supercharge it with automation tools like FranFunnel to build a more efficient and predictable sales engine.
1. HubSpot: The All-in-One Starter Kit
HubSpot provides a foundational sales pipeline template for Excel, but its true value is its role as a gateway to a much more powerful, integrated system. This free template is designed to seamlessly onboard users into the HubSpot CRM, making it the perfect starting point for franchises ready to move beyond static spreadsheets. It's less about the spreadsheet itself and more about the ecosystem it introduces.
The template is free to download, but using it as intended means signing up for the free HubSpot CRM. This gives you access to a visual, drag-and-drop sales pipeline, deal tracking, and contact management that a spreadsheet can't match.
Key Features & Implementation
While the Excel file is basic, pairing it with the free CRM unlocks significant advantages for franchise development teams. You can automate data entry and track lead interactions without manual updates.
- Access: Download the Excel template for free; unlock full potential with the free HubSpot CRM.
- Best For: Franchisors transitioning from manual tracking to their first CRM system.
- Limitation: The real power isn't in the spreadsheet; users who want to stay exclusively in Excel will find it too simple.
For franchises looking to scale, integrating this with other tools is key. Tying your CRM to your marketing efforts creates a cohesive system. You can explore more on how this fits into a broader strategy by reading about franchise marketing automation.
Get the template: HubSpot Sales Pipeline Template
2. Salesmate: The Scalable Spreadsheet-to-CRM Bridge
Salesmate offers a flexible sales pipeline template for both Excel and Google Sheets, designed for businesses ready to enhance their deal tracking and sales forecasting. Much like HubSpot, this free template serves as an excellent entry point into Salesmate’s more robust CRM platform. It’s ideal for franchises that need a simple start but anticipate needing a more scalable sales management solution as they grow.
The free download provides immediate structure for tracking leads, deal stages, and potential revenue. However, its true potential is realized when paired with the Salesmate CRM, which automates sales processes and provides comprehensive reporting tools, turning a static document into a dynamic, collaborative system for your franchise development team.
Key Features & Implementation
While the spreadsheet is functional on its own, integrating it with the Salesmate CRM unlocks customizable views and automated sales forecasting. This transition helps franchise teams manage a growing number of leads without getting bogged down in manual data entry, improving overall efficiency and pipeline visibility.
- Access: Download the free template for Excel or Google Sheets; full features are available through the paid Salesmate CRM.
- Best For: Franchisors looking for an affordable and intuitive CRM to pair with a straightforward pipeline template.
- Limitation: The free template has limited features; some advanced functions in the full CRM may have a slight learning curve.
For franchise organizations, the key is using the template as a stepping stone. Once you migrate to the CRM, you can build a more sophisticated and automated process for managing your franchise sales funnel, ensuring no lead falls through the cracks.
Get the template: Salesmate Sales Pipeline Template
3. Pipefy: The Workflow Automation Powerhouse
Pipefy elevates the concept of a sales pipeline template from a static document to a dynamic, automated workflow. It excels at providing full visibility into the sales process, from initial lead capture to the final closed deal. This platform is ideal for franchises that want to move beyond simple tracking and actively automate repetitive tasks, improving team collaboration and efficiency.
The free template provides a robust starting point, but its real advantage lies in the platform’s workflow automation engine. Users can create rules to automatically move deals to the next stage, assign tasks to team members, or send notifications, significantly reducing manual administrative work for busy franchise development teams.
Key Features & Implementation
Pipefy’s user-friendly interface allows for deep customization without requiring extensive technical knowledge. You can tailor lead intake forms to capture specific franchise candidate information and connect the pipeline to other essential software.
- Access: A free template is available; advanced automation and reporting features require a paid subscription.
- Best For: Franchise teams focused on process optimization and automating manual tasks within their sales cycle.
- Limitation: The initial setup to customize forms and configure automation rules can be more time-consuming than a basic spreadsheet.
For franchises looking to build a highly efficient and standardized sales process, Pipefy offers a powerful set of tools. Its emphasis on workflow makes it a strong contender for teams that feel bogged down by administrative overhead.
Get the template: Pipefy Sales Pipeline Template
4. Pipedrive: The Sales-Focused Visualizer
Pipedrive offers a sales pipeline template for both Excel and Google Sheets, designed with a sales-first mentality. Much like its competitors, this free template serves as a stepping stone to its highly-regarded CRM, which is built around the concept of a visual, activity-based sales pipeline. This makes it ideal for franchise development teams who think and work in distinct, action-oriented stages.
The free spreadsheet is a practical, standalone tool with automated calculations for basic forecasting. However, its primary function is to introduce users to Pipedrive’s core philosophy: driving deals forward through clear, defined activities. Transitioning to the paid CRM unlocks the true power of this approach.
Key Features & Implementation
While the free template is functional, the CRM platform is where Pipedrive excels. It provides a straightforward, yet powerful, interface that helps sales teams visualize their entire deal flow and focus on the next required action for each lead.
- Access: Free download for Excel and Google Sheets templates; CRM features require a paid subscription.
- Best For: Sales-driven franchise teams that need a simple, visual, and activity-focused tool to manage leads.
- Limitation: The free template has limited functionality; the system’s best features are behind the CRM paywall.
To maximize its effectiveness, you should integrate this pipeline with a strong communication strategy. Following up at each stage is critical, and a structured approach ensures no lead falls through the cracks. You can learn more about effective communication by exploring a sales follow up email sample.
Get the template: Pipedrive Sales Pipeline Template
5. Asana: The Project Management Powerhouse
Asana transforms the concept of a sales pipeline template from a static document into a dynamic, collaborative project. While known for task management, its sales pipeline template leverages this strength to help teams track not just deals, but all the associated action items. This approach is ideal for complex sales cycles where multiple team members are involved in moving a lead forward, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks.
The template is free with an Asana account, offering multiple views like Kanban boards and lists to visualize progress. Its real advantage is integrating the sales process directly into the broader project management ecosystem your organization may already use, promoting cross-departmental visibility and accountability.
Key Features & Implementation
Asana’s template stands out by treating each sales lead as a project task, complete with subtasks, due dates, and assignees. This ensures every follow-up and required action is clearly delegated and tracked, which is a significant step up from a simple spreadsheet.
- Access: Use the template for free with any Asana plan; advanced automation and features require a paid subscription.
- Best For: Teams that need strong task management and collaboration features built into their sales process.
- Limitation: It’s not a dedicated CRM, so it lacks some specialized sales features like in-depth analytics or direct email integration.
For franchise development, this means you can assign tasks for discovery days, financial reviews, and contract signing directly within the deal card. You can learn more about managing these stages by exploring guides on the franchise sales process.
Get the template: Asana Sales Pipeline Template
6. Salesflare: The Automation-First Template
Salesflare positions its free sales pipeline template as a bridge to a smarter, more automated sales process. Available for both Excel and Google Sheets, the template is designed to give users a taste of organized lead management while highlighting the limitations of manual tracking. Its primary purpose is to introduce franchise development teams to the efficiency gains of Salesflare's CRM, which automates data entry from emails, calendars, and social profiles.
The downloadable template provides a solid structure for managing deals and forecasting revenue. However, the real value emerges when you transition to the CRM, where features like automated email sequences and an integrated lead finder turn the static template into a dynamic, time-saving system that actively works for you.
Key Features & Implementation
While the spreadsheet is a useful starting point, pairing it with the Salesflare platform transforms your workflow. The CRM is built to minimize manual tasks, automatically logging meetings and calls so your sales team can focus on selling.
- Access: The template is a free download for Excel or Google Sheets; the CRM requires a paid subscription.
- Best For: Franchisors who are tired of manual data entry and want a system that automates repetitive sales tasks.
- Limitation: The free spreadsheet template lacks the core automation features that make Salesflare a compelling choice, requiring a subscription for its main benefits.
For franchises, this means less time updating spreadsheets and more time nurturing candidates. Integrating its powerful automation can significantly streamline the franchise award process, from initial contact to signing the agreement.
Get the template: Salesflare Sales Funnel Template
7. Gong: The Data-Driven Spreadsheet
Gong provides a free sales pipeline template for Excel and Google Sheets that serves as a powerful introduction to its core philosophy: revenue intelligence. While the spreadsheet is a functional standalone tool, its primary value is demonstrating how data-driven insights can refine sales forecasting and performance measurement. It’s designed for teams who appreciate numbers and want to move beyond simple tracking to more analytical sales management.
This free template is more than a basic tracker; it includes automated calculations for forecasting and is built for easy customization. It acts as a stepping stone, encouraging users to consider the deeper analytics available within Gong's full revenue intelligence platform, where the real power lies.
Key Features & Implementation
The template is notable for its built-in forecasting formulas and clear structure, making it a robust option even without the paid platform. For franchise development, it helps quantify pipeline health and predict future deals with greater accuracy than a simple list of leads.
- Access: Download the free Excel template directly from Gong's website, compatible with Google Sheets.
- Best For: Analytically-minded sales teams and franchisors who want a spreadsheet with strong forecasting capabilities.
- Limitation: The template's advanced analytical features are a mere glimpse of what Gong’s paid platform offers; it’s a great tool but also a marketing asset for their core service.
Get the template: Gong Excel Sales Pipeline Template
8. Atlassian (Jira): The Project Manager's Pipeline
For teams already embedded in the Atlassian ecosystem, the Jira sales pipeline template is less of a new tool and more of a new application for a familiar one. It adapts Jira's powerful project management framework for sales, turning deal stages into workflow statuses and leads into trackable issues. This approach is ideal for tech-savvy franchise development teams who manage sales alongside other complex projects.
This template leverages Jira’s core strengths: customizable workflows and multiple project views. You can visualize your pipeline as a Kanban board, a list, a timeline, or a calendar, offering flexibility that standalone spreadsheets lack. While a free version is available, unlocking advanced features and integrations may require a paid subscription.
Key Features & Implementation
The true benefit lies in unifying sales tracking with other business operations like development or onboarding within a single platform. This creates unparalleled visibility for cross-functional teams involved in the franchise sales process.
- Access: Available as a template within Jira; a free plan exists, with more power in paid tiers.
- Best For: Development teams that already use Jira for project management and want to consolidate their sales process into the same system.
- Limitation: The platform has a significant learning curve for those unfamiliar with Jira, potentially making it overly complex for a simple sales pipeline.
Get the template: Atlassian Jira Sales Pipeline Template
9. Etsy: The Creative & Customizable Marketplace
Etsy is an unexpected but valuable resource for finding a uniquely designed sales pipeline template. Instead of a single corporate offering, it’s a marketplace where independent creators sell their custom-built templates for Excel, Google Sheets, and even Notion. This is the ideal destination for franchise teams who want a visually appealing or highly specific tracker that breaks away from standard corporate designs.
The templates available are incredibly diverse, ranging from minimalist layouts to vibrant, dashboard-heavy spreadsheets with built-in charts and progress bars. Many sellers offer templates that bundle sales pipelines with other tools like client management logs and financial trackers, providing a comprehensive, low-cost solution.
Key Features & Implementation
The primary advantage of sourcing a template from Etsy is the blend of personalization and affordability. You can find a design that perfectly matches your brand’s aesthetic or a functional layout that other platforms don't offer.
- Access: Instant digital downloads after a one-time purchase, with prices often under $20.
- Best For: Franchisors who prioritize aesthetics and unique features in their spreadsheets and prefer a one-off purchase over a subscription.
- Limitation: Quality and support can vary significantly between sellers, and there is no integration with larger CRM systems.
Get the template: Etsy Sales Pipeline Templates
10. OnePageCRM: Simplicity with a Growth Path
OnePageCRM offers a straightforward sales pipeline template for Excel and Google Sheets, designed for clarity and ease of use. It focuses on creating a clean, step-by-step sales process combined with essential contact management and visualization charts. This template is ideal for franchise teams who appreciate simplicity but want a clear upgrade path to a more robust system. It stands out by being instantly accessible without requiring a sign-up.
The template is completely free to download and use, providing immediate value for teams needing to organize their sales process now. While it’s a static file, it serves as a great introduction to the OnePageCRM philosophy, which prioritizes action-oriented sales management, making the eventual transition to their CRM software feel natural and intuitive for growing franchise development teams.
Key Features & Implementation
The template includes a ready-to-use sales pipeline, comprehensive contact management fields, and built-in charts for visualizing your sales funnel. Its user-friendly design makes it perfect for those who find more complex spreadsheets overwhelming.
- Access: Download the Excel or Google Sheets template for free; no sign-up required.
- Best For: Small franchise teams or solo operators who need a simple, visual template without the commitment of a CRM.
- Limitation: Functionality is limited compared to a full CRM, and all data entry and updates must be done manually.
For franchises ready for more, the template provides a solid foundation. The next logical step is migrating the data to a dedicated system like OnePageCRM's platform to automate tracking and improve lead follow-up efficiency.
Get the template: OnePageCRM Sales Pipeline Template
11. TemplateLab: The Free Template Library
TemplateLab isn't a single tool but a vast repository of free document templates, including a diverse collection of sales pipeline template options. It stands out by offering a wide variety of formats, primarily for Excel and Word, without requiring any sign-up or commitment. This makes it an excellent resource for franchises that want to experiment with different layouts and find a structure that perfectly matches their specific sales cycle before committing to a digital system.
The site provides numerous downloadable files, each with a slightly different approach to tracking leads, managing deal stages, and forecasting sales. The value here is in the sheer volume and variety, allowing teams to pick and choose elements from multiple templates to build their own custom solution without starting from scratch.
Key Features & Implementation
The strength of TemplateLab lies in its simplicity and cost-effectiveness. A franchise development team can download several templates in minutes to compare different tracking methodologies, from simple stage-based pipelines to more complex versions with built-in calculations.
- Access: All templates are completely free to download directly from the website.
- Best For: Franchisors who want to explore various spreadsheet layouts or need a quick, no-cost solution for basic pipeline tracking.
- Limitation: These are static files requiring significant manual data entry and offer no automation, support, or advanced features.
A manual template can be a good starting point, but it's crucial to have a strategy for lead engagement, especially when dealing with unresponsive prospects. You can find insights on improving engagement by understanding why franchise leads don't respond.
Get the template: TemplateLab Sales Pipeline Templates
12. Smartsheet: The Project Management Powerhouse
Smartsheet elevates the standard spreadsheet into a dynamic project management tool, and its sales pipeline template is no exception. This isn't just a static tracker; it's a collaborative workspace designed for teams that need to manage complex sales cycles alongside other business initiatives. It transforms the familiar grid-like interface into a powerful system for tracking opportunities, automating workflows, and generating insightful reports.
The template is available for free with a Smartsheet account, which includes a trial period for premium features. Its core strength lies in its ability to connect your sales pipeline to broader project management functions, offering a holistic view of your franchise development efforts that a standalone spreadsheet or simple CRM cannot provide.
Key Features & Implementation
Smartsheet’s template stands out by integrating powerful automation and collaboration features directly into the pipeline. You can set up alerts for deal progression, assign tasks to team members, and create real-time dashboards to visualize sales performance without leaving the platform.
- Access: Free to use with a Smartsheet account (trial or paid subscription).
- Best For: Franchise development teams that need to integrate their sales pipeline with comprehensive project management and reporting.
- Limitation: The platform can have a steeper learning curve compared to simple spreadsheets, and many advanced automation features require a paid subscription.
For franchises managing multiple lead sources and complex follow-up sequences, Smartsheet's automation can be a significant advantage. This allows teams to streamline their processes and focus on building relationships with prospective franchisees.
Get the template: Smartsheet Sales Pipeline Template
Sales Pipeline Template Tools Comparison
| Product | Core Features / Automation | User Experience ★★★★☆ | Value Proposition 💰 | Target Audience 👥 | Unique Selling Points ✨ | Price Points 💰 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HubSpot | Custom deal stages, automated tasks, integrations | User-friendly, comprehensive CRM | Free CRM + template, regular updates | Growing businesses, CRM seekers | All-in-one free CRM + automation | Free tier; paid upgrades |
| Salesmate | Lead tracking, customizable fields, forecasting | Intuitive design, strong reporting | Affordable CRM, scalable sales tools | SMBs needing sales management tools | Sales forecasting, reporting tools | Free template; affordable CRM plans |
| Pipefy | Custom forms, task automation, integrations | User-friendly, enhances collaboration | Workflow automation | Teams optimizing sales processes | Full visibility + customizable automation | Free template; paid features |
| Pipedrive | Custom sales stages, forecasting, integrations | Easy to use, strong support | Powerful pipeline + CRM | Sales teams needing simple yet powerful tool | Advanced pipeline management | Free template; paid CRM |
| Asana | Multiple views, custom fields, process automation | Flexible, strong collaboration | Project mgmt + sales pipeline | Organizations needing flexible project mgmt | Multi-view layouts + automation | Free template; subscription required |
| Salesflare | Sales funnel stages, email automation, lead finder | User-friendly, automates manual tasks | Automation-focused CRM | Users seeking smart sales automation | Lead finder & automated email sequences | Free template; paid CRM |
| Gong | Custom stages, forecasting, integrations | Easy customization, advanced reporting | Revenue intelligence | Sales teams needing deep analytics | Revenue intelligence platform | Free template; paid platform |
| Atlassian (Jira) | Custom workflows, multiple views, integrations | Flexible, enhances team collaboration | Pipeline tracking + project mgmt | Jira users seeking pipeline tracking | Workflow customization + project visualization | Free template; paid plans |
| Etsy | Variety of templates, customizable | Varies by seller, unique designs | Affordable, unique options | Small businesses & freelancers | Marketplace of diverse templates | Low-cost downloads |
| OnePageCRM | Ready sales pipeline, contact mgmt, charts | Simple, no sign-up, user-friendly | Free template for clear sales processes | Users wanting simplicity + growth options | Step-by-step sales process + no sign-up required | Free template |
| TemplateLab | Wide template collection, customizable | Easy to customize, no cost | Large variety of free templates | Businesses needing quick, free sales templates | Extensive template library | Free templates |
| Smartsheet | Custom pipeline, automation, integrations | Flexible, collaboration focused | Comprehensive workflow solution | Users needing robust sales + project management | Strong automation + reporting | Free template; paid plans |
Activating Your Template: From Static Tool to Dynamic Growth Engine
We've explored a comprehensive landscape of sales pipeline template options, from straightforward, no-cost spreadsheets via TemplateLab and Smartsheet to powerful, feature-rich CRM platforms like HubSpot and Pipedrive. The key takeaway is that the perfect template isn't a one-size-fits-all solution; it's the one that aligns precisely with your franchise's unique operational scale, team structure, and growth ambitions.
A simple Google Sheets or Excel template might be the ideal starting point for a new franchisor focused on clarity and control. Conversely, a rapidly scaling brand will find immense value in the automation and deep analytics offered by tools like Salesmate or Salesflare. The critical first step is to honestly assess your current processes and future needs.
From Selection to Implementation
Choosing your sales pipeline template is only the beginning. The real value is unlocked when you transform that static framework into a dynamic, active part of your daily workflow. This transition from a passive tracking tool to an active growth engine is the most crucial part of the process.
To ensure a successful implementation, consider these factors:
- Team Adoption: Will your franchise development team actually use it? The best tool is useless if it's too complex or cumbersome. Prioritize user experience, especially if your team is not tech-savvy. Tools like OnePageCRM and Asana often excel here due to their simplicity.
- Integration Capability: How well does the template connect with your existing tools? A pipeline that lives in a silo creates more work. Look for integrations with your lead sources, email marketing platforms, and, most importantly, your lead engagement systems.
- Scalability: Will this template support your growth in one, three, or five years? A solution that seems perfect today might become a bottleneck tomorrow. Consider whether the tool can grow with you, from a handful of leads to thousands.
The Power of Automation
The biggest challenge in franchise development isn't just organizing leads; it's engaging them with speed and consistency. A lead that waits hours, or even minutes, for a response can quickly lose interest. This is where a well-structured pipeline meets the power of automation.
A great sales pipeline template provides the structure, but automation provides the momentum. Once you've selected your sales pipeline template, consider delving into automated sales funnel mastery to maximize efficiency and lead nurturing, transforming your static tool into a dynamic growth engine. By connecting your pipeline to an automated engagement system, you ensure that every lead receives an immediate, personalized response via SMS and email, bridging the critical gap between their initial inquiry and your first conversation. This vital step keeps your pipeline filled with warm, engaged candidates, turning a simple tracking document into a powerful engine for franchise growth.
Ready to energize your sales pipeline with the industry's leading automation and lead engagement platform? See how FranFunnel integrates seamlessly with your chosen template or CRM to ensure no lead is ever left behind. Book a demo of FranFunnel today and turn your organized pipeline into a high-performance growth machine.
