the right crm platformThe hottest topic for many businesses these days is which customer relationship management — or CRM — platform to choose. It used to be that even a simple spreadsheet with your customers’ contact information was a form of CRM, but with the advent of purposefully built CRM software and cloud-based products, the ability of businesses to better manage their interactions with leads and current customers has skyrocketed. It’s no wonder studies show that the adoption of an effective CRM program can help boost a business’s sales by as much as 29 percent.

Which CRM Should I Use?

Choosing the best CRM platform for your business is a crucial process. Incredibly, despite overwhelming statistical support for CRM adoption, more than 20 percent of salespeople still aren’t aware of what a CRM platform is, and 40 percent still use outdated spreadsheets and other inefficient methods to collect and track customer information.

Nevertheless, choosing a CRM platform is as much about finding the right platform to match your business model as it is about a solution that’s accessible to the people at your company who will most use it — especially your sales staff. That’s why it’s advisable to ask the following questions about any CRM platform you’re considering:

  • What size business is it designed for? If the CRM you’re looking at has a number of small- to medium-sized businesses listed as its clients, but you’re a large enterprise, it might not be the best fit for your organization.
  • What are your goals? Whether it’s increasing the connectivity between your sales and marketing teams, boosting the generation of leads or better managing your customer loyalty program, by knowing your goals, you can more effectively assess whether a specific CRM is right for you.
  • How much implementation is involved? Cost alone isn’t enough to judge whether a CRM will bring the ROI you anticipate. Look at how much technical assistance will be required, especially during the implementation process.
  • How user-friendly is it? The adoption of any CRM platform isn’t complete until the people who use it are confident in its operation. For this reason, it’s imperative that you ask how much training your staff will need.
  • What security features does it have? A good deal of valuable data is at the heart of today’s CRM systems, so be sure to consider what security features come with any platform you’re considering.

CRM Selection Criteria

Here are the key selection criteria you’d be smart to ensure your CRM possesses:

  • Mobility: Your staff will want to engage with the CRM platform across a wide variety of devices. Be sure it allows for full mobility and is ready to work when they are.
  • Customization: No two businesses are exactly the same, so your CRM should allow for a level of customization that makes it your own.
  • Compatibility: To be sure your CRM works seamlessly with the programs and tools you’re already running, be certain of its compatibility.
  • Reporting: Check that the CRM’s reporting capabilities will give you quick and easy access to the data you need — when you need it.
  • Dashboard: Your staff comes face-to-face with your CRM on its dashboard, which needs to be user-friendly and fully accessible.

How the Right CRM Can Help Your Business

To make more out of every lead, forecast your future sales more accurately and better manage everything from sales to marketing, you want an all-in-one CRM solution that you and your staff will embrace. At LeadMaster, we understand the support that’s needed for a successful CRM implementation. That’s why we offer a no-strings-attached, 30-day FREE trial of our CRM system, which is designed around ease-of-use, affordability, security and, best of all, results.

For more information and expert answers to all your CRM questions, contact us today.