What is CRM?
CRM stands for Customer Relationship Management.
It’s a sophisticated software platform that allows you to store and organise all of your customer information. This software platform comes in various forms so you can choose something that is best suited for your business. It will help you keep track of all your customers and their interactions with you.
The primary goal of CRM is to build and maintain strong and lasting customer relationships, drive sales, improve customer service, and make data-driven decisions to enhance their competitiveness in the market.
Why is CRM important for business?
In a highly competitive business landscape, where customer expectations are constantly evolving, CRM serves as a valuable tool to help businesses build lasting relationships, boost operational efficiency, and drive sustainable growth. CRM doesn’t just store your customer contact information; it allows you to add notes and observations, which can have an impact on future communications and marketing efforts. In addition, an efficient CRM platform will allow you to schedule emails, set automatic responses, send texts, and remind you to contact customers at a set time. CRM allows you to track your marketing productivity and see the return on investment. While products and services bring money into the business, customers are your most important assets. CRM helps you gain more leads and nurture them into becoming customers.
Who uses CRM?
The users of CRM systems span various roles and industries, all with the common goal of improving customer relationships, increasing efficiency, and driving business growth.
CRM can be used across different departments within an organisation including sales, marketing, customer service, HR, accounting, data analysis, account management and business development.
Some of the industries that commonly use CRM systems are real estate, healthcare, nonprofits, education, finance, manufacturing and government.
When all the important details are stored in one central location, you can quickly identify sales opportunities, marketing campaigns, and service issues.
Is it safe to store data in a cloud-based CRM?
Surely storing your data on a hard drive in your place of business has to be safer than in the cloud, right? Your work computer, terminal server and personal laptop are easy targets for cyber criminals, subject to a host of potential issues. From viruses to theft, your data is most vulnerable while in your possession. Cloud computing addresses this issue through constantly tested stringent data security, so that you don’t need to worry. With cloud-based CRM systems, your data has the same level of security as a multinational company, big bank, or a government organisation, at no extra cost. You never have to worry about theft or viruses because you operate your business out of an internet browser. If you lose your computer, you can simply log in on another one, with no interruption to your business!
How do you choose a CRM?
CRM Systems are available in different shapes and sizes to suit any business type, budget, use case and infrastructure. The options are limitless. If you are interested in a CRM system, contact us to help you on your way.
Can a CRM system integrate with our existing tools?
Yes, CRM systems are designed to integrate with a variety of existing tools and software that your business might already be using. Integrations help streamline workflows, improve data accuracy, and enhance overall efficiency.
Can CRM help improve customer service?
Absolutely, CRM systems can significantly improve customer service by providing tools and features that enhance communication, streamline processes, and allow businesses to better understand and meet customer needs.