As an expert in the field of customer relationship management (CRM), I have witnessed the evolution of this essential business tool firsthand. In the past, most business management systems were complex, expensive, and required IT support to configure and maintain them. However, with the rise of technology and the increasing demand for personalized experiences, the CRM landscape is constantly changing. In this article, I will discuss the top trends that I believe will shape the future of CRM in 2023 and beyond.
The Rise of IoT
One of the most significant trends that will impact CRM in the coming years is the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT).From smart home devices to portable health monitors and cybersecurity scanners, there are expected to be more than 64 billion IoT devices worldwide by 2025, according to TechJury. This means that businesses will have access to a wealth of data from these devices, which can be used to improve customer experiences and drive sales. For marketers, this means using CRMs to better understand their contacts and monitor the conversion of calls-to-action (CTAs). With a 360-degree view of the customer, customer care teams can provide a more personalized experience. This not only improves customer satisfaction but also increases retention rates.
Customer-Centric Approach
In addition to providing valuable data, the latest generation of CRM systems is designed with a customer-centric approach.This means that instead of focusing on the company's needs, these systems prioritize the needs and preferences of the customer. This shift towards customer retention and highly personalized experiences is a recurring trend that we believe will continue to shape CRM in the coming years. Traditionally, CRMs have struggled to win over sales professionals due to their complexity and difficulty in setting up. In fact, only 43% of marketers currently use intelligence tools. However, with the emergence of user-friendly CRM software, this trend is changing.
Today, businesses can choose from a variety of CRM tools that are easy to set up and use, making them more accessible to sales professionals.
The Power of AI
One of the most significant advances that will influence the CRM industry is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI). By bringing together disparate equipment, data, and system integrations, the CRM of the future will be centralized and empowered by AI and mobile capabilities. This will not only improve system performance but also provide businesses with valuable insights into their customers' behaviors and preferences. Another trend that has gained momentum in the CRM software industry is omnichannel support. With the increasing number of communication channels available, businesses must ensure that they are accessible on all platforms.This means integrating social media channels, email, phone, and other communication channels into their CRM systems.
Accessible for All
Gone are the days when CRMs were only used by large corporations. Today, these tools are available in a variety of prices and with different functions, making them accessible to freelancers and solo entrepreneurs. We may also see an increase in the use of CRM features for convenient communication between sales and customer service agents and customers.The Future is Personalized
As technology continues to advance, so do customer expectations. This is why personalization remains a key trend in CRM.By leveraging technologies such as virtual reality, augmented reality, and IoT, businesses can provide highly personalized experiences to their customers. This not only improves customer satisfaction but also increases brand loyalty.
Data Synchronization
Synchronizing data between CRM and marketing systems is crucial for businesses to ensure that customer contact details are always up to date. With the rise of IoT, this will become even more important as it will improve system performance and increase sales. However, for this to happen, a CRM must be connected to all of the organization's other tools and processes.This means that users must have constant and unhindered access to their data.
CRM for All Industries
The use of tailored CRM tools is not limited to a specific industry. In fact, industries such as insurance, real estate, banking, healthcare, hospitality, call centers, construction, and mortgages have already embraced CRM technology. This trend is expected to continue in the coming years as businesses in all industries recognize the importance of building strong relationships with their customers. Through mobile CRM, teams also have the advantage of accessing customer data and working from anywhere. In addition to CRM systems that offer integrations with social media channels, today's companies can take advantage of different social CRM solutions.As automation becomes synonymous with CRM, bots are completing more contact management tasks and saving team members time.
