Customer relationship management (CRM) platforms are essential tools for businesses looking to streamline their sales and marketing efforts. These platforms provide a centralized place to store contact details for customers, allowing marketing teams to craft targeted campaigns that reach more people and drive more sales. With so many types of CRMs on the market, it can be overwhelming to know which one is best suited for your specific sales and marketing needs.
To help you navigate the sea of CRM options, the MarketWatch Guides team has conducted in-depth research and testing to identify the top marketing CRM software available. We tested and rated eight CRMs with marketing features, considering factors such as pricing, customer support, and key features. Additionally, we interviewed marketing experts and surveyed CRM users to gain insights into how to find and effectively use CRMs for marketing purposes.
Our research revealed that workflow automation and integrations are among the most important marketing features in a CRM system, according to sales and marketing professionals. Workflow automation, particularly lead automation, can significantly benefit marketers by organizing leads into groups and facilitating targeted marketing campaigns. All of the CRM providers on our list offer some form of workflow automation for lead management and marketing purposes.
When considering a CRM for marketing, cost is also a crucial factor to keep in mind. CRM pricing can vary based on the provider and plan, with base plans typically ranging from $12 to $25 per month per user. Higher-tier pricing plans may offer more advanced features but come at a higher cost. It’s essential to weigh the tradeoff between cost and functionality when selecting a CRM for your business.
Integrations with email, SMS, and voice software are also important considerations when choosing a CRM for marketing purposes. While CRM platforms primarily focus on sales, integrations with communication tools can help marketers leverage the data stored in the CRM for targeted outreach. Most CRM providers integrate with popular email and communication platforms like Gmail, Outlook, Mailchimp, and Twilio, among others.
Artificial intelligence (AI) features are increasingly becoming a priority for CRM users, with over 90% of respondents in our survey indicating that AI tools are important in a CRM’s feature set. AI-powered assistants can automate tasks, generate personalized content, and provide valuable insights for marketing campaigns. Not all CRM marketing software offers AI features, so it’s essential to consider your preferences for AI tools when evaluating CRM options.
Customer support is another critical aspect to consider when selecting a CRM for marketing. Access to reliable customer support can help navigate any challenges or learning curves that may arise during the implementation of a CRM. Self-help resources like video tutorials and community forums are typically available for all plan users, while live phone or chat support may require upgrading to a higher plan.
Looking ahead to 2024, we anticipate more advanced AI features and simplified CRM experiences to be key trends in the marketing CRM landscape. CRM providers are focusing on enhancing AI-powered assistants and offering all-in-one solutions that combine sales and marketing functionalities. Streamlined CRM experiences like Zoho CRM’s CRM for Everyone aim to provide comprehensive software that caters to the needs of both marketers and salespeople.
In conclusion, choosing the best marketing CRM for your business is a crucial decision that can impact the efficiency of your sales and marketing efforts. Consider factors such as workflow automation, cost, integrations, AI features, and customer support when evaluating CRM options. Whether you opt for monday.com’s automation features, HubSpot’s robust platform, or Salesforce’s comprehensive solution, the best marketing CRM for you is one that aligns with your team’s needs and is easy to implement.