Losing track of potential customers is negative and frustrating. Sale of products or services can fall short of expectations because of the lack of a leads management system. Until there are records that are reviewed and utilized for improvement change is guess work. Business may have been lost from the improper or careless handling of information relating to interest in products or services available.
Leads are important.
Sales meetings and projections are only conversation without customers. Speculation about how to proceed in increasing business will eventually prove the downward spiral to be accurate. Webmasters and SEO specialists can build a technical option. But purchases start with an interest even if out of curiosity or need to know. The reason may be vague but the door is open for business.
It costs money to get leads.
With internet marketing as the new frontier for selling there is a more critical need to control the large volume of leads that will be generated. Bulk email list purchases, SEO optimization, website enhancement and ability to capture information are basic. Hardware and sophisticated software are needed to support the entire effort. Once a group is targeted and data enters the business marketing follow up and results must be maintained. Short sighted satisfaction with volume can mislead management or ownership into thinking things are going well.
Retaining vital information starts with a leads management system.
The internet eliminates a lot of the duplication of data entry. Depending on system flexibility the initial contact information can be captured in the first request for information. Still there are requests for telephone contact and that will require keyed entry at the office for follow up. Regardless information that is entered directly or downloaded may be lost. Someone is waiting for a reply or call that will not be received because the data is in another system waiting to be transferred. In the case that the request will go through a series of locations to assign a salesperson or handle customer service requirements business will be lost across the board. Waiting employees still are paid.
Tracking is critical to continued business.
Knowing the disposition of sales as well as considerations for an attempt at a later date make contact and marketing promotions more effective. Personal information for prospects and customers is maintained for historical purposes and to provide user friendly follow up. The longer the time the more effective promotions can be targeted. Marketing, special campaigns and discounts for customers designated by large purchases can be designated for contact by a salesperson.
Potential business in other product lines is readily determined with a scan through historical information. For management the activities and achievements of individual personnel are available for review and changed if necessary to improve returns. With a comprehensive history more creative ways to improve sales are possible.