Sales and marketing technology changes quickly. So how do you know when to invest in new technology, or when to change your process, or when to wait out a fad? Whether you’re researching CRM options, or just trying to get the most out of your existing CRM and sales and marketing tech stack, there are a handful of experts who are the most qualified to guide you.
Check out these posts from 10 of the most influential CRM blogs on the world wide web, and follow them to stay in the know.
The CRM Consultant
This blog was created by Richard Boardman, who spent 15 years as a CRM consultant. Before that, he worked with CRM vendors. Boardman knows the business and has an inviting way of sharing his point of view. His no-nonsense topics get to the heart of the business.
Required Reading:
Seven Things to Consider Before Signing a CRM Contract
Eleven Early-Stage Red Flags When Considering a CRM Project
CRM Switch
If you’re in the early stages of CRM research, high-concept blog posts are just confusing, at best. For readers who need good basic information on evergreen topics, the CRM Switch blog is the perfect must-read. The posts explain the basics and give targeted advice that’s easy to follow.
Required Reading:
Without a Killer Call to Action, Your Digital Marketing is Doomed
Three Fundamental Types of CRM Systems
Hatchbuck
The Hatchbuck blog focuses on what’s new and significant in CRM today. Aimed at small-business owners with drive and determination, this blog’s posts cover topics from HR and content creation to marketing and technology. They also have a section dedicated specifically to targeted sales and marketing software advice for marketing agencies.
Required Reading:
Six Ways to Help Your Sales Team Be Aggressive but Not Pushy
4 Killer Closing Strategies to Skyrocket Sales
Salesforce Blog
The blog behind the world’s best-selling CRM platform, the Salesforce Blog offers insights and trends in marketing, analytics, sales and service.
Required Reading:
Taking the Next Step in Digital Healthcare Transformation
Think You Know Everything About eCommerce Growth? Think Again
Pipeline Deals Blog
The Pipeline Deals blog is full of information about building a sales pipeline, how to sell products and services and what CRM software and other technology is best for B2B small-business users.
Required Reading:
What is the Difference Between ERP and CRM?
What is the Role of a CRM?
TechnologyAdvice
Want the latest on the CRM software solutions on the market as well as best practices you can follow for success? The Technology Advice sales archives are full of helpful advice for B2Bs.
Required Reading:
CRM User Adoption Lagging? Here’s What Science Has to Say.
5 Follow-Up Mistakes You’re Making – and how to fix them.
SalesPOP!
SalesPOP! Is an online magazine with multimedia content aimed toward sales professionals and entrepreneurs. The site offers a consistent five new posts every week and includes a back catalog of almost 1,600 blog posts. Topics include:
- Advice for sales professionals
- Social media
- Client relations
- CRM technology
- Marketing techniques
Required Reading:
Where is CRM Headed in 2019?
Artificial Intelligence, CRM and Sales Prediction
Commercient
The Commercient blog offers tips on growing a small business, posts on customer service, tips and tricks in CRM, sales topics and more.
Required Reading:
Give Your Small Business a Spring Makeover
Top 4 CRM Software for Small Businesses
Hubspot Sales and Marketing Blog
For small business owners who want a rounded overview of the entire online business world, Hubspot Sales and Marketing Blog offers a lot of needed information. It focuses on CRM, of course, but also offers posts on subject matter like customer success content, marketing and sales, the general software industry and entrepreneurial success.
Required Reading:
How to Become an Entrepreneur With No Money or Experience
How to Create a Sales Plan: Guide + Template
Paul Greenberg
Paul Greenberg is a best-selling author and one of the stars of the CRM world. Some of Greenberg’s classic work can be found at PGreenblog, an older blog filled with evergreen work. It hasn’t been updated in a couple of years, but the information found there is still valuable.
Paul currently contributes to ZDNet where you can enjoy reading the best, most up-to-date information on the CRM industry, along with Greenberg’s expert analysis.
Required Reading:
The State of Digital Transformation and the Work to Be Done
Conversational Experiences: Building relationships one conversation at a time
Kate Leggett
Kate Legget has over a decade of experience leading CRM and software companies. She is currently VP and Principal Analyst at Forrester Research for CRM and Customer Service, focusing on market trends, research, opinions, best practices, technologies. In addition to her contributions on the Forrester blog, she has been published in The Wall Street Journal, Forbes magazine, and industry pubs such as CRM Magazine, KM World, and Destination CRM.
Required Reading:
Customer Service Robots Rise Up
Sales and Service Technology: Two Sides of the Same Coin?