These are the factors you should consider before getting into any CRM system: 

• What are your business needs, goals and requirements and the CRM you're looking to get is in-line with these goals?
• How many people, user, employees will need access to the CRM software, is the CRM really scalable ?
• What features are important to you (customer management, lead tracking, sales pipeline, etc)?
• Is the software affordable and does it have a reasonable monthly price tag for your company size and budget restrictions?
• Is customer support available if needed and is it 24/7/365 or only during certain hours?
• Is the CRM software easy to use and navigate for all users on different devices/platforms (PC, Mac, mobile)?
• Is the CRM vendor reputable and do they have a good track record of customer satisfaction/support?
• Does the CRM provider offer good customer service and technical support if needed down the road?
• How user-friendly is the software - will everyone in your company be able to learn how to use it without difficulty?"
• How much does the CRM software cost and is there a free trial available so you can test it out first before purchasing?
• How much will the CRM cost and is there a free trial available so you can test it out first?
• Will the CRM be easy to use for your employees or do they need training on how to use it properly?

CRM is a critical piece of software for businesses of all sizes. It’s important to select the right CRM for your needs, and there are a few things you should keep in mind when making your decision. We’ve outlined the key considerations below, but if you need help narrowing down your options or have any other questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch. We would be happy to assist you in finding the best CRM for your business!

Creating the partnership

To build a successful digital marketing toolbox, there needs to first be a genuine partnership between the strategic, the tactical and the technical business functions. By working collaboratively, they can plan, design, implement and use the powerful systems needed for marketing to support the business.

Marketing automation

The biggest piece of technology used by marketers – aside from the CRM system – is the marketing automation system. This generally uses email as the main communication method, although most modern marketing automation tools now integrate web and social media channels.

The key reasons you need marketing automation

Regardless of your industry, there are a number of major benefits to working with the marketing automation systems. Including:

• Better customer management

  • A good marketing platform gives you the ability to measure user behaviour and responses, helping you to understand what your customers are truly interested in. This knowledge enables you to shape your products and services to target your audience better.

• Nurture leads until they are ready to buy

  • The majority of the people visiting your website or downloading your content are just finding out more about your offerings and are not yet ready to buy anything. However, with the help of marketing automation system you are able to nurture those leads with tailored messages over time, to keep them engaged with suitable content.

• Integration of various channels and platforms

  • The modern marketing team uses a wide range of digital systems for speaking to different audiences and managing various types of data across websites, social media, etc etc. This can cause issues when more and more systems are being used, the complexity can become too much.

• Helps marketing track attribution

  • One major challenge for marketers is tracking their return on investment – and getting credit for the leads generated using marketing budgets. With the help of software that allows leads to be tracked across multiple channels over time, the attribution can become easier, and marketing can get more transparent reporting on their results.

Custom made or off-the-shelf?

When it comes to choosing the right system for marketing, there is often a temptation to go directly to a ready-made packaged product. While this can be more than sufficient and much less time restrictive, there are many benefits for choosing to go custom made.

• Paying for functionality you don’t need

  • One of the biggest issues with off the shelf solutions is that they are designed for the average user. This means you will inevitably be paying for features you don’t need, or on the flipside, not have access to features that you do need that are specific to your business. The price will still be the same.

• Avoid being locked into long-term subscriptions

  • Most marketing automation systems on the market are available on a subscription basis. While this does give the business a predictable monthly or annual cost, it also means that you continue paying – as long as you use the software. Owning software, not only means you won’t have to pay monthly and additionally you own the software as an asset.

• Adapt the software to your process, not the other way around.

  • Your business is unique – and you have processes that may not look the same as those in another business. Rather than changing the way you operate it may be worthwhile designing your own marketing systems that are completely tailored to your organisation.

We all want good, dependable marketing efforts that show tangible results. The better tools your IT team can give your marketing teams, the better th

“Is it really that hard?”

Being a bespoke software development company, we often see companies with unrealistic expectations, requirements, or timescales. However, on the other side of the sword, we also see clients who overestimate the cost and timescale of their projects. It’s almost impossible to know just how expensive or how long a project can take if you have no experience with software development and why we recommend speaking to a professional and suitable partner about your bespoke software needs.

Internal vs white label software

There are two main aspects of software development that are relevant to most businesses. The first one is software systems designed for your company, such as payroll or CRM systems. The second one is white label software. This is created for the company to brand and sell as their own on a one – off or license-based system.

Regardless, it is always good to look at the key elements of starting software development. So here are our tips for key factors to keep in mind.

Analyse requirements

The first and probably most important stage of development is defining and understanding the scope and size of the problem you want to address. Which processes do you want to introduce or transform with this new software? What is it you are aiming to achieve with this?

Setting down initial requirements is absolutely vital to ensuring development is smooth and stays on course.

In some cases, you might not know exactly what you want to achieve or understand the possibilities available to you. However, a skilled development team will be able to help you analyse and solve your pain points and problems.

Shortlist potential development partners

Most start-ups or small companies don’t have the resources for in-house development while also focusing on management of the actual business. Consequently, an external solution provider is often the answer. As well as taking the time to analyse your actual requirements it is also well worth checking out multiple suitable developers to make sure you are suitable together.

Do they have credentials and testimonials to back up their service? Any awards or customer references? They should be able to show that they are working to a good industry standard.

A good partner will help you do three important things

Create a minimum viable product

This will prove that the model will actually work in practice.

Leverage any work already done

By taking a simple test version of your software they should be able to turn it into a solid and reliable product.

Provide finance solutions

Funding a project made bespoke is oftentimes a problem especially for payment upfront. So finance options should suit your budget and timescale.

Planning is priority!

Planning for a bespoke development never truly ceases. Throughout the project you will be required to test and check your software and see what you think of it. Some features will work in theory but perhaps not in practice and vice versa. The next stage of development should always be on your mind. The developers will of course help you with this as well, but nobody knows what you want better than yourself.

Communication is key

Communication is a fundamental element of any software development project. As a client you will need to know what exactly has been happening between meetings. Developers will not only need to communicate clearly with you but will require clear communication from you in order to achieve maximum efficiency.

Test

You should be able to see prototypes early on in the project, to encourage experimentation, testing and discussion. Once you are able to test your software you will be able to suggest features or modifications to be built into the system. You can also make sure the product will be safe and free from bugs and glitches upon going live.

1. Centralised, organised data storage

Having a single point for all your information storage means never having to search through multiple different places for important emails and traded messages that are vital for maintaining the continuity of a business relationship. These small chunks of information are often what lead to sales. Sending the same, generic catch-up email more than once to a customer gives them the impression you can’t even remember when you last spoke. They will see your attempts to converse as disingenuous. With CRM software you will have all the details of each email logged so you can remember that you only recently touched-base with certain clients and to perhaps send a different type of email to others. CRM software will lay out your history of each client in an easy and digestible way, transforming the way you interact with customers and boosting their interactions with you consequently. It’s efficiency means less time and money spent in the process and your attention is fully focused forward.

2. Clear communication company-wide is KEY!

Client histories are constantly changing as businesses evolve and employees join and leave the company. The best way to keep these histories consistent is not through notes left behind by ex-employees but rather through one overarching CRM. Inside a CRM, due to the nature of it being so robust and computational, it is extremely easy for a junior staff member to pick up right where the last member left off with absolutely zero confusion as everything is streamlined and has been recorded in line with how you want it to work. Furthermore, there is no risk of duplicated inputs or lost data with the system being entirely online everyone can see everyone else’s notes and (provided the server stays in healthy condition) there is no way the data can be misplaced and lost.

3. CRM software can diagnose a company’s state of health

You might oftentimes find yourself struggling through old data trying to find a clear picture of what’s been happening with certain customers. Due to the lack of a uniform source of data storage to help with the analysis, it is difficult to piece things together yourself from oftentimes disjointed and confusing notes. CRM is the tool to fix this, you can see as individual or as general as you wish to get a comprehensive idea of how your business is doing.

4. Organised data allows you to predict the future of your business

While a business is still small it can be easy to think that storing and filing all your information on an excel spreadsheet is the best way to go. However, consider doing the same filing and storing in five years’ time when your customer base has doubled, tripled, or increased tenfold! Not so easy now! It is also had to devote time solely to making sales when employees (or yourself for that matter!) are lost in an endless backlog of outdated information and recording client interactions manually. Without easily accessible current data you can’t possibly analyse, predict, or plan for the future.

If you think that CRM software is the missing piece to your business, we can help you make and integrate your very own bespoke CRM system. You won’t be on a paid monthly subscription, or need a license per user and everything can be tailored exactly to your needs. Get in touch to explore the possibilities and find out what a CRM could do for your business.

Training

Many off-the-shelf solutions will include a plethora of training videos and sometimes companies may specialize in providing training for popular software. However, this training won’t necessarily be specific for your industry or organization and will be once again aimed at a general audience in a one-size-fits-all approach

Support

One advantage of off-the-shelf software is that there will likely already be an existing userbase who are well versed in how to use it. This could be helpful if you come across any problems along the way there may already be existing solutions or people who have had similar problems before in a user-based community.

Development influence

A popular off-the-shelf solution will have a wide and varied userbase. As a result, it may become apparent that your individual needs will take a backseat. When the developer of this software has so many people to cater too all requesting different addons and changes it is hard to make everyone happy. For some this may be a benefit, with the stress of providing feedback to an active and dedicated developer removed. However, it will also have its drawbacks as there will be much less influence over the direction of development should you need there to be.

Price

Clearly, the development cost of off-the-shelf packages can be recovered over a large number of customers making the cost extremely competitive. However, using a general software solution means you can’t have technology designed around your processes and you’ll need to conform to whatever process the subscription-based software provides you.

Furthermore, in the long term it may well be that investing in a more expensive but bespoke solution is better value and ultimately sometimes even cheaper, especially when considering that individual licenses from off-the-shelf solutions are often how you will be billed.

Fitness for purpose

Generic applications can be extremely sophisticated. Because they are developed for a wide audience and have considerable investment going into their development. They are likely to be designed to fit as broad a range of applications as possible, but this can lead to cumbersome features you neither need nor want. Furthermore, some features that you do need are sometimes locked behind paywalls and disguised as a “bolt-on” that will eventually build up and cost more.

Software updates and upgrades

Updates for off-the-shelf software normally happen regularly and try to keep up with technological advancements, adding new features and benefits. This is good for keeping up with the advancements of the world. However, unexpected upgrades can cause disruption if legacy data is no longer available to be used with the new version or perhaps support will be discontinued for your version of software over time.

Ownership

Since you are paying for use of someone else’s software, you will never be the sole owner of your system. One part we overlooked in the “Price” section is that the software you pay for becomes, in itself, an asset for your business. Should you want to sell on your business in the future or want investors to take you seriously, it’s much more appealing and attractive to say you have your own custom-made software.

Trials

When searching for an off-the-shelf solution, the chances are you’ll find a free trial version to try before you buy. Also, it’s worth remembering that trials are by their very nature designed to make the product look as compelling as possible, in order to trigger a desire to purchase. In a worst case scenario, an impulsive purchase can end up being a one-trick pony that doesn’t have the resources to support the business in the long term.

What kind of software am I looking for? What tasks do I need it to perform?

You need to be 100% clear in your mind about the answers to these two . If you’re to have meaningful discussions with software providers, they need to know precisely about the brief. They need to know what role their software service is supposed to fulfil and what challenges it is intended to overcome

What kind of company am I dealing with?

Whichever company you choose, it must be one you can relate to. The relationship you share will be a long-term one. For it to be fruitful, they will have to understand your business and vice versa. Look at your prospective provider carefully. What about their mission – their vision? Do they share your business outlook? Look at their ‘why’. Why are they in business, and what ethos drives them? If you can see a clear synergy between the two of you, then there’s every chance of a successful business relationship.

What about their experience and expertise?

How long has the company been established? What about their experience of and expertise in your precise sector? What about the skillsets of the key players in the business? Can they demonstrate that they’ve got what it takes to deliver the software that your business demands – not some off-the-shelf approximation, but the exact model that you need to make your business function effectively?

How flexible are they? How willing are they to adapt to your needs?

This links to the last question. Does your prospective provider have the business intelligence

            (a) to educate you about the benefits of their product?

            (b) to adapt their product to the functionality that your business demands?

Every business is unique. Every business has individual goals and challenges. You need to understand the tools and techniques that the provider will be using to analyse your needs and to create the ideal bespoke solution.

How about after-sales?

We've already discussed the long-term nature of the relationship. How will this work in practice? What about training provision? How will they communicate with your people? What are their response times? What about upgrades? You need clear answers to each of these questions.

What do others say?

You need to look beyond the sales pitches of your potential providers. You need to find out what others think. Testimonials are an obvious option – preferably video testimonials, which, unlike written ones, can’t be faked. Better still, talk to other clients in your sector abut the quality of the product, its provision and the after-sales service.

Consider too social proof. Check out the company’s LinkedIn page and its key worker LinkedIn profiles. How do they engage with the social platform? What do these profiles and engagement stell you about the company ethos?

Should you be looking for an off-shore or an on-shore partner?

Off-shore partners used to be a big no-no. Their reputation for unreliability would be enough to put you off. This is much less the case now. Provided you can satisfy yourself that all these questions can be answered satisfactorily, you should keep the option open.

What about the size of the company?

Size does matter. You need to look carefully at the size of your prospective providers. Are they big enough to deliver what you need? Will they be able to grow as you grow? But also ask yourself – they may be a big enough company but are they small enough to care?

What about certification?

Take a look at their measures of quality assurance -  ISO / Awards etc. These will be reliable indicators of competence and suitability for your project.

How do their prices compare?

Price – a key factor but not the most important. You know the old saying – ‘buy cheap, buy twice’. Don’t think of cost. Think of value. Be clear about precisely what you will receive for the price you’re being quoted.

Yes – when it comes to choosing the right software partner,  there are plenty of questions to be answered. But this is a long-term investment for your business. You won’t always get the decision right. However, answer these questions to your satisfaction and you massively increase your chances of a sound decision and a successful partnership.

Talk to the software specialists

Web Alliance Limited is long established as one of the UK’s foremost providers of adaptable, bespoke software providers. Working with businesses of all sizes, we enjoy a growing reputation for innovation, flexibility and expertise, supported by unrivalled, world-class customer service.

Do you need bespoke software to run your business engine? Maybe you’re unsure as to what you need to help your business run at it most efficient. That’s OK. Pick up theb phone. Let’s talk. Afterall, we’re here to help.

Phone – 0800 677 1786         

Email – info@web-alliance.co.uk

Complete our contact form

You can’t teach an old system new tricks… or can you?

The biggest obstacle in the way of systems integration is linking dissimilar systems together. This can be because one system is an older legacy version or perhaps the system was just not designed to be linked with other systems. Once this issue is overcome though the original system becomes a much more powerful system with the ability to do much now it’s parts are combined. Processes can be automated and simplified meaning administrators and other IT staff spend less time with the monotonous tasks such as repetitive data entry and have more time for the more important tasks their skills are required for.

Do you need systems integration?

Many businesses don’t realise just how lethargic their workflow is until they sit down and really analyse just how much time is wasted by having separate systems working against each other. If your business is being run the way your software wants you to run, then perhaps its time to consider systems integration. It’s no secret that utilising your staff to the best of their abilities is key to running a successful company, so why waste the time of your IT specialists? Everyone is susceptible to the downfalls of not having integrated systems, don’t be left behind!

Key things to keep in mind before choosing systems integration

• Before taking the plunge its good to have a sit down with others and go through your entire work process, start to finish, and create a workflow-chart. This will highlight just how many things you can link together and how much time can be saved by doing so. Using this, generate a strategy to combine all these separate aspects efficiently.
• Keep the door open for expansion! It is not rare to see businesses grow and change as time goes on, this is a good thing! However, keep in mind that if your strategy is shortsighted and does not account for the future you may find yourself in a similar situation sooner than you’d hoped.
• It is easy to focus on the here and now when thinking about systems integration. Oftentimes the future is severely overlooked, especially when a system is particularly derelict. Some companies become obsessed with getting better systems and software now without thinking that one day in the future they may be in the same situation they are now if they do not plan effectively. A famous quote by David Heinemeier Hansson reads “The best way to predict the future is to implement it.”
• Continuation of legacy systems means you won’t have to retrain staff. Sound great right? However, be aware, sometimes it is more worth creating an entirely new way to work if you think it will save you time in the long run. And as we all know, time is money.
• Don’t rush into anything. One of the biggest killers of small and medium enterprises is the unnecessary urgency about big IT based decisions. It is a far better choice to take your time and consider every aspect of this decision than jump into it headfirst.

The future and scalability of systems integration

Nowadays, newer systems are being designed with the intention to be part of bigger, better and faster processes. Their individual limitations are minimised by allowing themselves to be linked to other systems.

When a successful systems integration is completed, your company will quickly find that efficiency across the company is increased. This gives you and your business time to react faster to market changes and other randomly occurring issues you will face. Furthermore, you will find that your system will not only allow that but in fact support it. Without the restrictions found in outdated, legacy versions of IT software business are truly let free to flourish with faster reporting, management, performance, and efficiency.

Computers were created to enhance our lives, to be a catalyst for production and efficiency, not to hinder it. Once you are able to get rid of incompatible systems and move your focus entirely to achieving goals as opposed to focusing on getting your systems to work together as best as possible, it will become apparent just how much time and resources you will have available to put elsewhere.

Once you are locked into the idea of systems integration, you will need to find someone you are prepared to work closely with in order to make it all work. If you would like to enquire with Web Alliance about systems integration feel free to contact us.

So how does cloud computing give my business an advantage?

Cloud computing is the sharing of IT resources and services such as mobile apps, storage, data centres and servers are delivered to an organisation through the internet. Cloud services can be spread across multiple countries and time zones making it easier for global companies to communicate and work together efficiently. Sharing cloud services also eliminates the need to pay for hardware that slowly becomes outdated and needs replacing.

Furthermore, the increase in cloud computing will see your business have fewer human errors, lower labour costs, and greater productivity. In essence, local servers and personal devices are no longer needed as they are all shared on the cloud.

The cloud kings

Even the biggest business are utilising the cloud nowadays, with companies like Microsoft, Amazon and Apple all getting in quickly.

Amazon – The tech giants have got in and made the most of cloud computing with them charging anywhere from pennies to £3,200 per hour for the use of one of their supercomputers. Even NASA and the CIA use Amazon services

Netflix – This company use the cloud to manage scalability. Streaming massively popular shows and films during peak hours and dealing with the lower demand during the off-peak hours.

Instagram – The social media titan has grown exponentially in the last decade, initially launching on a single server, when this obviously couldn’t keep up it quickly made use of the cloud which handled the demand with ease.

Apple – one of the regulars when it comes to IT. Siri, the iPad and iPhone virtual assistant, sends users questions and comments to the cloud and takes its answer from there similarly.

Google – Another unsurprising entry. Its compute engine cloud caused a stir on release, and now the big data cloud app, Google BigQuery is one of the biggest third platform developers.

Don’t get stuck on the ground floor, get your feet in the cloud more!

While not many people nowadays can claim they aren’t using the cloud there are absolutely people who use large data centres still. Facebook still use them for example, but for how much longer?

Find out how your company can reap the rewards of cloud computing by getting in contact with us to discuss your hosting requirements.

If you want to learn more about how you can join the cloud race to keep on top of the competition then talk to us about how you can improve your software and call us on 01604 211370.