With so many CRM platforms out there, from the big shots to the quirky, niche ones it can be hard to know where to start. But no matter the size or how fancy the features sound, if your CRM isn’t helping you manage customer relationships from start to finish, what’s the point? Check out our list of must-haves, because if your CRM isn’t doing the ‘R’ or the ‘M,’ it’s just another random piece of software.
A CRM that is Easy to Use, Grows with You and is Affordable
Small businesses don’t have time (or an IT team) to deal with anything complicated, which is why your CRM should be easy as pie. Think drag-and-drop features, simple dashboards and a system that is quick to learn and won’t make you pull your hair out. A clunky interface and confusing workflow is just a one-way ticket to a team being frustrated, time and a lack of productivity, and no one wants that! Make sure you take your shortlisted CRMs for a test drive before you make it official.
As your business grows, your CRM should grow with you. you might only need basic features right now, but you should look for a system that offers advanced tools and can scale as you expand, otherwise, you will be right back where you started in 6 months time. Affordability matters too. Look for CRMs that offer free plans or tiered pricing with essential features. Choose one that fits your budget today, but can grow with you tomorrow!
WeDoCRM’s Tips: Unsure of what CRM to go for? Starting a small business is tough enough without stressing over how to manage your customer relationships. You know a CRM can give you that extra boost, but how do you pick the right one? In our article “How to Choose a CRM for Small Business” we’ll walk you through understanding what your business really needs and how to find a CRM that fits – both in terms of functionality and budget.
Goodbye to Spreadsheets, Hello to a Powerful Contact Management Tool
Remember when we had address books by the landline, and that was a thing we considered organised? Fast forward to now, and we have spreadsheets but even that is like a digital address book that has no value apart from storing information. A CRM is where it’s at for relationship management, and contact management is its bread and butter. Contact management is usually the most common feature of a standard CRM, many let you customise your contact records to include all the quirky details your business needs. So, say goodbye to chaos and if you are still using spreadsheets, a minute on the naughty step for you! Say hello to a CRM that knows exactly who’s who in your address book.
WeDoCRM’s Tips: Still stuck in the spreadsheet era? Check out the article “Why you should move from spreadsheets to a CRM system.” Whether you love or hate them, spreadsheets just don’t have the features of dedicated CRM software.
Task / Calendar Management and the Power of Automation
Gone are the days of sticky Post-it notes being all over the place – technology has come a long way since then. Whether you love being organised or need a little nudge now and then, a CRM with built-in task and calendar management is the best digital assistant. It will help schedule those appointments, set reminders and make sure nothing falls through those cracks! Most small businesses also rely heavily on email for communication. We recommend looking for a CRM that syncs with tools that you are already using, this can be from Google Calendar or Outlook.
So you have your tasks and calendar looked after, but let’s talk about something even more valuable: TIME. For small businesses, time is everything and while we don’t have octopus arms to get everything done, there is a wonderful little thing called automation, and trust us it’s the best. Alongside your organised tasks and calendar, automation can follow up on emails, update contact records and assign tasks to your team without you having to lift a finger. You might even get a chance to squeeze in a cheeky coffee. The more you can automate repetitive tasks the more time you have. When choosing a CRM, make sure automation features are high on your list, you won’t regret it!
Track your Leads and Manage your Sales Pipeline
Growing a business isn’t just about getting leads, it’s about turning those leads into happy and loyal customers, that’s the real goal and where a CRM really shines. Need to follow up? Pipeline’s got your back. Wondering who’s close to sealing the deal? It’s all right there. For small businesses juggling a million things, this is like pure gold. Plus, with lead tracking, you can see every move your leads make, like having a crystal ball for your sales. Lead tracking is the backbone of any sales and marketing strategy. It helps you monitor every customer interaction, measure progress, and predict outcomes, because, after all, you can’t improve what you can’t measure. And speaking of measuring, let’s talk about reporting.
Making Decisions from Reporting and Analytics
The best CRM software pulls data from all areas such as sales, marketing, and customer service—into one place. While most CRMs offer basic sales reports, it’s even better if they can give you a single, easy-to-use dashboard for all your key metrics. That way, you can see everything at a glance without juggling different tools. We love advanced forecasting and insights because they help you make smarter decisions and spot areas that need a little extra attention. When you’re picking a CRM, check out their reporting options, things like sales or profitability reports, to make sure it’ll help your business keep thriving.
A CRM Should Make Your Life Easier
So when it comes to choosing a CRM for your small business, don’t just settle for the shiny bells and whistles, go for the essentials that actually make your life easier. From automating tasks so you can sip your coffee in peace, to tracking leads and making great business decisions, your CRM should be a tool you can rely heavily on in business. Spreadsheets? They’ve had their moment, but it’s time to upgrade. A CRM that’s user-friendly, scalable, and affordable is the basics, we hope we have helped you determine what you need to tick off when looking for yours.
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