Customer Relationship Management

Customer relationship management CRM is a way of managing customer relationships used to help businesses manage their communication and interactions with existing and potential customers. Its main aim is to enhance business relationships to boost growth. A CRM system is a tool that lets companies maintain communication with their customers, simplify workflows, and enhance profitability.

The revenue of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software has surpassed that of database management systems, making it the biggest software market. It’s not surprising that the CRM market is expanding the fastest, with an anticipated revenue of over $80 billion by 2025.

A CRM is a tool that can automate various business management tasks like lead generation, sales, conversions, and customer retention. Customer service representatives can use it to manage contacts, agent productivity, and related tasks. With CRM, you can manage customer relationships starting from marketing up to customer service interactions.

What is Customer Relationship Management CRM?

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) is a strategy of the organization to manage current and potential customers. CRM strategy usually refers to a system power tool that is used for contact management, sales process management, sales, and marketing automation, and much more.

CRM aims to improve business relationships and get better results for sales and marketing departments. Businesses today have become customer focused rather than product focused which is why CRM has gained increasing importance.

Earlier businesses used to focus only on profits and not customer satisfaction but today customer satisfaction is combined with profits. Making profits via customer satisfaction has become the primary goal of every business, which is an ideal way to survive in the competitive market. CRM can be seen as a connection that connects different parts of the business and presents a unified view of the customer to the company.

CRM Examples in Practice

1) Amazon

For years, Amazon has been using CRM to keep track of customer data, make personalized recommendations, and monitor customer behavior across multiple channels. Additionally, they have integrated different contact centers, sales, and marketing CRM systems to handle customer lifecycles.

2) Starbucks

Starbucks utilizes a CRM system that offers personalized discounts and rewards, like complimentary drinks and food items, to their customers. This tactic helps to establish a loyal customer base while also promoting repeat visits.

3) Zappos

Zappos employs a CRM system to keep track of customer information, allowing them to offer tailored recommendations, discounts, and promotions. Additionally, they utilize the CRM system to ascertain customer preferences and requirements.

Who is CRM for?

Although it’s suitable for businesses of all sizes, CRM can particularly benefit small to medium-sized enterprises that are having difficulty keeping up.

A CRM system enables different teams, including sales, marketing, customer service, business development, and recruitment, to better manage external interactions and relationships, which can lead to increased business success.

You can use a CRM tool to collect and organize customer and prospect contact information, track potential sales, keep records of service problems, and handle marketing efforts efficiently. This information is accessible to anyone within your company who requires it.

Implementing a CRM system can contribute to the growth of businesses of all sizes, but it can be particularly advantageous for small businesses that need to optimize their resources.

Why CRM matters to businesses?

The primary advantage of CRM using enhanced and improved management of contacts. Since there are multiple contacts CRM helps to have managed them efficiently.

• Since CRM is an automated process more often than not it helps in the collaboration of multiple teams which helps in team management for the higher management.
• CRM is known to enhance the productivity of teams.
• CRM helps to empower sales management by accurately helping in sales forecasting.
• CRM is one of the best tools which is known for reliable reporting.
• It is seen that CRM improves the Sales Metrics of the company, which in turn helps in customer satisfaction.
• CRM also helps in enhancing the marketing ROI by acting as a support system for the Sales team.

What does a CRM system do?

Companies use CRM systems to organize customer information and monitor customer engagements, with features that can include contact management.

By using a CRM solution, you can efficiently manage customer and prospect information which can assist you in finding new customers, earning their business, and maintaining their satisfaction. This will help you strengthen your relationships with them and grow your business at a faster pace.

According to statistics from Forester, providing mobile access to CRM improves both software usage and workforce productivity. In fact, 50% of teams experienced a boost in productivity due to the use of mobile CRM.

CRM systems gather various kinds of customer data from different sources and channels, including their website, email, phone, and social media. Furthermore, automated systems can gather other details related to the company’s recent developments and store specific client preferences such as communication mode.

Components of CRM

• Marketing automation – Marketing efforts can be improved at various points in the lead generation process by using CRM tools that have marketing automation features to automate repetitive tasks. As sales prospects enter the system, it can send email marketing content to convert them from sales leads to customers in an automated manner.
• Sales force automation – Sales force automation CRM tools help in keeping a record of customer interactions and automating various sales cycle functions. These functions help in pursuing leads, acquiring new customers, and developing customer loyalty.
• Contact center automation – It is meant to make the job of a contact center agent less tedious. It can use pre-recorded audio to help customers solve problems and get information. Using automated tools in contact centers, like chatbots, can enhance the experience of customers.
• Geolocation technology, or location-based services – Certain CRM systems have technology that can develop marketing campaigns targeted to customers’ physical locations by integrating with well-known location-based GPS apps.
• Workflow automation – By streamlining routine workloads, CRM systems assist businesses in optimizing processes and allowing employees to concentrate on more innovative and high-level responsibilities.
• Lead management – By using CRM, sales teams can keep track of sales leads by inputting, analyzing, and monitoring data in a single location.
• Human resource management (HRM) – CRM systems assist in managing employee data, including contact information, performance reviews, and benefits, within a company. This facilitates efficient management of the internal workforce by the HR department.
• Analytics – The use of analytics in CRM enables the analysis of user data and facilitates the creation of targeted marketing campaigns, resulting in improved customer satisfaction rates.
• Artificial intelligence – CRM platforms are now equipped with AI technologies like Salesforce Einstein, which can carry out repetitive tasks automatically and predict customer behavior by analyzing their buying patterns.
• Project management – Certain CRM systems provide tools to aid users in monitoring project details related to clients such as objectives, strategic alignment, processes, risk management, and progress.
• Integration with other software – Most CRM systems can be connected with other software, like call center and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.

Types of CRM

1) Sales CRM

This form of customer relationship management is focused on increasing sales and expanding the pool of potential customers. The sales cycle is the main priority, including lead tracking and deal closing.

2) Marketing CRM

This tool is used to create, streamline, and monitor marketing campaigns, especially those conducted online or via email. It helps in identifying specific customer segments and provides real-time statistics. Additionally, it can optimize strategies using A/B testing.

3) Service CRM

Customer service support is combined with sales and marketing and includes multiple ways of contact such as online chat, mobile, email, and social media.

4) Collaborative CRM

The goal is to improve efficiency and promote seamless teamwork by allowing customer data to be shared across different business segments and among various teams.

5) Small Business CRM

This system is designed for small businesses with fewer customers, aiming to provide them with the best possible experience. Compared to enterprise CRM, these systems are typically less complex, easier to understand, and more affordable to set up.

6) Cloud-based CRM

Cloud-based CRM or SaaS (software as a service) uses cloud computing to store data on an external remote network. Employees can access this data anytime and anywhere using an internet connection. The installation and maintenance of this type of CRM may be overseen by a third-party service provider. Some of the well-known CRM providers that operate through the cloud are Salesforce, HubSpot, and Zendesk.

7) On-premises CRM

This system requires the company to use CRM software to handle tasks such as database administration, control, security, and maintenance. The company must purchase licenses in advance instead of choosing a yearly subscription from a cloud CRM provider. The CRM software offered by cloud-based providers like Salesforce and WorkWise is also available in on-premises versions.

8) Open-source CRM

Open-source CRM systems provide source code to the public, allowing companies to customize the system without any additional cost. They also support the addition and customization of social media data links, which can help companies enhance their social CRM practices. There are open-source CRM platforms available such as OroCRM, Bitrix24, SuiteCRM, and SugarCRM.

When is the right time to adopt a CRM?

The most appropriate time to implement a CRM system depends on various factors, such as the size of the business, the current and future customer base, the available budget, and necessary features. Typically, when companies expand and acquire more customers, it becomes necessary to implement a CRM system to efficiently and securely manage their data.

It’s recommended to adopt a CRM before managing customer data manually becomes overly challenging or before the business faces exhaustion. A CRM is beneficial for managing HR situations such as when employees depart. Without a CRM, relying on salespeople to complete their open deals and keep track of any ongoing communication can be challenging.

However, with a CRM, everything is stored and easily accessible, eliminating any confusion or uncertainties, and saving everyone valuable time. Additionally, team members can seamlessly take over without any hiccups. To put it briefly, most companies should adopt a CRM system sooner rather than later. Waiting until you have outgrown an ad hoc solution can cause unnecessary problems.

Conclusion!

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) is an essential tool for any business looking to increase customer loyalty, generate more sales and improve customer relationships. By taking a proactive approach while managing customer relationships, sales, and marketing teams, businesses can create a personalized experience for each customer.

This helps businesses build trust and loyalty among their customers which leads to greater customer satisfaction and more sales. With the right CRM system, businesses can effectively use customer knowledge, track and manage their customers’ data for a better understanding of their needs and optimize customer service processes.

FAQs

How much does a CRM cost?

The price of CRMs varies and there is no universal answer. When looking for a CRM, it is important to consider your needs and budget. Several CRM systems have a pricing model where the fee is based on the number of users.

Certain CRMs may have an additional CRM data fee structure where you are charged per record. This means that you will be charged for each set of 1,000 or 10,000+ individuals added to your database. Adopting CRM has become easier than before due to reduced barriers, despite the potential complexity of CRM pricing.

How Do Businesses Choose Which CRM to Go With?

When selecting a CRM platform, it is important to consider the cost, service, and functionality offered by different vendors. This will help you get the most value for your money and avoid paying for unnecessary features. Create a budget aligned with your business objectives and identify necessary features or functions. Next, conduct thorough research on vendors’ customer reviews and feedback before making any purchases.

What Is an Example of Customer Relationship Management?

There are different types of CRM that businesses use, such as monitoring customers’ buying habits or handling issues and product returns. A possible example of implementing CRM is by sending a personalized thank-you message to customers shortly after they have made a significant purchase. This gesture serves to enhance their overall interaction with the company and creates potential opportunities to promote add-on sales or product upgrades in the future.

Here is a video by Marketing91 on Customer Relationship Management.