Don’t make these CRM migration mistakes
Are you thinking of getting a new CRM platform? It’s more than just moving data around. Think of it like finding the perfect pair of shoes – you want the right fit!
With 66% of businesses switching to a new CRM due to lacking essential features, the CRM migration services we offer are becoming more and more popular.
Whilst migrating your CRM can offer massive benefits, which we have written about previously in our CRM migration checklist for success, it also brings challenges and risks, and avoiding mistakes in this process can be crucial. (Don’t worry, we’re going to go through how to avoid the scary stuff now.)
Selecting the right CRM platform
First things first, take your time to explore as many CRM platforms as possible. Look at what they can and can’t do. Consider factors like customisation, integration, user interface, how it can be scaled, and the support services they can offer.
Another important consideration and a common misunderstanding is whether you’re truly selecting a CRM platform, as some options are Email Service Providers or Marketing Automation Platforms. (This is a topic for another day and a rabbit hole we won’t go into right now.)
You may be wondering, “Aren’t they essentially the same?” While they do share similarities it’s important to note that they all have different purposes!
Quick examples:
- CRM – Salesforce & Hubspot
- ESP – Braze & Klaviyo
- MAP – Iterable & Customer io
We’ve prioritised this as the first step because it’s one of the most critical. Surprisingly, it’s often overlooked. Choosing the wrong platform can lead to data disasters, frustration, and a complete waste of time. Do your homework, look at any deal-breakers, and compare each platform with what you need – otherwise, you’ll end up trying to fit a square peg in a round hole and that’s never fun.
Challenges and solutions
Here are some classic blunders people make during a CRM migration. Knowing these challenges can help you dodge them and guarantee a smooth transition to your shiny new system.
Technical limitations: Each system has its own technical setup, so bear in mind that transitioning to a new software won’t be exactly like your current process. For example, moving data to Salesforce Marketing Cloud might involve using XQL, which is more complex but offers greater data flexibility. On the other hand, there are other platforms where you’re limited to front-end segmentation and may need more help to combine data. The good news is that we’re experts at finding solutions for such challenges. It’s what we do!
Dirty data: Having data that is inaccurate or incomplete creates another challenge during a CRM migration. Salesforce says that 91% of CRM data is incomplete. This leads to mistakes that make integrating systems harder with slower user adoption and generally just cause MASSIVE delays to the whole process. Our client GoHenry nailed this during their migration project and is the perfect example of how to handle data effectively. They kept detailed documentation, including spreadsheets with migration details and field names. They also listed all journeys with designated names. This documentation during the migration was crucial, making the migration process much smoother.
Managing expectations and timeframes: When preparing for a migration, setting clear timelines and expectations is key. But let’s be honest, it’s not always a seamless process. Migrations can be complex, but sticking to your plan and following the steps mentioned above, can help avoid delays and streamline implementation.
The time it takes to complete the migration varies based on how complicated your data is and the technical know-how of your team. We’ve handled projects that took anywhere from six weeks to four months. So if you need an extra pair of hands to get it done faster, give us a shout.
Staff training: What is the point of migrating if you don’t know how to use it? Once the migration is done, don’t forget about training your team on the new system. It’s an important step that often gets overlooked!
Are you ready for CRM migration?
If you’re thinking where do I start? Never fear! We’ve crafted this CRM migration starter guide to offer you a straightforward, step-by-step approach. From the basics to advanced strategies, it’s designed to assist you at the start of your CRM migration journey.
No matter the obstacle, we’re committed to finding solutions. While there may be limitations, we’re here to assist and ensure a smooth transition. Remember patience, preparation, and a positive attitude! Rest assured, we’ll always chart a path forward.
