Did you know that the global customer relationship management (CRM) segment was worth $61.57 billion last year? CRM software helps with lead generation and customer retention. So, if your company isn’t currently using at least one of these apps, you need to ask yourself, “why?”
According to one source, about nine of 10 companies with more than 10 employees use a CRM. But it’s also something smaller businesses can use, whether they’re sales professionals selling pharmaceutical products or real estate agents selling homes. The same source adds the following:
- CRMs can boost sales by as much as 29%
- CRMs can increase conversion rates by up to 300%
- The average amount of time needed to achieve an ROI on a CRM purchase is 13 months
Almost three out of every four customers say that customer experience is a critical factor in their buying decisions. Customer relationship management is a must–rather than merely a value-added bonus.
Are you interested in learning about apps that’ll help make customer relationship management a breeze this year and beyond? Consider the following options.
Salesforce
Salesforce provides CRM software and apps designed to help businesses grow their sales pipeline, improve customer service, and facilitate data-backed marketing decisions. It offers functions like:
- Workflow creation
- Task management
- Contact management
- Customer engagement tools
- Collaboration tools
- Opportunity tracking
The company’s full suite of tools, called Customer 360, is designed to unite customer sales, marketing, service, IT, and commerce units with a single, shared view of client data. Businesses can use these tools to build stronger relationships with clients and employees.
Salesforce should be on your shortlist of options if you’re looking for a CRM app.
Capsule
Capsule is a particularly appropriate CRM option if you have a small sales team. It’s easy to use and intuitive for the everyday user. Among other things, the app reminds companies to reach out to contacts they haven’t interacted with in a while, offers sharing and note-taking features, and allows for integrations with many popular tools that small and medium-sized businesses use.
Features include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Activity management
- Appointment management
- Assignment management
- Collaboration tools
- Customer database
- Configurable workflow
If you’re part of a small or medium-sized company, you can use Capsule to keep track of the customers and organizations you do business with. And you’ll be able to stay on top of the interactions and opportunities in your company’s pipeline.
Worried about buying a solution that puts your company in the proverbial straightjacket of conformity? The capsule has you covered. It provides many customization options to tailor the program to meet your company’s various needs. This includes custom fields, branding, and tag options. You’ll also be able to define sales processes with pipeline phase milestones.
Freshsales
Are you new to CRMs? If so, a solution like Freshsales might be an ideal way to dip your foot in the water before taking the plunge. It’s a CRM app that streamlines the CRM process for smaller companies. You’ll also have access to features such as the following:
- An AI assistant
- Lots of customization options
- Integrations that increase functionality
Freshsales is designed to meet the needs of your company’s sales department. In fact, the vendor has other CRMs with different focuses. Its Freshservice is intended for IT support, its Freshmarketer is designed for marketing teams, and its Freshdesk is intended for customer engagement workers. Read more about 3 Important Steps to Take When You Start a Business.
As for the Freshsales app, you can equip your sales department with a tool to streamline processes, close transactions sooner, and obtain more insight into clients.
Vtiger
Vtiger is another CRM app that should be on your shortlist of candidates. It features a wide array of tools, so the chances are good that it’ll meet your business’ CRM needs. You might find the learning curve a bit steeper than it is for other CRMs owning to Vtiger’s unique user interface. But based on reviews from satisfied clients, it’ll be worth the longer learning curve.
The app is designed to make the sales process faster and simpler. So, you’ll be able to do the following:
- Assign workflows
- Track progress
- Assess performance
Leveraging the app’s reporting and sales insights features, your staff members will be better able to meet customer needs.
And There’s a Whole Lot More
If you want to meet your clients’ needs, you need a CRM solution. Customers have options and won’t settle for what they perceive to be a shabby customer experience. Consider the CRM apps listed above. But the list is just a sample of what’s available. You’ll want to find one that fits your business needs, take it for a test drive via a demo, and then put it to work.
