CRM or Customer Relationship Management is a software program or system specifically designed to help your business keep customer contact details up to date. The best CRM can track interactions, schedule interactions, and ultimately streamline your communications so that you’re connecting with your customers at the right time and in the right way.
As you know, your customers go through a buying process. CRM helps you not only track the buying process but also supports you to communicate with your customers with the right message at the right time. This of course increases conversions and builds better customer relationships.
There are literally hundreds of CRM services and software products available for you to choose from.
The following tips will help you choose the best CRM.
What do you need it to do?
Before you begin searching for the best CRM solutions, write down what you need your customer management system to do for you. Just make a list. It might include e-commerce features or call center features or maybe you just need a straight up lead management system. Then, when you’re comparing, you can make sure to eliminate all of the products that don’t offer your required features.
Scalability
Your business is going to grow, right? It’s a good idea to make sure your chosen CRM is scalable. That means that it supports your business at the size you are today, and it supports you next year when you’ve doubled in size.
Easy to use and train others on
The last thing you need or probably want is a steep learning curve for a new software or service. It needs to be intuitive and easy for you and your team to use. Read reviews and ask people what they use and if it’s easy or if you have to attend a two-day course just to get started.
Price
Price is always a consideration and the best CRM, in my opinion, is offered at a price based on the number of users or the size of the client list. This is also a decent indication that the software is scalable.
Support
Do they have ongoing customer support worked into the price or do you have to pay for it annually? Does the support team have a good reputation for getting back to people and solving problems or are folks left hanging? Again, read reviews and talk to people. A good CRM is often only as good as the team behind it.
Updates?
Is the CRM evolving and improving as needs and technology change? If not, consider passing and finding a company that is dedicated to continuing to put out a terrific product.
Demo?
Once you’ve narrowed your options down to a few of the best CRM programs out there, try a free demo or give them a call and ask for a free demo. You don’t want to buy before you try.
A CRM can save you hours of extra work. It can help you connect with your customers at the right time, so they don’t slip through the cracks, and it can support your business in a number of other powerful ways. Take some time to choose the best CRM for your business needs.
