Which CRM software is right for your business? When looking for the solution that fits your specific needs, it’s easy to get lost in a sea of countless options. However, in these cases there is no need to panic! With the help of experts and the article below you can discover which CRM solution is ideal according to your requirements.
Choosing CRM software: the checklist
- Identify your needs
- Define the essential features that the ideal CRM software should have
- Don’t overlook the UX that CRM software offers
- Plan your budget
- Check the compliance of the new software with GDPR
- See if the CRM provider has industry expertise
- Check if your provider offers a mobile app
- Choose between cloud and on-premise solution
- Check your supplier’s customer support
- Make sure the new system is compatible with your current software
1. Identify your needs
No one is more qualified than you to accurately identify your business needs! In the first stage, it is important to examine and evaluate your business and the processes within it. Even two companies in the same industry can differ significantly in their operation, so a one-size-fits-all approach to CRM software is not the most appropriate solution.
With the continuous development of technology in CRM software, the capabilities of customer management systems are expanding by automating more and more processes. With the right tools you can increase your team’s efficiency, improve access to customer records and improve your sales cycle. It is necessary, however, to be preceded by a clear recognition of your needs.
Which of the following does your business need most?
- More leads: You need a CRM solution that focuses on approaching potential customers to generate leads.
- Completed projects: You may be able to identify bottlenecks through a CRM software that offers detailed sales reports.
- Increased team productivity: Is a CRM system that will automate manual tasks the ideal solution for you?
- Easy access to data and results: A CRM system that provides you with easily customizable dashboards will save your day.
- Turn leads into sales: Seek a CRM solution that will qualify your leads so you can focus on working with the most profitable prospects.
2. Define the essential features that the ideal CRM software should have
Have you just set the goals you want to achieve with your CRM software? The second step is to clarify what features are necessary for you and with what tools you can secure them.
Depending on your needs, you may need a perfect contact management, sales cycle visualization, marketing functions or email automation. In any case, don’t forget that your employees are the ones who will handle the new CRM system, so it is important to prefer an easy-to-use and flexible software.
Pro tip: By testing a trial version you can check your team’s interaction with the new CRM software and get feedback on the functionality of the tools.
3. Don’t overlook the UX that CRM software offers
If you’re going to invest in CRM software, it’s important to consider the team or teams that will be using it. Although the management of a company is responsible for the integration of new systems, it is important to include the employees in the process of selecting the appropriate software.
How to cooperate with your team in order to choose the right CRM system? Ask your employees what problems they would like to see solved, test their response to different solutions, and choose the solution that the majority finds most user-friendly and practical.
4. Plan your budget
Especially if you own a small business, it’s important to stay within your budget when choosing a CRM software. Don’t forget that the goal of CRM is to save time and money in the long-term, so it is important to manage the most appropriate tools at the lowest price.
In order to ensure a satisfactory financial plan, you can check the following:
- Are there any hidden charges for specific CRM system features you want to enable?
- Is an annual subscription better than a monthly subscription?
- Which one of the plans offered by your supplier is the most suitable for your business needs?
- Are you eligible for a discount?
- Is there a subsidy plan or voucher for digital transformation products that you could use?
5. Check the compliance of the new software with the GDPR
Personal data protection is a non-negotiable feature that a CRM software must have. Personal data must be protected by law, and businesses that do not comply with privacy regulations face significant penalties.
For this reason, but also to build trusting relationships with your customers, it is important to check the compatibility of the CRM system you intend to adopt with the GDPR.
6. See if the CRM provider has expertise in your field
Has the CRM provider worked with businesses in the same industry as you before? If so, that means they are familiar with the specifics and challenges your business faces and can offer specialized solutions.
Before entering into a partnership, you can look for reviews from previous customers of the supplier you are considering and discover their own experience and development.
7. Check if your provider offers a mobile application
In the past, the existence of a mobile application might have been a bonus for the completion of a CRM project, but now things are changing. Workplace flexibility and the ability to work remotely has increased the need for anytime access to data from our mobile device.
A mobile-enabled CRM software gives you the ability to manage your customer relationships from anywhere, anytime, giving you a competitive advantage.
8. Choose between cloud and on-premise CRM software
Choosing between cloud and on-premise CRM software is of utmost importance for its subsequent use.
In a cloud solution you pay a subscription to a supplier who hosts your data, and you have access to it via Internet. On the contrary, in an on-premise solution the data is stored on a local server that is set in the company.
Although cloud solutions tend to grow rapidly in recent years due to the flexibility of access they offer, they hide the risk of data leakage. In contrast, on-premise solutions offer greater security against external threats but require a high initial cost and a team of IT experts to maintain the server.
See below in detail the benefits and drawbacks of each option:
9. Check your supplier’s customer support
We all know that effective customer service makes all the difference! In this particular case, proper customer service on the part of your provider will improve the service you offer your own customers!
It’s possible that while running a CRM system, problems might occur that will prevent you from completing your work. If your supplier offers prompt service, you will solve potential failures in time and ensure the smooth operation of your software. This way, you will in turn be able to ensure an ideal CX for your customers.
Pro tip: Choose a supplier that offers multi-channel support and 24/7 service.
10. Make sure the new system is compatible with your current software
No matter how good a CRM system is, it’s not practical if it’s not compatible with your existing software. Full functionality is ensured if there is also the right access – the opposite causes unnecessary costs and possibilities that are not used to their full potential.
Choose the CRM software that will boost your business potential!
At NUS Solutions we are experts in providing specialized CRM solutions for every business to successfully face every challenge. Through Microsoft Dynamics 365 , we offer systems to effectively monitor and automate your business processes so that you can take off your sales and offer the best possible service to your customers.
At the same time, we have a collection of ready-to-use vertically integrated solutions that adapt exactly to the needs of specific types of business. Learn more about the solutions we offer or contact us to design a new solution for you!
…