Top mistakes to avoid when choosing a CRM software

Abe Dearmer

Aug 30, 2018

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5 min read

CRM

Top mistakes to avoid when choosing a CRM software

The benefits of using a Customer Relationship Management software are many and these days companies are well aware of that. This is why more and more businesses are trying to invest in such a software to make their business operations and processes smooth, simple and streamlined.

With the huge number of CRM softwares to choose from, a problem arises when companies aren't sure which one to pick. Having a clear and definite idea of what your requirements are can surely help, so make a note of all the points before you start.

Here are some common mistakes companies make when picking the right CRM software for them, and how you can avoid these when choosing yours!

Not sure about the requirement of a CRM

If a company isn't sure what areas they exactly need to use a CRM software, then they wouldn't be able to choose one that fits their criteria. The first step to picking the right software for you is to list down the reason or areas you need it for. This will make it easy to compare softwares and settle on the right one.

Without knowing the key areas to target, you will end up picking a software that may be the best over all, but it may not come with the pertinent features that you need.

Not willing to use the software to the fullest

When the application of the software isn't done right, the people in the organisation cannot be expected to use the software to its fullest. If it's not targeting the correct areas, then people at the company will most likely not use it as it will create more problems than solutions.

Compatibility matters

A CRM should help you seamlessly solve work processes and be compatible with all the different softwares you use in the office. There are plenty of tools that are required for marketing automation, performance management, business intelligence, and much more.

Without the compatibility, users of the CRM will only have problems and issues as there will be no integrateon of different softwares together.

Not considering important features

Many times, due to lack of research and understanding of such software, businesses miss out on the very important features the software has to offer. Not doing a thorough research can lead you to not use the CRM to the full potential.

Also, not having the complete knowledge of the software would mean, the company has not chosen the features based on what they require, further making it difficult for the employees to use it for the proper reasons.

Always remember the sales team

Businesses often get caught up on seeing how the CRM will perform for the organisation as a whole and forget to consider the repercussions of its usage on the sales team. While the whole organisation will be using the software, the sales team is the one that truly needs it.

Choose a software that has been created keeping the reps in mind and can help make their work smarter, simpler and quicker, giving them the correct tools to gain insight into their opportunities.

It is also a good idea to take the sales teams input when investing in a software. Ask them what are the features they require, use the free trial period of different softwares to compare the features and how it matches their needs, and only then make up your mind. This will help provide training to the sales reps in using the software as well.

Depending on your CRM completely

Yes, implementing a CRM software for your company can do wonders and definitely help you get ahead, but that doesn't mean that the software is magic! Many companies believe that once they've bought the CRM they can rest and the software will handle the rest.

While true in a certain sense, having a CRM doesn't mean that you have the tools to completely win over any client. The most important part of making your CRM run smoothly is to implement a sales strategy that the CRM can follow. You can also choose the CRM based on your sales strategy and see which software has the most compatible features, helping you easily elevate your strategy and make it better.

This is why you must first create a sales strategy that aligns with your clients and helps you run the CRM in a certain direction. In fact, there are some CRMs that come with marketing automation software, which helps sales managers also keep a track of how and where the leads are coming from, and what their content needs, etc. are.

Out of the box features

To do better than the rest, most CRMs come with certain out of the box functionalities and features, which you may feel will work for you and give you a competitive edge over other organisations. These features are only helpful if they match your sales strategy and are compatible with your other software requirements.

Don't try to unnecessary over complicate business goals, and instead stick with the features your organisation and sales reps truly need.

Keep these simple tips in mind when thinking of investing in a Customer Relationship Management software. FIVECRM has a comprehensive system that is particularly good in sales and lead generation areas.

Click here for more details.

Michael King says...

"I can’t think of a time where a client has requested something that we weren’t able to do with FiveCRM. Unlike most systems, it has a lot of flexibility."

Managing Director, Senior Response

JANE HUSBANDS SAYS...

“Each client, and each of their campaigns, has its own unique specifications. We essentially needed to set up mini CRMs on one platform to meet those requirements.”