Why Free CRM Software is a Game Changer for SMEs
Most of the representatives of SMEs do not use CRM systems, because they consider this software to be impractical, expensive or simply useless. In addition, owners of small companies are afraid of changes — it is necessary to completely change business processes, conduct staff training. Quite often, people think that free CRM software is unreliable regarding the storage of personal information. In this article, we will eliminate myths and erroneous judgments about CRM, and also convince you of the benefits of implementing such a useful and valuable software product.
What is CRM: definition, functionality
CRM or Customer Relationship Management is an applied type of software for automating the communications of SMEs companies with their audience. As a rule, the CRM system is relevant for optimizing marketing work, increasing sales results, and improving customer service.
The software automatically captures customer data, collects, stores and analyzes the history of relationships with them — preferences, contacts, communication errors, rejections and profitable deals. That is, using CRM allows companies to develop and not waste time organizing business processes.
Free CRM software is suitable for everyone
Will I really be able to use free software to optimize my business? Such questions are asked by owners of small companies who have already thought about the introduction of automation. However, they cannot believe in the reality of free software versions.
Free CRM software is trial, test, or slightly limited working versions of the software. It is worth paying attention to the advantages of implementing CRM for SMEs. For large corporations, strictly industry-regulated systems are needed, which are developed to order by experienced programmers. Accordingly, such software is paid and quite expensive.
For small companies, you can choose a ready-made software solution, including choosing free CRM software. For example, Bitrix24, which we will talk about in the following sections of this article, is great as a free service and offers low-cost tariff plans.
Types of CRM
Before choosing the right free CRM software, you need to understand the range of software solutions offered. In addition to free and paid tariff plans, the software is classified according to the parameters:
- The purpose of the program.
- The predominant business area.
- Performing key tasks.
- The method of data storage.
An important clarification: free CRM software can be universal and narrowly focused. For example, there are solutions for certain niches — only for sales, for student needs. Such CRMs are considered highly targeted. We recommend using free CRM software like Bitrix24, which is a universal resource that is suitable for most SME companies.
Software Assignment
By the designation of free CRM software, we understand the emphasis of the service on a specific business direction within the company. Let’s look at the conditional classification of all services by purpose, indicating the most carefully developed features of CRM:
- For trade — commodity accounting, shipments, refunds, order management.
- The accounting segment includes document management, contracts, drafting of acts, and accounting for cash flows.
- Marketing — omnichannel customer service, advertising, applications.
- For warehouse accounting — control over shipments of products, turnover of goods.
- Client services — customer data storage, analytics.
Universal free CRM software like Bitrix24 provide the same list of functions and are suitable for most small companies.
The predominant business area
Such software is called specialized. For example, you can choose a software service for a beauty salon, a private clinic, or a cosmetology center. Automation programs that are suitable for online stores and retail outlets are highlighted separately.
CRM specialization is useful for hotel business, gyms, call centers and the service sector such as real estate companies. If you doubt the expediency of searching for software in the prevailing business area, install universal software platforms and make your own settings according to the specifics of your company’s work.
Completing key tasks
In this category, we confidently include universal free CRM software, which really cope with any key task with the correct settings. In addition to universal services, there are analytical, collaborative and operational ones.
Analytical software is designed to collect and analyze any data — customer relationships, company profitability. Collaboration systems are designed for omnichannel sales, and operational analogues successfully cope with everyday business tasks.
Data storage method
Any business area implies the correctness and security of storing data about the company, customer base, and transactions. Modern free CRM software offers improved algorithms for protecting stored information and is classified as SaaS and boxed.
Saas are cloud storages in which information is stored on dedicated CRM servers in an online format. Boxed software involves storing information on the servers of a CRM developer or an IT company that serves the digital business sector. At the same time, the software is installed on the CRM user’s computers.
Free CRM software you need: signs
Let’s determine the feasibility of implementing CRM. You need to analyze your business and identify the following situations. Think about how optimized your company’s work will be if you can improve and significantly simplify the work of your staff.
Has the number of your company’s customers exceeded the 100 mark?
Definitely choose and start using free CRM software. Any successful business has development trends, and automation of work is necessary. With CRM, you will be able to effectively take into account the relationship with customers, you will not increase the staff, you will be able to control the work of the marketing department, accounting and other areas on the same computer. The quality of customer service is an indisputable guarantee of a successful company.
Is the document flow constantly growing?
It is also obvious here that you cannot do without free CRM software. Agree, it is too expensive to spend time processing each document. Either you hire new employees and increase their maintenance costs, or you start using special automated software and develop the company.
Have the business processes been fully formed?
If the main part of the business project is organized, then it’s time for you to switch to automated mode. For example, you work according to an established algorithm:
- The customer’s call.
- Making a purchase.
- Receiving an advance payment.
- Shipment and delivery of products.
Each stage is serviced by staff, accounting is done manually. If you implement free CRM software, you can reduce the number of employees and automate a proven and time-tested algorithm.
Other signs of the feasibility of implementing free CRM software
Automation of the work of SMEs companies is necessary if there is an increase in customers, applications and the total volume of work. Agree, it is quite difficult to segment the customer base manually, process requests coming from phone calls and messengers. The human factor is highlighted separately — with a large amount of work, staff can make mistakes and feel tired.
Our recommendations are Bitrix24 CRM
The universal Bitrix24 CRM system solution is perfect for the SME segment and meets the needs of most businessmen in a free format. The software performs a number of important tasks:
- Analysis of the customer base.
- Creating landing pages.
- Integration with third-party services.
- Registration of documentation.
- Evaluation of the company’s performance.
Free CRM software in the Bitrix24 version is relevant for small companies, and in case of expansion of activities, you can purchase one of the inexpensive paid tariff plans. The business owner can make settings taking into account the specifics of the company’s work, track sales performance and maintain document flow in an automatic format.
Advantages of free CRM software
You must agree that the success of a business, profitability and development prospects depend on the effectiveness of sales. Automation of all processes in the enterprise allows you to improve every area of work:
- The effectiveness of customer interaction.
- Improving staff productivity.
- Keeping inventory records.
- Database storage, processing and protection.
- Assistance in the development of the company’s activities.
- Reducing current expenses and increasing profits.
Read this text again and make sure that it is advisable to use CRM.
Conclusion
It is obvious that automation of business processes is a modern technological solution that cannot be dispensed with. The success of any company depends on the correct construction of all work areas. Use free CRM software and increase business efficiency.
