A customer relationship management (CRM) system is essential to closing sales faster. Attract more target customers and manage customer information efficiently. If you want to skip the complicated learning curve and avoid paying for unnecessary features, then a custom CRM is for you.
We’ll guide you through the process of creating a CRM that meets your needs. We’ll explore which CRM is best for your business. Key functionalities that make CRM effective and which features you can skip.
Why Develop Custom CRM Software?
When considering a CRM, you have three main options Off-the-shelf platforms, Customizable pre-built solutions or custom CRM development
Off-the-shelf CRM platform
Various options are Ready to use right out of the box. You choose a pricing plan. You can access the platform to train your team.
But there are disadvantages. You can pay for features you never use. And if the platform doesn’t have certain functionality? You won’t be able to add those features in addition, as the cost is generally based on the number of users. Costs can therefore skyrocket for large teams. Additionally, scalability can be an issue. This is because many platforms limit storage space.
Customizable CRM
This option provides a pre-built framework that allows you to add modules and adjust the workflow to suit your needs. Installs quickly meet your needs And the vendor will handle maintenance and updates.
However, costs can still increase with each new user. And you may be limited in the features you can include. If you want to add specific functionality You may need technical expertise or help from a developer.
This option is ideal if your existing customizations align well with your business. And you need to launch quickly with low development costs.
Custom CRM
A custom CRM is designed specifically for your business workflow. Ensures compatibility with your existing tools. It can be scaled and adapted to your changing needs. And you can specify security measures.
On the other hand, you will need to invest in development before using It custom software development CRM.
How To Create A Custom CRM A Step-By-Step Guide
Custom CRM is similar to developing any software.It follows a structured development lifecycle aimed at delivering a high-quality product efficiently. While the process can vary among developers, this guide will guide you how Digixvalley approaches custom CRM development.
Clarify Your Goals And Choose The CRM Type
Start by defining what you want CRM to achieve. Clearly Identify the type of CRM that best suits your business needs.
Decide On Features For Development
List the features that are essential for your CRM. Consider what will truly enhance your workflow and improve customer interactions.
Find A Development Partner
Look for a reliable development partner who understands your vision and has a solid track record in building CRMs.
Create UI/UX Design
Design an intuitive user interface (UI) and user experience (UX). A well-designed CRM is user-friendly and engaging for your team.
Release The CRM And Ensure Technical Support
Once your CRM is ready, launch it and provide ongoing technical support to address any issues that may arise.
Clarify Your Goals For Building A CRM
When it comes to building a CRM system its important to set clear goals to avoid spreading yourself too thin. Think about the specific benefits you want your business to achieve. And ways to help you increase your profits
- Improve customer experience, Provide better insights into customer preferences and behavior to improve satisfaction.
- Increase sales and revenue. Improve sales processes. Follow up on leads and enable targeted marketing.
- Improving customer retention, Identifying at-risk customers and understanding reasons for churn.
- Improved internal communication, Customer information can be centralized and easily accessible to employees in departments.
- Lead Management and Nurture, Effectively manage and nurture leads throughout the sales cycle.
- Automate routine tasks, Automated data entry and follow-up reminders free up employees’ time. This allows them to focus on strategic activities.
- Protecting customer data. Ensure compliance with data protection regulations such as General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
- Facilitate collaboration, Promote information sharing with partners and distributors.
Once you’ve identified and prioritized your goals for developing a custom CRM. You can choose the type of CRM that best suits your needs.
Types Of CRM software
CRMs are generally divided into three main categories. By purpose and properties
Collaborative CRM
This type focuses on strengthening teamwork and communication by creating a transparent information-sharing environment. You can create a CRM like a partner for internal use or collaboration with external teams. Collaborative CRMs often include tools for group chat, file sharing, and activity tracking.
Analytic CRM
Analytic CRM is designed to help with planning. They provide insights.
Operational CRM
This CRM type automates and streamlines business processes to boost efficiency. Operational platforms typically help process leads, generate automated messages to customers across multiple channels, and manage follow-ups.
While CRM features can vary based on the type and specific needs of the owner, certain key functionalities are essential for any CRM system. These standard features help with data organization and contact management. Here’s a rundown of must-have features
- Contact Management
- Interaction Tracking
- Lead Management
- Task Management
- Task Automation
- Analytics
- Integrations
Custom CRM can include tools for marketing, sales, customer support, or a combination of these. Below, we’ll break down the main CRM features by module to help you build an application that suits your needs.
Sales Module
A CRM can boost your sales team’s efficiency by streamlining processes and centralizing operations, and improving customer data accuracy. It can also help identify bottlenecks and shorten the overall sales cycle.
- Dashboard Get a quick overview of your company’s monthly sales results through lists, graphs, and charts. You can choose which metrics to track.
- Toolbar Easily navigate different sections and features of your CRM.
- Opportunities View all potential sales opportunities across the pipeline.
- Pipeline View See the current stage of each lead and identify where you may be losing customers.
- Task Feature Track your team’s activities and plan communications in advance.
- Lead Feature Score your leads and find ways to convert them into sales.
- Contacts Section Review individuals or representatives from companies that have already purchased from you.
Outsourcing CRM Development
Pros
Cost Savings | Generally more budget-friendly than hiring full-time staff. |
Easy Scalability | You can quickly adjust the size of your team as needed. |
Access to Specialists | Tap into a wide pool of talent with specific skills. |
Cons
Less Control | You may have limited oversight over the development process. |
Building Trust | Establishing a strong working relationship with your outsourced partner is very important. |
In-House Development
In-house development involves hiring specialists to work long-term for your business. You’ll provide them with the necessary equipment and workspace, but this option can also come with additional costs.
Pros
Full Control | You maintain direct oversight of the entire development process. |
Knowledge Retention | Your team keeps valuable expertise within the company. |
Cons
Higher Costs | Generally more expensive than outsourcing |
Talent Acquisition Challenges | Finding and retaining skilled professionals can be tough |
Limited Expertise | You may not have access to as wide a range of skills. |
- Niche Expertise Look for a company with extensive experience in building CRMs. The more familiar they are with the process the faster and higher quality the results will be. Reviewing their case studies can help you gauge how their work aligns with your vision.
- Client Reviews Feedback from previous clients is a valuable way to assess a potential partners approach to CRM development. Reviews can reveal strengths and weaknesses helping you set realistic expectations. Check the companys website and external platforms like Clutch or GoodFirms for insights.
- Time Zone If you outsource overseas be mindful of time zone differences. Delays in communication can extend development timelines and increase costs.
Language Proficiency Many European countries have a good command of English, making them appealing to outsourcing partners. While countries in Asia may offer lower prices, be aware of potential language barriers. Its wise to arrange a meeting online or in person with your potential partner to ensure clear communication.
How Much Does It Cost To Build A CRM System?
You might be curious about the cost of developing a CRM system. The primary factors influencing the cost are the number of features and their complexity.
In addition to development Consider other costs, such as project management and quality assurance. This generally represents 15-30% of the total cost. Investing in skilled project managers and QA experts can save you money in the long run. By preventing boundary creep and avoiding the need to duplicate defective code.
The cost of your development team will vary based on their expertise and location. For instance, a team from Eastern Europe will generally cost about three times less than U.S. engineers.
At Digixvalley, custom CRM development usually ranges from $50,000 to $300,000. This range can vary widely, so it’s best to contact our representatives to discuss your project specifics for an accurate estimate.
Final Thoughts
To build a CRM that enhances your business performance, clearly define its purpose and desired functionalities. Partner with an experienced tech team to bring your vision to life.
At Digixvalley, we offer full-cycle custom CRM development services, assisting clients with market research, concept validation, and implementation of their ideas into reality.
