CRM Software for Accounting Firms
After all, they will be using a system that captures the data and manages it. From contact information to customer interaction, lead engagement, among others are crucial for accounting firms. For example, you may want to set an email campaign to specific customers or you may want to follow up after delivering a proposal or a quote. This can all be done, automatically, using Flowlu.
7 Features A CRM For Accounting Firms Needs To Include
With so many different CRM systems on the market, it may be a bit difficult to choose the right one for your accounting firm. After all, it needs to offer specific features for accounting firms.
#1: Contact Management:
This feature is crucial for accounting firms. After all, it allows you not only to store all contact information but the CRM should also display it in a searchable way. This way, you can easily find a contact by its name, address, or even social media account.
#2: Lead Management:
Accounting firms usually handle a lot of leads at the same time. So, when you are managing your leads manually, it is easy to lose track. This can be prevented by using a good CRM like Flowlu that allows you to store all the information about your leads but also keeps track of them as soon as they become customers. Another thing you can do is segment your leads based on demographics, region, marketing interactions, or any other criteria.
#3: Track Your Interactions:
With a CRM, you can track your interactions with each lead from day one. This will allow you to get to know each lead and how to better convert it into a customer.
#4: Calendars & Reminders:
Most CRM systems for accounting firms on the market already include both calendars and reminders. This can be both very helpful since you can easily schedule upcoming events as well as you can set reminder notifications. In addition, you can also use them to improve your employees' productivity. For example, you may create a task and then monitor its completion status.
#5: Workflow Management:
When you are using a CRM like Flowlu, you have the ability to create and design accounting processes. But more than this, you can automate these processes not only for customers but also internally.
#7: Quote Delivery:
As the owner of an accounting firm, you know that you have to create and send proposals all the time. However, maintaining all these proposals in mind can be difficult. So, you can use a CRM to keep track of them as well as you can use it to get feedback from leads.
Extra Factor To Consider: The Size Of Your Accounting Firm
When you are looking to buy a CRM for accounting firms, there is an extra factor to consider - the size of your firm. Here are the different solutions based on your company's size:
#1: Single User:
If you are an independent accountant, you only need 1 CRM software user account. The best option for you is to find a CRM database that makes contact management easy and helps you record customer interactions.
#2: Small Business:
If your accounting firm has fewer than 100 employees and you have no IT department, you should consider a CRM that automates sales activities. The main goal of this type of CRM is to help you focus on the most promising leads as well as you can also benefit from its sales forecast and pipeline visualizations.
#3: Midsize Business:
If your accounting firm has between 100 and 1,000 employees and already has an IT department, you should look for a CRM that allows you to automate lead generation and nurturing funnels. These features will allow you to improve your marketing campaigns.
#4: Enterprise Business:
For larger accounting firms (with more than 1,000 employees and an IT department), the best CRM software should allow your customer service representatives to manage and track the customer journey.
Main Benefits Of Using A CRM For Accounting Firms
#1: Detailed & Specific Accounting Information:
Although you can certainly opt for a general CRM system, one of the main benefits of using a CRM system for accounting firms is that they are already ready for the accounting industry. For example, with a CRM for accounting firms, you can easily record payment dates, attached invoices, and even review balance sheet data. On a general CRM system, you will need to customize it so you can complete these simple and common tasks.
#2: Have A Better Track Of Marketing Campaigns:
As a business owner, you know that you need marketing campaigns to get new leads. However, you don't only need to define them and create them, but you also need to keep track of them. After all, when you are not seeing results from a specific marketing campaign, you want to stop it and adjust. On the other hand, when a marketing campaign is working well and delivering the expected results, you want to proceed with the process. When you have a CRM for accounting firms, you can customize it to send an email, for example, to the contact who made the purchase.
Main Drawbacks Of Using A CRM For Accounting Firms
All tools and resources that you have at your disposal have benefits but also have some drawbacks. This is also the case with CRM systems for accounting firms.
#1: The Price:
One of the main drawbacks of using CRM software for accountants is the price. As we mentioned above, the price that you pay depends on the number of users. While this may seem a good criterion, the truth is that you may not know exactly how much you'll need to pay. After all, you need to think about how many users live to access the CRM not only now but within one year.
#2: Implementation Costs:
Depending on the CRM for accounting firms that you choose, you may need to pay the vendor to set it up. Even when this isn't needed, most of these CRM companies will charge for training your employees to use the new system.
Bottom Line
Some years back, CRM systems were only meant for maintaining and managing customer relationships. However, they have been evolving in the last few years in such a way that they are becoming the backbone of businesses.
The truth is that all CRMs are different. Each one offers exclusive features that may suit your business better. This is the case of Flowlu. With all the features, tools, and possible integrations, you can be sure that your accounting firm will benefit from using this powerful CRM. And the best news is that you can try it for free, without even adding your credit card.
