5 CRM Products Designed for Home Improvement Contractors
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software stores existing and potential customer data. Specialized tools and features help you leverage data to manage your sales, and marketing programs effectively. CRM software design and how easy they are to use varies across the board. That’s why it is essential to take the time to review your choices, get input from experts and, if possible, try the software before you buy it.
This blog post is the companion to the workbook Finding the Best Apps for Your Business, a useful, step-by-step guide to identifying, reviewing and selecting software, including a CRM.
Before you get started, we thought a brief review of some currently available products - would be useful. We combed the Web, talked to experts, and reviewed trade publications. Our list represents top contender CRMs.
To simplify the process a little, we’ve divided CRMs into two groups: General CRMs and those designed specifically for contractors, or in-home customer support.
While we've reviewed each product to provide you with a list to get your research started, GreenSky doesn't endorse any one product in particular. We recommend you choose your CRM based on the needs of your company, your marketing requirements, and your sales process. Products are listed in alphabetical order.
4 General CRM Software Products
These CRM packages are designed to help you manage your sales and marketing pipeline – turning leads into prospects, creating new customers and keeping existing customers informed - so you are top-of-mind when they are ready for more work. These products are not designed specifically for contractors or in-home sales.
HubSpot CRM
Although they tout its simplicity and automation, the cool thing about this CRM is that basic functionality is free. The system helps salespeople log activity, manage the pipeline, and effectively handle leads. Additional features like blog creation tools, SEO, mobile marketing, Email automation are available for an upgrade cost.
Marketing 360
In addition to general CRM, they market a version aimed at contractors. However, there is no information on their website that describes any functionality specific to the industry. Features include lead management, lead nurturing, contact management and social media marketing.
Salesforce
If there is an 800-pound gorilla in CRM, this is it. With more than 150,000 customers, Salesforce is the world’s leading CRM. In addition to providing software for sales, customer service, marketing, and commerce, you can find or create apps to accomplish specific business goals.
Pipedrive
While some CRMs brag about the number of software features, Pipedrive (which refers to your sales pipeline, not a piping system) focuses on helping salespeople become more productive without the frills and extras they consider unnecessary. If your focus is strictly on selling, you might want to check it out.
5 CRM Products Designed for Contractors
Some of these packages go far beyond CRM functionality to include business management tools for home improvement. Features like estimating, time sheets, project management, scheduling, payment processing and, of course, financing.
Builder Prime
A CRM and more that can help add efficiency in the office and the field. Helps contractors and home improvement pros manage customers, projects, work orders, costing, contracts, billing, scheduling, inventories and a lot more. This system is designed to help you get more leads and win more jobs.
Buildertrend
In addition to customer relationship management, this software helps automate scheduling, change orders, document management, purchase orders, and more. It’s cloud-based, so it supports PCs, tablets, and smartphones.
JobProgress
Specially designed for home improvement contractors, this software includes workflow management, CRM, estimating, scheduling, operations management, and business development. Integration with the GreenSky app is in progress.
MarketSharp
Created with remodelers and Home Improvement contractors in mind, this CRM offers an appointment calendar, job scheduling, estimating, project management, and robust reporting capabilities.
ServiceTitan
Aimed squarely at home service companies, including HVAC, the system tracks booking rates, estimates sold and other key KPIs. In the field, it syncs job data with the office, builds invoices and integrates directly with the GreenSky Loan Program financing app.
Keep in mind, these are just a few examples of the CRM applications on the market, we hope this list helps you whittle down the contenders. Check out the companion workbook Finding the Best Apps for Your Business for help determining which software will meet your specific needs.