Customer relationship management has changed over the years, but it’s more important today that any point in the past. The fact is that consumers have more ways to share experiences, positive or negative, with others. For that reason alone, it makes sense to select your CRM software for small business with care. If you need a few more, consider these qualities that must be present in any software package that you decide to use.
Easy Synchronization and Management of Your Contacts
Keeping information up to date on clients can be a full-time job all by itself. That’s especially true if you have authorized contacts that have moved from one company to another one. There maybe several places in the system that require updating when this happens. The same is true when you need to add new contacts under the umbrella of a specific company.
Ideally, the CRM software should allow you to enter the updates or new information once and then have it populate through the rest of the system. This approach helps to reduce the risk of data entry errors that could occur from having to manually make changes in multiple fields or software programs. When the CRM software can talk to the accounting software and update data with ease, you save a lot of time.
Simple Creation of Direct Mail, Email, and Text Campaigns
CRM software that makes it easy to create distribution lists for direct mail, email, and text campaigns also saves time and effort. Provided the data is current, it’s an easy way to alert clients of flash sales, special discounts, or manage new product announcements. When the software allows you to designate which clients have authorized you to use which method of contact, it’s easy to ensure no one receives notifications that they don’t want.
How can this help? The ability to create a quick campaign and send it out quickly translates into faster responses. With email or text campaigns, you might begin to see orders the same day. Keep in mind email and text notifications are easy to share, meaning clients are more likely to forward them to others in their networks that may be interested in what you’re selling.
Uncomplicated Management of Your Sales Funnel
While there are different models for a sales funnel, all of them tend to make it easier to track the migration from a raw lead to a prospect to a customer. A funnel also makes it easier to know what sort of contacts and tasks should be done soon in order to keep the contact interested.
The right CRM software for small business makes it easier to monitor activity at each stage of the funnel. You get alerts that tell you when to make a phone call, send an email, or otherwise take some action that’s aimed at ultimately converting the prospect into a customer. Best of all, it’s easy to run reports that help you structure the day and ensure nothing is overlooked.
Around the Clock Responses for Your Clientele
While you may not have anyone in the office outside of typical business hours, that doesn’t mean client have to wait for some sort of acknowledgment. Your software can detect emails and other contacts that occur when no one is around or even while you’re helping other clients. The software can respond with an acknowledgment that lets the client know the message was received and that someone will be back in contact within a defined period of time.
Consider the other features that the right CRM package must contain in order to cultivate and retain your customer base. The right choice will serve you well for a long time.
