CRM software has become a necessary expenditure for businesses that handle large volumes of data. To get a positive return on your investment, choosing the right CRM product is a must. If you’re one of the many companies reviewing Infusionsoft as a primary CRM, then the tips below may be helpful. Narrow down your choice early so that workers can get familiar with the new setup.
CRM Should Be Easy To Use
Since employees will spend a lot of time with the system, it is important that it is easy to understand. Not knowing how to navigate a CRM causes errors and delays when handling customer information. This requires that you’re familiar with how easy an employee adapts to specific technologies. What is easy to learn for some employees may be a problem for others. Isolate the employees that would struggle with the CRM software and find out why. Their inability to learn specific functions may prove useful when deciding on what features matter the most to you with CRM software. You always want the employees to be comfortable with a system that they’ll spend hours using.
Training Prevents User Generated Errors
Even if a user has training with previous CRM setups, that does not make them proficient with the current one. Take the time to set up training that explains the features of the software. Things like filtering will work differently from one product to the next. Employees that aren’t trained will spend a lot of time figuring out specifics when operating a CRM. Cut through the confusion early by introducing them to all available system functions. If possible, break up the training into multiple sessions to ensure that the information sticks. Remember, a training session is a lot different than handling the data in real life. Allow time for a little user error before they full take in the system at its fullest.
Take Advantage Of Customer Behavior Information
Customer information should be tracked before, during and after the sales cycle. Customer behavior will give you a head start when managing important data. Some content will work better with specific customers, and it’s important to track what changes are made. There is even a chance you can make live changes as the data rolls in- this is vital when handling a promotion that seems to be going in the wrong direction. The level of information you’re willing to handle with the CRM will make a huge difference when bringing in new customers. Their needs are a priority, and the best way to meet them is by knowing customer behavior and trends.
CRM Is More Than A System For Sales
Instead of thinking of it as a sales automation system, think of CRM as a hub for client data. There are a lot of useful features that go unused with a CRM. These same unused features could impact the business in a large way. If your only use for the software is to increase sales, then you’re missing out on a lot of the core functions. Top CRM systems that advertise their pros will mention sales, but also go into detail about beyond that. Small and large companies should get the most value out of their investment with a CRM by using it to the fullest potential.
Sync The Software With Compatible Applications
Not all CRM systems are built the same. Syncing capability keeps things fresh on both sides, and at the very least you want syncing functions with your calendar. Not only does it streamline the entire process, but it gives key insight into how the software is structured. A CRM that doesn’t sync with calendars or email forces you to take extra steps to bring the data up to date. This compatibility should extend to multiple devices, including those with mobile support. If your CRM lacks these functions, then check to see if there is a plan to add them in the future. Without proper syncing, you are losing out on one of the best benefits of paying for top tier CRM software.
Old Data Hurts The Accuracy Of The System
Consistency is measured by how up to date your data is. CRM have systems in place to keep data up to date, but there is a small portion that requires manual updating. For instance, if you input the wrong customer information in the first time, then how will the CRM correct it? User error can still cause problems with the system, and old data like an out of date address is sure to cause problems with orders. Invest in getting your data correct the first time so that the upkeep is minimal when changing or adding new information. Set up automated and manual cleanings to flag and remove bad data on a schedule.
Can It Be Integrated With Social Media?
Social media and CRM were made for each other. The differences in how a CRM software integrates with social media will influence your final choice. By itself, social media connects the information of every single one of your customers across multiple profiles. They are also a good source of conflicting information, and can even solve problems with personal information updates. Depending on privacy settings, the software can detect specific leads, contacts and user preferences for products or services. All of this is a goldmine to a CRM that is set to handle the information correctly.
Mobile Capabilities Should Be Strong
Cloud based CRM solutions are popular due to the amount of hardware they can be run on. Having access to your CRM on the go will allow you to handle emergency situations without being in front of the computer. Opportunities come and go, and time can be a limiting factor when closing deals. A CRM should not prevent you from accessing time sensitive information. Mobile solutions should also scale to the device it is being used on. This means that interface options won’t disappear or be hard to navigate on a smaller screen. Optimization for all screen sizes is key, but it is also a good idea to have a dedicated mobile interface.
Make A Note Of The Feature Updates
There is always room for improvement with a CRM system. Check out the current and future plans of the software, and make sure it matches up with what you want. All of the changes being made should fit in with your CRM strategy. Companies that use feedback to provide better updates are a good fit, and seem to be the fastest with providing bug fixes. You want steady changes to be made to the system rather than drastic changes that affect how a CRM operates. Too many overhauls to the core system will provide you with a product that confuses workers.
How Open Is Your Management To The System?
Having the support of workers when getting CRM software is important. But it is equally as important to have the workers in leadership roles show similar interest for using the software. It’s hard to build credibility for a new CRM when your managers are not buying into the software. The leaders have to understand how features operate so that workers can follow their example. Managers that lack training in your CRM will affect how your other workers respond to updates and changes.
Make Interested Users A Priority
A manager or a worker that has a vast understanding of the CRM is always valuable to the company. These super users will drive the rest of the team to make the most out of the software, even when other users have trouble adapting. Internal support with workers that understand the system can be a much better option than reaching out for official support. Common shortcuts and fixes that are developed by workers tend to be specific to your company. That makes teamwork valuable and prevents confidence loss when using a feature rich CRM system.
What Is Your CRM Strategy?
There is no strategy involved with picking the most expensive CRM available. Having access to features you will never use is useless to a company, small or large. Your strategy when using a CRM should blend seamlessly with your current company philosophy. Whatever changes you foresee in the company’s future should include the implementation of CRM software rather than the addition of it. Adding a CRM software on top of your current strategy won’t take advantage of the many new features available to you. The idea is to either get a system in place that lines up with your company vision, or to set up a new strategy that incorporates the benefits of a new CRM. Whatever direction you go in, your business will show growth by understanding the technology.
Wrap Up
The success of your CRM software will depend heavily on how quickly you adapt. Even with training, there is no guarantee that the transition will be easy. Narrow down the most important features for your company and match them up with a CRM that will do it justice. Organization of data is a serious challenge that any company should be ready to take on.
