CRM Software for Small Businesses

What is CRM software? If you’re asking yourself this question, or you happened to ask the Google gods, then you’ve come to the right place. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software is a set of solutions used by companies of all sizes to gain valuable insight into customers. There is CRM software for small businesses, as well as for larger enterprise level companies. CRM software for small businesses is particularly useful, as it helps accelerate growth and generate contacts. CRM software for small businesses is an innovative way to increase revenue, reduce customer acquisition costs, and improve customer service and satisfaction.  For growing companies interested in implementing CRM software for small businesses, a primary consideration is whether to subscribe to a Software-as-a-Service (SAAS) solution or to license and install an on-premise application.

Subscribing to a SaaS CRM service is the simplest and fastest way for small businesses to implement the software.  It also requires a smaller initial investment, than installing and maintaining an on-premise solution.  With web-based CRM software, all hardware, software, and supporting infrastructure is owned and managed by the vendor in its data center.  All customer data is also stored and managed at the remote site by the vendor. To access and use the online CRM software for small businesses, subscribers need only a web browser on an internet-connected computer and their login information.

The other option of CRM software for small businesses is to license CRM software and install it on servers of choice, perhaps in the company’s data center or through a third-party hosting company.  On-premise CRM as the name implies, all hardware and CRM software is located in-house at the client’s location.  Typically, the company’s IT employees are responsible for installing all hardware and software components and integrating it with existing systems.

Regardless of the hosting option used, the key benefits of CRM software for small businesses are the same across the board.  Having a robust CRM software system in place allows companies to improve employee productivity, shorten sales cycles, and increase revenue, while cutting sales- and marketing-related expenses.  The best CRM software for small businesses gives employees on-demand access to accurate, real time customer data.   Powerful back-end databases allow for detailed searches by primary and secondary keys that reveal comprehensive metrics across a company’s target market quickly and easily.  With a centralized customer database in place, vital information is at the fingertips of all employees involved in customer relations to deliver higher customer satisfaction and more productive employees.

With effective CRM software for small businesses in place, a firm’s sales, marketing, and support staff can work as a team to coordinate all activities and eliminate redundant processes by accessing real-time information on leads, prospects, and customer data.  The staff also has up-to-date information on product availability, pricing, and other information for unprecedented collaboration and information flow.

The focus and aim of CRM software for small businesses is to generate customers, and provide satisfaction to customers and employees.  With a client relationship management solution in place, businesses of all sizes will be able to carefully scrutinize all customer-facing processes and have a clear idea of what is working, what needs improvement, and what needs to be phased out.  With more efficient and effective customer processes, customer service thrives.  This leads to more satisfied and loyal customer and a better bottom line for the business.  CRM software for small businesses can give these up and coming companies a competitive edge in today’s global economic picture.