There are so many Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems available in the market today, each with its own set of features, integrations, and capabilities. It gets so confusing when choosing the perfect CRM for your company and your team.

But don't worry, in this article, we will cover everything from- What is CRM, what are CRM solutions available in the market to which sales CRM will be best for your business!

So let's get started!

What is a CRM?

A customer relationship management system or CRM, is a software application that helps businesses manage and track customer interactions and data. A CRM system can help companies keep track of customer information such as contact details, purchase histories, and preferences. This information can create targeted marketing campaigns, improve customer service, and make more informed business decisions.

Some of the most popular customer relationship management (CRM) systems include Salesforce, Oracle CRM, Microsoft Dynamics CRM, etc. There are also CRMs in the market, like Sunbase CRM explicitly designed for those marketing and sales departments that want more than just sales management tools.

Benefits of CRM Systems

There are many benefits that businesses can reap from using a CRM system. Some of the most notable benefits include:

Improved customer relationships and service

A CRM system can help businesses track customer interactions and preferences, providing better customer service. For example, if a customer has made several purchases from your company, the CRM platform can automatically recognize this and provide them with a personalized experience, and simultaneously also improve customer retention!

Increased sales

A CRM system can help businesses keep track of customer purchase histories and preferences, creating targeted marketing campaigns that are more likely to result in sales. In addition, a CRM system can help businesses identify and track customer needs, which can lead to increased sales and customer satisfaction.

When customers feel that they are being listened to and that their needs are being taken into account, they are more likely to do business with a company.

Better decision-making

By tracking customer data, a customer relationship management (CRM) system can help businesses achieve a smoother sales process. For example, if a particular product is selling well, the CRM system can track this data and recommend that the company produce more of that product.

Other than these benefits, a perfect CRM solution will help you with sales forecasting, analyzing buyer behaviors, organizing tasks for sales teams, and project deliverables.

Customer relationship management software is becoming an increasingly important part of doing business for good reason. The benefits mentioned above are just a glimpse of the numerous benefits of CRM. If you're looking for a CRM system for your business, be sure to do your research and find one that fits your specific needs.

Different types of CRM software?

There are three types of CRM software:

1. Cloud-based CRM software

Cloud-based CRM software is hosted online and can be accessed anywhere with an internet connection. This type of software is typically subscription-based and may require a monthly or annual fee.

In Cloud-based CRM, there is no need to spend a fortune on setup charges because the vendor hosts all of the gear and servers needed to run the CRM. Examples of Cloud-based CRM platforms are Salesforce, Sunbase, etc.

2. On-premise CRM software

On-premise CRM software is installed on your organization's computer network and must be managed and maintained by your IT department. This type of software is typically licensed and may require an upfront purchase price and periodic maintenance fees.

3. Hybrid CRM software

Hybrid CRM software combines the features of both cloud-based and on-premise CRM software. This type of software is hosted online but can also be installed on your organization's computer network. Hybrid CRM software typically requires a monthly or annual subscription fee and an upfront purchase price. 

All of the hybrid CRM systems are hosted in the cloud. This means you can securely access them from any device, from any location, allowing your team to operate just as successfully from the office, at home, or on the road. For further protection, all data is automatically backed up on various servers.

Examples of CRM systems

In the fast-paced world of modern business, managing customer interactions efficiently is paramount to success. Sales teams, regardless of their size, need robust CRM systems to streamline their processes and enhance customer relations. These systems serve as invaluable tools for tracking, analyzing, and optimizing customer interactions throughout the entire customer lifecycle. Here are the most noteworthy CRM software examples that have been transforming the landscape of customer relationship management.

Sunbase CRM

Sunbase Solar CRM is the best customer relationship system for a business that wants to customize it as per their needs!

Sunbase Solar CRM was built to fit the needs of solar companies perfectly but it has so many features and tools in the software that it can be (and is) used by non-solar companies too! Sunbase CRM offers Lead Generation Tools, contact management, Automated Follow-Up, lead tracking, opportunity tracking, and more.

Salesforce CRM

Salesforce CRM is often hailed as the pioneer in the CRM industry. This cloud-based platform offers comprehensive solutions for sales pipeline management and automation. Its intuitive interface enables sales reps to seamlessly manage leads, track sales activities, and forecast sales predictions. The platform's robust reporting and analytics capabilities empower sales and marketing teams to make data-driven decisions, resulting in more effective sales and marketing efforts.

Microsoft Dynamics 365

Microsoft Dynamics 365 is a versatile CRM tool that caters to various aspects of business operations. From sales and marketing to service, finance, commerce, and supply chain management, this CRM offers an all-inclusive solution. It's particularly popular among enterprise-level companies due to its scalability and flexibility. The platform's ability to design and deliver content in a customized manner makes it an essential sales management tool for businesses of all sizes.

Zendesk CRM

Zendesk's CRM software, known as "the foundation" of Zendesk, provides customizable solutions for managing customer interactions. It offers apps and automation that enhance team productivity and accelerate customer issue resolution. The chat automation feature is particularly beneficial for sales teams, as it ensures swift responses to customer queries, improving overall customer satisfaction.

HubSpot CRM

HubSpot CRM is a user-friendly platform that seamlessly integrates sales and marketing efforts. It offers tools for contact management, sales automation, and sales pipeline tracking. HubSpot's customer-centric approach allows businesses to nurture leads effectively throughout the customer lifecycle. Its mobile CRM capabilities empower sales reps to stay connected and productive on the go.

NetSuite CRM

NetSuite CRM provides a comprehensive suite of tools for businesses looking to enhance customer relations and streamline their operations. It offers functionalities for sales tracking, marketing automation, and customer data management. NetSuite's integration with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems makes it a preferred choice for businesses seeking a holistic solution.

Zoho CRM

Zoho CRM is a versatile solution that caters to businesses of all sizes. Its features include contact management, sales automation, and email integration. Zoho CRM's analytics and reporting tools offer valuable insights into sales performance, enabling businesses to fine-tune their sales processes for better results.

Pipedrive CRM

Pipedrive CRM focuses on simplifying sales pipeline management. Its user-friendly interface allows sales teams to visualize and manage their sales processes effectively. The platform's emphasis on task management and sales tracking makes it an excellent choice for businesses seeking to optimize their marketing and sales efforts.

Insightly CRM

Insightly CRM is designed to help businesses build strong customer relationships. Its features include contact management, project budget tracking, and task management. Insightly's focus on project management and business data integration sets it apart as a valuable tool for businesses with complex sales processes.

Freshsales CRM

Freshsales CRM is a sales-focused platform that offers features like lead scoring, email tracking, and AI-powered sales insights. Its mobile CRM capabilities make it a great choice for sales reps who are constantly on the move. Freshsales' emphasis on sales automation and analytics empowers sales teams to drive better results.

Agile CRM

Agile CRM is an operational CRM that combines sales, marketing, and customer service functionalities. Its automation features help businesses streamline their sales and marketing efforts, enabling them to nurture leads and retain existing customers effectively. Agile CRM's focus on customer relations and business intelligence makes it a powerful tool for growth-oriented businesses.

How to effectively use Customer Relationship Management Software?

Before getting a CRM software for your business you need to know how you can effectively use your CRM tools to get the best value for your money!

Step 1- Goal Setting

The first step is to identify what you want to achieve with a CRM system. Do you need to improve customer service? Increase sales? Make better decisions? Once you know what you want to achieve, you can select the right CRM system for your business.

Step 2- Configure your CRM platform

Once you have selected a CRM system, the next step is to configure it to meet your specific needs. This may require some customization and tweaking, but it's well worth it to get the most out of your CRM system.

Step 3- Input all existing data

The last step is to use the CRM system. This means inputting all of your customer data into the system and using it to make better decisions. The more you use the CRM system, the more benefits you reap from it.

All CRM systems offer many benefits for businesses of all sizes, be it Zoho CRM or Sunbase CRM. By selecting the right CRM system and configuring it to meet your specific needs, you can effectively improve customer service, increase sales, and make better decisions.

How to choose a CRM perfect for your company?

Analyze your requirements

CRM systems come in all shapes and sizes, so it's essential first to determine what your company needs in a CRM system. Do you need a system that can track leads and sales opportunities? Or do you need a system that can manage customer support interactions?

Evaluate different CRMs

Once you've determined the features your company needs, start by evaluating the different available CRM systems. Many other CRMs on the market, from cloud-based solutions to on-premise solutions. Evaluate each system based on its features, price, and compatibility with your business. Some companies provide a free trial or demo and some don't, so make sure you book demos with various CRM companies and find the one for you!

Don't just consider the big-name CRM providers either; there are many smaller and equally powerful CRMs (like Sunbase) that may be a better fit for your company, functionality-wise and financially. Do some research and talk to other businesses using CRM systems to get their recommendations.

Get familiar with the CRM

Once you've found the perfect CRM for your company, it's essential to set up some guidelines and processes for using the system. Everyone in your company should be familiar with using the CRM and what information must be entered into the system.

Choosing the right CRM system for your company can be a daunting task, but it's essential to take the time to find a plan that fits your needs. By following these tips, you'll be able to find the perfect CRM for your business.

Conclusion 

You now know everything there is to know about CRMs, including which ones are available on the market and all of the benefits you'll receive if you acquire one.

The top 5 CRM software in the market today are Sunbase CRM, Salesforce, Zoho CRM, HubSpot CRM, and Infusionsoft. These CRMs offer many different features, such as lead management, customer service, and marketing automation. They also have a user-friendly interface that makes it easy for users to learn how to use them. If you are looking for CRM software with all the bells and whistles, then you may want to consider paying a bit more for Salesforce, and Zoho CRM. However, if you are looking for affordable, customizable, and versatile CRM software with all the features you need, then Sunbase CRM is a great option!

ABOUT SUNBASE CRM

Sunbase is all-in-one management software that helps companies save time and money with automation! If you have a business that needs to optimize operations, join us for a quick demo session for FREE! If you have any doubts about our software, feel free to contact us!