The CRM integration market is expected to grow from $7.6 billion in 2018 to a whopping $24.3 billion by 2021, according to Allied Market Research. This guide will help you understand how your next CRM can integrate with your game and become the most potent player on the marketing landscape of tomorrow. On its own, CRM (customer relationship management) software works effectively. However, understanding CRM interfaces is required to get the most out of these technologies. Integrating your CRM software with other business tools may make your life simpler while also increasing the system’s capabilities. Your staff will reduce the number of times they need to switch between systems by using CRM connectors. Integrating with the proper tools may help you enhance the data in your primary CRM system while also streamlining your process. You’ve come to the correct spot if you want to get started with CRM integrations but don’t know where to begin. Everything you need to know about CRM integrations will be covered in this tutorial.
What Are CRM Integrations and How Do They Work?
A CRM integration, in simple terms, links your CRM software to a third-party product or application. Extended functionality, automatic activities, and a faster CRM workflow are all advantages of connecting two or more business products. CRM software may gather data from various sources and combine it into a single source of truth. Integrations can save time by removing the need to move between systems and manually input data.
CRM Integrations: 5 Tools to Help
Integrations are supported by a large number of CRM systems and business solutions. These five methods, though, are my favorites.
1. Zoho CRM
More than 150,000 enterprises in 180 countries rely on Zoho CRM. The software was created to assist organizations in increasing conversions, managing leads, and eventually growing revenue. Zoho CRM is used by Amazon, Bose, Netflix, and Suzuki to manage client connections. The software supports Shopify, Slack, Mailchimp, Microsoft Office 365, Facebook Ads, and other CRM connectors. In addition, you may search for integrations in categories including messaging, phone, banking, e-signature, social media, marketing automation, collaboration, and a variety of other essential business areas. Sign up now to get a free 15-day trial of Zoho CRM.
2. Pipedrive
Pipedrive has facilitated over $24 billion in sales for more than 95,000 firms across the globe. It’s an easy-to-use CRM system that keeps track of customer conversations, automates tedious processes, and analyzes detailed data with custom reports. The program is mobile-friendly and places a strong emphasis on data security. Pipedrive provides a specialized marketplace for CRM connectors that enables you to enhance the functionality of your system by integrating with third-party solutions. No coding is needed for the one-click installation procedure, making it simple for anybody to understand. If you can’t find what you’re searching for, Pipedrive provides a robust API that you can use to build your own. Request a complimentary demonstration.
3. HubSpot
HubSpot is a CRM software that combines sales, marketing, and customer service into one solution. It’s one of the most basic and adaptable CRM systems available. Another great feature of HubSpot is that it is entirely free to use. In the HubSpot Marketplace, there are over 650 different connectors to choose from. Gmail, WordPress, 88%, LinkedIn, Typeform, Zoom, Mailchimp, and more applications may be used to connect. Startups, agencies, sales teams, marketing teams, workflow integrations, and everything else are all represented in the marketplace.
4. Salesforce
Salesforce is one of the most widely used CRM systems available. As a result, it should come as no surprise that this product supports a wide range of CRM interfaces in every possible area. The Salesforce AppExchange is a cloud marketplace with over 4,000 apps for extending the platform’s capabilities. This marketplace has facilitated over 8.4 million installs. MuleSoft, a platform specialized in linking SaaS, SOA, and APIs, integrates smoothly with this CRM system. Salesforce has AI features that may help you automate processes and provide recommendations for future actions. Join up for Salesforce and take advantage of your 14-day free trial to get started.
5. Zapier
Although Zapier is not CRM software, it would be incomplete without it. If your CRM software doesn’t link with some of the technologies you’re using, you may still utilize Zapier to enhance its capabilities. Businesses may use Zapier to connect two or more applications to automate repetitive operations in a workflow. All of this may be accomplished without code or the engagement of a developer. Zapier comes pre-loaded with over 3,000 applications, so there’s a high chance your CRM platform is among them. Zapier offers a 14-day free trial to discover for yourself how powerful it is.
CRM Integrations: The Fundamentals
Let’s take a deeper look at some of the CRM connectivity options. These are some of the essential integrations you may utilize to enhance your program.
Integrations with social media
For maintaining client interactions, most firms depend extensively on social media. There are several methods to include social media into your CRM strategy, whether you’re communicating with consumers on these platforms, conducting promotions, or running advertisements. You may acquire significant insights into your customers’ behavior by integrating social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or LinkedIn with your CRM. CRM connections may even help you automate your social media workflow process by allowing you to schedule posts and other tasks. Customer conversations managed via social media may also be sent to your CRM software. CRM is all about the customer at its heart. However, you’re not getting the most out of your program if it isn’t evaluating the most relevant consumer data. Therefore, all of the best CRM software should offer Integrations with social media.
Integrations with Email
Salespeople spend most of their time in their email inboxes. Email is one of the most effective tools in your arsenal for cold email outreach, lead follow-up, and sharing insights with internal team members. A CRM connection may be used in various ways to help you optimize your email workflow. For example, you may use CRM software to monitor your email logs to identify when you’ve interacted with each lead. As a result, you won’t have to keep track of this data by hand or depend on your email search history. All of your email contact information may also be integrated into your CRM system. As a result, client information will be accessible straight from your CRM rather than simply your email.
Integrations with Calendars
The majority of business people have their calendars open in the background of their computers at all times. You depend on this tool to organize meetings and prevent multiple bookings, regardless of the digital calendar service you use. Your scheduling process may be made easier with a two-way CRM link with a calendar app. For example, you may set things up to allow for automated reservations from leads and prospects. They plan an appointment based on your real-time availability, eliminating the need for back-and-forth scheduling. How many times have you provided an opportunity a few available dates only to have those times filled when they eventually respond with their availability? A CRM calendar integration may take care of this problem.
Integrations with Ecommerce
Your ecommerce platform has a wealth of client information. This information, which includes anything from browser history to purchases, hobbies, and so much more, must be entered into your CRM program. You’d have to manually export your ecommerce data and then upload it into your CRM if you didn’t have an integration. Not only is that a waste of time, but it is also unlikely to be up to date. The data in ecommerce is continuously changing. Depending on the size of your business, new website visitors and consumers might arrive every minute. It’s hard to get that data into your CRM in real-time without the aid of integration. Some Integrations with Ecommerce can even sync your product availability into your CRM, so you can see that information while working within the platform. This is crucial for B2B sales teams.
Integrations of Communication and Collaboration
Because there are so many alternatives to explore, this is another popular topic within the CRM software integration sector. You may locate conference calling or video chat connections within your CRM for managing client conversations. I’m talking about apps like Zoom, RingCentral, Dialpad Meetings, and 808. Live chat tools that you can interface with your CRM system are also available. This is critical for gathering leads and managing customer service. The top CRM software systems will combine with internal tools for team collaboration and customer communication capabilities. Slack, and G Suite are two well-known examples.
Integrations for e-signatures and document management
These connections are ideal for close leads utilizing document proposal software and electronic signature systems. This has become a must-have in all B2B environments. Your process will be simplified if these solutions are integrated with your CRM. You can manage all of your contracts from one place, sync your customer data automatically, and even extract CRM data straight from papers. This will make life much simpler for CRM sales teams.
Connector Apps and Automation Integrations
One of the numerous advantages of CRM interfaces, as previously stated, is the ability to automate repetitive processes. Many CRM systems come with built-in automation to help you improve your workflow, but connectors may take it even further. In this area, Zapier and Automate.io are two prominent tools. Within your CRM software, you may utilize them to link numerous apps and develop different process automation. This may be a little advanced for novices in certain circumstances. These tools, however, do not need any coding, so you don’t need to be a computer whiz to utilize them.
Integrations of video
You may combine your CRM software with video sites like YouTube if your company utilizes videos to sell its brand or provide information to prospects. This sort of connection will provide your team with valuable data on which videos generate the most interaction and help clients go through the sales funnel. For example, you may be able to figure out which clients watch specific videos and provide them with the most appropriate information to go along with what they’re viewing.
Integrations with Events
Many businesses host events to generate new leads and gather contact information. For example, apps like Eventbrite may be used to monitor ticket sales for in-person events. You’ll be able to see who’s coming to your circumstances and have that data sent into your CRM contact database. The principle may also be used for virtual events. For example, you may integrate your CRM with software that allows you to do online webinars. Then, using your CRM, you can send registration reminders, follow up with attendees, and deliver tailored messaging depending on the event they registered for.
Three CRM Integration Tips
These quick tips and methods can make your life a lot easier, whether this is your first time utilizing a CRM integration or if you’re a total newbie.
1. Go through the integrations before signing up.
Don’t go into a CRM platform without evaluating the list of integrations. Without having to register an account, the great majority of CRM programs allow you to explore an app marketplace or integration page. Sign up for a free trial if you can’t locate this information on the website. You’ll be able to discover more about the integration capabilities from there. There are more connectors in specific CRM solutions than in others. You should go elsewhere if the tool you’re considering doesn’t interact with the other business applications you’re using. The finest CRM software will interface with the most widely used company applications. If not, Zapier or another similar service may link them.
2. Look for one-click installations as a second trick.
You don’t have to be a computer whiz to handle CRM connections nowadays. All of the best CRM systems are user-friendly, and setting up a relationship shouldn’t need the assistance of a developer. You should be able to link the two systems with a single click on your own. Typically, all you need are your system login credentials.
3. Take Advantage of Automation.
If you can automate a procedure between two solutions, use it. Why would you manually input client data into your CRM when you can link two applications and have it done for you? As a result, you may now devote more time to mission-critical projects and less time to tedious busywork.
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