10 Important Features to Consider For a CRM System Purchase
As you might expect, leading CRM solutions will offer a wide variety of features, ranging from a complex contact management system to a task list and project management offering. But, choosing the CRM that is right for your company starts by identifying your business requirements and effectively matching them against the offering provided by each solution.
In other words, there is no single CRM system that is right for every business. You should always consider the core purpose of your CRM system and match it to the specific needs of your business.
By conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the various CRM systems available, you will be able to identify the key features that are necessary for the successful operation of your business. Consequently, by clearly understanding your specific requirements and needs, you can accurately identify the best CRM for you.
With that in mind, the common features found in customer relationship management software include the following:
How to Find the Best CRM System For Your Business
1. Workflow Automation
One of the most important features that you should consider when selecting the best CRM for your business. They support sales automation, thereby allowing your business to become much more efficient.
A highly automated workflow that includes predefined workflows depending on the action that is triggered. These predefined workflows include:
- Standard – Linking together related steps in your processes based on user input.
- Detailed – The ability to record tasks, capture detailed information, and track activities.
- Custom – Allows users to create custom workflows for specific processes.
With the workflow feature, you will be able to automate tedious tasks, utilize the information of your customers and prospects, and better utilize the data.
2. Customization
CRM software can be highly customized based on your business needs. This allows you to access a wide variety of features including an array of reports and dashboards, analytics and business intelligence, email marketing and marketing automation, and much more.
In fact, you should always choose a software solution that allows you to modify the default fields to meet any business-specific needs that you might require.
3. Third-Party Integration
When it comes time to select the best Customer Relationship Managemen software for your business, you should always consider the level of integration between the software and other applications that you use.
Of course, there are several companies that offer high-quality CRM solutions. However, it is important to understand that in order to seamlessly integrate with your existing business procedures and software, it is highly recommended that you work with a CRM software provider that is considered to be a leader in the production of cutting-edge applications.
4. Customer Service
In addition to choosing a software solution that is highly customized, it is also important to ensure that you select a CRM provider that offers exceptional customer service.
Some of the key areas that you should focus on include:
- Quick Response Time
- Excellence in Technical Support
- Knowledgeable Customer Service Representatives
- Access to a Dedicated Account Manager
The best customer service goes beyond simply providing technical support with a high level of skill and professionalism. In fact, the best customer service will assist you in understanding the features and functions of the CRM software, allowing you to quickly and easily implement the system into your business procedures.
5. Employee Tracking
In addition to providing a platform for managing all aspects of the client relationship, employee tracking is the most vital feature in a CRM, with some features that might include:
- Time Tracking
- Assignment Tracking
- Project Tracking
- Task Tracking
6. Customizable Dashboard
Allows you to track the progress of multiple campaigns, projects, and tasks within one convenient location.
This allows you to easily manage your business by providing a single location to access all the information that you require.
7. Social Media
The latest examples of how technology has changed how we communicate with clients, partners, and colleagues.
The social media feature, which allows for the communication of information via a variety of social media platforms including Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+, and more, gives you the unique opportunity to connect with your customers and clients on a more personal level.
8. Lead Management
A crucial part of any successful business and CRM system, as it allows you to capture, nurture, and convert your leads into paying customers.
As you might expect, various CRM vendors will offer a different selection of lead management features, ranging from an automated lead scoring and prioritization system to specific lead forms and a lead nurturing functionality.
The best CRM for your business should always allow you to capture leads via your website, email, and social media. In addition, the CRM will also include a lead qualification system that allows you to identify the leads that are most likely to become paying customers.
9. Real-Time Data
Conducting business today does not require you to solely rely on physical locations for the collection of data, as you can now access information in real-time from anywhere in the world.
With that in mind, make sure that the crm that you choose to use is highly reliable and offers real-time access to the information that is stored within the system.
The real-time data feature allows you to access the complete history of all your interactions, leads, and projects within the CRM system, thereby ensuring that you can respond quickly to all aspects of your business.
10. CRM Analytics
The role of analytics has been enhanced by CRM software, as the system will provide you with the capability to better manage your business by providing you with an accurate, in-depth analysis of your activities and performance.
The analytics feature will provide you with deeper insights into your sales pipeline, the performance of your marketing campaigns, the profitability of your sales team, the effectiveness of your lead management process, the status of your projects, and much more.
The Bottom Line
Whatever features you think suit your business, there is no question that CRM software is the key to improving your business as a whole. After all, it provides you with the ability to better manage your leads, contacts, and customers, while also allowing you to better leverage the information stored within the system.
A comprehensive CRM solution will also allow you to automate your sales and marketing activities, thereby allowing you to manage your business more efficiently. By utilizing a CRM software solution, you will be able to review the data more efficiently, identify new opportunities, and maximize the productivity of your sales and marketing teams. Are You Looking for the Best Small Business CRM?
LeadDial is a leading and most trusted CRM solution for small and mid-sized businesses. We offer the best sales CRM, which is a comprehensive and complete system that is user-friendly and easy to implement. With this, you can gain the flexibility to choose the right tools to meet your business needs.
If you would like to know more about how LeadDial can help you achieve your business goals and create a better future for you and your team, contact us today!