Choosing a CRM to handle your advertising and media sales is not an overnight decision. It's a choice that requires research, team input, and some adaptability to make it work.
That said, you don't have to feel locked into your current software if it isn't the right fit for your business and your future goals.
If you're a media or publishing professional exploring the idea of switching your advertising sales CRM, read on for a step-by-step explanation of what to expect before, during, and after your software migration.
Is Switching Your CRM Software "Worth the Hassle?"
If you're not satisfied with your media sales software, you're probably weighing your dissatisfaction against the amount of time and resources required to switch to a new platform. Obviously, the tipping point relies upon factors unique to your business.
Here are some decision prompts to consider if you're thinking about your CRM options:
- Write down a list of the ways that your current software leaves you dissatisfied or wanting more. Are these shortcomings costing your business time and money?
- Think about each team's processes. Could more flexible software save you the need to hire additional staff?
- Examine how an ad sale flows from proposal, to contract, to production, to invoice. If your software can't address redundancies—or if it's creating them—it's time to start looking at your options.
If your sales software is holding your business back from being as efficient and productive as it can be, it's time to evaluate your media CRM options.
What About My Existing Data?
The number one concern that most media companies have when switching CRM platforms is data migration. And for good reason. No matter what platform you're currently using, you want future reporting to be accurate and your advertiser relationships to accessible within your new software.
Here are some data migration questions to ask sales reps when you examine different ad sales CRM platforms:
- Has your platform migrated data from my current CRM before?
- How does your platform handle the data we use every day differently than my current CRM?
- What is the timeline I can expect for my data migration to be completed?
Successful Onboarding = Successful Team
Your team can't take advantage of more powerful software if they don't know how to use it to its fullest potential. You need your onboarding to be successful for your CRM investment to pay off.
Here are some factors to consider when it comes to software onboarding:
- Training materials. Is onboarding live and in-person, or via recorded materials? Ask so your team knows what to expect.
- Onboarding process. Inquire about the steps you can expect from the moment you sign up through the moment your software goes live.
- Ongoing education. Are there ongoing education opportunities, such as webinars and in-person training sessions, and how much do they cost?
Switching Media CRM Software Can Unlock New Potential
Whether you're looking for media sales software that can handle cutting edge products like programmatic digital, or you want to automate certain areas of your business, it's hard to ignore the benefits of a more powerful CRM.
Examine your needs and determine if software can address some of the challenges your business is facing. If so, ask questions during the sales process that help set expectations for both parties. Then, ensure the onboarding and education programs offered by a new provider meet the needs of your team—in the short term and for years to come.
See Why More Media Companies Trust Ad Sales Genius
At Ad Sales Genius, we've made it our mission to equip publishers and media companies with the software tools they need to sell more advertising, produce ad products more efficiently, and invoice seamlessly.
From our two-way integrations with QuickBooks Online and inDesign, to customizable workflow automation, we pride ourselves on producing the most powerful advertising sales software available. Want to learn more? Fill out the form below to schedule a free personalized demo of Ad Sales Genius now.