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If after thinking about it, you are ready to integrate a CRM in your company, you are on the right page! Here, we propose to give you some keys that will help you choose your future software solution among the different proposals available on the market.
This integration will allow you to increase your power and eliminate a number of problems such as: abandoned shopping carts, missed appointments, loss of information due to contract termination, etc. However, between paid and free software, it is not always easy to make a choice.
Indeed, if free is an unstoppable argument, free solutions still have some limitations. All our explanations on how to choose your free or paid CRM software can be found in the rest of this guide. Focus.
1 - Define your needs, an essential step in choosing a CRM
It is important to see the choice of a CRM as a real project. Moreover, the deployment of such a tool within a structure can represent a real challenge. This is why it is essential to target a product adapted to the size of the company so that the integration goes as smoothly as possible.
When a company chooses a CRM, it must first orient its preferences towards a tool adapted to its needs. There are indeed CRM dedicated to large companies and other CRM dedicated to SMEs, VSEs, start-ups, and even to self-employed entrepreneurs. Some CRMs can be totally adaptable thanks to advanced customization options. In this case, they will generally suit most structures.
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As you can see, it is necessary to specify the size of the company and the intended use of the future customer relationship management tool. This will allow you to refine the list of possible CRM solutions.
2 - Define the resources available for CRM integration
Integrating a CRM within a company always requires the mobilization of certain resources. These resources are both human and financial, because you will discover that even in the case of free CRM, additional costs are almost always involved.
In a large company, implementing a CRM will require an investment of time and money. First of all, it is necessary to foresee that an intervening party is in charge of integrating the software solution within the company. Secondly, it is often necessary to set up an adapted training in order to train the various users to take in hand their new tool.
At the same time, paid CRMs will require you to opt for a monthly or annual subscription. If there are CRMs offering a fixed cost, others make their price evolve according to the number of users. This is also an element to take into account.
In the case of a free CRM, the tool is certainly not paying, however, its integration requires the intervention of an external technician whose service is charged. Finally, another element to note: the functionalities and number of users of a free CRM are almost always limited.
The purchase of paid features is therefore often essential. If at first glance, a free CRM does not require any resources, you now know that in reality, this statement is a little more nuanced.
3 - Select a high-performance CRM tool
Once you have defined your needs and resources, all you have to do is choose your CRM. If you have done your research well, you should have a few CRM ideas at this point in your project.
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Several CRM solutions are available on the market. When you do your research on the web, you will find a plethora of all-in-one solutions ready to be used. If you find what you are looking for, well, that's fine. All you have to do is to approach the platform in question and start your process of joining the tool.
You will find solutions that offer a paid subscription and solutions that offer free solutions. In this second category, we distinguish several functions. It can be a free trial limited in time, or in other cases, a free version with limited functionality.
It is also quite possible to opt for the development of an internal solution based on an open source CRM. This will allow you to take advantage of a high level of customization that is not always possible with ready-to-use all-in-one CRM. If you have your own internal processes that you want to fully exploit, this is a solution to consider.
If, despite your efforts, you are unable to make your choice, you can always talk to the service providers whose tools you are interested in. This solution will also allow you to test the reactivity of the support and the quality of the customer service. Some service providers can also offer you a demonstration session (demo) to help you decide whether or not the proposed CRM could meet your expectations.
Bonus: selection of some of the best CRMs on the market
There is no shortage of CRM solutions. Here is a brief selection of some CRMs known for their overall performance:
These are just a few examples of the many products available. Among them, you will find various subscriptions and various prices. Some of them also offer free versions. In any case, we leave you to your research, because do not forget that it is the only way to find the best CRM for your company.
In conclusion:
Free or paid, you now know how to choose a CRM for your company. As you will have understood, the choice depends mainly on your needs. When expectations are high, it is almost impossible to stay on a free CRM choice. Indeed, the advanced solutions and tools are always paying.
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However, there are CRMs available at different prices, so you can find a product that fits your budget. In any case, the benefits of such a tool are immense. So don't hesitate any longer and make your choice right now to start your company's growth as soon as possible!
