How to choose the best CRM software for your UK business

What is CRM, and why is it important?

In financial services, building and maintaining trust is crucial. 

Effective CRM software helps financial advisers stay on top of client needs, ensuring you never miss an important meeting or overlook a piece of information that could enhance the client experience.

CRM, meaning Customer Relationship Management software, is a fundamental part of today’s business operations. At its core, a CRM tool helps businesses manage their relationships with customers and prospects. It allows you to track client interactions, store important data, and automate various processes, such as scheduling follow-ups or sending automated emails. 

CRM can also integrate with other tools like financial planning software, making it a critical hub for managing your business.

How to choose the best CRM software for your business

To choose the best CRM for your business, you need to do the following:

1. Establish a budget

Setting a clear budget is the first step in choosing a CRM. 

You should consider the upfront cost and the long-term value the CRM will bring to your business. 

Different CRM software ranges from free basic versions to premium packages with advanced features. Understanding what your business can afford is vital to ensuring you get essential features.

2. Determine the features you need most

Not all CRM tools are created equal. 

You should look for features such as contact management, task automation, data security, and financial integrations. 

Some CRMs are better suited for lead management, while others may excel in document storage or reporting. 

Prioritising features that address the specific challenges you face will help you avoid paying for unnecessary extras.

3. Look at customer reviews

Customer reviews offer a candid look at the performance of CRM software in real-world situations. 

Seek feedback from others in your industry, as their requirements often align more closely with your own than those of general business users. 

Look for reviews that highlight ease of use, reliability, customer support, and any industry-specific issues.

4. Be conscious of social media integration

While social media may seem like a low priority, some systems offer advanced CRM marketing tools to help you reach potential clients through social media channels. 

This built-in social media integration can help you stay connected with clients and prospects, adding another layer to relationship management.

5. Use free trials

Most CRM software providers offer free trials or demo versions. 

Taking advantage of these trials is a great way to assess the system's user-friendliness, integration with existing software, and delivery of the features that are most important to your business. 

Use these trials to get hands-on experience before committing.

What CRM should I choose?

Here are a few CRM examples to consider for improving your client relationships.

1. HubSpot

HubSpot is well-known in the CRM space. It offers a free plan as well as more advanced paid options. It is widely recognised for its ease of use and scalability.

Pros of HubSpot:

• Free version available
• Easy to use and set up
• Excellent customer support
• Scalable as your business grows

Cons of HubSpot:

• Limited customisation on the free plan
• Some advanced features are only available on higher-tier packages

2. Creatio

Creatio specialises in automating workflows, making it ideal for streamlining administrative tasks. The platform is known for its powerful process automation and low-code capabilities.

Pros of Creatio:

• Strong automation tools
• Customisable without needing technical skills
• Integrates well with other platforms

Cons of Creatio:

• It can be expensive for smaller firms
• Steeper learning curve than other CRMs

3. Salesforce

Salesforce is one of the biggest and best CRM options. It offers extensive features designed for large-scale operations. Salesforce is highly customisable but may be more than a smaller firm needs.

Pros of Salesforce:

• Highly customisable
• Strong analytics and reporting tools
• Extensive integrations and app marketplace

Cons of Salesforce:

• Expensive for small businesses
• Can be complex to implement

4. Zoho CRM

Zoho is popular among small to mid-sized businesses. It offers a comprehensive suite of features at a competitive price.

Pros of Zoho CRM:

• Affordable pricing
• Extensive customisation options
• Integrates well with third-party applications

Cons of Zoho CRM:

• Customer support can be inconsistent
• The interface can be less intuitive compared to others

5. Pipedrive 

Pipedrive is a simple, sales-focused CRM tool great for small teams looking for an easy-to-use interface without too many bells and whistles.

Pros of Pipedrive:

• Simple and user-friendly
• Strong sales tracking features
• Visual pipeline management

Cons of Pipedrive:

• Limited customisation options
• Fewer features compared to more robust CRMs

6. ClickUp

ClickUp is not a traditional CRM but offers strong project management features that are useful for keeping track of clients and tasks.

Pros of ClickUp:

• Excellent task and project management
• Affordable pricing
• Customisable workflows

Cons of ClickUp:

• Lacks some CRM-specific features like lead management
• Can be overwhelming with too many features

Want to work with Unbiased? 

Choosing the right CRM tool for your business requires careful consideration of your budget, the features you need, and how the software integrates with your current systems. 

Let Unbiased Pro help you grow your firm by matching you with your ideal clients and delivering them straight to your inbox.