If you run a business, it’s likely you already know the importance of having a quality and reliable CRM software if you want to maintain good relations with your clients and customers while still being able to measure the amount of effort and attention you to each one of them in relation to their potential. As such, every time you buy or order a CRM system, it’s important that you ensure that all essential features are included, especially those that promote business growth. In this article, we’ll be detailing several features to look for when buying a CRM software that will boost your business.
1. Integration and Ability to Work with Existing Software
CRM systems can help businesses nurture and develop great relationships with customers. However, these systems can only do so if their employees actually use them. If the system’s UI (user interface) is hard to understand and use, then employees will have a hard time maintaining the accuracy and relevancy of data, resulting in your tech investment being virtually useless.
As such, it is important that the software you purchase is user-friendly and that it offers the ability to integrate with the software and systems your company uses every other day.
2. Remote Accessibility
If the software you use requires your sales reps to come into the office to enter data they’ve gathered when in the field, then consider getting another as such a system is not only time-consuming, it also is a waste of money and precious resources. When looking for a CRM software, go for one that offers your reps the ability to enter data even while they are in the field visiting clients. This way, they can be more effective at carrying out their jobs. At the same time, such a system will make it harder for them to forget essential details as they are able to enter data they’ve collected into your company’s database instantly.
3. Mobile-Friendly
It goes without saying that you want a CRM software that allows your team to access it from their handheld devices like smartphones and tablets wherever they are – unless you insist that they carry heavy laptops around.
Since handheld devices are very good presentation tools, it makes sense to use them for more than just one purpose, and reporting is one of their most important functions.
4. Analytics and Integrated Data Management
If you have no tools that you can use to analyze data you’ve collected with, then this information is basically worthless. It is important that you divide your customers and prospects into clear segments to make it easier for you to assess their potential. It is vital that you know where marketing and sales efforts are directed to get the best results. For instance, if certain prospects have a lower than average potential but you continue putting a lot of effort in trying to make them customers, then you’re simply wasting your money and time. 
To make sure that you are investing your efforts in the right places, ensure that you analyze the data you’ve collected. As such, make sure that the CRM software you get offers features that make it easier for you to do so.
5. Flexibility
If you are looking for a CRM software that serves your company’s needs, and which perfectly suits your business, then go for a CRM system you can customize.
That’s how you make and get the most out of a CRM software. However, it is important that you be very careful when choosing one since using the wrong system could lead to you losing out on lots of profitable opportunities.