A variety of the best Customer Relationship Management (CRM) solutions exist in today’s market. Businesses can install a complete system at their site and maintain and control of a proprietary solution themselves. If the business prefers not to make such an investment, a hosted solution from a third party is a viable alternative.
A third option also exists. In recent years, web-based CRM has found a strong customer base in small companies. With growing CRM feature sets, automations, and integrations in the cloud becoming the predominant way to manage business contact data and lead management, more companies than ever are using this type of CRM system. This article explains what web-based CRM is and how it can be advantageous for companies of all types and sizes.
A Quick Review of CRM
For those who are not familiar with the topic, a brief look at CRM is beneficial. CRM is a means for managing a company’s dealings with customers, clients, and sales prospects. Through the use of technology, CRM helps a company acquire new business, retain the clients it has, bring former clients back into the fold, and enhance a good customer service flow it offers. This is all done at any eye towards reducing costs. The business processes targeted by this strategy are sales, marketing, customer service, and technical support.
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What is Web-Based CRM?
At first glance, Web Based CRM might seem very similar to a hosted CRM solution. While a web based CRM is indeed a hosted solution, all hosted CRM solutions are not web based. Many hosted CRM solutions work in the client-server architecture. A client with a piece of CRM software installed accesses a dedicated server that has been configured on the backend with another piece of the CRM software. The client software is needed to access the backend server.
Web-based CRM offers a different model that is picking up popularity as a top trend in CRM technology. While a backend server still exists, there is no client to install onto a workstation. Users access the client software via a web browser. This significantly reduces the costs involved with the traditional client-server configuration. The customer doesn’t have to purchase any software; it is provided with the Web. IT doesn’t have to go from workstation to workstation installing a client; if a user needs the software, they simply have to point to the correct URL to begin working. The system as a whole is easy to maintain, as any changes made to the software will be seen throughout the entire system. The entire Web Based CRM process is simple to maintain and very cost effective.
Why does this matter? If you’re in business, you’re in business to generate a profit. You probably like what you do very much, but the bottom line is still to increase the company’s revenue. Web Based CRM provides a very efficient means to do this. Your company still enjoys the benefits of a hosted solution, but at a significantly cheaper cost.
What Kind of Company Used Web-Based CRM?
The companies currently using Web Based CRM are small to medium sized business. Why? Web Based CRM allows them to enjoy enterprise features without the cost associated with a full-blown enterprise solution. They enjoy all of the benefits of CRM at a fraction of the cost of an in-house solution or a traditional hosted solution that requires a client installed onto each workstation accessing the software.
In effect, they experience a “double whammy” of savings. CRM itself helps these companies save money by what it does. Add in the additional savings through the use of a Web Based solution, and you’re looking at a very wise business decision.
Advantages of Web-Based CRM
A Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system is an essential tool for businesses to manage customer interactions and data. A web-based CRM system provides additional advantages over traditional CRM systems, as it is accessed through a web browser and hosted on the cloud. Here are the top advantages of a web-based CRM.
Accessibility
A web-based CRM system can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection, allowing users to work remotely, collaborate with team members in different locations, and access customer data on-the-go.
Scalability
Web-based CRM systems can easily scale up or down depending on the needs of the business. As the business grows, the system can handle an increasing number of users and customers without the need for hardware upgrades.
Affordability
A web-based CRM system does not require expensive hardware or software installation, which makes it more affordable for small and medium-sized businesses. Additionally, web-based CRMs are typically offered as a subscription-based CRM system with key features, which allows for predictable monthly CRM costs and no large upfront expenses.
Flexibility
Web-based CRM systems are highly customizable and can be tailored to meet the specific needs of the business. They can also integrate with other business software such as email, social media, and accounting software.
Security
CRM security is vital to protecting sensitive business and customer data. Web-based CRM systems are hosted on secure cloud servers that offer robust security features such as data encryption, backup and disaster recovery, and access controls. This ensures that customer data is protected from cyber threats and is backed up in case of a disaster.
Collaboration
Web-based CRM systems enable team members to collaborate on customer data and share information in real-time. This improves communication and helps to streamline workflows.
Mobility
Web-based CRM systems are accessible on mobile devices, which allows users to access customer data, update records, and respond to customer inquiries while on the go. Mobile CRM can be an important business differentiator for growing companies and remote workforces.
Analytics
Web-based CRM systems offer powerful analytics and reporting features that allow businesses to track customer behavior, identify trends, and measure the effectiveness of their marketing campaigns.
Automation
Web-based CRM systems can automate routine tasks such as data entry, follow-up emails, and appointment scheduling. This reduces manual workloads and frees up time for more strategic tasks. A proper CRM implementation will ensure you have all the tools and functionality you need in your system.
Updates
Web-based CRM systems are automatically updated with the latest software and security features, ensuring that the business is always using the most current technology. This saves time and resources that would otherwise be spent on manual updates and maintenance.
A business savvy customer will take a good hard look at Web Based CRM to see if it will benefit their company. With the benefits provided by CRM as a whole, as well as the reduced cost of a web based solution combined with a rich feature set, Web Based CRM is a solution people should be looking at to save money and raise profits for their businesses.
