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CRM Software

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As personalization became the order of the day in fields like customer service, marketing, and sales, it didn’t take long for Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software to evolve as an essential tool for businesses aiming to foster stronger customer relations and streamline their operations. Right now, the market is booming, with projections estimating it to reach an impressive $82 billion by 2025. This growth underscores the massive importance of CRM systems in the business world. Meanwhile, facts show that 47% of users report drastic improvements in customer satisfaction and retention after adopting a CRM system. Source In any case, even when the benefits of using a CRM system are clear, with so many options available, it might be daunting to make a straightforward choice. In the end, you have to choose a solution based on your specific needs and goals. As you do so, this article will guide you with key pointers you should keep in mind in your search. Functionality and Integrations It needs not be said that a CRM should be able to handle core functionalities like contact management, lead tracking, customer segmentation, pipeline management, etc., effectively. CRMs exist to empower businesses to focus on customers strategically, operationally, and analytically by consolidating data and revealing what works. So, besides basic functionalities, you need advanced integrations that expand the functionality of the CRM beyond its core offerings. Yet, according to a State of CRM 2024 survey, the most prominent CRM challenge was technology integration, faced by 41% of leaders. For instance, nowadays, AI-driven analytics has emerged as an important factor in analyzing customer data and identifying opportunities, and the need for this is a major challenge when it comes to CRM systems. A survey reported that 67% of CRM admins were concerned about the readiness of their data for AI/ML applications. In any case, ensure that you are not simply going about shiny new features but prioritizing features that your business needs. Also, depending on the kind of integrations you require and other business factors, you may want to opt for building your own CRM, and you can find a detailed guide here. Source Seamlessness and Scalability When selecting a CRM, you want to be sure that it is compatible with your existing tools. This ensures that data flows smoothly between different platforms, reducing manual work and minimizing errors, especially when taking the first steps towards full deployment. So, an ideal CRM system would be one that can fit into your existing ecosystem with minimal friction. This is also crucial because of scalability. Right now, 45% of business leaders consider getting a complete view of customer interactions to be key to maximizing CRM in the next five years. This cannot be achievable without meaningful scalability. A CRM that can seamlessly adapt to any technology stack would also be able to adapt to changes associated with the growth of your customer base or increased operational complexity. For instance, since complex processes emerge as your business evolves, a CRM should be able to allow you to set custom workflows that suit your growing needs. Source Mobile Accessibility In 2013, HBR declared the rise of the mobile-only user. The world of business has gone beyond the four walls of the office, and mobile phones have been critical to effecting this change. If you want to truly connect to your customers in a meaningful way, then your CRM must be accessible via mobile platforms, and inclusive of advanced functionalities. This doesn’t simply mean a CRM that has a mobile app; it means your CRM should be mobile-first. You can find more details on adopting a mobile-first strategy here. The benefits of this cannot be overstated. Being able to engage with customers on the go and collaborate with team members in real-time can only be achieved via a mobile-first approach to customer interactions. This ultimately enhances customer satisfaction since the team is better equipped to meet their needs. Analytics and Reporting Data-driven decision-making is the backbone of modern business strategy. Your CRM system should not be exempt from providing comprehensive analytics and reporting tools that empower you to make informed decisions. Interestingly, business leaders considered forecasting and pipeline insights to be the most CRM-based activities they were prioritizing. However, this does not seem to be the case in real-world applications. According to a Salesforce report, only 32% of companies can access a single view of customer information, even though 90% consider it valuable. This points to a major gap that needs to be closed. For one, real-time reporting capabilities in a CRM system give businesses the ability to access up-to-date information on sales, marketing, and customer service activities. This timely data allows decision-makers in your team to respond swiftly to changing market conditions and consumer needs. Particularly, advanced CRM systems incorporate predictive analytics, using historical data and machine learning algorithms to effectively forecast future trends and customer behavior. Reports show that sales forecasting can increase by up to 42% with good CRM software. Source Data Security and Privacy With customer interactions, there is no escaping holding some customer data, and you don’t want a CRM that slacks when it comes to safeguarding that data. Features like data encryption, secure access control, security monitoring, and regular audits are basic features that a CRM should offer. It should also offer robust backup and disaster recovery options to protect your data against loss and corruption. Data security is even more critical in light of recent legislation springing up around the world concerning data protection. Non-compliance with regulations such as the GDPR and CCPA comes with heavy fines, which in addition to the risk of data breaches, would take a toll on any business that is flippant with data protection. Omnichannel Customer Support Today, customers interact with businesses through multiple channels—email, social media, phone, live chat, etc. An effective CRM should be able to offer omnichannel support, consolidating all customer interactions into a single, unified view, which ensures that your team can provide consistent and personalized service across all touchpoints. More so, this ensures that you better meet customer expectations and build stronger, more loyal relationships. It also helps you to deliver highly personalized experiences by unifying customer data across all touchpoints. Ultimately, this requires seamless collaboration between various departments, which your chosen CRM should be well-equipped to handle. Conclusion Remember that the goal is to find a CRM that empowers your business to free your team up to unlock their full potential. Therefore, choosing a CRM should be treated as a business-critical decision, not as though you were selecting a complementary add-on for your business. With the right pointers in mind, you will be able to make a suitable choice. As personalization became the order of the day in fields like customer service, marketing, and sales, it didn’t take long for Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software to evolve as an essential tool for businesses aiming to foster stronger customer relations and streamline their operations. Right now, the market is booming, with projections estimating it to reach an impressive $82 billion by 2025 . This growth underscores the massive importance of CRM systems in the business world. Meanwhile, facts show that 47% of users report drastic improvements in customer satisfaction and retention after adopting a CRM system. $82 billion by 2025 $82 billion by 2025 47% of users report 47% of users report Source Source Source Source In any case, even when the benefits of using a CRM system are clear, with so many options available, it might be daunting to make a straightforward choice. In the end, you have to choose a solution based on your specific needs and goals. As you do so, this article will guide you with key pointers you should keep in mind in your search. Functionality and Integrations It needs not be said that a CRM should be able to handle core functionalities like contact management, lead tracking, customer segmentation, pipeline management, etc., effectively. CRMs exist to empower businesses to focus on customers strategically, operationally, and analytically by consolidating data and revealing what works. So, besides basic functionalities, you need advanced integrations that expand the functionality of the CRM beyond its core offerings. Yet, according to a State of CRM 2024 survey , the most prominent CRM challenge was technology integration, faced by 41% of leaders. a State of CRM 2024 survey For instance, nowadays, AI-driven analytics has emerged as an important factor in analyzing customer data and identifying opportunities, and the need for this is a major challenge when it comes to CRM systems. A survey reported that 67% of CRM admins were concerned about the readiness of their data for AI/ML applications. In any case, ensure that you are not simply going about shiny new features but prioritizing features that your business needs. A survey reported A survey reported Also, depending on the kind of integrations you require and other business factors, you may want to opt for building your own CRM, and you can find a detailed guide here . a detailed guide here a detailed guide here Source Source Source Source Seamlessness and Scalability When selecting a CRM, you want to be sure that it is compatible with your existing tools. This ensures that data flows smoothly between different platforms, reducing manual work and minimizing errors, especially when taking the first steps towards full deployment. So, an ideal CRM system would be one that can fit into your existing ecosystem with minimal friction. This is also crucial because of scalability. Right now, 45% of business leaders consider getting a complete view of customer interactions to be key to maximizing CRM in the next five years. This cannot be achievable without meaningful scalability. 45% of business leaders 45% of business leaders A CRM that can seamlessly adapt to any technology stack would also be able to adapt to changes associated with the growth of your customer base or increased operational complexity. For instance, since complex processes emerge as your business evolves, a CRM should be able to allow you to set custom workflows that suit your growing needs. Source Source Source Source Mobile Accessibility In 2013, HBR declared the rise of the mobile-only user . The world of business has gone beyond the four walls of the office, and mobile phones have been critical to effecting this change. HBR declared HBR declared the rise of the mobile-only user If you want to truly connect to your customers in a meaningful way, then your CRM must be accessible via mobile platforms, and inclusive of advanced functionalities. This doesn’t simply mean a CRM that has a mobile app; it means your CRM should be mobile-first. You can find more details on adopting a mobile-first strategy here . here here The benefits of this cannot be overstated. Being able to engage with customers on the go and collaborate with team members in real-time can only be achieved via a mobile-first approach to customer interactions. This ultimately enhances customer satisfaction since the team is better equipped to meet their needs. Analytics and Reporting Data-driven decision-making is the backbone of modern business strategy. Your CRM system should not be exempt from providing comprehensive analytics and reporting tools that empower you to make informed decisions. Interestingly, business leaders considered forecasting and pipeline insights to be the most CRM-based activities they were prioritizing. However, this does not seem to be the case in real-world applications. business leaders considered business leaders considered According to a Salesforce report , only 32% of companies can access a single view of customer information, even though 90% consider it valuable. This points to a major gap that needs to be closed. According to a Salesforce report According to a Salesforce report For one, real-time reporting capabilities in a CRM system give businesses the ability to access up-to-date information on sales, marketing, and customer service activities. This timely data allows decision-makers in your team to respond swiftly to changing market conditions and consumer needs . consumer needs consumer needs Particularly, advanced CRM systems incorporate predictive analytics, using historical data and machine learning algorithms to effectively forecast future trends and customer behavior. Reports show that sales forecasting can increase by up to 42% with good CRM software. Reports show Reports show Source Source Source Source Data Security and Privacy With customer interactions, there is no escaping holding some customer data, and you don’t want a CRM that slacks when it comes to safeguarding that data. Features like data encryption, secure access control, security monitoring, and regular audits are basic features that a CRM should offer. It should also offer robust backup and disaster recovery options to protect your data against loss and corruption. Data security is even more critical in light of recent legislation springing up around the world concerning data protection. recent legislation recent legislation Non-compliance with regulations such as the GDPR and CCPA comes with heavy fines, which in addition to the risk of data breaches, would take a toll on any business that is flippant with data protection. Non-compliance with regulations Non-compliance with regulations Omnichannel Customer Support Today, customers interact with businesses through multiple channels—email, social media, phone, live chat, etc. An effective CRM should be able to offer omnichannel support, consolidating all customer interactions into a single, unified view, which ensures that your team can provide consistent and personalized service across all touchpoints. More so, this ensures that you better meet customer expectations and build stronger, more loyal relationships. It also helps you to deliver highly personalized experiences by unifying customer data across all touchpoints. Ultimately, this requires seamless collaboration between various departments, which your chosen CRM should be well-equipped to handle. Conclusion Remember that the goal is to find a CRM that empowers your business to free your team up to unlock their full potential. Therefore, choosing a CRM should be treated as a business-critical decision, not as though you were selecting a complementary add-on for your business. With the right pointers in mind, you will be able to make a suitable choice.

6 Pointers to Look for When Choosing a CRM Software in 2024

The main goal of customer relationship management (CRM) in business is to retain existing customers and attract new ones. And CRM software plays an integral part in facilitating this process in practically every industry. In the healthcare sector, however, a good CRM system goes well beyond just marketing and sales despite some common beliefs. Good healthcare CRM systems are designed to tackle specific challenges and help optimize complex processes that stand in the way of improving patient care. In this post, I want to help you understand what makes a good healthcare CRM system by highlighting the must-have functionality and benefits today’s patients and leading healthcare providers expect to see in one. What Is A CRM System In Healthcare? A healthcare CRM is a powerful analytics tool that aggregates different kinds of patient information (demographics, financial, health-related, behavioral, social, and other relevant data) and uses it to improve hospital and patient care management. It serves as an effective technological and strategic advancement tool with extensive capabilities health facilities can use to identify new care opportunities, build proper strategies, and minimize medical errors and risks related to incorrect data maintenance. A healthcare CRM offers comprehensive visibility into how to better facilitate communication and interaction between patients and healthcare providers. A healthcare CRM is a powerful analytics tool that aggregates different kinds of patient information (demographics, financial, health-related, behavioral, social, and other relevant data) and uses it to improve hospital and patient care management. Must-have Features of Good Healthcare CRM Software Today there are numerous off-the-shelf and custom healthcare CRM solutions on the market. Each comes with a comprehensive set of features from automated data backups to appointment management to staff performance tracking. And while the various systems may have hundreds of different features depending on the specialization of a health facility they were built for, all this functionality can be conveniently grouped into categories of essential components a good CRM must have to cover today’s patient care needs. When building your own healthcare CRM solution or choosing a ready-made one, make sure it features the following: Patient data management A good CRM should be more than just a database of patient names and contact details. It is important that the system helps healthcare organizations efficiently manage prescriptions, appointments, clinical records, corresponding lab tests and notes, and other health-related patient information. In addition to keeping records of patient-related data and providing medical staff with instant access to it, the system has to be able to update this data in real-time. This will help medical staff create and maintain comprehensive patient profiles to minimize diagnostic and prescription errors while marketing teams can improve the quality of communication with patients. Communications management The possibility of direct communication with existing patients and prospects is an absolute must for any CRM in today’s digital world, and the healthcare sector is no exception. Healthcare organizations should be able to manage notifications and calendar events in real-time. This includes things like automated email distribution, customer support, and tracking of appointment reminders and marketing campaigns. Patients should be able to check timetables and availability of medical staff, schedule calls, manage their appointments, alerts, and reminders. Customized reports Healthcare providers can effectively use CRM systems to perform comprehensive data analysis and generate different types of reports that can benefit themselves and their patients in many ways. For example, an open issues report makes it much easier for health facilities to estimate the severity of patient complaints and deal with things like inventory and equipment management, patient treatment adherence, etc. Instant access to information such as medical staff performance, customer support efficiency, and marketing campaign ROI facilitates budgeting and enables healthcare providers to improve productivity and profitability of service. Interoperability with other healthcare solutions One of the essentials of a good healthcare CRM system is its ability to integrate with other healthcare solutions such as electronic health records (EHRs), practice management software, diagnostic technologies, e-prescribing tools, tools, and other existing management and digital care delivery solutions. Such a level of interoperability enables healthcare organizations to significantly improve patient data collection and structuring, leading to higher quality data management, fewer medical errors, and better patient outcomes. enterprise resource planning (ERP) Availability on multiple platforms and devices The easier it is to access your CRM system, the better. A good CRM should never be limited to a desktop computer, a single platform, or a web browser. Multi-platform and cross-device availability combined with cloud-based solutions enables medical staff to access and input data from their smartphones and tablets anywhere on and off the hospital premises. This saves doctors and patients a lot of time and makes data more accurate than if a doctor or a nurse had to quickly fill in a paper chart and then run back to a computer to re-enter the data again. Instant access to real-time patient information also makes doing rounds and checking on patients a lot easier. Benefits of CRM Application in Healthcare With all things digital and customer-focused approaches in practically every industry, healthcare providers have to live up to the expectations of today’s digitally aware patients who look for high-quality customer service and better communication efforts. Here are some of the main opportunities a good healthcare CRM system offers for the improvement of patient care practices and management of internal processes. Personalized care Personalization is a very important process in building successful relationships with your existing and prospective patients. A good CRM enables healthcare providers and patients to input, store, and otherwise manage valuable patient data such as personal information, medical records, and appointments. Using this data, health facilities can engage patients with personalized interactions and experiences: personalized messages for special occasions like birthdays discounts on relevant medical treatments appointment and medication reminders newsletters with personalized health tips In addition to building better relations through communication, CRM appointment management tools and automated reminders will also help reduce waiting times for patients and optimize hospital workloads. Medical error reduction With patient data well structured and updated in real-time, medical staff can provide more timely and accurate treatment. Doctors can quickly find every piece of information they’re looking for from emergency contacts to what the patient is allergic to even when there are no relatives around or the patient is unconscious. They can analyze changes in the patient's condition, compare test results, avoid repeating treatment that wasn’t effective before, etc. Patient feedback It’s easier to evaluate customer satisfaction when patients have the digital means to leave feedback about their experience. A healthcare CRM can automatically send patients post-visit feedback surveys, then aggregate and analyze this information to provide health facilities with a full picture of the good and bad in their services, eliminating guesswork. Thus, they can introduce the necessary quality-of-life changes in a timelier and more efficient manner. Attracting new customers CRM tools enable health facilities to run targeted campaigns with relevant content or discounts to groups of prospects such as people with particular health conditions, patients of different age groups, or expecting parents. These tools can also be used to facilitate tracking and management of referral patients, for example, by helping healthcare providers monitor referral appointments and reach out to prospects who for some reason skipped their consultations. Business insights A good healthcare CRM system is an efficient tool for the continuous improvement of business performance. The system facilitates the business analysis, reporting, and decision-making processes in healthcare with valuable data-based insights that can be effectively applied to optimizing expenditures and improving KPIs. Compliance and security of patient data The higher the security of patient data from being lost, leaked, or stolen, the more credibility the healthcare provider gets from its existing and prospective patients. Quality incorporates various means of patient data protection, including multi-level authentication and data encryption. With a good CRM system in place, your digital care programs will tick every box on the HIPAA compliance checklist. healthcare CRM software Resource management Healthcare CRM software provides real-time information on available personnel and resources to facilitate the management. It enables your administrative staff to keep better track of prescription drugs and medical equipment maintenance. It can be used to optimize medical staff workloads and appointment scheduling. The system will suggest the most suitable appointment slots and help with rescheduling. A healthcare CRM system can also help the HR department with automated calculations. Working hours, sick leaves, vacation days, salaries—a big relief for large healthcare providers. Medical billing By means of a healthcare CRM system, it is easier for a provider to collect and update the financial information and payment details of their patients. Thus, they can use this data to efficiently generate bills, track payments, and send automated reminders on due payment to their customers. 24/7 customer support Most often, health facilities don’t have the staff capacity to answer all of the phone calls and messages from patients without delay. To solve the problem and speed up your customer support, a healthcare CRM system can be customized with chatbot functionality. An intelligent bot will be able to provide patients with timely and effective responses to most common concerns and requests they may have. Best ready-made healthcare CRM solutions The most popular solution in the healthcare CRM industry made by one of the biggest cloud-based software providers out there. Features a native mobile application, real-time messaging, and a patient portal with several associated apps. Salesforce Health Cloud An intelligent engagement platform that enables healthcare providers to ease patient access to quality care and pinpoint market opportunities with valuable insights. Features powerful predictive analysis tools, progressive profiling, and intelligent campaign building. Hg Mercury CRM A medical sales and marketing automation software that consists of four powerful modules for customer relationship management as well as automation of medical sales and marketing tasks. Features an integrated email tracking system, EHR/schedule management tools, and a communication app with multiple security layers. Influx MD A unified platform for personalizing interactions, eliminating channel barriers, and automating processes in patient care. Features a self-service advisor, Pega’s customer decision hub, and an abundance of marketing and sales automation tools. Pega Customer Service for Healthcare Now you know a little something about what a good healthcare CRM system looks like, its major features, and the benefits it brings to health facilities and their patients. There are plenty more ready-made healthcare CRM systems that can be set up and customized to serve your specific business needs. But in the long run, the most cost-effective solution will always be to build your own proprietary software.

Healthcare CRM Software: Peculiarities of Making a Good One

How to Build a Custom CRM Software: Create Your Own CRM

Open source is becoming the hottest topic in IT. Projections of open source software revenue growth rates in the high double digits further underscore the relevance of the topic. That day is not too far when open source software will become the foundation for new forms of collaboration and cooperation within a that divide companies from customers and business partners. As you break down these barriers, more people and more business information will be brought together and create a dynamic and competitive environment. This dynamic need and expansion of collaboration, supported by the concept of open source will drive valuable change within business organizations. software business SugarCRM — Open Source CRM Software The consumption of software such as SugarCRM software promises greater flexibility in the face of changing needs. Although provide an easy and cost-effective way to scale software as per the evolving business needs, many are still significantly missing out on the true potential of this great platform. Forward-thinking companies are embracing this open source technology to find and collect information to improve the quality in decisions, segment audiences and embed data into products to create new opportunities. SugarCRM developers So, why is this software so popular? It is probably that it is much more convenient and flexible. Let us now discuss few more benefits that this application brings to us. The growing need of extremely powerful software such as SugarCRM is on the rise dramatically in the last few years. It is because many of the tasks can be performed by this simple software that the typical home grown application set up did not. Moreover, this platform which we are discussing is collaborative and integrating. You can integrate and customize new technologies with the help of this software and incorporate disparate group of communities like customers, suppliers and interest groups. Best of all, this amazing platform offer ultimate flexibility to anticipate customer likes and dislikes and reach wide market as possible as customer base have wide range of complaints, requirements and preferences. With this conversation, it has become clear that open source software has gone mainstream and there are countless opportunities for those who realize the benefits of deploying this software application in their business. We have entered into the dynamic and challenging landscape where entrepreneurs need to be at the forefront and need to consult SugarCRM developers or open source experts to stay on the top. We have seen rising interest in open source software over the last six months. However, it may not be the best option in every case, but it is probably the best option in many cases. : Source http://opensourcecrmsoftware.tumblr.com/post/41353405674/opensourcecrm

The Rise and Rise of Open Source CRM Software

Top CRM Software & Application Development Companies

It is far more expensive to find a new customer than it is to keep an existing one. Harvard Business Review determined that better customer retention rates can increase profits by up to 95% – and that’s as simple as making customers happy. So, how do you go about retaining customers? There are many different customer retention strategies that span the range of customer experiences. There is, of course, a foundation of satisfactory products or services. If you give your customers junk, they won’t stick around. Assuming your business model and products are sound, how do you keep customers coming back for more? One of the means to boost customer retention is by addressing negative reviews. Increasing customer retention might be as simple as following what they are saying online and trying your best to resolve the complaints. Leverage Technology to Track Customer Interactions You can’t improve your client retention until you know how many customers are sticking around. There are excellent Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software programs out there to help determine your churn rate or how many customers are coming and going over time. Once you understand the underlying customer service experiences your business creates, you are better prepared to address any concerns or complaints. After all, you need to know the data – both good and bad – if you want returning customers. Monitor Online Reviews Once you’ve determined the best way to gather data about what’s happening in your business, turn your attention to what’s happening online. Online reviews are constantly popping up. Review websites like PissedConsumer.com have millions of reviews from customers about their experiences – most of them unaddressed by the business. Social media hosts millions more customer reviews, so there is more data to collect that might be missed by your CRM software, but more importantly, there are customers to interact with. Create a Positive Public Interaction You already know that most customers hesitate to buy from a company that has negative feedback on a review website. According to online review statistics, 72% of customers will not buy a product or service when they see many negative reviews. That’s why many business leaders worry about negative reviews and do their best to cultivate as many positive reviews as possible. While every positive review definitely helps build trust with consumers, how you handle the occasional negative review matters just as much. By the time a customer is frustrated enough to post on a review site, they likely have nothing good to say. \It is your job, as the business leader, to find these negative reviews as quickly as possible and publicly address the concern in a positive way. Then you’ll be able to resolve the issue so that the global audience, who you know is watching to see how your business handles itself, can understand you are a company that stands by its customers and wants to do well. Respond to Positive Reviews If a customer takes the time to leave you a positive review online, drop a quick word of thanks. You can automate this with a quick note as simple as “Thank you for the feedback! We look forward to working with you again in the future.” Address Questions or Concerns Treat questions or concerns about your company as neutral inquiries. They can go either way and hopefully, you’re going to create a positive experience for your customers and provide valuable information from which other customers can benefit as well. When questions arise, typically through social media platforms but potentially on review sites, have a cheerful, prompt response posted as a reply as quickly as possible to engage the customer in a meaningful dialogue. Work With Negative Reviews If a question or concern goes south, it can quickly become a negative review. When you find negative reviews, social media posts, or a customer accelerates a question into a negative space, it’s important to have a plan in place for the best way to put these negative reviews to work and retain customers. Online reviews, even negative ones, can be powerful for businesses. Customers want a personalized experience with businesses they know care about their loyalty, and online reviews or posts on social media are the perfect vehicles to showcase your devotion to your customers. Show customers that they are interacting with a person who cares and wants them to be satisfied with their purchase and company experience. And they will reward you with their ongoing patronage. It is far more expensive to find a new customer than it is to keep an existing one. Harvard Business Review determined that better customer retention rates can increase profits by up to 95% – and that’s as simple as making customers happy. So, how do you go about retaining customers? There are many different customer retention strategies that span the range of customer experiences. There is, of course, a foundation of satisfactory products or services. If you give your customers junk, they won’t stick around. Assuming your business model and products are sound, how do you keep customers coming back for more? One of the means to boost customer retention is by addressing negative reviews . Increasing customer retention might be as simple as following what they are saying online and trying your best to resolve the complaints. negative reviews negative reviews Leverage Technology to Track Customer Interactions Leverage Technology to Track Customer Interactions You can’t improve your client retention until you know how many customers are sticking around. There are excellent Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software programs out there to help determine your churn rate or how many customers are coming and going over time. Once you understand the underlying customer service experiences your business creates, you are better prepared to address any concerns or complaints. After all, you need to know the data – both good and bad – if you want returning customers. Monitor Online Reviews Monitor Online Reviews Once you’ve determined the best way to gather data about what’s happening in your business, turn your attention to what’s happening online. Online reviews are constantly popping up. Review websites like PissedConsumer.com have millions of reviews from customers about their experiences – most of them unaddressed by the business. Social media hosts millions more customer reviews, so there is more data to collect that might be missed by your CRM software, but more importantly, there are customers to interact with. Create a Positive Public Interaction Create a Positive Public Interaction You already know that most customers hesitate to buy from a company that has negative feedback on a review website. According to online review statistics , 72% of customers will not buy a product or service when they see many negative reviews. That’s why many business leaders worry about negative reviews and do their best to cultivate as many positive reviews as possible. hesitate to buy hesitate to buy online review statistics While every positive review definitely helps build trust with consumers, how you handle the occasional negative review matters just as much. By the time a customer is frustrated enough to post on a review site, they likely have nothing good to say. \It is your job, as the business leader, to find these negative reviews as quickly as possible and publicly address the concern in a positive way. Then you’ll be able to resolve the issue so that the global audience, who you know is watching to see how your business handles itself, can understand you are a company that stands by its customers and wants to do well. Respond to Positive Reviews Respond to Positive Reviews If a customer takes the time to leave you a positive review online, drop a quick word of thanks. You can automate this with a quick note as simple as “Thank you for the feedback! We look forward to working with you again in the future.” Address Questions or Concerns Address Questions or Concerns Treat questions or concerns about your company as neutral inquiries. They can go either way and hopefully, you’re going to create a positive experience for your customers and provide valuable information from which other customers can benefit as well. When questions arise, typically through social media platforms but potentially on review sites, have a cheerful, prompt response posted as a reply as quickly as possible to engage the customer in a meaningful dialogue. Work With Negative Reviews If a question or concern goes south, it can quickly become a negative review. When you find negative reviews, social media posts, or a customer accelerates a question into a negative space, it’s important to have a plan in place for the best way to put these negative reviews to work and retain customers. Online reviews, even negative ones, can be powerful for businesses. Customers want a personalized experience with businesses they know care about their loyalty, and online reviews or posts on social media are the perfect vehicles to showcase your devotion to your customers. Show customers that they are interacting with a person who cares and wants them to be satisfied with their purchase and company experience. And they will reward you with their ongoing patronage.

How to Boost Customer Retention With Online Reviews

The cryptocurrency market is experiencing a remarkable phase of expansion, marked by Bitcoin's record-breaking highs and a total market capitalisation surpassing $2.37 trillion. This augmentation aligns with the forthcoming implementation of the MiCA regulation, set to take effect on June 30, 2024, followed by a subsequent wave on December 30, 2024. With a diverse array of over 20,000 coins and tokens and a user base exceeding 300 million traders, the cryptocurrency market presents itself as an increasingly attractive option for trading compared to the FX market, which boasts 128 currency pairs and an estimated 50 million traders. This growing appeal is fueled by cryptocurrency's widespread integration across various sectors, such as finance, fintech, and payments, alongside the introduction of innovative business models facilitated by technologies like L2 solutions and blockchain protocols. In line with this booming trend, B2Broker has unveiled the (BBP), a state-of-the-art crypto spot broker solution. Engineered to enable businesses to capitalise on the surging trend in cryptocurrency trading, the BBP promises to expedite revenue generation for its users. B2Trader Brokerage Platform Who Can Profit from B2Trader? B2Trader offers substantial advantages to diverse entities within the financial landscape, including crypto brokers specialising in CFDs and derivatives, OTC brokers, FOREX brokers, multi-asset and multi-market brokers, market makers, liquidity providers, payment systems, and even banks. Check how each of these business models can use the capabilities of BBP: FX Brokers For FOREX brokers, B2Trader can be a valuable addition to their platform lineup. Alongside the traditional trading platforms like MT4, MT5, and cTrader, which primarily handle assets such as FX, crypto, equity indices, and precious metals for margin trading or as CFDs, integrating B2Trader allows them to offer exclusive crypto spot trading. This expansion enables them to attract a new segment of crypto traders interested in physical delivery or ownership and to generate revenue through commissions, markups, and effective risk management. Additionally, BBP provides a solution for regulated FOREX brokers to separate their digital asset trading activities under a different licence, promoting strategic diversification and maintaining a competitive advantage. Crypto Brokers Brokers specialising in crypto CFDs, utilising crypto as collateral, and providing a combination of FX and crypto CFDs can utilise B2Trader to augment their current offerings by incorporating crypto spot trading. In the fiercely competitive landscape of client retention and acquisition, the lack of crypto spot trading options could prompt clients to explore alternative service providers. Therefore, integrating B2Trader grants brokerages a strategic edge, enabling them to adjust to market dynamics promptly, provide highly sought-after crypto spot trading services, and fulfil client demands. Market Makers Utilising B2Trader, market makers can tap into multiple exchanges, consolidate liquidity effectively, achieve competitive spreads, optimise pricing strategies, and facilitate smart routing execution across various venues. Liquidity Providers The inclusion of cryptocurrencies in your asset portfolio significantly enhances your attractiveness to brokers, hedge funds, and professional traders. B2Trader simplifies this integration, providing the necessary tools to broaden your market presence and expedite revenue growth. EMIs, Payment Systems, and Banks For EMIs, PSPs, and banks, B2Trader offers a strategic advantage by facilitating diverse asset management, monitoring capabilities, and the creation of liquidity pools. It empowers these entities to incorporate crypto services into their current operations, facilitating transaction netting, provision of crypto accounts, and enabling instant swaps. BBP presents boundless opportunities as the gateway to the thriving trends within the crypto reality. With its comprehensive API and a full suite of essential components and modules, B2Trader seamlessly integrates into any business model. High-Speed, High-Efficiency, High-Tech B2Trader embodies high-speed, high-efficiency, and high-tech capabilities. Even in its most rudimentary configuration, it manages 3000 trading instruments and handles up to 3000 requests per second. The platform provides real-time market data, with updates every 100 milliseconds, and facilitates ultra-fast order execution starting from 1 millisecond. "Today, B2Broker is a leading name in the FinTech industry. We began operating in the FOREX industry in 2014 and have been developing solutions for the crypto industry since 2017. B2Broker has earned multiple awards and recognitions, and our years of experience have allowed us to understand what the market needs exactly. That's why we created B2Trader. It's our answer to the changing trends in finance. We have poured 18 months of hard work and over $5 million into B2Trader. BBP is built by our dedicated in-house team of 40 engineers, each contributing to a solution that truly meets the demands of today's brokers. In the next 12 months, we are planning to double the team and enhance our offerings even further!" — Arthur Azizov, CEO and Founder of B2Broker Ultra-Modern Technology Stack Built upon a cutting-edge technology stack, BBP prioritises reliability, scalability, and security by leveraging the latest tools and protocols. Hosted on AWS for its dependable infrastructure, it mitigates hardware risks. Data management is handled through MongoDB and Amazon Redshift, with market insights facilitated by TradingView. Kubernetes and Docker enable scalable deployments, while CloudFlare offers DDoS protection. Efficiency and reliability are further enhanced by the FIX protocol. Below is the comprehensive list of protocols and technologies: Effective Integrations B2Trader, crafted by , boasts potent integrations that enhance its functionality. B2Broker provides an extensive array of products, encompassing a trading platform, OMS, pre-trade and post-trade controls, liquidity management system, Trading UI, (CRM) software, back-office solutions, for coin/token processing and collection, blockchain management system for automated payouts and settlements, mobile applications, technical documentation, REST and FIX API protocols, advanced White Label options, and a host of other features. B2Broker Customer Relationship Management blockchain wallets In addition, integrated with , a crypto liquidity distribution engine, B2Trader streamlines administration and ensures real-time market updates with the latest data. Marksman Utilising Marksman, crypto brokers can efficiently connect to top exchanges by simply inputting API credentials after opening an account. This facilitates the creation of diverse liquidity pools from multiple exchanges, enabling brokers to assign specific execution and routing rules and establish failover protocols for both pairs and liquidity pools. B2Trader is available as a turnkey solution or for seamless integration with any CRM via REST API. For further information, interested parties can reach out to the sales team or their dedicated account manager, explore the free demo, and launch their crypto spot broker within a week! This story was distributed as a release by BTCWire under HackerNoon’s Business Blogging Program. Learn more about the program here: https://business.hackernoon.com/

B2Broker Funds The Next-Gen Brokerage Platform B2Trader with $5M 

B2Broker $5M দিয়ে নেক্সট-জেন ব্রোকারেজ প্ল্যাটফর্ম B2Traderকে তহবিল দেয়

B2Broker finanziert die Brokerage-Plattform B2Trader der nächsten Generation mit 5 Millionen US-Dollar

B2Broker financia la plataforma de corretaje de próxima generación B2Trader con 5 millones de dólares

B2Broker finance la plateforme de courtage de nouvelle génération B2Trader avec 5 millions de dollars

B2Broker अगली पीढ़ी के ब्रोकरेज प्लेटफॉर्म B2Trader को $5M से फंड करता है

B2Broker が次世代仲介プラットフォーム B2Trader に 500 万ドルを出資

B2Broker, 차세대 중개 플랫폼 B2Trader에 500만 달러 자금 지원

B2Broker financia a plataforma de corretagem de última geração B2Trader com US$ 5 milhões

B2Broker финансирует брокерскую платформу следующего поколения B2Trader на 5 миллионов долларов

B2Broker Yeni Nesil Aracılık Platformu B2Trader'ı 5 Milyon Dolarla Finanse Ediyor

B2Broker cấp vốn cho nền tảng môi giới thế hệ tiếp theo B2Trader với 5 triệu USD

B2Broker 为下一代经纪平台 B2Trader 提供 500 万美元资金

In the fast-paced world of modern digital business, a lack of coordination among a company's departments can result in inefficiencies, duplicate efforts, and missed opportunities. A combination like this can have a negative impact on the company's key business metrics, customer satisfaction, and harm its position in a highly competitive market. This is why departmental alignment and connectivity are critical for business success today. It is possible to achieve alignment through the clever use of CRM and marketing integration tools, as well as a data-driven approach, resulting in significantly streamlined processes, automation of routine tasks, and increased efficiency. In this article, I'll go over tools, techniques, and approaches for improving department interoperability, as well as share my experience connecting departments at a European big data startup. Tools and Technologies Streamlining your business operations by increasing departmental coordination necessitates the development of a unified system that will collect all work data in one location, bring transparency to daily operations, and automate some of the routine tasks to focus resources on development efforts. The following tools can assist in meeting these lofty objectives: CRM Software Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software can become a critical component of the company's coordination efforts. It is more than just software; it is an all-encompassing platform designed to centralize, streamline, and manage all interactions between a company and its customers. It compiles all customer data into a comprehensive but easily accessible database, allowing for the tracking of customer interactions, the provision of customer support, the execution of marketing campaigns, and the management of leads. CRM, in essence, becomes a solution that provides a 360-degree view of each customer relationship. With access to this solution, various departments, such as sales, marketing, and customer service, gain a unified view of the company's goals and begin to build interdepartmental interactions in order to achieve common goals. In addition, modern CRM systems include advanced features such as automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and integrations with other software tools. They can assist with a variety of tasks, from automatically sending follow-up emails to lead nurturing and scoring. These days, CRM systems like Salesforce, HubSpot, Zoho, and Microsoft Dynamics 365 are among the most popular. Salesforce is a market leader, offering an advanced automation tool called Process Builder, which allows for custom workflows and triggers. HubSpot CRM is a leader in inbound marketing automation, with features such as automated email sequences and lead nurturing campaigns. Zoho CRM's workflow and sequence automation features, as well as its Blueprint function, which maps out entire sales processes, provide multifaceted automation. Microsoft Dynamics 365 seamlessly integrates with other Microsoft products and provides rule-based workflow automation. A well-implemented CRM software can help synchronize the initiatives of sales, marketing, and customer service by providing a single, centralized hub for customer data and interactions. This not only improves efficiency but also allows for more personalized and targeted customer interactions. Marketing Automation Software Another crucial component in building a unified technological environment for shared use is marketing automation software. This multifaceted technology platform is designed to help marketers by leveraging various channels such as email, social media, and websites automatically. Features like lead scoring and nurturing, customer segmentation, analytics and reporting, social media management, and landing page creation are frequently included in this kind of software. Utilizing these features, this software manages multiple marketing functions and channels cohesively through a single interface to streamline the entire marketing process. In tandem with CRM systems and other software tools, marketing automation software can offer a more personalized and targeted approach to marketing. Businesses can also take advantage of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms to get predictive analytical data and develop more sophisticated personalization tactics. Overall, marketing automation software aims to simplify complex marketing activities, offering a centralized tool that can be used by various departments. The selection of the right platform should be based on an exhaustive analysis of organizational needs, customer behavior, and the peculiarities of the market niche. Some examples of prominent marketing automation software include integrated platforms like HubSpot and Salesforce Marketing Cloud, which offer a one-stop-shop solution. There are, however, solutions such as Pardot that are designed to meet the needs of specific industries or functionalities and leverage specialized feature sets to attract a specific customer base. By automating routine marketing tasks like email campaigns and social media posts, marketing automation software frees up staff to focus on more strategic activities. This technology can also be integrated with CRM and sales platforms, resulting in better sales and marketing department alignment. Integration Tools The primary goal of the alignment process is to ensure that diverse software solutions work together as one and efficiently. Integration tools, which can enable real-time data flow between a CRM and marketing automation systems, serve as the linchpin that connects these disparate systems. This reduces data latency and, as a result, creates a shared environment in which employees from various departments are not only aligned but interconnected. This effectively promotes faster decision-making and increased efficiency. Today's software market provides a wide range of integration solutions. For example, Zapier can serve as a link between CRM software such as Salesforce and marketing automation platforms such as HubSpot. Another tool, Microsoft Power Automate, enables you to create complex workflows involving multiple applications, such as SharePoint for document management and Microsoft Dynamics 365 for CRM tasks. Custom connections between disparate systems are also possible with API management solutions such as MuleSoft, allowing for a more unified and centralized data repository. Data-Driven Marketing Implementing the aforementioned software tools can assist you in running sophisticated marketing campaigns and meeting your ambitious goals by leveraging a wide range of diverse data that will provide you with insights about your customers and market trends. It entails the use of: Customer Data Understanding consumer behavior is fundamental for business success. Utilizing customer data, you can segment the market, personalize interactions, and predict client future behavior. This is critical for building a comprehensive strategy that aligns all consumer-facing departments towards a unified objective: customer satisfaction and long-term relationship building. Sales Data This is the primary source of information for the company's financial situation, as well as understanding purchasing trends, customer preferences, and sales cycles. Metrics such as lead generation, conversion rates, and revenue must be tracked not only for the sales department but also for inventory management, financial planning, and organizational strategy. A real-time understanding of these metrics can help to align different departments towards common financial goals. Website Data Monitoring website traffic, user behavior, and conversion rates can be beneficial to various departments, like marketing and product development. They can obtain this information by using an analyst's tool to gain a better understanding of customer needs and preferences. Case Study: Aligning Company Departments to Increase Efficiency To illustrate the implementation of the tools and practices I described above, I will tell you about the project I completed at a European company I will not name here. I was faced with the tricky task of transforming the sales pipeline to accelerate the conversion of contacts with high potential into finalized deals. In the process, I faced the tough conundrum of aligning the interests and workflows of sales, marketing, product, and development teams. To reach the objective, I integrated a suite of four cutting-edge tools, including ActiveCampaign, a utility similar to Zapier, a now-discontinued LinkedIn automation tool, and Zoho. This enabled me to seamlessly connect together teams, creating a cross-functional in-house team of roughly 20 individuals. As a result, I was able to streamline inter-departmental workflows and accelerate the sales engagement timeline by 20%. Further, the advanced automation implemented saved an estimated 100 man-hours each week. Conclusion Summarizing, connecting, and aligning departments greatly increases efficiency, with streamlined communication eradicating information silos and ensuring that everyone is on the same page. This aids in the development of a unified strategy and the achievement of common goals in close collaboration. To align the departments, conduct an internal audit to identify gaps and inefficiencies between departments, establish common objectives and key performance indicators (KPIs) with key stakeholders from each department, and then begin to implement integration tools such as CRM and marketing automation software. Do not hesitate to delve deeper into understanding the myriad of integration tools available, such as Zapier, Microsoft Power Automate, and MuleSoft, among others, as well as alignment techniques. More information can be found at: The Value Of Learning Through Alignment With Business Goals How do you align your department's objectives with the organization's strategy and vision? "Team of Teams: New Rules of Engagement for a Complex World" by General Stanley McChrystal Photo by on Matt Artz Unsplash

How to Align Departments to Improve Efficiency: Tools, Techniques, and Approaches

Efficient is vital in omnichannel eCommerce, helping retailers offer a consistent and smooth shopping experience across different platforms. Product Information Management (PIM) systems are central to this effort. data management While there are hundreds of PIMs on the market, there are two main types: closed-source and . In this article, we’ll compare closed-source and open-source PIMs, highlighting how they can potentially help retailers tackle regulatory challenges and make strategic investments in scalability. open-source Understanding the Types of PIMs Product Information Management (PIM) systems provide a single source of truth where businesses and e-commerce stores keep all their product info in one place, like descriptions, images, and specs. PIM systems can be closed-source or open-source.  Let's take a closer look. Closed Source PIM Platforms Closed-source PIM platforms are proprietary product information management solutions characterized by their closely guarded source code — meaning that only the platform's vendor can view and modify the software's codebase. The exclusive control ensures that the PIM system undergoes rigorous testing, enjoys consistent support, and receives regular updates to adapt to evolving business requirements. Closed-source PIM solutions are typically feature-rich and can seamlessly integrate with various enterprise software, including Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software, and e-commerce platforms. The result is a product that delivers a higher degree of control, security, and integration capabilities, optimizing product data management processes without disruptions. is an example of a closed-source or proprietary PIM. Gepard PIM Open Source PIM Platforms An open-source PIM platform is an openly available solution for managing product information. One primary feature of open-source PIM platforms is the freedom to modify. This results in extensive customization and development possibilities. Users can download the source code to modify and expand the software's capabilities to suit their needs. Users can also scrutinize the codebase for vulnerabilities, identifying and resolving them on the fly. However, it's important to note that this openness also introduces potential security risks. Incompetent developers may inadvertently introduce flawed code. Additionally, a substantial number of these projects heavily depend on third-party plugins, libraries, and components. Any security issues within these dependencies can have a profound impact on the overall project's security. Closed Source Vs. Open Source PIM Comparison Closed Source PIM Open Source PIM Licensing Cost Usually involves licensing fees and ongoing costs. Typically free, as there are no licensing fees. Cost of Ownership Higher initial costs but potentially lower ongoing costs for support and updates. Lower upfront costs, but ongoing costs will be incurred as developer fees for installation, customization and ongoing support. Customization Limited customization options. Highly customizable, allowing users to modify the code. Community Collaboration Developed and maintained by the company’s team of experts. Typically has an active community of developers and users. Support and Maintenance The vendor’s team of experts typically provides support. Support relies on the community,  third-party providers, or in-house teams. Security Typically very secure as it relies on the vendor's practices and updates. Vulnerabilities are quickly identified and addressed as the codebase is open. Adoption More commonly chosen by organizations preferring out-of-the-box solutions and vendor support. Popular among budget-conscious organizations seeking affordable solutions. Scalability and Future-Proofing Apart from regulatory compliance, another essential factor that should come into play in your decision-making is the scalability factor. Closed-source solutions can effortlessly grow with your business, thanks to the convenience of vendor support, proprietary features, and ongoing investments in research and development. Open-source platforms also offer scalability and allow for customization to meet evolving business needs and growth requirements. However, the critical question is: Are you confident in the sustainability of an open-source project? Or do you prefer a dedicated software company with expert teams and a robust business continuity plan? Navigating Regulatory Challenges with PIMs This section will explore the general potential of PIMs in aiding regulatory compliance in the retail sector. However, the best choice between open-source and closed-source systems to counter these challenges will hinge on other factors such as cost, security, customization, and more, highlighted in the comparison table. Data Privacy PIMs enable robust consent management, allowing retailers to handle consumer consent for data collection, processing, and sharing meticulously. Through consent management modules, retailers can ensure they are compliant with legal and regulatory requirements concerning data usage. Furthermore, PIMs facilitate data minimization, ensuring that only necessary data is collected and stored. This adherence to data minimization principles is critical to complying with privacy regulations like the General Data Protection Regulation ( ). GDPR Information Security Security is augmented through PIMs by employing robust encryption and masking features to safeguard sensitive data. This encompasses encrypting data both at rest and during transit, significantly reducing the risk of data breaches. Additionally, PIMs enforce sophisticated access control mechanisms, ensuring that only authorized individuals have access to certain data. This minimizes the risk of internal or external data breaches, thus enhancing the overall information security posture. Retailers with pharmacies or clinics might need to comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act ( ) which mandates robust security measures to protect sensitive health information. HIPAA Consumer Privacy and Engagement PIMs host preference management systems allowing consumers to set their preferences regarding how their data is used. This not only enhances consumer engagement but also builds trust. Additionally, transparency features in PIMs provide consumers with insights into how their data is being utilized, fulfilling the transparency requirements often mandated by privacy laws like the California Consumer Privacy Act ( ). CCPA Retail Cybersecurity PIMs can be equipped with security monitoring and alerting features that provide real-time insights into potential security threats, enabling a prompt response to mitigate risks. Furthermore, maintaining detailed audit trails of data access and modifications is another crucial feature of PIMs. These audit trails help retailers to comply with regulatory requirements like the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard ( ) and provide evidence of compliance during audits, making the audit process smoother and more transparent. PCI DSS Data Governance PIMs offer data quality management features ensuring that the data is accurate, complete, and up-to-date. This is crucial for both regulatory compliance and effective decision-making. Additionally, by integrating data from various touchpoints and aggregating it in a centralized system, PIMs address the challenge of siloed data. They provide a unified view of data, which is critical for improving cross-departmental communication and decision-making, ultimately enhancing data governance practices. Although the Sarbanes-Oxley Act ( ) primarily aims at improving the accuracy and reliability of financial disclosures for public companies, some of its mandates could extend to the financial operations of retailers, helping in streamlining data governance practices through PIMs. SOX Product Data Regulations E-commerce operators are expected to comply with product data regulations like for consumer safety. This includes detailed ingredient and allergen information for food products, safety data sheets for hardware and tools, and warnings for hazardous substances on chemical products. CPSIA A Product Information Management (PIM) system simplifies product classification. Its validation system ensures that product data aligns with the assigned classification. For instance, when classifying a product as a chemical, the PIM system can verify the accuracy of composition. This information, as well as any safety hazard, will be detailed on the label. Choosing the Best PIM: Open Source vs. Closed-Source Now that you know how open-source and closed-source PIM systems compare, which should you choose? A closed-source PIM is the way to go if you prioritize reliability, pre-built features, and vendor support. Conversely, if your business is still evolving and you need affordable, flexible tools, then consider an open-source solution. Remember to conduct a thorough regulatory compliance assessment before making your decision. With their established compliance and security features, closed-source PIM platforms will make it easy to meet most industry regulatory obligations. Also, weigh the customization benefits of open source against the reliability of closed-source features. While open source offers flexibility, it may require more effort to ensure reliability than vendor-supported features in closed-source platforms.

Closed Source vs Open Source PIM: Navigating Regulatory and Scalability Challenges

are powerful tools that have revolutionized the corporate sector. They have helped various businesses set new standards. And just like any other business industry, they have played a marvelous role for SaaS businesses as well. CRMs They have empowered this sector in a new way. They immediately boosted the work efficiency of employees and made more manageable. How? That’s what exactly we are going to talk about in this article. business processes If you run a SaaS business, then don't stop until you've reached the end of the story. What is a CRM? An efficient way for organizations to manage their interactions and connections with customers is via a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system or software application. It functions as a central database for keeping track of consumer data, previous communications, and other pertinent information. are created to automate a variety of customer-related tasks, such as sales, marketing, and customer service, enabling firms to better comprehend their clients, foresee their demands, and raise client satisfaction levels. CRM systems Why SaaS Businesses Need Effective Customer Relationship Management (CRM)? is crucial for SaaS businesses as it centralizes customer data, streamlines support, and sales processes, and enables targeted marketing campaigns. By understanding customer behavior and preferences, SaaS companies can optimize customer interactions, boost retention, and drive business growth. Effective CRM Centralized Customer Data Today, no SaaS business can operate without data and, more importantly, data analysis. So, there remains the need for centralized customer data. SaaS businesses need to consistently monitor . For instance, a SaaS business cannot decide on pricing plans for any add-on that it plans to bring into the marketplace without analyzing sales purchase data of the past. The sales and marketing teams of SaaS businesses need to see the sales and purchase patterns of customers. customer data They need to find out the best-selling SaaS packages. And to do that, customer sales and purchase data analysis is required. CRMs offer centralized customer data handling and management features. So, any SaaS business that is already using a CRM for any business process need not look for another software but rather use CRM to monitor customer data and plan strategies for the future. Today, it is not easy to hunt customers in the SaaS business world because the market is too competitive. Offering the best customer experience is the best way to get more them as well. And customer support is one of the ways to enhance customer experience. Better Customer Support customers and retain With a CRM, SaaS businesses can efficiently manage customer support tickets, track their status, and ensure timely responses. This leads to improved customer satisfaction, reduced response times, and a more streamlined support process. Also, there are available various chatbots that can be integrated with the core CRM software that will give your customer support an immediate push. Sales Management In the SaaS business world, experts suggest keeping customer retention in focus; however, no business can succeed without customer acquisition. And sales cycle is the foundation of customer acquisition and even customer retention. CRM systems offer sales teams valuable resources for effectively managing leads, opportunities, and sales pipelines. By enabling sales representatives to monitor customer interactions, set reminders, and prioritize follow-ups, these systems facilitate faster deal closures and enhance overall sales performance. It is a challenge for various SaaS businesses to target the right community for marketing. In the digital world, the sales and purchase chains are interlinked and interwoven in a way that one needs to be cautious before running marketing campaigns. However, through the analysis of customer data within the CRM, SaaS businesses can uncover valuable insights and efficiently segment their customer base. This segmentation enables the implementation of targeted marketing campaigns, thereby enhancing the chances of effectively reaching the intended audience with the appropriate message. Targeted Marketing Campaigns Churn Reduction One of the challenges that haunt every SaaS business executive is customer churn. Experts make strategies, and every team makes sure to complete tasks in a way that the customer stays satisfied and may not cancel SaaS subscriptions. By leveraging a CRM to comprehend customer behavior and preferences, SaaS businesses can effectively identify churn. This proactive approach allows them to address these issues promptly and implement strategies aimed at reducing churn, thereby retaining valuable customers. potential risks of customer Data-Driven Decision Making The best CRM for B2B SaaS also plays a role in making data-driven decisions. SaaS CRM software offers valuable data and analytics that empower SaaS businesses to make data-driven decisions. By monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs), tracking trends, and identifying areas for improvement, these systems facilitate the development of more informed business strategies. By leveraging the data and analytics provided by CRM systems, SaaS businesses can make more informed decisions about resource allocation, marketing strategies, and product development. This data-driven approach helps optimize business operations, improve customer satisfaction, and ultimately drive growth and profitability. As a SaaS business expands, the manual management of customer relationships becomes progressively more difficult. However, implementing a CRM system streamlines processes, enabling improved scalability without compromising the quality of customer interactions. Also, CRMs are kept scalable and flexible to integrate with other software and applications. So, when they are integrated, the functionalities of the system increase. And when it happens, the door to different opportunities opens up. For instance, when you integrate CRM with multiple , the chances are high to get international clients and customers. Scalability & Growth payment gateways Conclusion There are a lot more advantages of CRMs for which SaaS businesses cannot think of operations without them. From managing subscriptions to billing, , and a lot more, CRMs are needed. They enable businesses to run all processes from a single automated platform rather than using ten different software for ten various business needs. However, sometimes SaaS businesses need to transition from one CRM to the other depending on business needs. The decision to select a CRM depends on the business needs and requirements. payment processing

SaaS Businesses Should Use a CRM for Unbeatable Growth

The Ultimate Checklist for B2B SaaS Business Development

La lista de verificación definitiva para el desarrollo empresarial B2B SaaS

La liste de contrôle ultime pour le développement commercial B2B SaaS

B2B SaaS व्यवसाय विकास के लिए अंतिम चेकलिस्ट

B2B SaaS ビジネス開発のための究極のチェックリスト

A lista de verificação definitiva para o desenvolvimento de negócios B2B SaaS

Danh sách kiểm tra cuối cùng để phát triển kinh doanh B2B SaaS

B2B SaaS 业务开发的终极清单

Once upon a time, there was a Product Manager I have a killer product idea! It will be the “most awesomest” product out there. It will have this cool feature and this shiny interface, and blockchain, and and a gravity gun, and blackjack, and... you know... AI, Should my team go build it? Or should I first test if someone cares enough to buy it? The case for demand validation Ok, the books say I must validate the demand first, so let's be the diligent Senior Product Managers we should be and test if people want it before we build it. We need to make sure that: there is a real pain in the market that my cool product is a solution to. the market is aware of the pain and cares enough to solve it. my cool product can solve that pain point. my cool product is a substantially better solution than the alternatives in the eyes of the market. I can communicate the value of my cool product in such a way as to motivate the market to choose it over the alternatives. with my intended pricing it will be competitive and attractive. Oof, that's a lot of work! I'd rather just go build it, but fine. Techniques for demand validation What options for demand testing techniques do I have? Well, there are and methods, and . qualitative quantitative I need both method is relatively straightforward - I just need to interview enough people from the target market to dig into their jobs to be done, struggles, and needs. They can also tell me about the they currently use to get their jobs done. The qualitative alternative solutions method, on the other hand, is a bit tricky. I can always do a landing page test, but there are a few challenges with it: The quantitative Driving traffic to such a page is , especially in a competitive market. difficult and expensive It's as much of a test for my ad, as it is for my product, and , considering its small size, is quite difficult and is a distraction. getting the ad right But most importantly - I won't know how my solution can be compared to the available alternatives. There is for the results I will get. no benchmark I have an idea though... The listicles (list articles) You know these "Top N something something" kind of articles? Like: 5 best GPS vehicle trackers The 14 hair growth products that actually work Top 10 Best CRM Software Tools in 2023 They are often referred to as " " - articles presented in the form of a list. listicles They basically help you of possible solutions to a problem and present you with the best solutions to choose from. They also aim to offer , rather than giving you a sales pitch designed to overstate benefits and downplay the drawbacks. bypass doing your own research objective impartial analysis I love them - they make picking a new phone, a movie to watch, and an app to install much easier. I also use them at work all the time while looking for solutions to everyday challenges. So what if we use one of them to ? benchmark our product against the best available alternatives Plan of action Ok, here's my plan: I will available to solve the pain point my cool product is designed to solve. research alternatives I will , where my cool product is one of those solutions. write a "Top 5 solutions to {pain X}" article I will make sure my article is an . I will not overstate my cool product's benefits and downplay its drawbacks. I will also be equally honest about the alternatives. objective impartial analysis I will to the benefits I think my audience cares about the most, like price, ease of use, feature set and documentation. compare all solutions I will host this article on a (not on my product's website) but make sure I have access to the analytics. neutral domain I will this article using ads. It should be way easier and cheaper than promoting a specific solution as people generally don't like being sold to. promote I will - what they do once on the page, which links they click, and which text they select. I might even do screen recordings of their actions (like HotJar) to understand how they behave on the page. track the visitor behavior I will it is to to this page. If people don't click it, it might mean that the pain point I am solving is not that important to my target market. test how easy drive traffic I will my solution is . test how popular compared to the alternatives I will on my value proposition until I am happy with how often users pick my solution. iterate Disciplining your thinking I already see the benefits of disciplining my thinking just from writing this article. It forces me to clearly I am solving. understand the problem I have to to the problem. research the best available solutions I have no choice other than to think about very early. differentiation Possible outcomes Once I have this listicle up and getting traffic, here are possible outcomes: It is possible I to the page. Since my market is established and not super-niche, that must mean that the market doesn't care enough about the problem. won't be able to drive significant traffic Most obviously, over mine. I pretty much expect that in the first iteration. From this point, I can A/B test various versions of my product's value prop to get a good performance. visitors can prefer the alternatives I can get to a point where I have a good number of visitors and a for my cool product This will give me the confidence to build the product and expect demand for it. good conversion rate compared to the alternatives. Summary I believe have a huge potential for testing demand hypotheses. listicles Writing one can , forcing you to think through the problem, alternative solutions, and differentiation at an early stage. discipline your thinking They are easier to promote, making demand validation more accessible. They by showing you early if people don't care enough to read it. validate the problem They give you a of your value proposition . benchmark against the best alternatives Have you tried using listicles for your demand validation? If so - let us know in the comments how this worked for you. Also published here.

Listicles – a Simple but Effective Technique for Demand Validation

Tis the season to make predictions that help marketing professionals plan next year’s budgets. After an anything but predictable year, however, no amount of trend forecasts will turn marketers into fortune tellers. Yet at a time when marketers are still expected to magically make smaller budgets go further. CFOs and senior finance leaders are reducing budgets to fight inflation Marketers must release their inner sleuths, collecting clues to reveal the tactics and technologies that can best weather the economic downturn and still bring results amidst shifting market conditions, rising inflation, economic volatility and weakened consumer purchasing power. Well good tidings we bring, because the clues do fit together and they all point to upper-funnel brand marketing becoming a critical investment next year. Marketing tactics that build awareness, trust and perceived value segue well from web2 to web3, where building strong brands and communities is critical. All the puzzle pieces show that now is the time for the marketing community to start shifting collective mindset away from purely transactional to more interpersonal and engaged customer relationships, as brands prepare to adapt to major technological shifts in digital marketing and as web3 becomes increasingly more mainstream in the years to come. Disclaimer﻿: I am a marketer at WOM Protocol, BULLZ and YEAY, so I have a vested interest in the products mentioned below. Invest in Brand Marketing In Analytics Partners’ report, which was published in late November this year, marketers are advised to ensure that at least half of their marketing spend goes towards brand and upper-funnel marketing activities next year. “The Marketer’s Guide to Survive (Even Thrive) in 2023” Analytics Partners analyzed hundreds of billions in marketing spend to identify that brand messaging outperforms performance messaging 80 per cent of the time, and that it is a better long-term strategy for building customer loyalty. The report advises marketers to reallocate at least 50 percent of overall marketing spend away from lower-funnel tactics, such as pay-per-click and price cutting, to prioritize upper-funnel tactics, such as video and social content. This is a logical approach given that when market conditions are tough customers typically become more selective, which makes customer acquisition more expensive with greater competition. Instead, the report states, marketers should focus on connecting with customers on a more emotional level, seeing conversion as the end-game once loyalty and advocacy have been established. While such tactics might be 25 percent less effective in the short term, they are 60 per cent more effective in the long term and this is true in all market conditions. Positive word-of-mouth endorsement is a potent form of brand marketing, because people trust people over adverts. When brands successfully create an emotional connection with consumers they are and . 3x more likely to generate word of mouth marketing 7 in 10 consumers trust the opinions of influencers as much as their real-life friends Useful word-of-mouth martech tools include , which imports social reviews from social platforms to WordPress sites, as do and . WP Social Ninja Smash Balloon Spotlight Meanwhile, recommendations app YEAY enables influencers as well as regular content creators to promote brands and products through short-form video in order to earn rewards based on the performance of their content. Brands can then use the to turn this content into measurable campaigns, while gaining access to web recorder and viewer plugins that enable brands to capture and feature word-of-mouth content directly on their web pages. WOM Campaign Manager Prepare for Web3 In many ways web2 marketing is learning from web3, where the focus is necessarily higher up the funnel. In his marketing aficionado, Robert Cole, outlined the core difference between web2 and web3 marketing: “In web3 you can fork product, which means the competitive advantage has changed to branding and community.” recent article In other words, while web2 marketing has largely been focused on demand generation and customer acquisition, web3 projects, which live and die by the strength of their brand, have focused on growing communities to gain and maintain attention. The reason why, Cole explains, is that in an open source and decentralized world where products can easily be copied, selling a strong product is not enough to gain competitive advantage. Only projects with perceived value and passionate evangelists willing to spread the word will survive and thrive. In web3 community growth is not about accumulating followers, but rather bringing together people with common identities and giving them “skin in the game” – when an entire community can co-profit from a project’s success, as is the case with tokens such as NFTs, that community becomes a powerful word-of-mouth marketing force. As Lunar Research puts it in its , brands must realize that their communities are at once customers and company ambassadors, and build a suitable marketing stack to grow and nurture dedicated and integral communities. With more than 70 web3 teams and projects featured in , there is no shortage of new tools to support this. 2022 guide to web3 community growth Safary’s 2022 analysis of the web3 community growth tools landscape These vary from CRM software, such as , which provides features, such as token gating and embeddable forms to build the most valuable member-based communities, through to messaging tools, think , which creates a direct connection between a business and a customer’s wallet to send on-brand messages. These could be anything from a trivia game, through to a reward. Kazm Dispatch Incentives and rewards are another essential arm of community-building and web3 incentive platforms in this space include the , which enables influencers to mint and airdrop NFTs to communities in exchange for participation in fun challenges. Web3 influencers can also monetize content on the "TikTok of Crypto" BULLZ mobile app, which recently launched as an additional web platform to improve accessibility to web3 for creators. BULLZ Challenge Launchpad , meanwhile, enables brands to establish web3 loyalty programs enabling people to earn crypto rewards for completing tasks. Dappback Community, Community, Community Marketers might not have crystal balls, but they do have plenty of indicators that show upper-funnel brand tactics – and especially building community trust and loyalty through word-of-mouth marketing – should be well budgeted for next year. Going down this path and away from purely transactional tactics, such as customer acquisition, will also lead marketers comfortably into web3 as brands inevitably turn to their marketing teams to help them enter this emerging space.

Seasonal Advice for Allocating Marketing Spend in 2023

Marketers have a bad habit of ruining everything! Go to and type a keyword relevant to your business. Any keyword. google What do you see? You will see vendor blogs, how-to guides, and listicles that are all trying hard (and succeeding) to rank for that keyword. Yet, do you notice something about the content? It all sucks. It’s either dry and boring, or it’s trying too hard to be something it’s not. It is a self-serving, thinly veiled sales pitch, or it is regurgitated information you could find everywhere else. literally There is nothing original in any of the top results. Finding an in-depth article written by someone who is knowledgeable and passionate about the subject is like finding a needle in a haystack. And it’s all because of the hyper-focus on driving organic traffic. SEO has created a world where the primary goal of content is to rank well in search engines rather than to be interesting or useful. Or, more accurately, it’s all because of marketers who measure their success on vanity metrics instead of actual business results. Don’t get me wrong, organic traffic is important. But it's the quality, not quantity, that should matter. The problem is that success is a numbers game. Marketers are rewarded for bringing in large amounts of traffic, regardless of whether or not the traffic is doing anything. This has created a situation where the goal is to get as many people to your site as possible rather than to create content that appeals to your target audience or serves a specific purpose. The result is generic, lowest-common-denominator content that does nothing to differentiate your brand or build trust with your audience. It’s time for a change. It’s time to start creating content for the people, not for search algorithms. It’s time to start valuing quality over quantity. Here is how: Stop idolizing organic traffic volume Stop explaining the basics to pros Stop writing listicles Write content for your target audience, not for Google algorithms Team up with subject matter experts Come up with original ideas Expand into new content formats Stop creating content for the sake of creating content Stop idolizing organic traffic volume Many marketers focus too much on keywords and backlinks in their articles with the hopes that their content will rank high on Google and the traffic will pour in. And it does. The issue is, though, that this traffic is completely useless for your business. You didn’t attract the people who are potentially interested in your product or service. You brought people who were just looking for a quick answer to their questions and happened to click on your article because it was at the top of the search results. The traffic you want is targeted and engaged, not just random passersby. It's time to stop valuing organic traffic volume and start valuing quality. This means looking at things like: Organic traffic conversion rates Time on page Scroll depth Bounce rates Newsletter signups Social shares Comments generated on social This means creating content for the people who are actually interested in what you have to say. It means writing articles that serve a specific purpose, whether that’s to educate, entertain, or inspire. It might mean foregoing some easy traffic in favor of creating something truly original and interesting. But it will be worth it, I promise. Stop explaining the basics to pros For most and tech companies, their target market is not made up of people who need to be educated on the very basics of your product and industry. Newbies and laypeople won't ever buy your pen-testing services or your CRM software. And yet, these are the people you're targeting with your blogs, such as "What is pentesting?" and "Top 3 benefits of CRM systems". B2B People you want, need, and should be targeting: have a problem that needs to be solved, and they are looking for answers widely read and like to be exposed to fresh perspectives are constantly trying to improve themselves and their businesses are always on the lookout for new ideas. To target these kinds of people, you need to create content that goes well beyond the basics. You must write articles that challenge assumptions, offer new perspectives, and push boundaries. Stop writing listicles Listicles are the bane of the internet. They’re easy to write and they get clicks, but they offer absolutely nothing of value. Every day, B2B buyers are bombarded with listicles like “The 5 Best Ways to Boost Your SEO” and “7 Tips for Creating a Successful Email Marketing Campaign.” And they’re sick of it. These articles are nothing more than fluff pieces designed to get clicks. They offer no real value or insights, and they certainly don’t help build trust or establish credibility. If you want to stand out from the crowd, you need to start creating truly original content that provides real value to your audience. Write something that will make people think, “Hey, I’ve never thought of it that way before!” Write content for your target audience, not for Google algorithms If you are focused on drawing large quantities of organic traffic with SEO over-optimization, the vast majority of people who are clicking on your article are not going to be interested in what you have to say. Most of them will leave your site within seconds, never to return again. And yet, marketers continue to obsess over organic traffic numbers. They see a spike in traffic and think, "Yes! We did it!" when, in reality, all they've done is lure a bunch of unqualified people to their site. It's time to stop focusing on organic traffic and start focusing on relevant organic traffic. The first step is to create content that appeals to your target market and provides them with value. This means creating content that is interesting, informative, and relevant to your audience. And no, we marketers can't create that kind of content ourselves. You need to team up with subject matter experts to do that. Team up with subject matter experts A lot of content is created by marketing writers without any input from subject matter experts.  And it shows; the vast majority of corporate blog posts are full of fluff, filler, and platitudes. It repeats the same safe and uncontroversial information found anywhere else on the internet. If you want your content to stand out, you need to team up with actual experts who can provide valuable insights. These people have first-hand knowledge of your industry, product, or service and can offer a unique perspective worth reading. This can include original research, interesting case studies, or detailed how-tos. If you're serious about creating content that appeals to your target audience, it's time to start teaming up with subject matter experts. It is actually not that hard: Get a subject matter expert from your company on the phone for a 20-minute interview, and you can easily generate a blog post that is 10 times more interesting and informative than anything a marketing team could come up with on their own. Can't find a subject matter expert who has the time to talk to you on your team? Go to Linkedin and find someone who works in the field. You are bound to find at least one person who is willing to chat. Come up with original ideas The internet is already full of content. There's no need to regurgitate the same information that's already out there. To stand out, you need to come up with original ideas and new perspectives. This means thinking outside the box and taking a fresh perspective on things. It also means being willing to experiment and try new things. Marketers are often too risk-averse, and they end up playing it safe all the time. But if you're not willing to take risks, you'll never come up with anything original. Expand into new content formats Blogs are great, but they're not enough. To really reach your target audience, you need to expand into new content formats. This could include: YouTube Videos Long-form LinkedIn posts TickTocks Podcasts Online courses Yes, those formats are resource-intensive compared to blog posts from a content mill, but they're also very effective. And if you want to reach your target audience, you need to be willing to invest in quality content. The bottom line is that if you want your content to stand out, you need to start thinking outside the blog post. You must experiment with new formats and find what works best for your audience. Stop creating content for the sake of creating content In an effort to “keep up with the Hubspots”, many companies have adopted the "publish or perish" mentality when it comes to content marketing. The thinking is that if they're not putting out new content on a regular basis, they're going to fall behind their competitors. So they churn out article after article, regardless of quality, just to keep their vanity metrics up. This is a recipe for disaster. Not only does this approach result in subpar content, but it also means that your team is constantly under pressure to produce new material that is completely useless for your target audience. It's time to stop the insanity. It's time to focus on quality over quantity. It's time to create fewer (but better) pieces of content that have something original to say. Conclusion Marketers have a bad habit of ruining everything. From SEO to content marketing, we have a tendency to focus on vanity metrics and ignore what's important. It's time for us to focus on quality over quantity, engagement over traffic, and actual business goals over vanity metrics.

How to Create B2B Content That Doesn’t Suck

Introduction. In the past few years, CRM systems have been a major part of the business world. They've helped companies to streamline their processes and improve their efficiency, but they're not just for large corporations anymore. Today's CRM systems are designed for everyone from small businesses to startups — and that means there's even more opportunity for growth in the coming years! CRM systems are going to be larger than ever. CRM systems are going to be larger than ever. CRM systems will become more popular because of their ability to increase efficiency, and they'll be used more than ever. Cloud-based systems will continue to grow due to their ability to scale easily and efficiently. Cloud-based systems are a great way to go if you're looking for a CRM system that's easy to set up and maintain. They can be scaled up or down as needed, which makes them ideal for businesses with fluctuating needs. And cloud-based systems are also cheaper than buying one from a vendor—most companies spend less than $1,000 on their each year (and this figure doesn't include any monthly fees). CRM software However, there's no getting around the fact that many people don't trust cloud-based software because they've never used it before in their lives. If you're not familiar with how these kinds of programs work and how they compare against traditional ones like Salesforce or Microsoft Dynamics 365; then consider taking some time before making your decision on which company should be working with yours! Connectivity between different platforms will become easier. The ability to communicate with customers is one of the most important features of a CRM system. In order to do this, you need your company's systems to be connected so that all information from all sources can be shared in real-time. Connectivity between different platforms will become easier over time as more third-party providers develop solutions for doing so and continue working on their own networks. This means that companies should focus on building out their own cloud infrastructure before they start looking at other options like a hybrid or on-site deployments. Expect the market for CRM systems to grow even more. Expect the market for CRM systems to grow even more. It's no secret that CRM systems are becoming more popular, and they're also becoming more complex. The need for these kinds of tools is increasing as companies look to make contact with their customers in a way that's both efficient and effective. The best thing you can do is start researching now so you can be prepared when your business needs one or multiple CRM solutions in the future! The market is heading towards more verticalized software. The market is heading towards more verticalized software. Verticalized CRM systems are focused on specific industries and their needs, rather than being generalized across industries as a whole. This is important for companies that want to deliver solutions that are tailored to each industry’s specific needs, rather than one size fits all products or services. Expect AI automation to improve Expect AI automation to improve CRM systems. AI is the future of CRM, and it will improve the way you interact with your customers. AI will help with customer service by automating tasks that were previously done manually or manually by employees in the sales and marketing departments, like taking notes on sales leads or scheduling meetings with prospects. In addition, AI can also be used to improve marketing campaigns by recommending products based on customer demographics and preferences (for example, if a user has shown interest in getting rid of clutter). This means that companies no longer need to rely solely on manual processes—they can instead use automated tools that allow them more time for other essential tasks such as selling products or improving loyalty programs In-house system development will become more popular. In-house system development will become more popular. The cost of hiring developers, maintenance, and security is not to be overlooked when considering whether or not to invest in a third-party CRM system. In addition, many companies struggle with keeping up with the latest tech advancements and upgrades required by their systems. There are also costs associated with maintaining an existing in-house CRM solution as well as supporting it so that it continues to work effectively for your business. CRMs will require some growth pains, but they'll be worth it in the end. CRMs will require some growth pains, but they'll be worth it in the end. CRM systems are going to be larger than ever. As a result, you'll need more space on your server and more powerful hardware to run them. The cloud-based model will continue to grow due to its ability to scale easily and efficiently. Connectivity between different platforms will become easier as well — think of it like Facebook connecting with Tinder (or maybe not). Expect the market for CRM software to grow even more over time! Conclusion In conclusion, we think that CRM systems are going to have a much better future than they did in the past. More people will be using them, and more companies will be building their own software. The industry is becoming more verticalized, which means you can use one platform for sales and marketing as well as customer service. In-house development is also starting to become more common among large organizations that want complete control over their own CRM systems without having to rely on third parties like Adobe or Salesforce—this trend may grow even larger as time goes on due to its benefits like customization options and faster implementation timelines. It's hard not to love technology when it makes our lives easier!

What Direction Will CRMs Go in 2022?

l remember when crypto was still a foreign concept? Bitcoin was this new and crazy idea that people didn't really understand, and it was hard to get people interested in learning more about it. Luckily we're all on board and investing now. Or... are we? Many Bitcoiners make the assumption that since they are interested in crypto, everyone else must be too. But you'd be surprised at how many people are still uninterested in learning about crypto; in fact, a lot of people don't even know what it is. Bitcoin has been around for over 10 years now, and all things considered, 300 million crypto users worldwide aren't that many. So how do we get more people interested? How do we educate the uneducated about crypto and persuade them to invest? This is what I spoke about with one of my podcast guests from last year, Aubrey Strobel ( ). She's the head of comms for the crypto startup Lolli. see the episode here Her mission? To make crypto mainstream, and to bridge the knowledge gap for the 'moms and pops' of the world. I thought it'd be interesting to explore this in more detail; the idea of reaching the unreached with your business concept. Let's talk about it. Aubrey Strobel, Lolli, and Educating the Masses Aubrey Strobel is the Head of Communications at Lolli, a platform where you earn free Bitcoin while shopping online. She discovered crypto in 2016 and worked for a few different blockchain projects shortly after wrapping up her journalism degree. She is a regular contributor for Coindesk, has had her works featured by NBC, speaks globally on crypto and blockchain, and today, both Lolli and Aubrey are household names within the crypto scene. So how did this all start? Aubrey herself wasn't an avid Bitcoiner from the get-go; she was a journalism student interested in social justice. It was only after a recommendation from her friends that she went down to the local Bitcoin ATM and made a small investment. That was the beginning. “I got into crypto through talking to my friends. But then I saw an opportunity to work at a PR firm to share the story and educate people about Bitcoin. It was a very large problem, and a problem that I could help solve or be a voice for.” Years later, she's the head of marketing for Lolli and an avid proponent of crypto use. When I asked her why Aubrey told me: “Freedom is a value that I hold very near and dear as an American, and I feel like that has been democratized in terms of the internet, but hasn't really been done in finance. There's too much power in certain institutions.” With a passion to educate and a mission to make crypto mainstream, Aubrey is the perfect example of someone who's gone out of her way to reach the unreached. She's not only an excellent marketer but also believes in what she's selling; a rare combination. The False Consensus Effect As I said, it's easy to wrap yourself in a bubble of your own reality. Maybe you are super educated in all things artificial intelligence, and so you assume that every company must be adopting it, too; or perhaps you are an active member of the vegan community, and now believe that everyone is going plant-based. It's an incredibly human phenomenon. Psychologists have even given this a name: the . We tend to overestimate how widely our own beliefs are shared by others. false consensus effect In some cases, this is totally fine. It's not a problem if you assume that all companies use the same CRM software as you (because it's clearly the best and most popular). But when it comes to your entire business concept, assuming the knowledge of your target consumer is a dangerous game. “When you're in the industry, you want to shake people and say, ‘This is the future. I hope you can see that too'," Aubrey lamented in our interview. "But blockchain, crypto, all these terms we're talking about now are still kind of confusing to a lot of people.” When you ignore the true education level of your audience, you miss out on a whole lot of potential business. Imagine if Facebook had only marketed to people who were already using MySpace. Your grandma wouldn't be posting pictures of her cats for the world to see, that's pretty certain. Aubrey recognized the education gap in the crypto industry immediately, and her work since then has been pivotal in moving the space forward. The State of Crypto Education “The reason that Bitcoin is great is that it has that scarcity component to it; there is no way to create more Bitcoin." Aubrey explained when I asked why she's a fan of the currency. This is the message she's trying to reach the broader masses with – but there's a long way to go yet. “Right now, the mainstream group of people is just trying to take care of their kids and pay their bills; they're not looking much beyond that. So to say it's the ‘future of finance’, and to throw around terms like DeFi and blockchain... the normal person just doesn't have time to really sit there and figure that out.” It's true. For those of us who have personally invested in crypto and perhaps seen some impressive returns, it's hard to remember sometimes that the industry is still in its earliest stages. We've been reading about Bitcoin since 2009; for many people, it only hit their radar in late 2017. This is where Aubrey and her team come in. “We want to lower those barriers to entry for people. We want to be a resource for people; we're trying to help them in every way possible.” The Lolli Approach Aubrey was brought onto the Lolli team as a marketer, and she very quickly put her own spin on the company mission. “I would say Lolli is leading the charge because we're not after just Bitcoiners. It's not just a Bitcoin club anymore. It's about getting every single person possible.” So, what are they actually doing? Great question. At its simplest, Lolli is like Honey for Bitcoin. You install the Lolli extension and shop at one of their partner stores like Sephora or Nike. When you make a purchase, you earn a certain percentage of Bitcoin back – just like cashback rewards. “However we can get people owning Bitcoin is a good thing for me. I don't care how that takes place. Lolli was a project that I thought I could really get people – the moms and dads, aunts and uncles – into the door with.” It's a genius move. If you look at companies like Honey – the brands that attach themselves to the daily habits of millions of people – you start to see the power of what Lolli is doing. People are far more inclined to try something out if it's easy and doesn't require a lot of commitment. “I think we need to get people comfortable holding and owning Bitcoin, and being their own bank first. And Lolli allows people to do that in a very easy way. Not everyone sees themselves as an investor; they see themselves as a shopper, though. I think most people are accustomed to shopping online. And so that bridge is easier to get people over.” Lolli isn't asking you to put down $10,000 to buy Bitcoin; they're saying “Hey, try this out. You might like it.” And the only money you spend is on buying from your favorite stores, which you were doing anyway. “You can earn fractions of Bitcoin on Lolli every single day, which makes it an even more active wallet than Coinbase or perhaps any of these larger exchanges because people are just finding ways to make it a part of their daily behavior accruing money.” I'm so impressed by the Lolli strategy, and by Aubrey's dedication to educating people through it. It's one thing to talk about the importance of Bitcoin; it's another to actually get people to use it in their everyday lives. This is how you make real progress. The Benefit of Humanizing Your Brand For me, the question that arose from my conversation with Aubrey was this: how can I apply her same logic to my own business? How can we all? Bare bones, this is the situation I see: All of us have a wider audience we aren't reaching with the benefits of our products and services, whether that's because they don't know we exist or because they think we're not for them. Most of us want to get in front of that audience, but we don't know how – because we assume they already know about us, and have decided against us anyway. If we could find a way to reach the unreached and get them to give us a chance, we could see a serious uptick in business. The solution? Humanize your brand. Make it accessible. Tailor it to the mainstream as opposed to the people who already stan you. “Any way that you can humanize a brand is impactful, no matter what that may be," Aubrey explained. "People don't want to talk to brands; they want to feel comfortable, they want to engage. You should have your users want to spend money with you, and make them feel that way when they're shopping.” This makes me think of companies like LUSH in Australia and the UK. Not only is Lush one of the most inviting stores to walk into (smells, colors, textures), but they've also managed to remove all knowledge barriers and educate customers on their many natural skincare ingredients. How have they done this? Well, for starters: They've ditched packaging in favor of naked products (no pun intended). This means that customers can touch and feel the product before they buy it, making the experience more interactive. They have open cupboards and displays so that customers can see and smell all the products before they buy them. They have a team of knowledgeable staff members who are passionate about the products and can answer any questions customers might have. What's more, Lush has become a master of content marketing. They've built an entire website dedicated to educating their customers on the benefits of natural skincare, and they've done it in a way that's engaging and easy to understand. Bit of a left-field example, I know – but seriously, who else from the soaps and skincare industry has managed the same feat on such a scale? We can learn a lot from Lush, Honey, Lolli, and other education-first brands. Humanizing Your Brand: Outreach 101 To round out the newsletter, let's hear some of Aubrey's insights into what humanizing your brand requires. What are the steps, and what should you avoid? First, what not to do Aubrey's big no-no is compromising on your unique messaging. Don't sacrifice what makes you special just to get in front of a bigger audience. “A lot of these crypto companies are really trying to dress themselves up like banks. And that's exactly what we were trying to get away from. We're not trying to be banks anymore. We're trying to have this idea of freedom. And so I think really lean into what makes you unique, no matter what that may be.” Lolli doesn't shy away from its identity as a crypto company. It does, however, make an effort to meet people where they are, and to make investing feel more a part of everyday life. “We're trying to be the fun bank. We want to add different incentives like interest accounts and things like that.” Aubrey's advice A big part of the Lolli strategy is about making waves through social media. Lolli accounts aren't posting the latest stock prices or industry news; they're sharing relatable content and building a personality. “We've made our Instagram sort of a meme account. Our Twitter account puts out memes, but it sort of just trends with topics that are happening. We also have other channels where we offer the best Bitcoin back deals that you can get on Lolli." You might be thinking – a meme account? Seriously? No one's going to trust a meme connoisseur with their time and money. Well... you'd be surprised. “People make jokes about memes, but meme advertising is a new strategy that’s going on. People even argue there will be Chief Meme Officers in the future, because that kind of content is important for companies to relate, and it's easy engagement.” And of course, there's the education aspect; the whole goal of Lolli is to make Bitcoin more accessible. Aubrey makes sure that their marketing strategy supports this mission. "We can't just bring people in and then not educate them. Once you own Bitcoin, we want to explain to you why it's a better currency than people have already, and how to take care of that money. Because Bitcoin, while it is very simple in some ways, it can be very complicated.” Aubrey warns that we shouldn't be shying away from social media; it's where the crowds are, and where you'll make the most noise. “For people who may not know how to guide their company or personal brand, I would say just start today. Some people feel kind of intimidated by these platforms – that maybe they couldn't have a voice there. I think just start today and be consistent with your content.” Are You Reaching the Masses? I love today's newsletter topic because it's such a thought-provoking one. Are you accidentally cutting out a huge potential audience by failing to educate? Are you humanizing your brand in a way that makes sense, or are you selling yourself short? Aubrey really showed me that passion is one of the key ingredients to a successful outreach strategy. You need to believe in your mission. You need to want people to find your product and want their lives to change as a result. Trying and failing to reach a broader audience? Meet people where they're at – don't make them come to you. Attach yourself to something they interact with on a daily basis. If you can't do that, double down on your social media strategy and make sure you're being personal, relatable, and consistent. Thanks for reading, everyone. What's your strategy for reaching the unreached? I'd love to hear it below! Also published . here

How to Reach the Masses: Marketing to an Unreached Audience

Your unsubscribe rates are highly volatile. Let’s face it. Even if you have great content, you’ll still get unsubscribes. If yoiur subscribers get bored of your content, they’d immediately want to unsubscribe. The best way to reduce unsubscribes is to send relevant content to your audience. To do that, you need strong segmentation in place and a well-designed email preference page. Segmenting your email list helps you manage the types of emails you send, how often you send them, and target them efficiently at your customers. However, segmentation is easier said than done. Before you launch an email preference center, you need to do your homework on your emails. This involves evaluating the emails that your brand sends out the most, what topics & emails are best for your brand, and which ones are the most valuable. That’s where the email preference page steps in. So stop trying to hide your ‘Unsubscribe’ button, and read on to find out how segmenting your email list and optimizing your email preference page can boost your email marketing returns! What Is An Email Preference Page? An email preference page or email preference center is a page where people subscribed to your email list choose what email marketing communications you send them. It’s a convenient way for your subscribers to manage the frequency and topics you’ll send them. It’s also a place where they can unsubscribe from your content. By combining your email preference page with proper email segmentation, you can keep your subscribers happy and keep your email list from shrinking. The options you put on your email preference page depend on your business, but they must be valuable to your customers. Someone who subscribed to get promotional emails for your integration app doesn’t expect to get emails about project management software. If you need to make one, most email providers include email preference pages for free or at a low price. Why Do You Need An Email Preference Page? Give them more control and get better results. Don’t be like other brands. Boost your brand relationship with your customers by letting them choose what they want to get from you and how often they want to get it. A great email preference center sets the stage for setting up a transparent relationship with your subscribers. It also improves your email deliverability, engagement, sales, and conversions, because your subscribers can control what they get from you. Here are two more reasons for having an email preference page: You Can Change A Subscriber’s Mind Make them think again about opting out. When a customer wants to unsubscribe from your newsletter(s), they can do any of these three things: Unsubscribe completely Subscribe to your other newsletter(s) Report you as spam and never come back! I’ll show you how to avoid the first and third options. Although you can't control your subscribers' decisions... You still have some control over whether people unsubscribe immediately when you provide valuable alternative content. Let’s say a customer wants to unsubscribe from your list, and they go to the Preferences page. If the other newsletters are something they’re interested in, they can subscribe to those instead. This way, they’ve unsubscribed from one list but are subscribed to another, and you’ve retained your customer. Customer Segmentation Only Gets Easier They do your work for you. You can also get valuable customer information from your email preference page. How? Your customers can segment themselves for you! Because they chose the content they needed, you won’t need to assume their needs. What they subscribe to also gives you an idea about what is valuable to them. You can then use this information in your email segmentation to further your email marketing efforts. Why You Need To Segment Your Email Lists Email Marketing Segmentation When you’ve got something to tell your customers, it should be something that meets their needs. Email segmentation includes separating your subscribed customers into different categories and segments. By segmenting your email list, you can fish out qualified leads from uninterested buyers. Who’s not buying your products? Who fits your ICPs (ideal customer profiles)? Who's been active within the last 90 days? Cleaning out your inactive subscribers from your email lists will be faster. This way, you can create relevant, personalized content your customers appreciate. For example, a CRM software with a large base of demand gen marketers can run an email campaign for their new CRM update. But how can you segment your active subscribers? There are many ways to approach this. Your customer segments are based on data you collect on your subscribers. Some examples of email segments you can use are: Their email addresses Physical location Their industry Their roles Their income You can also segment your customers based on the content they subscribe to. Some examples of this are: A Product newsletter A promotions/sales newsletter Your blog newsletter (if you have a blog) For extra segmentation tips, check out . this post by OptinMonster There's More Than One Type Of Email Preference Pages When done right, your email preference center can be a site to retain your active subscribers and improve your email marketing efforts. They can also help increase engagement and filter out quality leads. Your email preference center doesn’t need to be in the footer of your emails, and you shouldn’t hide it there. There are a few other options besides the footer you can explore. Let’s run over a few types of email preference centers you can use for your Saas business: This comes up when you ask people to sign up for your newsletter. It could be a form, popup, or slide-in to collect their email address that appears on a webpage. Besides the email, you can ask for information like their gender, physical address, or company name. 💡Opt-In: This email preference center comes up on the ‘Update preferences’ page, which you can include in the footer of your emails. Your subscribers can update their contact information, such as their address, phone numbers, and email addresses. This is useful for updating your active subscribers’ data. 💡Update: This is perfect for reducing unsubscribe rates. If someone feels they are receiving too many emails, then you can provide the option to snooze emails, or unsubscribe from email lists, or reduce email frequency. If they unsubscribe, you can also add a brief survey asking why they unsubscribed. This way you can improve your emails in the future. 💡Opt-Out: Tips For Making A Converting Saas Email Preference Page Some practices can help boost your email preference page performance and reward your marketing efforts. They'll help you improve the quality of your page and increase your customer satisfaction. How can you make an email preference page that works and that your customers will use? Here are tips for making an optimal email preference page: 💡Provide options in your opt-in: Give your customers the chance to choose what they need from you. Most marketers don’t give their customers a chance to choose their subscriptions, and you can take advantage of that. Don’t fall into the trap of offering many options. It’ll make it harder for you to manage your emails, and it’ll be too much for your subscribers to keep up with. Ideally, you should show them to your unsubscribe center after they sign up. This shows that you’re catering to their needs at the start of your relationship. You’ll also get a clearer idea of their preferences and needs, so your segmentation can be more detailed. For example, a funnel-building platform can ask new subscribers to select their industry and types of funnels they use. 💡Let Your Subscribers Know You Have An Email Preference Page If you launch a new product, you’d want your audience to know about it first. It’s the same with your email preference center, especially when it’s new. Inform them about how to access your preference page and how to use it. Put a notice at the end of the email and make it bold & accessible. 💡Make it easy to unsubscribe: You’ll have customers that need to unsubscribe, and it shouldn’t be a difficult process. Unchecking a huge list of newsletters is annoying, and you don’t want your promotional emails to go to spam because of that. If you have a long list of newsletters, you should include an ‘Unsubscribe to all’ button instead. 💡Write clear descriptions of your newsletters: Your customers should know what they’re signing up for. In your email preference center, you should include a short description of each newsletter. 💡Update your email center regularly: Like your website, your email preference center should be regularly updated. Ditch the default email preferences page and add some branding. Remember to also make your unsubscribe page mobile-friendly, and pay attention to design rules. 💡Write personable copy: Add some personality to your email preference page in your copy. It’ll be more difficult for your customers to unsubscribe when they feel connected to the people in your brand. Acknowledge that a customer wants to unsubscribe, but offer a low-frequency email option instead. This way you’re still connected, and they can get your emails. Don’t forget the ‘Unsubscribe to All’ button! Conclusion Stop stalling, make an email preferences page. Now you know why you should make an email preference page and how to optimize it properly. Your email preference page is an important part of your email marketing efforts, and you shouldn’t overlook it or its potential. You’ll see how well asking customers about what they need will keep your brand trustworthy and your newsletters in their inboxes.

How To Boost Your Email Conversions With An Email Preferences Page 

Organizations tend to juggle several agreements that are at different stages of the contract lifecycle. Using spreadsheets and taking a manual approach to contract lifecycle management (CLM) stands to incur losses. You need to stay on top of the process to reduce risks and maximize the value you get from your agreements. Even small businesses can now get their hands on an automation system that promises to speed up the contract cycle, increase productivity, minimize risks, and reduce costs. Why is contract management software important? Contracts dictate the terms of your business dealings. There may come a time when you’ll have to turn to your legal documents to settle a dispute or to claim what’s rightfully yours. A poorly prepared contract can easily spell disaster for your company. If you consider the benefits , contract management software looks like a worthy investment: by the numbers Speeds up negotiation cycles by 50% Reduces contract management costs by 10% to 30% Decreases erroneous payments by 75% to 90% Contract management involves overseeing the entire lifecycle, including leveraging clauses during negotiation, reviewing the document, and ensuring compliance. It’s a lengthy process that can be much more costly and error-prone when done manually. A reliable contract management system automates the entire lifecycle to ensure you’re not exposing your business to unnecessary risks, penalties, or compliance issues. Automating the contract’s full lifecycle Document automation systems are optimizing the way businesses execute contracts. Here, we list some ways you can automate the contract management process. Central repository for controlled access Nowhere is the adage “time is money” truer than in a business setting. Case in point, your sales team could be losing money if they can’t quickly pull up relevant contracts while processing renewals for your customers. To increase efficiency, store your contracts in a central repository that allows you to tag and organize documents. This way, you’ll be able to instantly find contracts whenever you need them. To ensure security, the repository should come with granular permission controls that allow relevant stakeholders to access specific documents only. Contract drafting Contract generation tools speed up the drafting process by automatically filling in templates. Automated drafting standardizes the templates. You won’t have to deal with the uncertainty of many different people applying their own style and approach to drafting contracts. Your legal and business teams will be able to better maintain the integrity of your agreements and minimize risks. But the right document automation platform also lets you customize certain aspects of templates to suit specific needs. For example, it allows you to link to your customer relationship management (CRM) software and other systems so you can easily auto-populate documents with customer details. Workflow Document automation tools expedite contract management by moving the process from one step to another with as little friction as possible. Intuitive workflows ensure the contracts end up in the hands of relevant stakeholders at the right time. An audit trail routes documents to the right people and saves all changes they make with version tracking, increasing visibility and ensuring accountability. Reminders for deadlines and renewals Contract management tools help mitigate risk by ensuring no crucial step or task gets overlooked. They send status updates and trigger alerts to remind people of important dates and deadlines related to the negotiation process and completion of the contract. Approvals with e-signatures E-signature technology speeds up contract execution by eliminating the need to print, fax, mail, or otherwise use physical copies of the document. It allows stakeholders to sign electronically on various devices, significantly reducing the time and cost it takes to complete a contract. Intelligent analysis Document automation tools provide insights that allow stakeholders to review the contract management process and make improvements where necessary. You’ll be able to address the challenges and bank the successes. Not all contract automation systems provide the functionalities you need. Let’s talk about how you can pick the best solution for your business. Choosing your solution With so many options on the market, how do you know which contract lifecycle management solution to sign up with? Consider these key factors to choose the right solution for your business. Seamless integration into your existing systems Flexibility to adjust to your unique needs Intuitive interface and easy-to-learn functionalities After-sales services or a support team Data security Built-in analytics Start your search by looking inward to get a clear picture of your company’s needs. Then review available providers and what their customers say about their services. Once you narrow down your list, contact the providers and discuss your needs. Conclusion Poor contract management comes with costs that you can easily avoid with the right document automation software. Why put up with the risks of a manual approach when you can rely on a contract management system to streamline the workflow and ensure accountability? Contract management just got less complicated. Simply assess your needs, work with the right provider, and you’ll be well on your way to optimizing your contract lifecycle.

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