Tired of trying to do everything single-handed? It’s easy to feel that way as a small business owner. Even though it isn’t huge, it requires a lot of work to keep it going.
Keeping up relationships with your customers is vital for keeping your business alive. Luckily, you don’t have to do it alone. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software can help you stay on top of things.
But which program should you choose, and how can you make it cost-effective? Keep reading to learn more. Here’s everything you need to know about getting the best small business CRM software without breaking the bank.
CRM: A Basic Rundown
You’ve probably heard about CRM before. To refresh your memory, here’s a breakdown of what you can do with this type of software:
- Assess and measure how your customers feel about your products or services
- Carry out sales tasks automatically
- Collect and analyze important data
- Manage contacts
- Automate your overall workflow
- Store and protect customer information
Many of your day-to-day but oh-so-important tasks can be handled and even automated when you use a CRM. This saves you time and lets you focus on other things that can’t be handled by software.
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Working With Budget Restrictions
Since you don’t run a huge operation, you probably don’t have a whole lot of money that’s just waiting to be spent. That means you need a CRM option that’s affordable.
Buying a CRM program outright can be pricey. That’s not your only option, though. Instead, you can pay for the service on a month-to-month basis.
Make sure you understand the true cost of using the program before you proceed. You may see a CRM advertised for $50 per month. What sounds like an amazing deal could be misleading.
CRM programs have a per month per user cost. That means if you have three users, your price per month would actually be $150, not $50, which makes quite a difference.
Affordable options do exist in the CRM world. Just do your research and you’ll find which ones offer the prices that are best for you.
Start by deciding how much of your budget you can dedicate to CRM each month and how many users you need, then go from there.
Finding the Right Fit
Budget restrictions aside, you need to find a CRM that fits your business. Different types exist and each software program is different than another.
So how do you know which to choose? Here are a few things you should consider before you make a purchase.
CRM Types
There are three types of CRMs. One type may be better for your business than another, so consider your business needs as you compare these options.
Collaborative CRM focuses on creating great communication between you and your customers. If you have a communication-heavy business, this may be the right type for you.
Other CRM software is more operational and focuses on getting the job done efficiently. Use this type of software to help find new leads, automate marketing tasks, and build campaigns.
Analytical CRM analyzes information to help you succeed. This is helpful for marketing, purchasing, and more.
Finding the One That’s Best for You
There are three CRMs that we recommend to businesses. Out of the three, GetResponse is by far our favourite.
However, the choice of which CRM is best for you really depends on your business. In order to find your best option, you’ll have to run some comparisons.
Here are some things you should consider when choosing a CRM:
Security
Your CRM must be secure. Otherwise, you should never store customer data using the program. In order to keep your customers, you’ve got to protect the data they give you, so look for effective security features when comparing software programs.
Customization
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to businesses. Your business is unlike any other, so your CRM should be able to work with that.
The program you choose should allow for customization. This will allow you to create your perfect fit.
Feature to Cost Ratio
The overall features you’ll see will differ from program to program. One might have every bell and whistle you can think of. Because of that, it may not be in your price range.
Consider what you’d get for your money in each situation. If you only need a few features and there’s a low-cost program that has them and is high-quality, that’s the right fit for you.
There’s no need to pay for more than you need. You may find that you’re willing to pay a bit more if the quality is better, though.
Reviews and Ratings
Look for reviews and ratings for each CRM you’re considering. They’ll give you a look into the real customer experience.
Simplicity
Whichever CRM you decide to go with, it should be easy to use. Adding the software to your business should make things easier for you, not more difficult.
Choose a program that’s easy to use and easy to learn. That way, implementation will go much more smoothly.
Find Your Best Small Business CRM Software Today
There’s a lot to consider when looking for the best small business CRM software, but it doesn’t have to take up all your time. You can narrow things pretty quickly once you’ve set a budget and decided what your basic needs are.
Keep your business and these points in mind and you’re sure to find a great fit. Once you do, you’ll be on your way to better business management.
We can help you take care of all your CRM needs. Check out our services to see what we can do for you!