A CRM could be the difference between a lead and a loyal accounting client. Is the way you’re organizing client information holding you back? Spreadsheets may be a good solution in the short term, but as your clientele base becomes larger, they can become messy and unmanageable. The last thing anyone wants is to lose a client due to lost information.
A customer relationship management system (CRM) is a type of software that collects and manages client data along with managing your client interactions. Utilizing a CRM tool can help you improve efficiency at your firm and improve client satisfaction. Still not convinced? Here are some of the various ways a CRM can help your firm succeed!
Better Customer Service
The biggest drawback of unsophisticated client management systems, such as spreadsheets, is the risk of upsetting or even losing clients. For example, if you have to ask your client the same questions about their business history over and over again, they may grow dissatisfied with the service you’re providing. Having all your data in one secure, easily accessible place will also help your team locate client information and reach out to potential and existing clients promptly.
Improved Retention Rates
You want your clients to stick around. The best way to keep your best clients is to know and understand them. That’s where a CRM comes in. A CRM can help you inspire loyalty to your firm by helping you understand when your clients are not engaged with your content when they aren’t responding well to your communication, and when there are problems that need to be fixed.
Better Reporting
A good CRM software will also be able to analyze your client data and give you insightful information about your existing client base. Demographic information, along with site metrics like click-through rates, will help you better target your ideal clients. With your CRM’s reporting abilities, you’ll also be able to assess your team’s performance and track progress on your goals.
Increased Efficiency & Improved Collaboration
Part of what makes CRMs so useful is the fact that they utilize automation. With automation, simple, repetitive tasks can be taken off your team’s hands. Additionally, communication among your team can be improved by using your CRM dashboard. You can see how far along your team members are on projects and communicate about projects within the CRM.
Where Do I Start?
We’re glad you asked. If you’re in the process of scaling your firm or are experiencing increased dissatisfaction among your client base, then there’s no time like the present to look into adopting a CRM tool. There are a few things you’ll need to consider in your search, such as cost, how well the software will integrate with your existing tools, and how you will train your team to use the new tool.
As with any new tool, it’s vital to choose the right CRM for your accounting firm. Are you interested in increasing satisfaction at your firm in other ways? Don’t forget to check out our blog!