A CRM or a Customer Relationship Management System is an essential part of today’s business environment. In fact, reports claim that investing in a CRM system is the top-most priority of businesses while companies that have already embraced the trend can expect an increase in their sales by 29%.
The CRM systems not only help reduce the hassle of managing customer’s communication but is also proven to lessen the burden on employee while improving the relationship with the consumer.
According to statistics, CRM’s are known to improve customer retention by 27% while 3 out of 4 consumers also agree that they are likely to spend more money on a particular business because of a positive customer experience.
If you have already invested in a CRM software, then you must be well-aware of how beneficial it is for your business. On the other hand, those who are considering implementing one, are often confused given the wide variety of CRM tools that have emerged in the market.
When choosing a CRM software, it is essential to find one that not only protects customer data but is also easy to adopt and use.
To make your decision-making process easier, here we share with you a few tips that will help you select the right CRM that is both profitable, and a valuable asset for your company.
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Understand your Business Goals
A CRM is not only used to keep your contacts organized – but it also provides a host of other features that increase sales and efficiency of your business. These include:
- Lead generation
- Email marketing
- Sales forecasting
- Performance tracking
- And competitor tracking
Before choosing between from the plethora of CRMs available, make sure you have clear, definitive business goals in mind. Consider the challenges of your business and how you can solve the issues with a particular CRM system. Make a checklist of the features you are looking for. Once you have narrowed down your requirements, you will have an easier time finalizing a CRM system.
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Ease of use
Although, you may need to train yourself and your employees on how to use a CRM software, there are many vendors out there whose products are so complicated that it’s not worth the time, money, and effort.
To save yourself from a headache, select a Customer Relationship Management System that has a clean user-interface and does not require extensive training. Additionally, many CRM systems such as Pipedrive, Salesmate, and Hubspot offer a free trial which allows interested companies to try out the software for a specific period before making a final purchase.
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Scalability and Customizability
You are looking for a CRM software to help you grow your business, but will the system adapt to your potential growth? Would a CRM system that works perfectly well for your competing company, work as well for yours?
There is no one-size-fits-all model in business. Each one is unique and has the potential to grow in a different way than another. Purchasing a CRM system is a crucial investment which you don’t want to regret making in the coming years.
When choosing a system, make sure the software is customizable according to your current business requirements and will adapt to your growing needs in the future.
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Integration
In today’s digital era, a business environment is equipped with several third-party solutions for effective management of all the different areas. For example, a Dropbox is commonly used to store and share files over the cloud while many companies use Slack to increase collaboration between team members.
Make sure the CRM software you choose is compatible with the apps you are already using. This can be confirmed by checking the vendor website or contacting customer support before making a purchase.
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Security
Many businesses purchase a CRM software with apprehensions. Although it is necessary for growth, it also comes with several security concerns. First, a CRM system holds the personal data of every customer.
Until a few years ago, hackers could break into the system and steal precious data resulting in customer’s breach of privacy. Another security issue with a CRM system is the possibility of malware attacks. These are common and can lead to hardware and data loss from viruses and worms.
Thankfully, CRM vendors have started realizing potential security vulnerabilities and are taking various measures to safeguard the privacy of their clients and keep their systems protected at all times. Even though security will always remain one of the primary concern of internet users, choose a CRM software that is equipped with the latest security patches.
Which CRM is right for your business?
Choosing a CRM for your business is an important process and should not be rushed. As discussed above, there are many CRM providers in the market and choosing the right one is the key to making it work for your business.
Salesmate and Pipedrive are the top CRM solutions most preferred by small to medium sized business owners, while large enterprises usually opt for Hubspot and Insightly.
On the other hand, Salesmate is known to offer the best value for money and excellent customer support while Pipedrive can be integrated with many third-party apps and software.
In the end, the choice is yours. Analyze all the different features of the CRM software of your choice and make a selection that is right for your company and its requirements in the long run. Good luck!
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ABOUT Erica Silva
Erica Silva is a blogger by choice. She loves to discover the world around her. She likes to share her discoveries, experiences and express herself through her blogs.
Find her on Twitter:@ericadsilva1
