It’s a hyper-competitive world out there and businesses that leverage data and CRM technology are not just surviving, they are thriving! If you want to improve your sales, those outdated methods like cold calling and manually tracking leads on a spreadsheet will simply not cut it. You might be thinking, you need to spend more money to increase sales by hiring more sales reps or investing in more training but that isn’t always the case.
Big or small, it’s data and technology that will help you keep up with the competition (and believe us, it’s fierce!) and leave them in the dust. So, let’s dive into how you can transform your sales strategy by embracing the power of data and CRM technology.
Using Data Analytics to Understand Trends
Data can be used for analytics and reveal trends and insights about your customer base and sales patterns. Your data is going to tell you what is driving the sales, where you might be falling flat and where you can improve.
For senior leaders reading this article, relying solely on intuition and instructing your team to “do more of X, Y and Z” without looking at the analytics is not an effective strategy.
WeDoCRM’s Recommendations:
Sales forecasting: Predict your future sales by looking at the historical data and identifying trends. If you’re in retail, for example, you can see which products are likely to be popular or when seasonal demand shifts are coming. This way, you can stock up on those bestsellers and be fully prepared. You’ll meet your customer needs and boost those sales = easy!
Look at the Bottlenecks: What is your data telling you? Pinpoint where customers are dropping off in your sales funnel. Are they abandoning carts at a certain point? This is a good example of a weak point that you can address with targeted CRM strategies.
Using Customer Data for Personalisation
Personalisation is no longer a luxury — it’s an expectation. We are emotional beings and personal connections go a long way. We expect tailored experiences that speak directly to us and to help our needs and preferences. With the amount of data available, you can personalise interactions from email marketing to product recommendations.
WeDoCRM’s Recommendations:
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Systems: We aren’t just saying it because we do CRM, but by using a CRM system to collect and analyse your data, you can look at your customer behaviours and buying habits. This can help you make data-driven decisions for your next marketing campaigns which we will talk about in our next point.
Personalised Marketing Campaigns: Sending personalised messages can be done by segmenting your audience based on their interests and actions. For example, if someone has purchased a product you can send them recommendations for similar products they might like.
Want to know more about personalisation? You can find out more including good and bad examples in our article “What is Personalisation and How is it Used Today?”
Automate Your Sales Processes
We always recommend looking for ways to improve your sales team’s performance and productivity. Technology has made it so much easier to free up time for the team so that they can focus on building relationships and closing deals. Whether you are using a CRM or ESP system, it’s time to embrace your technology with automation. With this in place, your team can work smarter, build better relationships and increase those sales numbers.
WeDoCRM Recommends:
CRM Integration: What system do you currently use? Does it have good automation features? CRMs like HubSpot or Salesforce can automate follow-up emails, set reminders for sales reps, and track every interaction a prospect has with your company. This keeps your sales team organised and ensures no lead slips through the cracks.
Automated Email Campaigns: Another thing we recommend is to set up drip campaigns that nurture leads through your sales funnel. Based on a user’s interaction with your emails or website, you can send content that is relevant to the right person at the right time, hopefully getting them to make that purchase!
Adopt Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Sales Insights
AI is transforming how businesses approach sales by offering more sophisticated analysis and insights. It’s all about AI, everyone is talking about it and how to implement it. If you’re not staying up to date with the latest in AI, you are missing out on a massive opportunity. With the right tools, you can generate leads.
WeDoCRM’s Recommends:
Chatbots for Sales Assistance: AI-driven chatbots can engage with customers on your website, answer questions, and even assist with the sales process. According to MIT Technology Review, 90% of businesses have seen a significant boost in handling complaints thanks to the speed and personalisation these tools offer. This provides a seamless customer experience and keeps your leads engaged 24/7. It is always a winner and can assist with most things while you are sitting at home having a cuppa.
Want to know more about the power of AI’s integration into CRM? Read our article “AI and CRM: Enhancing Personalisation and Customer Experience.“
Want to Take Your Sales to the Next Level?
All the points above can give your sales a major lift. However, another thing to remember is not to overlook the power of excellent customer service! By genuinely considering your customers’ needs and improving their overall experience, you are building loyalty – which in turn leads to higher sales. Win-win.
We are proud to say we work with brands all over the world with their sales processes. Our mission is to give CRM teams and organisations, across the B2B and D2C spectrum, the support and expertise they need to drive high-impact CRM operations that drive sustainable revenue. Get in touch with us today and see how we can help you.
