When it comes to traditional ways of working, the Covid pandemic has certainly had a hand in changing the way in which businesses interact with their customers. Companies of all sizes have had to modify the way in which they operate. Hybrid working and communicating remotely have meant that we rely much more on digital technologies to keep our working day running smoothly. Keeping up with the latest digital trends has also become an important strategy when it comes to staying ahead of the competition. This is particularly true when it comes to keeping tabs on your customers and maximising your relationship with each of them.
What is CRM software?
Customer Relationship Management – or CRM – software is a type of management system that will enable business owners to track each and every interaction with a customer or client. This is important for a number of reasons. As well as allowing you to communicate better with your customers and work on enhancing your relationship with them, it also means that you can organise your customer data much more efficiently.
Maybe you currently rely on updating a customer database and maintaining spreadsheets? Or perhaps you use a number of different applications to track your clients and their dealings with your company? In either case, a software system that can automate some of these processes could be just what your company needs. The good news is that there are cost-effective CRM systems available for companies of all sizes, from SMEs to big corporations.
Let’s look at some of the benefits of six of the best CRMs for small businesses:
HubSpot CRM
HubSpot’s CRM system has everything a business needs to organise, track, and build better relationships with leads and customers. It’s an excellent choice for businesses that already have a strong marketing focus. It also offers additional tools for omni-channel marketing and social media. The best news is that as well as various price plans, it offers a free version, which you can try out before scaling up. This makes it a highly competitive option.
monday.com
If you’re looking for a CRM to streamline your business operations, from sales cycles to project management, monday.com offers an easy-to-use platform. When it comes to organising workflow, it can automate and optimise a whole range of different projects. It also allows you to manage your team and allocate work as necessary. You can also seamlessly integrate the system with any existing tools that you already use. It’s quick and simple to use and competitively priced.
Zendesk
If you have a large customer base, Zendesk can offer a whole range of customer support tools to help you organise and manage your data. As well as software solutions to streamline your customer service offering, it provides additional support for sales teams, to help them in achieving their goals. Zendesk is used by many organisations across the world and is easily scalable to suit your data requirements.
Zoho
Zoho offers a range of software solutions to help businesses bring together sales, marketing and customer support activities into one platform. The sales CRM tool helps you engage with customers across a whole range of channels. It allows data segmentation and even uses predictive intelligence to allow you to deliver a truly personalised experience to each customer.
Pipedrive
Pipedrive is specifically a CRM tool that can help users to visualise the sale process and manage the sales pipeline using forecasting tools and AI technology. If you’re looking to align your sales pipeline or collaborate with other teams, it offers a user-friendly solution. Pipedrive can also be integrated with current CRM systems if you already have one set-up.
Freshsales
If you’re looking to organise your sales team, Freshsales can help manage all customer interactions. Small businesses can benefit from features including built in chat, email and phone applications that allow you to engage leads quickly and easily. It also offers sales management and event tracking. There is a free price plan which is great for businesses on a tight budget.
Finding the best CRM system for your business
When it comes to choosing the best CRM for your business, it will depend on what your chief goals and priorities are. This could be finding something that’s easy to use, a package offering the best value for money, or perhaps the flexibility to scale up, as your company grows. From free trials and plans, to slick and modern interfaces each CRM offers unique features that may be just what you’re looking for.
Each small business is unique and will have its own way of working when it comes to managing relationships with customers and clients. But a good CRM will certainly help you to streamline sales and offer new and innovative ways to deliver outstanding customer service.
