Professionals in the sales and advertising industry must always keep their contacts organized. Sorting through a long phonebook list or even your piles of calling cards tends to be inefficient, so it’s best to have everything sorted in a customer relationship management (CRM) tool. All the information you placed in Google Apps or Outlook will be combined in one place in a CRM tool. Here are some of the best CRM tools in the market.
Zoho is one option for those who prefer a Web-based Office alternative. This business tool combines the information you’ve placed in third party applications such as Outlook or Google Apps. Zoho also offers 30 apps that allow for document publishing and chat. The pricing plan is quite affordable, with a mobile site that looks best on an iPhone. The best plan comes at $25 a month, but cannot connect to other social media sites.
SugarCRM, on the other hand, allows for social media linkage. Businesses can avail of the free version that not only manages contacts, but also integrates their tweets into the dashboard. This basic service comes for free while paid plans have a minimum of $360 per year.
For users that value an easy on the eyes design, check out Highrise. With a dashboard that is similar to a Facebook newsfeed, this CRM gives access to your contacts history, recent activity, and a search option for specific people. However, the highest plan only permits 40 users. The Basic Plan comes at a fair price of $24 a month, enabling about six users.
Apple users can look into Daylite, a desktop application that appeals to design, film, and photography professionals. iPhone and Macbook OS X users will appreciate the integration of iCal and Address Book information, plus the added iPhone app. This CRM comes at an investment price of $1,499.95 for about six users.
For those not quite invested in CRM, Free CRM gives the experience of contacts organization, calendars, and task management for up to five users. Unfortunately the dashboard is not as attractive as the others and can be a challenge to set up. Premium plans are also purchasable for those needing more users.
Salesforce is a top notch CRM that offers an endless list of features. Along with an attractive interface, a good number of dashboard tools, and an iPhone app, their website even includes 24/7 support. Although the CRM isn’t as affordable as others, it is a worthwhile investment for users needing multiple activities.
Vtiger is one free open source option that includes every other CRM’s functions: calendars, integration, and task management. Only Windows and Linux users will benefit from the desktop application, but for zero payment or at the affordable $12 for full features, Vtiger saves you time, money, and effort.
Social media marketers may want to opt for BatchBook, which is described as the “social CRM.” Its dashboard lets you view your contacts’ LinkedIn, Twitter, blog, and Flickr updates. Five plans are available at a minimum of $9.95 a month.
Whether you are tired of sorting through a long list or simply want an easier way to keep up with your network, all these CRM apps provide enough features, depending on your budget, operating system, and device.
