What is a CRM?
A CRM is a type of software that companies use to track interactions and communications with current or potential customers.
What does CRM mean?
CRM stands for Customer Relationship Management. However, the acronym “CRM” has become so common that it’s almost always used as a noun in casual conversations.
For example:
“What CRM does your team use?”
“Can you make sure to update that lead in the CRM?”
What are the different types of CRM software?
Sales CRM (Most Common Type of CRM)
Whenever you hear the term “CRM” in public, it’s likely a sales CRM that is being talked about.
Sales teams use CRMs to track leads and customers throughout the sales funnel while managers rely on them to make informed decisions based on data.
Sales CRM Examples:
- LeadLoft
- Salesforce Sales Cloud
- PipeDrive
- Close (Formerly Close.io)
- Freshworks CRM (Formerly Freshsales)
Marketing CRM (Marketing Automation)
A Marketing CRM is software focused on the marketing side of the business's relationship with its customers. In general, a company without a sales team will rely heavily on their Marketing CRM to track customers and their activities.
Marketing teams are usually in charge of managing the marketing automation software and any talented marketer will use the software to spread brand awareness, keep customers engaged, track spending habits, and attribute revenue to marketing campaigns.
Marketing CRM Examples:
Support CRM (Support Software)
Support CRMs are focused on the opposite end of a sales CRM. While a sales CRM is focused on acquiring new customers, support CRMs are focused on maintaining customer relationships by providing support and answering any questions they may have.
Support CRM Examples:
Conclusion
If you’re serious about scaling your business you NEED a CRM. Whether you’re a manager or an SDR on a sales team, a CRM helps to organize data so you can make informed decisions, track your team’s productivity, and ensure deals are never forgotten.
