Customer relationship management (CRM) software can help manage all interactions with a lead or customer, improve customer service, and organize your processes, which leads to improved efficiencies. Often, this process is automated and provides some structure to the process that supports both growth and enhances customer satisfaction.
CRM software keeps all interactions between a company and its customers within a single, centralized platform. Whether these conversations happen via phone, chat, email, or social media, it’s logged into the CRM, so businesses can see each conversation at a glance.
Here are 8 key benefits a CRM can bring your business:
monday.com
| Base price: | $15 per user, per month |
| Free trial length: | 14 days |
| Free plan available? | Yes, for up to two users |
at monday.com
Pros
- Unlimited customizable pipelines, boards, and documents
- Web forms for capturing leads
- Customizable notifications
Cons
- Lacks lead and deal management features
- Limited to 5GB storage per user
- No two-way email integration with Gmail or Outlook on the Basic CRM Plan
at monday.com
1. Better customer relationships
When all customer interactions are centralized, representatives can see all conversations at a glance, which helps minimize frustrations. For example, if a dog food sales rep learns that a customer’s dog has passed away, it’s probably not a good idea to send a birthday email wishing the dog a happy birthday. It can, however, serve to foster that relationship by sending a condolence email and offering to pause emails until they’re ready again, such as when they adopt another dog.
2. Streamlines conversations
If a lead has already booked a sales demo, it makes little sense for sales representatives to keep calling the customer to schedule a demo. By having a CRM, these reps can see at a glance where a customer is in the sales pipeline and avoid irrelevant and annoying follow-ups.
3. Task automation
Some CRM systems offer automation, often using artificial intelligence (AI), which helps increase efficiencies across all workflows. For example, if a customer makes a purchase, the CRM can assign a post-sales sequence to a specific team to follow up with the customer automatically, reducing the risk of a return or chargeback and increasing customer satisfaction.
4. Increases productivity
If you’ve ever tried to keep track of sales conversations by hand, you’ve probably spent a lot of unnecessary time trying to sort through contacts. A CRM system can organize your leads by priority, allowing you to focus on hotter leads first.
5. Allows for data-driven decisions
With access to analytics, it’s easier to make better decisions based on real data from every interaction made within the company. This data can identify trends and can help forecast future needs, allowing companies to make adjustments to all processes that impact customer interactions.
6. Improves customer segmentation
A CRM lets businesses categorize customers into different groups, such as demographic data, engagement, how warm they are as a lead, and by purchase history. This allows you to target your marketing efforts and personalize customer service better, which can increase conversions and customer loyalty.
7. Allows for better reporting
With detailed reports and dashboards, teams can see a visual representation of sales, customer service, and marketing efforts. It allows for better decisions based on real performance data such as customer lifetime value (CLV) and churn rates.
8. Mobile accessibility
For industries where you have sales reps making house calls, accessing customer information on the go is important. It can also help reps who make business-to-business (B2B) meetings remotely.
The takeaway
The adoption of CRM software has the potential to reshape your customer interactions completely and increase operational efficiencies across the board. Using a CRM can increase customer relationships, allow for smooth communication, automate tasks, improve productivity, and help make better decisions. By delivering actionable insights, CRM systems help exceed customer expectations, which promotes loyalty and helps with business growth.
About the contributors
Katherine Haan is a former financial advisor turned small business coach. Katherine holds an MBA, and is a former staff writer for Fit Small Business. She is a regular contributor to Forbes and maintains a popular lifestyle and travel blog.
EDITORIAL DISCLOSURE: The advice, opinions, or rankings contained in this article are solely those of the Fortune Recommends™ editorial team. This content has not been reviewed or endorsed by any of our affiliate partners or other third parties.
