Introduction
Customer relationship management (CRM) platforms are an important part of a business’ customer building journey. These platforms are designed to perform a range of actions with the purpose of boosting customer engagement and retention.
CRM platforms all have a different features depending on the software provider. The software can do anything from lead generation, email marketing campaigns to reporting and analytics. Also, each CRM platform will have its own pricing plan and in some cases free plans.
The benefits of leveraging a CRM platform for your business are endless. Beyond helping keep customers engaged, the technology can also provide 24/7 customer support, increase sales and reduce a number of costs.
Main Features
CRM platforms offer you a great way to perform comprehensive customer engagement without taking time away from your business.
Customer Management
A good CRM system allows you to store all customer data in one place. This is data such as contact details, purchase history and communication records. Using CRM technology you can track customer activity, preferences and interactions easily.
Understanding your customers on a deeper level allows you to provide a more personalised service and build strong relationships.
Streamline Sales Process
CRM technology gives you a clear view of your sales pipeline. This allows you to track each stage of the sales journey giving you visibility to identify issues and prioritise deals. Additionally, CRM software can automate mundane tasks, freeing up time for your sales team to focus on high-value activities.
Reporting and Analytics
CRM platforms come with reporting and analytics capabilities. This lets you track and measure important metrics such as sales activity, customer satisfaction and marketing campaign performance.
These reports provide you with valuable insights into how your business is doing in sales and where there is room for improvement.
Pricing
Each CRM platform has its own pricing. Some will offer the most basic features in a free plan and the more complex features will be in the paid plans. You can choose to pay annually or monthly depending on if the software provider has the option.
In some cases, subscribing to paid plans can include access to additional tools besides the CRM solution.
Buyer's Guide
There are a range of CRM platforms on the market for you. When choosing the right one for your business consider the following:
Easy-to-use
Choose a CRM that is easy to use and navigate. A user-friendly interface can significantly reduce the time it takes to learn the platform and makes it easier for the rest of your team to adopt and learn the technology.
Scalability
Pick a platform that can grow with your business. Look for features or plans that can be upgraded or expanded as your team and customer base increase.
Easy integration
Choose a platform that can seamlessly integrate with the current tools and solutions your business uses. This will make using the platform easier and helps streamline workflows.
Affordability
Consider your budget and the pricing of the CRM model before you sign-up. Look for a platform that has transparent pricing and plans that are affordable for small businesses.
