As an expert in the field of customer relationship management (CRM), I have seen firsthand the impact that a simple and hassle-free CRM software can have on a business. No matter what industry you are in, maintaining strong customer relationships is crucial for success. In this comprehensive guide, I will share my knowledge on a simple software platform that allows your sales team to build and maintain those relationships without being burdened by complex systems. Throughout this article, I will answer common questions about building relationships with customers, discuss the different types of CRM features, and provide an overview of some of the best and easiest free CRM tests available. It's important to note that not all companies have the resources or budget for enterprise-level CRM software.
That's why some platforms focus on simplicity and streamlined, easy-to-use interfaces. But what exactly is a simple CRM? To understand this, we must first look at the history of CRM systems. In the 1980s, CRM systems did not yet exist. Instead, contact management software (CMS) was created as a digital alternative to bulky and slow rolodexes. As technology advanced, the capabilities of CMS were expanded to include a wider range of functions. With the introduction of automation, companies were able to save their sales representatives valuable time by delegating routine and repetitive tasks to computers.
By the early 2000s, these functions began to resemble those of the modern CRM software we know today. As customers gained more access to information about products and services, CRM evolved to keep up with a better-informed population. Today, it offers an endless array of features to help businesses manage their sales portfolio in a constantly evolving market. It's no surprise that large companies around the world are currently using CRM to manage their customer relationships. Recognizable names such as Apple, Coca-Cola, and Amazon have all discovered the enormous benefits of using this type of software to streamline their daily workflow.
But what about small businesses? They also have customers, and many of them are reaping the same benefits from using CRM as Fortune 500 companies.Just as a home chef doesn't need the kitchen of a Michelin-starred restaurant, small businesses don't necessarily need all the features that big companies like Amazon use. However, this doesn't mean that the features small businesses do need should be any less efficient. Basic CRM systems are designed to fit the needs of small businesses and serve their customer base with the same level of care as enterprise-level organizations. The key is to start simple and allow room for growth. As an expert in CRM, I understand that many small businesses may be hesitant to implement a CRM system due to concerns about complexity.
However, I can assure you that there are platforms available that can help you build better customer relationships without overwhelming your team with complex and confusing systems. As we learned earlier, contact management was the initial function of CRM's predecessor, making it a key feature in any basic CRM platform. If you have a small business, you may currently be storing your contacts in a Google or Excel sheet. While this may suffice for now, it can become cumbersome as your customer base grows. By integrating your email system and other sales applications with your CRM, all correspondence with customers is automatically entered into the system for other team members to see and use.
This eliminates the need for manual data entry, saving time and reducing the risk of human error. In addition to contact management, document management is another crucial feature of any basic CRM platform. It allows teams to upload, store, and organize important documents needed for conducting business. With document sharing capabilities, teams can easily collaborate without the need for constant email exchanges. This feature also allows for quick retrieval of information, saving time and increasing efficiency. Automation is another key feature that even the simplest CRM systems should include.
By automating tasks such as data entry, follow-up emails, appointment scheduling, and report creation, your team can save time and avoid the mistakes that human error can cause when performing tedious tasks. In fact, the creators of Zendesk were so committed to creating a simple and stress-free platform that they even incorporated "zen-like" functionality into their name.
Zendesk
has recently set out to create the "radically simple" and most user-friendly CRM sales platform on the market. Along with all the basic functions of a sales CRM, including contact and lead management, Zendesk boasts a clean interface and easy-to-navigate sales dashboard. From this dashboard, users can track their sales pipeline, view performance metrics, and monitor sales objectives as their business continues to grow.Plus, with Zendesk's full suite of business applications, it is fully scalable as your business expands. This simple sales CRM software was specifically designed for B2B sales teams. Its contact management feature allows users to manage interactions with suppliers, contacts, and customers with a 360-degree view. Advanced search capabilities make it easy to find information on accounts, opportunities, and tasks. The web-based platform also offers instant access to contacts from a single screen. With its simple search function, finding contacts is quick and easy.
The calendar feature allows users to create tasks directly in the CRM for easy scheduling. Lead reports provide up-to-date information on the status of potential customers in your portfolio. And with mobile capabilities, Less Annoying CRM can be accessed from any device, allowing your team to stay connected and access important sales data from anywhere. Other useful features include email conversation recording, easy importing, daily schedule emails, and free phone and email support.
Agile CRM
is another popular sales and marketing platform that also serves as a project management tool.With its user-friendly interface and comprehensive features, it's no wonder why it's a top choice for businesses of all sizes.
