Options to Implement Your New CRM

Implementing a new CRM software can feel daunting at times, especially if your team has relied on other resources, like spreadsheets, for a long time. Even if you’re tech savvy, there is a chance to get stuck somewhere in the CRM implementation process. 

What if you can use different resources when you are trying to implement a new CRM? And that they are the most accurate harbors of information you can find?

Ahh! That’s going to be a relief!

Here are Free and Paid Options You Can Use When Implementing two CRMs: Salesforce and HubSpot CRM

Free Options to Implement your HubSpot or Salesforce CRM:

Website-Based Help Resources

Both HubSpot and Salesforce have separate sections which contain articles that document different features of their products and how-to’s. While HubSpot calls it Knowledge, Salesforce lists them under Help. These documents are written in an easy-to-understand, to the point language, and have step-by-step information.

Use it when: You can easily follow these to troubleshoot some minor issues at hand and when you are short of time.

Courses and Lessons

Sometimes, you may find an issue too hard to navigate and reading through the above-mentioned source may not be of much help. Maybe you are following everything correctly, except for one step, or you need more information about that process. This might require a pre-recorded video demonstration for you to understand or a more detailed information source.

That’s when you should explore HubSpot’s Academy Courses and Salesforce’s Trailhead.

HubSpot Academy Courses and the Salesforce Trailhead offer comprehensive courses on different topics. In the case of Salesforce Trailhead, they do it through bite-sized lessons and videos that help better understand the topic at hand. There are also small quizzes and exams to be certified, although not all courses offer certification.

Use it when: When you cannot work your way through some issue, have enough time or when you are eager to understand the functions and features of the CRMs in-depth.

Paid Options to Implement your HubSpot or Salesforce CRM:

Guided Support

The free resources may not always be your savior – you might need some extra support. That’s when these guided support programs can help.

Each CRM has different names associated with it. HubSpot refers to it as Onboarding and Salesforce calls it PSA (Primary Success).

While in Salesforce it’s a choice you can make if you want the paid support or not, but with HubSpot it’s mandatory.

The cost also varies between the two: HubSpot offers a fixed pricing plan. Salesforce, on the other hand, charges 30% of your Salesforce CRM value.

An important point to note in HubSpot: You can either buy directly from HubSpot or through a Partner. HubSpot Partner Onboarding is a lot more hands on. Although the partners do not often provide a Do-it-for-You service, they will help you strategize your campaigns effectively.

Additionally, Partner Onboarding reduces the wait period and allows room for personalization. Normally, if you go through the direct route, the waitlist to start Onboarding is 3 weeks and post which you will have biweekly meetings to clarify your doubts and ask for help. Summing it up to 10-12 weeks of implementation time, minimum.

Use it when: You require additional support and have a lot of queries and functions to understand.

Partner Implementation

This is a Do-It-For-You Service. The partner you choose to work with, will do everything for you. They will understand your vision and the goals you want to achieve through the CRM. They will implement and customize your HubSpot or Salesforce CRM accordingly.

By far this is the easiest method, as the partner does all the work, and the onus of correct set-up lies on them. You undergo zero hassle.

At the same time, bear in mind: it is a costly affair. Oftentimes, it costs more than the cost of a CRM.

For instance, you purchase Salesforce CRM for US $12,000 per year. It might cost you around $80,000 for Partner Implementation. Even the basic implementation charges start somewhere around $5,000.

But, on the bright side, you will eliminate the cost of trial and error, you might face when implementing on your own or with support from your staff who may not be experts at it.

Use it when: You need high levels of personalization, tailored to your needs CRM or when you do not have the time and resources to do in-house.

Choose Wisely

Whatever method or option you choose to implement your new CRM (HubSpot or Salesforce), remember to weigh all of them properly.

Best is to make a chart with specific criteria and prioritize according to your requirements. Select the option that suits your budget, your needs and serves the long-term goal you want to achieve by implementing a new CRM.

In addition, you can talk to one of our representatives at Commercient, who will assist you in syncing your new CRM with your existing Accounting or Operations ERP. Because connected software means connected and efficiently functioning business.