Looking to improve your customer relations with a modern CRM package for SMEs? Learn how to unlock the full potential of your software with this simple guide on Getting Started with a CRM.
Whether you’re about to launch a startup or want to take your business to new heights in 2022, keeping your clients happy will be a priority. Integrating the right CRM software will be one of the most beneficial steps to make it happen.
When used efficiently, CRM for SME packages can completely transform the way you interact with your clients to deliver a plethora of benefits. Here’s how you can get started with your CRM software in style.
First Up, Why CRM Software?
Customer Relationship Management is a concept that has dominated the business arena for generations, even if the term wasn’t coined until recent times. It defines the way you handle client interactions to inspire positive responses and increase engagement.
CRM software allows companies to track, store, and analyse all relevant data from interactions across all platforms and devices. This can include emails, phone calls, social media, in-store connections, and more. Here are just six reasons why companies need it in 2022 and beyond;
- Studies show that a huge 74% of consumers are influenced by customer experience.
- 52% of consumers would happily pay more for a better customer experience.
- Customer experience (45.9%) is the most common priority for business makers.
- Poor customer service costs UK businesses £37billion every year.
- 88% of customers read reviews, which can have a big influence on their opinions.
- There is a revenue increase of 80% for firms that master customer experience.
CRM for SME packages make it a lot easier to record and review all client-based data. In turn, this can boost everything from conversions to loyalty.
Five Steps to Starting Life with a CRM
Now that you appreciate the importance of using a CRM, you’ll be eager to get up and running in style. Focus on the following five steps and you won’t go far wrong.
Select the Best CRM
Naturally, the first step is to complete your market research and find a winning CRM package for you. The industry has witnessed an exponential rate of growth in the past decade and there are now hundreds of solutions available. To find the best option for your business, answer the following questions;
- Is it a CRM built with small businesses in mind?
- Does it suit your industry – such as being a CRM for construction firms?
- Can it be used across multiple devices and user accounts – if required?
- Is the software priced well and able to upscale with your need?
Purple Potato is a brilliant solution for the majority of SMEs across the UK. Get in touch to find out what it can do for your company today.
Understand the Dashboard
Once you’ve installed your CRM for SME solutions, you must focus on becoming familiar with the layout and navigation. Every CRM is unique but a host of universal tools and features have been central to the success of a sector that’s set to hit $80bn by 2025. Some of the key issues to consider are;
- Learning the navigation from the main menu to switch between sections like accounts and tasks.
- Becoming familiar with notifications and where they appear so that you can respond quickly.
- Understanding widgets, particularly customisable ones where you can choose the data you wish to show.
- Becoming familiar with using search features that help you find what you need far sooner.
The best way to get started with your CRM is to spend time using it. Everything from the colours and layouts to making sense of the available data will soon become clear.
Import Data
CRM software is ultimately designed to help businesses use data more effectively. Adding accounts is a crucial step, and possibly the most time consuming of the initial phase. You can add accounts from the navigation menu or complete a bulk data import if you already have the details stored elsewhere. But you must remember to;
- Confirm that any manually added data is full, accurate, and follows a structure.
- If importing data, be sure to convert the spreadsheet to a .CSV file.
- Delete the demo accounts that were showing on the software.
You cannot record or track data from leads and customers if you do not first have their data uploaded to the CRM. Once it is, you’ll be set to keep data from future interactions too.
Add Tasks
As you get more experienced with the CRM for SME system, you’ll probably start to create custom charts and use customer reporting to help understand data and client behaviours. For now, though, setting tasks will be the key feature. This allows you to assign jobs to team members, manage workflows, and close more sales. Examples may include;
- Offering a 3-month follow-up call to a client after completing their project.
- Sending notifications to clients that their service is due to expire.
- Using the direct email system to message leads who have requested info.
A completed task will be filed correctly while overdue tasks and incomplete tasks will be flagged up. You can quickly see which team member is responsible for each task.
Train the Workforce
Perhaps one of the most important things to remember is that you won’t be the only person to use the CRM. Customer support teams will need daily access while you may find that marketers and other employees will utilise the available data to spot trends or determine how to enhance the business. Training your staff can occur through;
- Following online tutorials on how to use your CRM software.
- Encouraging them to use the demo account before you integrate the full CRM.
- Hire an expert to actively visit your team.
Ultimately, the key is to ensure that all team members use a consistent approach and feel confident with the software. More work will follow, but this should put you on solid ground.
Final Thoughts
Getting started with a CRM may seem daunting, but it is a process that will begin to deliver almost immediate results. And by laying the foundations for better customer relationships, the software can be a wonderful tool for boosting your bottom line.
