What is a CRM.
You're probably wondering – who or what is a CRM?
Customer Relationship Management
CRM is short for "Customer Relationship Management" – generally when people talk about CRM, they are talking about a piece of software, but it is also a process of managing customers.
As your company grows, so does your client list. The more clients you have, the harder it is to keep track of everything. CRM helps solve that by keeping everything in one place, allowing anyone to view information about a customer at the click of a button.
What does CRM software do?
CRM software let's you keep track of all customer interactions such as emails, telephone calls, meetings, related projects, sales and more (depending on the CRM of course)!
Some of the main benefits of using a CRM include:
- Creates a better customer experience as any team member can easily view information for any customer
- Increases team efficiency and on-boarding by using one system for everything
- Maximises data integrity & visibility by keeping everything in one place
- Access customers information from anywhere
Cloud Based CRM vs On-Premises CRM
There are two types of CRM – cloud based & on-premises. 20 years ago, you'd have probably laughed at the thought of using cloud-based software! Let's be honest though, the internet wasn't as evolved as it is now, many more people have reliable internet connections, and a lot of people have access to mobile data when they're out and about.
On-premises solutions are still required though, mainly for companies who have strict security policies or companies who are still behind the times and yet to adapt. The main problem with on-premises CRM software is making sure someone is available to maintain the server. Not only keeping the local computers operating system up to date and maintaining the hardware but also making sure the CRM software is up to date. Don't forget the initial high cost of computer hardware and implementing a resilient backup solution.
A cloud-based CRM solution on the other hand is a breath of fresh air in comparison. You won't have to worry about hardware failure, software updates or security patches. Backups will all be handled automatically behind the scenes too, meaning you don't have to worry about a thing.
Should I get one?
Well, the obvious answer is yes, we use Clockwork CRM non-stop to keep track of our customers and wouldn't have it any other way. If you're still unsure, take a look at our other page: Why do I need a CRM?
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