Managing the customer relationship, which bears the acronym CRM (Customer Relationship Management) is a strategy to identify its customers to improve its retention strategy. Software vendors have developed specialized software that simplifies tracking customers.
This software, used properly, allow to increase company profits, save time by promoting the automation of certain tasks, improve business responsiveness face some problems such as declining numbers of sales and increase the loyalty of existing customers. However, the plethora of software available on the market do not make the easy choice. Here are 10 tips for choosing a CRM software for your needs and your financial capacity
1 - Evaluate your needs
Should not engage in the
purchase of CRM software as a fashion or because a business has you convincing demonstrations. Do not imagine that just buy a CRM software to massively increase the number of its customers. The first step is to assess your needs in terms of customer relationship management . The goals you set for yourself to improve the management of your customer relationships are clear . Assign each of your goals a coefficient depending on the importance you give him. It is upstream we must ask the question of whether there is a CRM software that can meet your expectations.
2 - Choosing a software with easy handling
Some publishers offer CRM software tailored to certain sectors . These programs therefore require less customization, compared to some more general software that adaptation requires extensive IT knowledge. Moreover, it should be ensured that the provider supports the customization. This precaution has the advantage of reducing the cost of deploying the software .
3 - Check that the selected software is scalable
This is very important in the current context that is marked by a very rapid evolution of information technology and communication. It should be able to choose a CRM be operational for several years by adapting to changes in your competitive industry and economic environment . CRM able to interact with the web has become nowadays essential . Ideally, these changes can be made internally by your staff. Ignore these tips and
choose a CRM could cause improper changes recurring CRM devices.
4 - Make sure that the CRM software is compatible with your system information
A
good CRM software should be able to s' integrate with the computer system of the company . It must be compatible with the software messaging and managements of the company. The selected software should therefore accept data formats produced by different management systems of the company. This integration will avoid re-keying and formatting tedious.
5 - Slice between the internal mode and external mode when installing a CRM
In the external mode , the application is installed on a remote server. The company employees are accessing via the Internet. The choice of this mode will be free of maintenance tasks and duties related to the use of the software . In the internal mode , the application is installed on a server internal to the company. The main advantage is then increased protection of confidential data .
6 - Opting for a publisher that offers a free trial
CRM software will administer a strategic sector for your business. We must therefore ensure (through the test period) that the selected software is that you expected. It would be unfortunate to choose a suitable CRM to your structure. Some publishers allow you to try their software for periods of up to six months .
7 - Choose a vendor that offers several CRM solutions
The
disadvantage with a seller who has only one CRM software is that it will try by all means (without commercial arguments) to sell you their product. By choosing a vendor that offers multiple solutions and many uses, and you have the advantage of comparing before choosing .
8 - Choose a software adapted to the size of your business
At the first level of customer relationship management, is managing contacts. At the second level, there is a contact management associated with a shared database. The last level includes, in addition to the features already mentioned, monitoring sales and opportunities. The first level is sufficient for very small businesses, while the last level will provide a broader multinational institutions and functional scope.
9 - Prepare staff
Task automation is often seen by staff as a threat . It would be regrettable that you would take the trouble to choose the right software and the latter is boycotted by the staff. It is therefore evangelize minds before confirming any purchase .
10 - Controlling costs
CRM software requires various interventions before being fully operational . Should not only focus on the cost of acquiring the software. There must be a budget that includes estimated costs of customization, maintenance, training and all the necessary operations deployment of CRM. The estimated budget will be spread over three years. It is only after this stage that can be compared objectively different solutions on the market .
