A CRM system product is a software package that collects, stores information about potential and existing customers of a company, and manages this data. That is, the system stores addresses, phone numbers, and the history of communication with business representatives and analyzes their actions in the Internet space.
The software is complemented by artificial intelligence, and surprisingly, it can be free. For example, Bitrix24 free CRM is a universal system product suitable for small and medium — sized businesses. Let’s take a closer look at the specifics of free CRM and the trends of 2024.
CRM system: differences between paid and free functions
Modern free CRM and systems with paid tariffs work almost the same way. The difference lies in a small limitation of functionality. For example, some developers offer users to use only one option for free, and the full package of services becomes available after paying the selected tariff.
However, some free CRM offers good opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses. These are universal software products like Bitrix24. Here you can implement free options for small companies, and if your business is growing, choose the appropriate tariff and continue working without restrictions.
Otherwise, free CRM offers features similar to most data plans that money can buy. Accordingly, you get a full range of services in a free format — lead generation, automation of daily and global work tasks, segmentation of the customer base, record keeping and other options. Such systems can work omnichannel, compile accounting reports, store information, and integrate with third-party services.
Free CRM: types, features
It is well known that CRM software systems were originally intended for customer relationship management. Accordingly, free CRM has fully retained this feature, which is especially noticeable in Bitrix24 and other similar programs. Today, these system products are based on machine learning and artificial intelligence, so their functionality is constantly expanding.
That is why CRM is considered a full-fledged participant in business processes, without which it will not be possible to automate the work of the company and properly establish communication with customers. Modern free CRM is a diverse software solution suitable for different areas of your business.
There are four types of free CRM:
- The operating system. Solves everyday work tasks, ensures uninterrupted communication with customers, collects and analyzes information.
- An analytical system. It is designed to collect, analyze and store important customer data, segment cloud storage, and make business forecasts.
- The collective system. It provides communication within the company and integrates into third-party programs and messengers. This also includes the omnicality option — it is in collective systems that this option is developed as well as possible.
- A universal system. Such software combines operational, analytical, and collective functions. The most convenient and useful universal free CRM is Bitrix24.
Free CRM does an excellent job with high-quality structuring of business processes — obviously, this is its main function. Visually, such systems are very similar to a standard Excel spreadsheet that stores the customer base. The software automatically outputs information and analyzes how the company’s employees organize their interaction with customers. Free CRM correctly builds employee-client interaction, even if another manager was previously involved in this work.
Tasks and functions
The functions of free CRM are adjusted according to the direction of the sales department. The main option of the program is the standardization and optimization of the administrator’s work, which ensures interaction with the target audience relative to the entire staff.
With the help of CRM systems, you can quickly solve all work and management tasks:
- Create documentation using appropriate templates.
- You will be able to accept a large number of applications.
- Send messages and notifications to customers.
- Create work tasks for the staff.
- You will make online reports.
- You will promptly calculate the cost of services.
- Track the dates of the operation.
It is obvious that the introduction of free CRM increases conversion, significantly increases the number of customers and, as expected, increases repeat sales. It is worth noting that the list of management tasks is presented in a simplified format. Universal software is being developed in a more expanded form — for example, in Bitrix24, you can keep warehouse records, accounting documentation, and make various settings for logistics management.
Free CRM Data Collection
As follows from the definition of the abbreviation CRM, this is the collection of personal information about customers. The software includes the contact details of buyers and consumers, takes into account demographic and geographical reference. This also includes analytics, forecasting the company’s goals, which are created using customer surveys and questionnaires.
Important clarification: the free CRM system refers to convenient and secure ways of storing personal data. If you follow all precautions, the probability of data leakage will be minimized and practically eliminated.
In addition, the software collects data on all transactions. There is an interesting analytical tracking here: information about transactions allows you to find out about income, expenses, as well as the speed and quality of invoices and payments.
Free CRM also collects communication information. The program measures and monitors the client’s response time to emails, notifications, phone calls and other means of communication, after which it counts the number of incoming and outgoing messages. Such actions help to track and analyze the relevance of the chosen method of interaction with the target audience.
Let’s take an example of the implementation of a communication option in Bitrix24 free CRM. If your client is an introvert, then he will not like frequent phone conversations with a personal manager. For such cases, Bitrix24 offers communication via email or live chat. For people who are busy with work and who save time, quick telephone conversations or calls in messengers are suitable. Well-chosen communication eliminates annoying spam, increases customer confidence in your business.
Advantages of using free CRM
The main advantage is the ability to work on free functions. Agree, the organization and automation of the company’s activities with the help of free software looks tempting. In addition, if you decide to expand the available options, you will be able to purchase a paid tariff without changing the CRM system used.
Other advantages:
- Full automation of work processes.
- User-friendly interface, the ability to integrate with other services.
- Multi-stage fast online analytics.
Automation of work processes significantly reduces the burden on managers, minimizes or completely eliminates errors due to staff inattention. Free CRM records all actions in the database, notifies the company’s managers in a timely manner about urgent tasks — for example, about making an important phone call or sending an email. CRM tools also simplify document management through internal templates and scripts, and help you compile any reports.
Thanks to a user-friendly interface for working with clients and integration with third-party services, free CRM collects and stores the customer base, analyzes the history of customer interaction, the level of their loyalty to the company, and automates transaction processes. Such functionality helps to attract and retain customers, attract new customers, and improve their reputation.
A useful free CRM option is the generation of any analytical reports online. The software allows you to control the workflow and the work of the staff, and helps to plan the work schedule. An interesting point: free CRM analyzes the stages of the sales funnel and gets rid of ineffective advertising channels by tracking the client’s movement from the stage of visiting the site to the completion of the purchase.
Trends 2024: interesting about CRM
According to Fortune Business Insights statistics, in 2023 the volume of the global CRM market reached $ 71 billion, and by 2030 it is projected to increase by more than 2 times.
What is expected in the CRM market in 2024:
- Improving functionality through the introduction of artificial intelligence.
- The growing interest in universal system products such as Bitrix24 with a good set of options in a free format.
- Development of business analysis capabilities and improvement of forecasting options.
Analysts say that the growing demand and popularity of free CRM is due to a high level of customer orientation and high-quality personalization. When choosing the right system product, you need to carefully analyze the CRM functionality in the context of compatibility with your business. The easiest way is to focus on universal free CRM such as Bitrix24, which can be configured for almost any type of business.
Also Read: Introduction to CRM Development Services: A Paradigm Shift in Business Strategy
