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Greetings fellow business owners! Whether you are just starting out or have been in the game for a while, managing customer relationships is vital to the success of your company. That’s where a hosted CRM system comes in handy. But with so many options available, how do you choose the right one for your small business? In this article, we’ll dive into the best hosted CRM systems for small businesses and help you make the right decision for your company.
What is a Hosted CRM System?
A hosted CRM system is a type of software that helps businesses manage customer interactions and relationships in a single platform. Hosted CRM systems are cloud-based, meaning they are accessible from anywhere with an internet connection. They typically offer features such as contact management, sales forecasting, marketing automation, and customer service management.
Instead of managing customer relationships through various applications and spreadsheets, a hosted CRM system provides a centralized location for all customer data. This helps small businesses track and analyze customer interactions, which can lead to improved sales and better customer experiences.
The Benefits of Using a Hosted CRM System for Small Business
Before we dive into the best hosted CRM systems for small businesses, let’s first explore the benefits of using one:
| Benefits | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Centralized Customer Data | Hosted CRM systems provide a centralized location for all customer data, making it easier for small businesses to manage and analyze customer interactions. |
| Improved Sales | By tracking customer interactions and analyzing data, small businesses can make informed decisions about how to improve their sales process. |
| Better Customer Service | Hosted CRM systems allow small businesses to manage customer service interactions more efficiently, leading to better customer experiences. |
| Increased Efficiency | A hosted CRM system streamlines customer relationship management tasks, saving small businesses time and resources. |
The Best Hosted CRM Systems for Small Business
1. HubSpot CRM
HubSpot CRM is a free, user-friendly hosted CRM system that offers a range of features for small businesses. It includes contact management, deal tracking, and marketing automation tools. HubSpot CRM also integrates with other HubSpot marketing and sales tools, making it a great all-in-one solution for small businesses.
Additionally, HubSpot CRM offers a reporting dashboard that displays key metrics such as sales performance, deal pipeline, and revenue forecasts. This allows small businesses to make data-driven decisions and improve their sales processes.
2. Salesforce Essentials
Salesforce is a popular CRM system for larger businesses, but it also offers a scaled-down version called Salesforce Essentials for small businesses. Salesforce Essentials includes contact management, lead tracking, and sales forecasting tools.
One of the standout features of Salesforce Essentials is its customer support, which includes 24/7 phone and chat support. This can be particularly helpful for small businesses that don’t have dedicated IT or customer support teams.
3. Zoho CRM
Zoho CRM is a cloud-based CRM system that offers a range of features for small businesses, including contact management, lead scoring, and sales automation. Zoho CRM also integrates with other Zoho business tools, such as Zoho Books and Zoho Projects.
One of the unique features of Zoho CRM is its gamification tool, which allows small businesses to create sales contests and leaderboards to motivate their sales teams.
4. Pipedrive
Pipedrive is a CRM system designed specifically for sales teams. It offers features such as contact management, pipeline management, and deal tracking. Pipedrive also has a mobile app, making it easy for sales teams to access customer data on the go.
One of the standout features of Pipedrive is its visual pipeline management tool, which allows small businesses to easily see where each deal is in the sales process.
5. Insightly
Insightly is a CRM system that offers contact management, lead tracking, and project management tools. It also includes a mobile app and integrates with popular business tools such as G Suite and Office 365.
One of the unique features of Insightly is its ability to create custom objects, which allows small businesses to track and manage any type of customer data they need.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between a hosted CRM and an on-premise CRM?
A hosted CRM is cloud-based, meaning it is accessible from anywhere with an internet connection. An on-premise CRM is installed on a local server and accessed from within the business’s network. Hosted CRMs are becoming increasingly popular due to their scalability, accessibility, and lower upfront costs.
2. How much does a hosted CRM system cost?
The cost of a hosted CRM system can vary depending on the provider and the features included. Some providers, such as HubSpot CRM, offer free versions. Other providers offer tiered pricing plans based on the number of users and the features included.
3. How does a hosted CRM system improve customer service?
A hosted CRM system allows small businesses to manage customer service interactions more efficiently. By having all customer data in a single platform, businesses can respond to customer inquiries faster and with more accurate information.
4. Can a hosted CRM system integrate with other business tools?
Yes, many hosted CRM systems offer integrations with popular business tools such as G Suite, Office 365, and marketing automation tools. This allows small businesses to streamline their workflows and avoid data silos.
5. Is it easy to migrate data to a hosted CRM system?
The ease of migrating data to a hosted CRM system can vary depending on the provider and the volume of data being migrated. Many providers offer migration services or have tools available to assist with the process.
6. Do I need dedicated IT resources to use a hosted CRM system?
No, hosted CRM systems are typically user-friendly and require minimal IT resources. However, some providers offer dedicated support for businesses that need additional assistance.
7. Is it easy to customize a hosted CRM system?
The ease of customizing a hosted CRM system can vary depending on the provider and the level of customization needed. Many providers offer customizable fields and workflows, while others allow businesses to create custom objects or use APIs for more advanced customization.
Conclusion
Choosing the right hosted CRM system for your small business can be overwhelming. However, by considering the features and benefits of each system, you can make an informed decision that will improve your customer relationships and sales processes. Remember to consider factors such as pricing, integrations, and customer support when making your decision.
Investing in and implementing a hosted CRM system is a crucial step in growing your business in 2021 and beyond. By using the best hosted CRM system for your small business, you can streamline your workflows, improve customer experiences, and boost your bottom line. So what are you waiting for? Choose the best hosted CRM system for your small business today!
Closing Disclaimer
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