A Definitive Guide To Cloud-Based CRM Software

Cloud-based CRM software was initially designed to assist organizations in building and maintaining good relationships with existing and prospective clients. In the past decades, the process of managing and tracking customer relationships within the business was a time consuming and fragmented process. Despite the manual work involved, the business channels often led to missed opportunities. With advances in computing, a wave of marketing technology tools came along to help companies create, manage, and track customer relationships in a single platform in the form of cloud-based CRM software for small businesses.

How is a cloud-based CRM useful?

There have been many debates about the usefulness of cloud-based CRM software solutions, and how they help businesses. The truth of the matter is, any company with more than five clients should consider CRM cloud-based software and here is why.

1. Accessibility

System accessibility is critical to successful customer relationship management. Sales representatives need access to the systems whenever and wherever they want. With a cloud-based CRM software solution, as long as there is an internet connection, they will have access to the tools they need to be successful.

2. Scalability

CRM cloud-based software is very flexible when it comes to high availability. The systems allow the company to adjust the scope of operations without interfering with their normal activities. Scaling up or down depending on business needs can be accomplished with little technical drama.

3. Flexible Integration

Businesses use CRM tools as databases to track relevant information about customer relationship initiatives made by the sales team. Cloud-based systems make integration processes easier to establish and maintain.

4. Collaboration

Cloud-based CRM software allows users to work together, without interference on a single platform. Each user has their login, and multiple accounts can access the information simultaneously.

5. Centralized Information

Gathering information throughout multiple departments can be cumbersome and often fragmented. With a cloud-based CRM, it is possible to have all the information centrally stored and accessible by any department at any time.

6. Cloud-based CRM enhances security

Data protection is an integral part of any business with an increase in cyber-attacks and compromised data on local systems. The level of security provided by cloud-driven solutions is high and tight.

7. Data backup

Data backup is a critical function that usually consumes a lot of resources. Given the amount of confidential information retained about their clients, there is a crucial need for a system that backs up the data and can be retrieved effortlessly if a system breakdown were to occur.

How does a cloud-based CRM work?

CRM software uses an integrated approach to store a customer’s information. An all-in-one CRM has sales, marketing, and service automation rolled into one package. By providing business intelligence, automating interactions, and empowering sales reps to make the sales process smoother, a CRM analyzes the data and opportunities of your sales force and helps them deliver exceptional customer service.

Apptivo CRM is one such solution that helps businesses to bring order to the chaos of everyday client interactions and lets you focus on the customer. It helps in achieving,

1. Efficient sales workflow

At the core of every CRM software is workflow management. Lead generation gets funneled down through the sales process and is associated with relevant call records, reminders, documents and messages.

2. Alerts and Notifications

CRM software can trigger alerts and reminders based on your settings. It can also perform pre-scheduled activities like sending emails and initiating phone calls.

3. It generates opportunities

After the sale is closed, CRM can track issues logged by the customer, and suggest the need for a cross-sale in which the customer can be funneled back to the leads pipeline to generate more revenue.

4. Integration into business systems

CRM software is a sales pipeline that organizes customer data and transactions, typically in coordination with other applications, such as e-commerce, help-desk, and marketing automation systems.

Cheers,
Prithvi