A Quick Buyer’s Guide to CRM Software

Customer relationship management (CRM) is a common corporate practice that helps businesses keep track of and grow extensive customer/client bases. This is a necessary capability when you’re managing the affairs of a fast-growing company that performs complex duties and completes a wide variety of tasks for a diverse group of consumers or companies. However, not all CRM software interfaces are built the same, and some are better for certain business models than others. In this quick guide, we’ll go over the key features you should be comparing before buying CRM software for your business:

Look for an Industry-Specific CRM

The exact features and capabilities that will be useful within CRM software will vary depending on the industry you operate in. Look for a tool that is specifically geared towards the kind of company you’re running. For example, if you operate an online shop, then you’d want to compare the top eCommerce CRM tools. Developers are aware that businesses have different needs when it comes to managing extensive lists of contacts, clients, customers, and leads, so there are options available that can accommodate the CRM needs of any business model.

Examine the Dashboard

Every CRM comes with a dashboard – the main interface through which you’ll be controlling every module within the tool. Since aesthetic and functional preferences will vary in each user, only you know which CRM has the most appealing and comfortable menus for your specific application. Some CRMs have a simplified dashboard with minimal bells and whistles, which is ideal for basic users and novices. On the other hand, a large corporation might require a more advanced dashboard that provides quick access to every possible feature on a single screen. This is a matter of opinion, but nonetheless, it is an opinion that’s worth forming before you make your selection.

Take Advantage of Free Trials

Many CRM software packages will let you try a basic version of their software or platform for free during a set trial period, which typically lasts for one day or one week. While these software trials will usually lack the advanced power features that the full versions come with, they’ll give you an idea of what the interface feels like. By exploring menu options and features within several trial versions, you can ensure your comparison is being based on first-hand experience instead of solely relying on third-party reviews and recommendations.

Who Really Needs a CRM Software?

There are three main aspects of managing any big company – managing staff, managing finances, and dealing with clients/customers, the latter of which is best handled within a CRM interface. Thus, virtually any company that is noticing rapid growth in the number of clients, customers, and leads it has been interacting with. Often, you won’t know that you needed a CRM until you’ve actually given one a try and seen what it can do for your productivity and ease of mind. Thus, it can be accurately stated that almost every company could benefit in one way or another from using a CRM tool.

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