20 minute read

What are the Differences Between CRM and CMS Management Software

Both CRMs and CMSs can be used as business tools. CRM software gives you valuable insight into your customers' interactions with your company. CMS software allows you to create and manage your website, as well as other digital assets. It's important to understand the differences between CRM and CMS so you can grow your eCommerce business. We'll be discussing the benefits and key differences between CRM software and CMS software in this article to help you choose which one is best for you.


Both CRMs and CMSs can be used as business tools. CRM software gives you valuable insight into your customers' interactions with your company. CMS software allows you to create and manage your website, as well as other digital assets.

It's important to understand the differences between CRM and CMS so you can grow your eCommerce business. We'll be discussing the benefits and key differences between CRM software and CMS software in this article to help you choose which one is best for you.

What is CRM software?

CRM (Customer Relations Management) software provides a single source for truth that allows you to track and manage customer relationships throughout your sales cycle. Salesforce, Pipedrive and SAP are just a few examples. Many VoIP providers, such as 8x8, also offer integrated CRMs.

CRMs store valuable customer information such as names, contact details, and past interactions. It combines information from different business channels and organizes it.

CRM software is necessary.

CRM software utilizes marketing automation to improve productivity and streamline sales processes. Your employees can concentrate on creating content and nurturing leads to increase revenue.

CRMs also track interactions across channels so sales reps can see where each prospect is in the sales pipeline. This allows reps to know when and how to follow up with each prospect.

What is CMS software?

CMS (Content Management System software) allows you to create and manage website content and digital assets. These include Joomla, Shopify Squarespace, Wix, and WordPress.

CMS allows you to publish and manage your online content using both front-end and back-end functionality. It is often the first software investment a company makes.

CMS software is necessary.

CMS software includes customizable templates and themes that allow you to update your content in a single click. The templates are responsive so your website will look fantastic on every device.

A CMS allows you to schedule when and where each piece of content will be published. You can also integrate your CMS with popular business tools such as AWS or HubSpot. Plugins are available for many additional features. It can be linked with your UCaaS ( ) Unified Communications service.

A CMS comes with analytics built in to help you track the performance of your site, including bounce rates and traffic sources. You can also see how many people have viewed your customer support page.

CRM vs CMS: What is the difference?

The major difference between CRM software and CMS software is the fact that a CRM handles customer interactions while a CMS manages your site and other content. There's more, starting with the pricing of the software.

Price

CRM platforms typically charge per user per month, with either monthly or annual billing. Salesforce is one example of a CRM product that offers a limited trial period. HubSpot offers a free CRM with limited features, while others, such as Salesforce, offer a limited trial period.

Prices for CMS platforms vary greatly depending on what level of functionality is required. CMS pricing can range from free open-source software to enterprise-grade software that costs hundreds of dollars per month. Be sure to only pay for what you use.

Use in business

CRM software is used primarily as a sales tool. It's therefore ideal for companies that want to improve customer service throughout the sales process.

A CMS provides you with all the tools necessary to market your business. It can be used for everything from website design and blogging to email marketing, videos and video production. It's an essential tool for businesses looking to implement a successful eCommerce strategy to retain and attract customers.

Features

Both CMSs and CRMs have different features. However, they offer both automation and analytics tools.

CRM

A CRM has many features that allow you to manage and track your customer interactions. These are the most popular capabilities:

  • Contact management Organize and store customer information from all of your business channels.
  • Interaction tracking: Track customer interactions such as purchases and phone calls.
  • Lead management - Score, qualify and follow up with leads. To help you do this, you can use Lead Management Software.
  • Email Management: Integrate email marketing software to run email campaigns from your CRM.
  • Document Management: Keep your important documents such as marketing materials or pre-made templates.
  • Workflow automation - Automate routine tasks such as drip campaigns, lead scoring and call logging.
  • Reporting & analytics: Monitor campaign performance, forecast sales and other information to help you improve your business processes.

CMS

CMS offers many features that allow you to manage, create, update and manage your content.

  • Publishing Tools: Create content for your website, blog, social media pages or any other channel.
  • Templates and Themes: You can choose from a pre-made template, or you can customize one.
  • SEO Tools: Create sitemaps and optimize metadata to increase organic search traffic.
  • Content library - Store your content prior to publication, including videos, images and illustrations.
  • Web Hosting: You can store your site data in your CMS or integrate with a website hosting platform.
  • Site editor - Edit your site's content and layout with coding or drag-and drop editing.
  • Analytics: Monitor KPIs such as website traffic, bounce rate and page views.
CRM vs. CMS: Which one is best for you?

It makes sense to start investing in CMS software if you are a small eCommerce company looking to grow, or if you rely mainly on inbound marketing. A CRM is a good choice if your business relies on outbound sales.

You will need to integrate both types of software as your business grows. Let's say, for example, that you sell multi-line telephone systems. You can use your CMS to create marketing materials or other content that will entice customers into buying them.

The details of every sale will be stored in your CRM. You can also analyse the data to improve your marketing campaigns and the customer experience.

CRM and CMS: A Better Combination

Instead of looking at them as CMS vs CRM, they can be used together. Although CRM and CMS software have many differences, they can both provide the tools that you need to grow your business.

A CRM can help you organize customer data and streamline your sales process. A CMS allows you to manage and edit your website, as well as other digital assets, to increase sales.

Integrating a CRM and a CMS can help you optimize your sales funnel, earn customers' trust, and increase your customer satisfaction. This is great for your bottom line.