Types of CRM: what are the existing ones?

CRM is an acronym widely used and heard by businessmen and entrepreneurs, so if you are venturing into opening your own business, chances are you have already heard about it. However, the system that promises to give you more information about your customers and interactions with your products and services does not work in a unique way. In fact, there are different types of CRM for different needs.

A small company, for example, will not need all the same information and data as a larger company. There may also be cases where the CRM implementation will be different for each one. If in doubt, just check out our tips on the different types of CRM below!

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What is CRM?

First of all, it is good to talk about what CRM means, especially for those who are learning about the system. This acronym means nothing less than "Customer Relationship Management". This can be translated into “Customer Relationship Management” in our language.

Basically, it is a system that you can use to manage and analyze interactions with your customers. This is done through software or a specialized platform.

In general, it is a good method of knowing better how to better deal with customers and increase their number of sales. That is why it is considered something so important for both small and large companies.

What types of CRM?

Knowing more about the system, how it works and how it can help a company, it's time to explain the types of CRM. This basically divides into how CRM can be used to help your business.

It is something important to know so that you can use CRM more effectively. In these cases, everything depends only on what your company needs. The main types of CRM are as follows:

1. Collaborative CRM

Collaborative CRM is one in which information about customers is shared with more company employees, especially with those who deal directly with customers. This includes both the support person and the salesperson.

In such cases, it is good that the CRM system is available in a simpler way to use. There are systems that are implemented in the cloud, for example, something that we will talk more about in a moment.

With something like this, your employees can access the system on computers, smartphones and tablets. When making a sale or taking questions from a customer, this helps the process a lot.

2. Operational CRM

Operational CRM is one that takes care of customer service. This can include customer service channels, from supporting your company to customers and automating customer contact.

The program used can safely store all necessary customer information that is easy for your staff to access. This type of CRM can also help when it comes to tracking salespeople's performance and setting certain goals.

It is a good method of verifying commissions, scheduling meetings and various other company activities.

3. Analytical CRM

Analytical CRM is exactly what its name proposes. It takes all the data you collect from your customers and analyzes it to process it in a more useful way.

Basically, it is the way that will help you to know your customer's profile, how they behave, what shopping habits, etc. It is also a system that shows more data about your own company.

You will be able to easily see your sales volume, which products attract more customers, if you are managing to get those customers back, etc. All of this can be used to your advantage to strengthen your strengths and improve what is weakest.

4. Strategic CRM

Finally, we have Strategic CRM. It gathers most of the information acquired with the system so that the company can better plan how to proceed.

Basically, you put into practice a little bit of the other types of CRM we mentioned to improve the way your company works. The ideal is to use the analysis performed before to see which strategies to implement.

This goes from methods to serve your customer more effectively to marketing planning.

Implementation types

With all this in mind, it is also good to talk about the types of CRM in terms of its implementation.

This category has two different types. There is on-premises CRM and CRM in the cloud, each with its advantages depending on what you need.

1. Local CRM

The local CRM is one that is installed on the server or on the company's computer. Its maintenance is usually performed by a professional who understands more about the subject or simply by the company's IT staff.

• Advantages: greater control of your server, can work offline, only employees have access to data
• Disadvantages: initial investment is high, professionals are required to handle the software, updates can be expensive.

2. CRM in the cloud

CRM in the cloud is exactly what its name indicates: completely online and without the need for local installation. Generally, this version does not need to be maintained by your IT staff, since management is usually performed by the company that provides the CRM service.

• Advantages: can be accessed at any time and place, has automatic updates, initial investment is low.
• Disadvantages: depends on the use of internet, less control of the platform in some situations

Types for different companies

As we mentioned earlier, there are also types of CRM that change according to the need and size of your company. After all, there is no point in using the same options as a huge company for an entrepreneur who is just starting out.

We'll talk more about the types of CRM for small and large companies below:

SME

The PME system is aimed at small and medium-sized companies, as its name already makes clear. In these cases of companies with smaller teams, there is a greater need for mobility and speed in actions.

Fortunately, the cost of purchasing a CRM tool for these companies ends up being considerably less. After all, there are fewer options and the customization system is also less advanced.

All to ensure that you don't worry about options that are not yet part of your company's reality.

Enterprise

The system known as Enterprise is more robust and with many customization options. Services of this type do everything possible to offer everything that large companies need to organize their customers' data.

Fortunately, there are also many platforms that offer additional plans for companies that have more specific needs. The cost tends to be higher, but it makes sense when the income of the company itself is also higher.

Did you like tips?

Did you take advantage of our tips to learn more about the different types of CRM? So don't forget to leave your comment telling us what you think of the guide and if CRM seems like a good option for your company.

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