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There areopen-source CRMsand a range of other excellentfree CRM softwareto consider too.

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What are the 3 types of CRM?

It should improve efficiency andproductivityby supportinglead generationand creating the digital infrastructure to ensure customers enjoy a positive experience.

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Many of the most common features of an operational CRM employautomationin some form.

Service automation is another important pillar for operational CRMs.

This allows businesses to improve customer loyalty, boosting retention by improving service quality and strengthening relationships.

Analytics

If that isnt a good outcome from using an operational CRM, then I dont know what is.

This means that no matter where customers are along thesales pipeline, employees have instant access to relevant data.

Analytical CRMs supply businesses with knowledge of what motivates prospects to become customers.

Analytical CRMs includeSalesforce, with its Einstein AI functionality a particular good example.

ThisAI toolbegins gathering data on your sales activity and deals as soon as its activated.

This is a huge help with lead scoring - again offering a predictive element.

Other analytical CRMs includeHubSpot, which offers reporting and analytics functionality - even in its free plan.

Other great analytical CRMs includeZoho,Insightly, andBitrix24.

The rise ofhybrid workhas meant thatcollaborationis not longer limited to employees working in the same building either.

For a collaborative CRM, two of the most important features arecontact managementand channel management.

Regarding the former, this enables sales teams to track customer and client details - including every interaction.

Email may be the best channel to reach them on, for instance, or perhapsWhatsAppis better fit.

This is similar to contact management in the sense that it provide structure and clarity to customer engagements.

There is no need to employ a customer service personnel to carry this out manually.

Other benefits of collaborative CRMs include the improvement of work processes.

By centralizing all customer interaction data in a single location, your company can acquire more intelligent insights.

Your team members will found it easier to view individual case files in real-time.

Your customer will then see an improvement in the level of service they receive.

Which bang out of CRM do you need?

Ultimately, deciding on whether you need an operational, analytical or collaborative CRM depends on your business goals.

Fortunately, many CRMs encompass features that could fall under more than one of the aforementioned categories.

It really depends on where your priorities lies.

Do you have an excess of data and no clue how to use it?

Then, an analytical CRM is probably what you need.

Are your workflows inefficient meaning you lose customers to fast-moving competitors?

Then perhaps an operational CRM is for you.

Or do your different teams fail to identify deals that they could work together on?

Then a collaborative CRM is probably right for you.

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