CRM Online Trial Guide: How to Choose the Best CRM After the Trial

Ready to scale?

You probably know you need a CRM by now.

The advantages are many:

• Increased efficiency and employee productivity
• Easy communication across the company and with customers
• Automation of repetitive, time-consuming tasks
• Help with prospect nurturing and improved customer experience

The question is, which CRM should you try?

How long should you be in this limbo of knowing what you need in the long haul but wondering what are the signs you'll really flesh it out just based on the CRM online trial?

Don't worry. You're not asking for too much.

Like Cinderella's glass slipper, there's a special CRM perfect for each business.

Okay, the ratio isn't 1:1, but even if it was, you would have had to put it on your foot and walk a mile in it to see if it really fits.

And this is where we come in like your knight in shining armor to help you identify the good signs and sidestep major CRM free trial mistakes.

We'll even offer you a few shoes to try on.

Because in this story, Cinderella gets all the options she deserves and doesn't have to marry some guy she danced with one time just because he held onto the shoe she lost while drunk.

Introduction to CRM Online Trial

CRMs are all the rage these days.

Overall, 74% of companies relied on a CRM system in 2020.

Clearly, the train isn't stopping anytime soon, but how do you jump on the bandwagon when the market is huge and everyone claims to be IT?

There are things to consider before you even sign up for a free test run.

Because, yes, CRM trials may be technically free, but the time you spend finding the right one and trying it out when you could be using it to sell?

That certainly isn't free.

But don't worry. Cloud-based CRMs are nothing if not accessible and affordable, that's part of the reason why everyone's using them in the first place.

It just takes knowing what to look for in your free run.

But we'll get there in a bit.

Main Reasons Why CRM Software Offer Free Trial

Why do you want to try a CRM?

Chances are, you already know what you want to get from it, be it a more centralized platform for your team communication, a bird's eye view of your company's processes, automation of tedious tasks, analytics for all your KPIs, etc.

And it's not even just about the CRM price.

Yeah, they can get expensive, so that's something to look out for.

But if you knew a provider would really hit all the marks in your book, you wouldn't mind paying more because that would automatically mean your profits are increasing.

And that's exactly why providers offer CRM online trials:

• To let you judge for yourself and make an informed decision
• To back their promises and make themselves look credible
• To remove the pressure of a blind commitment
• To help you see why their CRM is worth paying for
• To stand out in a very saturated and competitive market

And then there's another obvious reason: because everyone else does. Every serious CRM platform has a free trial period, so a company that didn't have one would look pretty shady.

But you don't want to waste time trying just any CRM.

What to Look for in a CRM Trial

So how do you identify a good candidate?

There are signposts to guide your way. Here's how we filter them:

1. Basic functionality any decent CRM should offer
2. Specific features and tools required for your business growth
3. Access to training and support

So let's start with #1.

The CRM basics include:

• Automation
• Tracking and analytics
• Good inbound and outbound communication
• SMS, email, and calling capabilities
• Lead distribution and management
• Mobile app

Because if you don't have these, honestly, what's the point of having a CRM?

Cross out the CRMs that fall short.

Next, you can think about whether each CRM does the job for you.

So again, why do you want it? Does it have all the features you were looking for?

For example, if you want it to be seamlessly usable across your devices so you can switch from the laptop to your phone during a phone call without having to stop it, make sure this transition is possible by checking the features or asking for support.

Do that for every requirement you have.

You're almost done.

One last thing you need to check that's integral to the CRM experience you're setting yourself up for is the provider. Don't miss these things:

• What kind of support do they offer?
• Do they have training options that are accessible to you and your employees?

Who better to ensure you get the most out of your CRM online trial than the provider who will be getting your money all year long if you become a loyal customer.

5 CRM Free Trial Traps to Avoid

So you finished with the sieving process and you've got a lovely little list.

And if not, no worries. We've got you covered in a minute.

But we still need to ensure you don't miss out on your perfect solution because you didn't properly prepare for the CRM trial process.

So here are five common traps many companies walk into:

1. Failing to Prepare Your Data Beforehand

Before starting a free CRM system trial, it's important to back up your data and prepare it properly. This will help you use the CRM system seamlessly and avoid potential problems.

For example, if you're switching from one CRM system to another, you'll need to export your data from the old system and import it into the new system. Be sure to take the time to clean and organize your CRM data before you import it, so that you're not bringing over any unnecessary clutter.

2. Not Narrowing Down Your CRM Choices Before Starting

There are many different CRM systems, each with strengths and weaknesses. Researching and narrowing down your choices is important before starting a free trial. This will help you make the most of your time and find the right CRM system for your business.

One way to narrow your choices is to list your requirements.

Once you understand your needs well, you can start to research different CRM systems and compare them against your list of requirements.

3. Choosing a CRM Online Trial for Software that Doesn't Fit Your Budget

Once you've narrowed your choices, choosing a CRM system that fits your budget is important. Some CRM systems offer free trials, but others don't. If you're on a tight budget, choose a CRM system that offers a free trial.

It's also important to remember that some CRM systems have different pricing tiers. For example, a CRM system may offer a free tier with limited features and a paid tier with more features. If you're unsure which pricing tier is right for you, contact the CRM vendor and ask questions.

4. Forgetting to Cancel Before the Free Trial is Up

Time flies, and before you know it, your free trial is over. Forgetting to cancel in time can lead to unexpected charges. To avoid this trap, set a reminder before your trial expiration date. Most CRM systems allow you to cancel your subscription online or call customer support. Be sure to cancel your subscription at least 24 hours before the end of the free trial period.

5. Not Fully Utilizing the Sales Team

If you're having trouble with the CRM system or are unsure how to use it, contact the sales team for help. The sales team is there to help you get the most out of the CRM system and answer any questions.

Don't be afraid to ask questions. The more you know about the CRM system, the better equipped you will be to use it effectively.

CRM Online Trial Comparative Guide

Time for the showdown.

Your employees won't thank you for putting them through a dozen CRM trials, free or not, and sticking with decentralized workflows is not an option unless you're okay with stressed-out teams and uninterested customers.

And we know you're better than that.

So you better read up and pick a few of the most promising CRMs to try.

Below are our seven favorites.

*Information as of November 2023.

Ringy

Source

Well, no room for false modesty.

If we didn't think our baby had what it takes, we wouldn't be doing business, let alone writing all these articles about it.

But we have our reasons to be proud.

Think of an enterprise-level platform with cutting-edge technology but for businesses of all sizes and for pennies compared to the competing prices. That's Ringy.

How does Ringy do it?

Here are some key features to spark the imagination:

So here's what it all means for you:

Ringy helps you organize your pipeline and maintain consistency
Nurtures your prospects until it's time for you to close them
Serves you all the important analytics on a plate so you can make smart decisions
Lets you be the loudest (but secret) cheerleader to your sales reps on calls
Utilizes AI for everything you don't need to do manually

And we're willing to bet you think you need to do more than you really do.

All of that is available on the 7-day free trial.

Plus, awesome customer support, demo, and training via webinars, documentation, in person or live online will decrease your chances of flunking your test run to zero.

Training: Yes

Demo: Yes

Support: Yes

Online knowledge base: Yes

Pricing: $109/month

*Pricing as of November 2023

Dynamics 365

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Everyone's talking about it. But, other than that, why should you consider the MS CRM online trial?

Well, if you're familiar with Microsoft's other offerings (you are), it won't be a big leap into the unknown.

Dynamics is more than a customer relationship management software.

It's a whole line of solutions to support your company, whether you need help with sales, customer support, finance, field operations, marketing, or something else.

This hyperconnected, ultra-versatile CRM can be cloud-based or hosted on-site.

And we could end the description here, but we meant it when we said we've got your back.

So keep these things in mind if you're considering the Dynamics CRM trial:

You can't use it on an iPad
Microsoft offers training but only in the form of documentation
Dynamics doesn't fit into everyone's budget

Dynamics CRM trial lasts 30 days.

Training: Yes

Demo: Yes

Support: Yes

Online knowledge base: Yes

Pricing: Starting at $70 per user/month

*Pricing as of November 2023

Zoho

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Zoho can be a basic (and free) organizational pocket tool or a fully-fledged sales powerhouse in your corner.

The free option is great for small remote teams that just need a unified platform. Not much need for a trial in that case, but you can still get in touch with support to get the most out of the deal.

But you'll need to pay up for the real, enterprise-level CRM experience.

Zoho offers a free trial for every pricing point, including a 15-day trial for the Ultimate plan ($55/user/month) where you can try the full range of their features:

Cataloging and categorization
Customer tracking
ROI tracking and analytics
Churn management
Marketing automation
All the integrations
Reports and reminders, etc.

Before you dive in, it bears repeating to request a demo first. They have an hour-long webinar to gear you up for the ride.

Training: Yes

Demo: Yes

Support: Yes

Online knowledge base: Yes

Pricing: Starting at $18/user/month

*Pricing as of November 2023

Salesforce Sales Cloud

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Cloud-based, widely-used, growth-oriented. We hate buzzwords as much as the next guy, but these three sum things up regarding Salesforce.

This software is an all-around neat option for businesses of all sizes.

It helps you every step of the way, starting with figuring out what you need to be doing, cutting down the heavy lifting, and then putting your results up in an exceptionally comprehensive report to keep optimizing your approach.

In short, it increases efficiency. And that's something every business from any industry wants.

If you want to take Salesforce for a spin, their CRM free trial lasts 30 days. That's plenty of time to figure out what growth-oriented even means for yourself.

After completing your on-demand training of course.

Training: Yes

Demo: Yes

Support: Yes

Online knowledge base: Yes

Pricing: Starting at $25/user/month

*Pricing as of November 2023

Copper

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Best for smaller businesses who use G-suite.

The online trial lasts the standard 14 days, and here's why you should consider it:

Copper does the boring repetitive stuff for you
Lets you nurture clients on the go and from your inbox
It's very straightforward to use

Copper has the essential centralized functionality and integrations but it doesn't make your life more complicated than it needs to be.

But if you do wish for higher levels of customization and unlimited contacts, you can easily migrate to their Business plan for $129/user/month.

Training: Yes

Demo: Yes

Support: Yes

Online knowledge base: Yes

Pricing: Starting at $29 per user, per month

*Pricing as of November 2023

Zendesk

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Zendesk is a complete CRM rich with features to suit a wide range of companies in 40 languages.

The 160,000+ businesses that use it are a testament to its versatility.

Basically, if you know what you want, you can rest assured this CRM probably has it.

But if you're not certain what you really need and are afraid of analysis paralysis once encountered with all the fancy tools, we definitely get it.

The good thing is, that Zendesk is not that complicated to use.

You just need to communicate with their team early enough so they can help you identify the best option for you, and then you can give it a go over the two-week trial, no strings attached.

Training: Yes

Demo: Yes

Support: Yes

Online knowledge base: Yes

Pricing: Starting at $25 per agent/month

*Pricing as of November 2023

Hubspot

Source

Hubspot needs no introduction. You've definitely heard about it and probably contemplated trying it out in the past. And if by any chance you missed it (where have you been?), this is another one of the CRM big dogs to watch for.

However, that doesn't automatically mean it will be the best option for you:

And think of all that under the pressure of a 14-day trial.

Thankfully, Hubspot offers a two-week training at the Hubspot Academy to give you a hand which we fully recommend you complete well in advance. Way before you start the trial.

Finish that and the demo, and then you can discuss things further with their sales reps to make sure you don't stray from your course.

If you don't mind this initial hurdle, Hubspot can be a great asset to your company in the long run.

Training: Yes, Hubspot Academy

Demo: Yes

Support: Yes

Online knowledge base: Yes

Pricing: Starting at $30/month

*Pricing as of November 2023

How to Choose CRM Software Based on CRM Trials

It's about preparing for the online trial, and then doing every aspect of work you have within the CRM to avoid assuming some things are there and overlooking potential deal-breakers.

This is what you need to be thinking about throughout the process:

After all that, it should be fairly simple to tell whether you hit the bullseye or not.

How to Measure CRM Effectiveness

Choosing the right CRM tool is crucial for the growth and success of your business. But how do you evaluate the effectiveness of a CRM system? Let's break it down into key factors that will guide you in making an informed decision.

Here are a few key things to consider:

Remember, a CRM is not just a tool; it's a strategic asset that should elevate your business operations. By carefully assessing the factors above, you'll be well on your way to selecting a CRM system that propels your business forward.

Conclusion

Congratulations on navigating the intricacies of a CRM online trial! You've just laid the groundwork for a smarter, more efficient future for your business. Now, as you gear up to make that critical choice, keep in mind the key elements we've explored:

Features and Benefits Balance: Seek a CRM that not only dazzles with features but translates them into tangible benefits for your business.
Workflow Harmony: Your ideal CRM should seamlessly integrate into your existing workflows, making daily operations smoother and more efficient.
User-Friendly Interface: A user-friendly CRM ensures your team's productivity doesn't take a hit. Look for intuitive designs and responsive support.

Take the next step by exploring our demo, where you can witness firsthand how Ringy CRM can elevate your business to new heights.