Software Comparison Strategy
With so many vendors in the market, it can get overwhelming to decide which software would be the best for your business. Jumpstart your search by considering the following aspects before committing to a purchase:
Preferred Features: Look at your current system and analyze where it is lacking. What are the most common problems you face? Which features can help maximize productivity? Many solutions come with extensive functionalities that are not only challenging to figure out but also unnecessary for your business. Take some time to make a list of your requirements. Client and service-focused features and marketing automation tools are a good place to start.
Mobile Platform: Check your top software options for mobile compatibility. Solutions that you can access anywhere, on any device you want, are especially beneficial if you have remote or hybrid teams. It’s a bonus if you can use the platform offline, something helpful in cases of spotty service.
Cloud Technology: While cloud solutions are popular, don’t choose them for the sake of it. On-premise systems need a dedicated IT team, which is expensive to maintain. But most on-site vendors don’t charge according to the number of users, something profitable in the long run, especially for large businesses.
Budget: You need to be honest about your budget and how much you can afford to spend. Thoroughly consider all variables like the number of users, hidden costs and maintenance fees before making a purchase.
Integrations: Take note of apps you use on a daily basis. Your ideal solutions should integrate with your preferred apps, enabling you to streamline communication.
Customizations: What customizable features does the software offer? What about scalability options? Does it come with any pre-built templates? Investing in a solution that can scale up is a good idea so your business doesn’t risk outgrowing its software capabilities.
Vendor Support: Does your vendor provide hands-on customer support? Do they have 24/7 live chat? What do their installation, onboarding and training processes look like? How do they ensure data security? How will they help you import existing data into the new software?
User Experience: CRMs that are intuitive and easy to use are always a plus. They can save valuable time and money that would otherwise go into costly and time-consuming software training.
Some additional tips:
- Test drive free versions of your top software options and examine them thoroughly.
- Ask your colleagues for recommendations and read industry guides before making a purchase.
- Check out online reviews on platforms like Reddit and Quora.
- Set milestones and give yourself deadlines for each step of the process to help you stay on track.
Cost & Pricing Considerations
CRM software comes in all shapes and sizes. There’s something for everyone. When it comes to pricing, you’ll need to pay monthly, quarterly, half-yearly or annually. Some solutions have a one-time subscription fee, while others charge according to the number of users.
A few software vendors have a flat monthly fee regardless of the number of people using the software, but they are becoming increasingly uncommon.
The average rate of CRM software for consultants is around $50 to $90 per user/month. The price can go as cheap as $10-$15 per user/month to $3000-$4000 for specialized advanced solutions with robust capabilities. Some vendors offer free trials or free software versions with limited functionality.
The cost of the software may increase according to its advanced features, customizations and scalability options. There are also hidden costs, like paying for installation or training sessions. If you’re opting for on-premise software, you also need to set aside money for a dedicated IT support team.