Deciding on finally getting a CRM is a milestone in itself. Therefore, congrats if you have already made up your mind! But the next important task that can be an even bigger hurdle is choosing which particular CRM system to install.
With so many CRM systems in the market it becomes quite confusing to choose the best one; especially, if you are a first-time buyer sorting through the bells and whistles to look at the necessary characteristics could be a difficult task.
If you are new to CRM and have decided to get it, but are confused about what CRM features to look for before installing it; do not worry! This article will help you obtain a perspective to separate the fundamental from the peripheral and choose the right system.
The first thing kept in mind should be that your CRM system must ease the tasks for its end users, i.e. it must be very efficient for its consumers: sales representatives, leaders, and managers.
The following CRM features must be checked in a system before installing it.
1. Contact Management
One of the significant advantages of the CRM system is that it helps sales reps formulate contact reports and store the clients and prospects' data information details. Therefore, choosing a CRM system incapable of providing and holding contact management services does not serve the purpose.
Besides, a sound CRM system will always manage, reduce, and streamline the contact data entries to a great extent. Hence, contemplate this feature in mind based on its use.
2. Deal Stages
A flawless CRM system is customizable and can be moulded according to your needs and desires. Mostly, they are adapted to operate on an exact sales process. For instance, your company can have three stages or 15, but what matters is that you should program and integrate all these levels within the software along with associated values.
Moving a deal from one stage to another along the sales process should be an easy task to perform. Just like in HubSpot CRM progressing an agreement is as meek as dragging and dropping.
3. Daily Dashboard
The next important CRM software feature that should be considered before getting a CRM system is its simplicity and comfortable visual appeal. Reps require keeping themselves updated with all the sales and progress; therefore, they should visualize some specific data daily.
For example, the progress to date deals details in their buckets and pending and completed tasks. On the other hand managers and leaders also have to view all this data for a balanced accumulated sales squad.
Thus, a CRM system must possess a daily dashboard that can provide access to all such information in just a click at any day and time to the reps, managers, and leaders.
4. Task Management
A great CRM system must have exceptional task management capabilities to keep its users happy and contented. A rep who keeps on toggling back and forth between various systems throughout the day is not satisfied as this toggling will irritate him to a level that he will lose his interest in the work.
Hence, a CRM system that owns an integrated task management feature will simplify salespeople's day-to-day work pattern and keep them on top of their follow up into the bargain.
5. Content Repository
A CRM with an embedded content repository will save the sales representatives from wasting time on searching content. This saved time could be utilized in many impactful and insightful works.
In addition to saving the collateral, they send to prospects most often in a convenient location. Sales representatives can even file customized e-mail templates so that each new contact doesn't reinvent the wheel.
6. Reporting
A CRM system is judged by the insights it provides, i.e. useful insights define an excellent CRM system, whereas inadequate insights highlight a degraded CRM system. Therefore, make sure that the CRM features list includes reports that make exporting and distribution system trends easier.
7. Mobile
In today’s world and era, we are all aware that mobile phones are crucial to us. We can set up all of our offices and work on mobile. Similarly, when opting for a CRM system, make sure that it can be operated on the mobile.
Mostly, a mobile operable CRM system is critical if your sales reps in the field. Bounding your travelling representatives with a CRM that could only be accessed via laptop could easily annoy and demotivate them.
Today, most CRM systems enable salespersons to log on from mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones, making sure your CRM system also has this feature.
8. Automated Data Capture
One of the primary reasons companies choose a CRM is its capability to track consumers and prospects more diligently. But be cautious: Many CRM applications require copying and pasting emails or uploading call records into the system by sales representatives. And these additional steps can tire the salespeople who have to make 50 or 100 calls daily.
To make things easier, HubSpot CRM automatically registers the calls and emails that the system sends and displays in a timeline-like view on a contact’s record page.
9. Integrating with Marketing Automation
Make sure that the CRM you select is tightly integrated with your company when utilizing marketing automation software. The critical concept of "customer relationship management" (CRM) is to give each prospect and client a complete lifecycle picture. Information and opportunities loss can occur if your CRM and marketing automation are not very well integrated or have a gap.
10. Personalized Sequences
Next up on the CRM features list is the system’s ability to offer follow-up reminders whenever required. Ensure that the system sends targeted emails in time, i.e. exactly when your potent customers want to hear from you.
Moreover, make sure your CRM capabilities engulf the list of consumers. They have already replied once to your mails or have requested to book a meeting. Otherwise, unnecessary and redundant emails to the previously responsive customers never leave a good impression.
Therefore, to make sure your next big deal does not fall apart be specific regarding your CRM have the feature of automating communication with your prospects.
11. Email Integration
Your CRM capabilities must include email integration. To extract out the most benefits from your system, make sure it is assimilated to your email (such as Gmail or Outlook); as it will streamline the outreach process.
This CRM feature will aid your system in keeping track of who, when, and what you have emailed by logging email addresses, messages, names, and contact records without ever leaving the inbox.
12. Meeting Scheduling
Scheduling various numbers of meetings every day is one of the many tasks that salespeople perform. Therefore, planning these meetings should be a prime CRM software feature that must not be ignored.
Ensuring an app that enables your prospects to view your visibility, and real-time updates with an integrated meeting tool syncing your Google or Office 365 calendar is a must in CRM feature list.
Moreover, an integrated tool into your website always adds an advantage.
Conclusion
We have reviewed the CRM feature list in this blog that you should always keep in mind while buying your first CRM. These features will help you get a CRM and make sure you install a great one.
Just in case you are in the CRM business but not very much interested in buying it; then for your information, HubSpot CRM is a free system. All you got to do is sign up, and you are good to go.
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