Every now and then when strategizing with a client about their business, we get a puzzled look from someone, expressing “what is a CRM?” CRM, is an abbreviation for Customer Relationship Management, which dates back to the 1970s when companies began using computers to track interactions with their customers. In fact, while working for Accenture in 2001 I was on the development team designing and developing a custom CRM system for AT&T. This new platform was able to merge all client data from old legacy systems into one customer portal.
Back in the day, CRM software was not purchased off the shelf… it was 100% custom built for the business needs. With current technology today, there are plenty of low-cost, yet powerful options. S9 Digital always discusses a CRM during an initial digital transformation strategy meeting with our clients.
CRM Systems for Small Businesses and Enterprises
Most businesses today use some form of CRM, such as a simple single-user setup or a true enterprise-class software configuration. Originally serving as a basic database for customer names and contact information, systems evolved over the past 20 years to include highly-specialized industry functions, interfaces, extensive data analytics, and API integrations. A quick Google search will reveal thousands of CRM products. Although some solutions provide general customer tracking, many offer industry-specific CRM systems. Such as a platform to handle real estate, finance, mortgage, investment, or even insurance industry data.
The Purpose of CRM Systems
A CRM system provides a way to organize and optimize a businesses customer information and activities supporting customer relations. That is, the software can store contacts, notes, activities and far more – for customers or prospects. That data can be made accessible to sales teams, support staff, management, accounting departments or anyone else who needs access. A CRM system today is often the hub for a business, driving nearly all marketing, sales, support, and accounting operations. It becomes a highly valuable component of the business. So a CRM can serve as lead management, customer service, billing or any number of other functions.
Do You NEED a CRM System?
If your company doesn’t already use a CRM System, perhaps you may want to consider one to help you collect valuable business data in a single location, while making it accessible to your team across locations and devices. If your company is growing, a central customer database becomes essential. Finding a CRM solution that addresses all your unique requirements can be a daunting task (remember there are thousands of CRM systems!) Start by developing a wish list of ideas that would streamline your customer management that you use in your evaluations. Once the CRM system is in place, you can focus on serving the needs of your prospects and customers. The CRM system helps you keep better track of the results.
Of course, there are tons of CRM systems out there, each with plenty of features to choose from.
Best Business CRMs on the Market Today
1.) HubSpot
The CRM from HubSpot is entirely free to use with the option of paying for extra marketing or sales modules. This is a great solution for small businesses on a tight budget. HubSpot’s CRM offers reliable basics such as logging emails, tracking deals, assigning tasks and building databases. The best thing about this system is that it supports unlimited users and storage. However, the reporting tools leave a lot to be desired, so you might have to use HubSpot Sales, which is free. Still, for a free package, it is super useful and reliable.
2.) Zoho
If you choose to use Zoho, you can opt for the Standard $12 per user/month plan, the Professional $20 per user/month plan, the Enterprise $35 per user/month plan, or the ultimate $100 per user/month plan, according to your needs and expectations. A flexible solution for small businesses, Zoho offers contact management, sales automation, social media integration and more. If you need more out of this CRM, you can use other compatible Zoho products such as web forms and customer support. Additionally, the practical mobile app gives you access to data on the go and allows you to locate leads on maps.
3.) Insightly
Insightly values versatility, which is why they offer 5 plans for their customers to choose from. There is a Free plan for up to 2 users, the Basic plan for $12 per user/month, the Plus plan for $29 per user/month, the Professional plan for $49 per user/month and the Enterprise plan for $99 per user/month. A powerful CRM, Insightly emphasizes project management. It allows you to assign tasks, establish milestones, define schedules, create reports, make notes, attach files and much more. The sales management features include mass email support and social networking integration.
4.) Salesforce
Salesforce is the big player of the CRM world, with mature products, trailblazing features, and an unbeatable installed user base. The Salesforce CRM catalog is always evolving, but the Sales Cloud is a good bet for most enterprises. Its AI-driven opportunity management engine, Einstein, is one of its more popular new innovations.
5.) Pipedrive
Pipedrive is focused around activity-based selling – that is, all the actions that lead to a sale. That makes it perfect for inbound selling, as it takes a granular approach to identifying, reporting, and leveraging lead actions that can move the sales process forward. It comes in an easy and intuitive package out of the box. For power-users, everything can be customized to meet your exact needs.
6.) Apptivo
With Apptivo you can choose one of their three pricing plans. The Starter plan is free for three users. Alternatively, the premium plan is $8.33 per user/ month, and the ultimate plan is $20.83 per user/month. The last two plans can be tested in a free trial. Apptivo promises to increase your sales with the help of a Sales Pipeline that allows you to keep an eye on closing deals and prospects. The Conversions option enables users to convert opportunities into invoices, quotes or projects. A comprehensive CRM, this intuitive system helps you easily manage tasks, schedules, contacts and notes in a time-efficient manner.
7.) Nimble
Nimble offers a single pricing option for their clients: $22 per license/month to get access to their contact management, sales, and marketing automation, deal pipeline and reporting, e-mail tracking and analytics and much more. You can also try the system for free for 14 days to see if Nimble is a good match for your small business. Nimble’s lightweight platform allows you to focus on the fundamentals. All online conversations are visible and the powerful search tool quickly pulls out all the data you need.
8.) Bitrix24
Bitrix24 CRM is free to use if you have less than 12 users. The Plus plan is $39 per month for 24 users. However, the Standard plan is only $99 per month for an unlimited number of users. At this price, it’s a low-cost enterprise solution. An excellent choice for small businesses, Bitrix24 offers many powerful tools such as document handling, employee management, collaboration, project management and instant messaging. This powerful system allows you to log sent emails, recorded calls, leads and issued invoices without breaking a sweat.
9.) Capsule CRM
You can use Capsule CRM for free if you have up to 2 users or you can choose the Professional plan for $12 per user/month. The idea behind this system is a minimalist approach that focuses only on the basics. Such as tasks, sales pipeline, scheduling, collaboration, and contact management. The handy tools of Capsule CRM allow you to keep track of your client’s social media, tag or organize contacts and attach documents to their records.
10.) InStream
The Freelancer plan for InStream is $6 per month for one user, but you can easily upgrade to the Basic plan for $10 per user/month, the Business plan for $19 per user/month or the Premium for $29 per user/month. Stay up to date with the nifty features of InStream. Such as their social media integration, logged calls and emails, and detailed contacts management. Thanks to its flawless integration with other systems, InStream is easy to use. It also will sync with your Google calendar to keep you on top of your schedule.
Watch YOUR Vision Come to Life
Today’s digital challenges cannot be solved with conventional approaches. The unique blend of our expertise and experience across the world of digital enables us to create products, solutions, and campaigns which truly transform brands and organizations – opening up new possibilities, inspiring audiences, and attracting customers. If you are interested in a CRM for your company or organization, then please contact S9 Digital to set up your FREE Consultation.
