CRM, or customer relationship management software, has transformed the way brands interact with their clients online.

Typically, one way to measure business growth is by the clients you acquire. And with more businesses growing their online presence, there doesn’t seem to be a “ceiling” when it comes to online clients.

But your growth is only significant if you care for your clients well.

Even though it may seem easy to manage your clients with a spreadsheet, as your pool of clients expands as your business grows, you’re going to need to keep better track of them.

CRM can help.

Even if you’ve only got a handful of clients at the moment, inputting them in CRM will help you better serve them. From drafting email templates to save you time, creating an automation to stay in touch, in addition to remembering the last time you connected with a client down to their daughter’s name, age, and last ballet recital, CRM can help you create personal conversations and add value to every lead that comes through your door.

So, where do you start? Here’s how to take advantage of CRM right now.

Use a free platform like Hubspot, Zoho, or Bitrix24

MailChimp is also considered CRM, but these platforms will help you create contacts and implement capabilities that will help you as you continue to grow. Though MailChimp is an excellent email marketing, platforms like above will help with segmenting and other advanced features.

Do some research, and consider the platform that will serve you best in the long haul. That way, you won’t have to learn one and then completely change gears as if your business strategy shifts.

Upload all of your contacts to your platform of choice

If you’ve got a large email list, this may take time, but optimize your spreadsheet according to the platform you plan to use. As you upload your contacts, write as many specific notes as you may have about a given client, if applicable, down to the last day or time of year you were in touch, to any personal details you may have acquired. This will make your marketing memorable and personal.

Create templates

Hubspot will allow you to create up to five free templates, so either start from scratch or modify their templates. Whether it’s a customer service email or a follow-up sequence in regard to the sales cycle, templates will bring simplicity to email marketing. Make your life less hectic by creating some templates you can quickly modify instead of hitting copy and paste 100 times, (or putting the text in your email signature and then sending it out as your actual signature by mistake).

Create Chatflows

Chatbots are everywhere, and due to the desire in customer gratification, it doesn’t look like they’re going anywhere. If you sell a product or service and want to deliver a satisfying experience for your customers to get in touch with you quickly, look into creating a bot with your CRM. Even leaving a reply as simple as “we’ll be in touch shortly,” will allow your customers to be heard.

Explore landing pages and lead captures

Landing pages and lead captures convert followers to your email list, so consider developing them and advertising your free offer on Facebook or Google Ads to create more contacts. They can be instrumental in growing your business and bring you targeted clients likely to buy.