Five Most Fundamental Things For Zoho Implementations

Attending a Zoho Forum pre-pandemic, I talked to some prospective Zoho customers. Most of them felt overwhelmed by the huge number of apps, particularly in the suite called Zoho One (which has more than 50 apps). They simply didn’t know where to start. 

This week’s blog helps to overcome that, by identifying the five most fundamental things that Zoho implementations should have.

1. A plan

A bit like starting to write a program, before knowing what is actually required, you need to map out the processes that are to be followed using your CRM and other apps. From that mapping, you can then design the system as you require it.

2. Email integration

There are three parts to this:

1. 1. Link your CRM to your normal email provider, like Office 265 or Gmail. When you do this, you get to see all of the communications between your staff and the contact, right in the contact record.
   2. Set up your SPF and DKIM records. This is a thing your IT people will probably do, as it’s related to your Domain management. If this isn’t done, sending emails via your CRM is likely to be unreliable, with Spam filters capturing many emails.
   3. Set up relaying. Using a good email relay service means much of the blocking that may occur with your CRM is overcome, as automated emails are sent via this third-party, rather than your CRM.

3. Automated signing

Set up auto signing, that integrates with your CRM. This means Quotes and Contracts can be tracked and processed much faster than the good old emailing, printing, signing, scanning, emailing, and updating system.

4. Forms

Whether you are capturing data from your contact us page, or other information from prospects and contacts, forms are one means of avoiding double handling and entering data manually from one system to another. If you are still getting emails from your website, that you have to then enter into a spreadsheet or your CRM, this is a first step for you.

5. Integration with other systems

Manual data entry is bad enough, but if you find you are entering data into one system, like your CRM, then another like Xero or WooCommerce, then you are liable to be creating errors (in 100 keystrokes 3 typing errors are made … and 2 are found!!). Make life bearable again, and integrate those things that have the same basic data in each of them.

How an CRM Consultant like A1CRM can help you to get started:

When all is said and done, there is a huge range of CRMs out there.

1. Irrespective of which CRM supplier you go with, A1CRM can help you to define your requirements and business processes. We have Zoho CRM specialists in Brisbane, Melbourne and Auckland.
2. From that definition, get the fundamentals working, first. Then work on the more advanced items, without losing sight of those.
3. Ensure you have regular meetings with your Zoho CRM implementation specialist, so you can make sure you stay on track and any issues can be addressed promptly.

In conclusion, if you are considering implementing a CRM or have questions about whether it’s the right time to get a CRM for your business, contact us today. Our team of Zoho CRM specialists at A1CRM can guide you through the process and help you make the right choices to achieve your business goals.

Need Help? Call us on 1300 437 540 and have a chat or email us at [email protected].

This blog was written by A1CRM, an Australian CRM consultancy, specialising in business process mapping and implementation, primarily using a variety of Zoho applications. Our offices are in Brisbane and Melbourne, Australia, and Auckland, New Zealand.