What Is A Cloud CRM? (Benefits & Why You Should Use One)

The more a business grows, the more the need to streamline all processes to improve customer satisfaction increases. So, if you're struggling with maintaining good customer relationships, consider cloud CRM.

But what exactly is a cloud CRM solution, and how can it benefit your business? In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know, from its definition to its advantages.

Let's get started!

What is a Cloud-Based CRM?

CRM means Customer Relationship Management and is a strategy that helps businesses manage customer interactions and relationships.

A Cloud-based CRM is software hosted on a provider's servers and enables businesses to manage customer information through the cloud. It stores customer data and interactions on a centralized platform accessible by authorized personnel from any device with an internet connection.

Therefore, cloud-based CRM solutions offer businesses a more efficient way to manage customer data and interactions. This software is also called Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) CRM, online CRM, and web CRM.

What Are The Benefits of Using a Cloud-based CRM Platform?

Using a Cloud-based CRM platform offers several benefits to businesses of all sizes, including:

Cost Effectiveness

Cloud-based CRM platforms are exceptionally cost-effective compared to on-premise solutions. They eliminate the need for pricey hardware and IT staff, saving you money on hardware, software, and maintenance costs.

These cloud CRM services are available through a pay-as-you-go model or via recurring monthly payments. In both instances, you only pay for what you use or need for your business. This is more affordable than installing on-premise hardware - chances are that hardware could become obsolete in time, which would require even more expensive upgrades.

From there, cloud-based CRM providers handle all maintenance and upgrades. Therefore, you only worry about what your customers need, not the complexities of hiring and training staff. This saves you a ton of money that you can channel to other business processes.

Finally, there is the flexibility angle, which relates to you paying for the features your business needs. Cloud CRM solutions are highly customizable, meaning you can tailor the system you get to what's urgent for your business.

You’ll save more money when you avoid paying for features you don't need. This is unlike when you set up an on-premise system; you'd have to include all features in case your business requires them in the future. The latter would be time-consuming and expensive, considering the necessary maintenance and training for the system to be reliable.

Security

Keeping your business operations secure, no matter how basic, is imperative today. Cloud CRM solutions guarantee security, especially your customer information. No unauthorized person can access this data since it is stored in your provider's gated cloud servers.

Cloud-based CRM providers use advanced data encryption techniques to protect customer information. Even if an unauthorized person intercepts your customer's data, they won't be able to read it. This security feature guarantees that your encrypted customer information remains confidential and secure.

In addition, your cloud CRM provider uses access controls to restrict who can view and edit customer information. You choose who can access sensitive information, ensuring it remains in the right hands.

Finally, cloud CRMs are regularly updated. The regular backups and maintenance ensure your customer information won’t be lost, even in the case of a disaster. When you choose a good provider, you can be confident that your customer information is always available, regardless of whether your internal systems fail.

Scalability

Scalability means the software and technology adapts to your business needs. Simply put, you can scale your service up or down depending on what’s best for your business. Therefore, you don't have to worry about purchasing a new CRM system as your business grows.

This scalability provides a sense of stability because you don't need to invest in costly hardware and software every time your business dynamics improve. It is a huge cost saver, especially for small businesses on a tight budget.

Flexibility

A good CRM system is like a Swiss army knife - it should be flexible enough to guarantee productivity and efficiency in different situations.

With a cloud-based option, you'll access your CRM system from anywhere, anytime, and using any device connected to the internet. This means you and your colleagues or employees can work from home, on the go, or the beach! Not being tied down to a location or device allows you to manage customer interactions or relationships on your terms.

In addition, your cloud CRM is device-agnostic and browser-agnostic. The feature means you can access your customer data on different web browsers like Chrome, Firefox, or Safari.

Finally, using a cloud CRM means you enjoy the flexibility to scale up or down when needed. You can add or remove users, storage, and features as your needs change, ensuring your business can adapt to any situation.

Ease of Use

A cloud CRM takes care of all the tedious and repetitive tasks - leaving you more time to focus on the fun business stuff!

The best cloud CRM solutions are easy to use and require minimal training. They are designed simply with intuitive and easy-to-navigate interfaces. You'll also easily integrate them with third-party applications you use for operations.

Cloud-based CRM platforms feature pre-built templates, workflows, and reports ready to use immediately after installation. With these, you won't spend time and resources building your CRM system from scratch, and that'll allow you to focus on what matters most - building strong customer relationships.

With a simple click of a button, you can view customer information, track interactions, and provide personalized customer experiences. This allows you to save more time while being more efficient and productive - a win for your business!

Reliability

Reliability translates to software that's always available and accessible, regardless of how much your business dynamics change.

Cloud-based CRM providers have multiple data centers in different geographic locations. So, suppose one data center goes down; the others can take over, ensuring the system stays up and running. This redundancy ensures you can always access customer information, even after a disaster.

Additionally, cloud-based CRM providers have dedicated teams of IT professionals who monitor the system 24/7/365. This dedicated support team ensures that the system is protected, up-to-date, and performing optimally. As a result, you have the peace of mind that your business operations will be fast, safe, and effective.

Also, cloud CRMs get regular automatic updates, so you don't have to update manually on your end. With the latest features and system versions, you are guaranteed efficiency and security for your data.

Effortless Installation

Here's the thing - an on-premise CRM installation is complex and expensive. You want to avoid that hassle by getting a cloud-based CRM from a reputable provider. You'll only need to choose your provider and the features you want to pay for and leave the installation to them.

Cloud-based CRM providers handle the installation and setup, so you won't require trained or dedicated staff to man the system. Generally, the software is easy to install and maintain, and your provider can install it quickly and even easily off-site.

Then they'll manage the software, provide updates, and handle technical glitches, bugs, and other issues when they arise. So, you will enjoy a hassle-free experience with customer relationships while being more productive.

Final Thoughts

With a Cloud-based CRM, you can manage your business more effectively and efficiently. The software guarantees better customer relationships, and with that comes business success.

Cloud-based CRM solutions give you the flexibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness you need to stay competitive in today's market.

Helpmonks is your ideal option when you want a solution for effective team email management within a cloud-based CRM. It allows you to seamlessly integrate your email communication into your Cloud CRM workflow. With this, you are assured of a streamlined and efficient customer engagement process.