Finding the right CRM system isn’t easy, but we can definitely help you make the process easier. Before you start make sure you read this blog and keep each of these points front of mind, they’ll go a long way towards helping you find the right system for your business.
What are your goals?
First things first, why do you need a CRM system? There are many systems out there and they excel at different things, some are industry-specific, some are better suited to small businesses, some will integrate with your current tech stack better than others, and so on.
So, why are you looking for a CRM system? And, how do you believe it will help your business?
- How do you want the system to improve your customer service offering?
- Should it look at making overall performance more efficient as well as keeping notes about customer liaison and product details?
- Are you a small business that is growing? Or are you a well-established business that has outgrown its current system?
To know which CRM system is right for you, you need to know what problems it is solving.
Budget for a CRM system
There are CRM systems out there for any and every budget, but a great CRM system doesn’t need to break the bank. When thinking about the costs, remember to account for more than just the per-user costs. You should also take into consideration the training, set up and support costs.
When you approach a supplier make sure they are up-front about where the costs are going to come from, so you don’t get any expensive surprises when it comes to renewing.
Is the CRM system flexible?
The market is changing on an almost day-to-day basis, businesses are growing, pivoting, and evolving, so you need a CRM system that can keep up with you. Over the years your business goals will change, the way your track leads and clients will change and so on. You need to make sure you have a system that can grow with you.
Will your users like this CRM system?
A CRM system is only as good as the data in it, so look for CRM systems that appeal to your employees. It would be a huge waste of money if employees avoided using the new system due to it being too unfamiliar and causing them to be worried about using it.
If your employees are keeping the information in your CRM up to date you can be safe in the knowledge that your reports and searches are all supplying an accurate view of your company.
Will your CRM system integration with your other software?
This is one of the most important things to consider when choosing a CRM for your business. You’re not buying a CRM to be yet another item in the collection of different work systems. You’re buying it to help you improve your business operations.
You need to ensure that the CRM system can integrate with other applications you already have.
Your CRM software should also seamlessly integrate with an ERP or other accounting software, HR software, your website, and webforms to import new leads, billing, and e-commerce platforms to register transactions, as well as marketing solutions.
This can be done in a few different ways, some CRM systems, like Maximizer CRM, can be easily connected to other software via Zapier. Whereas other systems will have a direct API connection built in. There are pros and cons to both methods, but the most important thing is that the integration is seamless, and it saves you and your employees time instead of taking from it.
CRM plays a critical role in any business’ success. No matter how big or small your company is, it’s always a good idea to identify what your needs and requirements are along with your budget to find the right solution.
Finally, when you are ready to move on to the next step of your CRM journey, get in touch with us. We’ve been in the CRM industry and know it like the back of our hands.
