10 Factors to Consider When Choosing a CRM System
A good CRM system is essential to managing your customers. But how do you find a good one? Here are 9 factors you should always consider.
CRM is quickly proving an integral part of doing business. Currently, 91% of businesses with over ten employees use a CRM system.
But exactly what is a CRM system? It's a software solution whose work is to help businesses manage customer relationships. At a time when customer experience is vital, it's impossible to overemphasise the importance of CRM.
Currently, there are numerous CRM system examples, but not all of them are equal. So, how do you choose the best one for you?
Read on to find out.
1. The Company's Needs
The first factor to consider is the needs of your company. What are you looking for in a CRM? Do you need something simple, or do you need something more complex?
There is no right answer here—it all depends on your specific needs. Take some time to sit down and think about what you need from a CRM before deciding.
2. Level of Customisation
As we hinted earlier, the needs of one organisation will be different from the needs of another. This difference is what necessitates customisation in the CRM industry.
When you're looking at CRMs, find out how customisable they are. Can you tailor the interface to match your company's branding? Can you add or remove features to better suit your needs?
If a CRM isn't customisable, it might not be the right fit for your company.
That said, too much customisation can be a bad thing. If a CRM is overly complex, it can be challenging to use. It's crucial to find a balance between customisation and simplicity.
3. User-Friendliness
The CRM solution you get will be used by employees who aren't necessarily tech geeks. It needs to be user-friendly and easy to understand, or it will be of little benefit to your business.
When looking at CRMs, pay attention to how intuitive they are. Is the interface straightforward? Can users figure out how to do what they need to without too much difficulty?
Veer away from CRMs that require a lot of training to use – they'll end up being more trouble than they're worth.
4. Ease of Set-Up
Setting up software can be a pain, but some CRMs are easier to set up than others. If you don't have time or resources to dedicate to setting up a complex CRM, look for something simple and easy to get started with.
It's also important to consider how much support is available when setting up the CRM. Some companies offer great customer support, while others will leave you to fend for yourself.
5. Security
At a time when cybersecurity threats are more prevalent than ever, choose a CRM that takes security seriously. Find out what security features are available and ensure they're up to your standards.
One of the must-have security features of a CRM is data encryption. This ensures that your data is safe and secure, even if it falls into the wrong hands.
Another security consideration is user authentication. Make sure that only authorised users can access your CRM data.
The best CRM systems also have regular data backups to protect against data loss.
6. Scalability
If you're planning on growing your business, you need to ensure that your CRM can grow with you.
Find out if the CRM you're considering can accommodate more users as your company grows. Can it handle increased data volume? Can new features be added as needed?
7. Metrics and Reporting
A good CRM will provide you with valuable insights into your business. It should be able to track key metrics and generate reports that help you make informed decisions.
Some of the things you might want to track include sales data, customer engagement, and marketing campaigns. The CRM you choose needs to be able to generate these reports.
8. Mobile Accessibility
In today's world, your CRM is accessible from mobile devices. More and more people are conducting business on their smartphones, so you need to ensure that your CRM can keep up.
Look for a CRM with a mobile app or responsive to mobile browsers. This way, your employees will be able to access the CRM from anywhere, at any time.
9. CRM System Integration
You already have other systems in place, and you don't want to have to replace them all just to get a CRM.
Ensure that the CRM you choose can integrate with the other systems you're using. This way, you can avoid disruptions to your workflow.
Some of the most popular systems that CRMs need to integrate include accounting software, email platforms, and customer support systems.
10. Your Budget
It's only natural that you have an estimate of how much you're willing to spend on a CRM. Find something that fits your budget and has the features you need. Remember, you may also be able to find a free CRM system with decent features.
Generally, a top-grade CRM will hardly come cheap. But that doesn't mean you should break the bank while getting a CRM that will serve your company's needs. Compare different vendors and get the best value for your money.
Choose the Best CRM System for Your Needs
When it comes to choosing a CRM solution, many things to consider. Not every business is the same, so not every CRM system will be the perfect fit for your company. That's why it's important to understand all of the factors that go into deciding this to get the best value for your money.
Would you like professional help with your CRM needs? Schedule a call with us today and learn how we can help.
