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Greetings, fellow entrepreneurs and business owners! Are you tired of juggling multiple platforms for managing your customer relationships? Do you want a more streamlined solution that can help you keep track of leads, deals, and customer interactions all in one place? Look no further than Evernote, the popular note-taking app that can also function as a powerful CRM tool.
The Rise of Evernote as a CRM
Evernote has been around since 2008, and it quickly gained a loyal following among users who appreciated its ability to capture and organize all sorts of information. Over time, the app evolved to include features like reminders, collaboration tools, and integrations with other apps and services. One of the most popular integrations for Evernote is as a CRM platform.
Before we dive into the details of how to use Evernote as a CRM, let’s take a closer look at why this approach is gaining popularity. Here are some reasons why businesses are turning to Evernote for their customer relationship management needs:
1. Cost-Effective
Compared to some other CRM solutions on the market, Evernote is relatively inexpensive. The basic version of the app is free, and even the premium version only costs a few dollars per month. This makes it an attractive option for small businesses or individuals who don’t have a lot of money to spend on software.
2. Flexibility
One of the best things about Evernote is its flexibility. You can customize the app to fit your specific needs and workflows, rather than being forced to adapt to a rigid system. This can be particularly helpful for businesses that have unique processes or requirements.
3. Integration
As mentioned earlier, Evernote integrates with a wide range of other apps and services. This means that you can use it as part of a larger ecosystem of tools, rather than having to rely on one platform for everything.
4. Easy to Learn
Evernote is a user-friendly app that doesn’t require a lot of training or technical expertise to use. This can be a big advantage for businesses that don’t have a dedicated IT department or a lot of spare time to spend on software training.
5. Mobile-Friendly
With the increasing prevalence of remote work and mobile devices, it’s important for CRM solutions to be accessible on-the-go. Evernote has a mobile app that allows you to access your notes and customer information from anywhere, at any time.
6. Versatility
Finally, Evernote’s versatility is one of its biggest selling points. You can use it for a wide range of tasks beyond just CRM, such as project management, note-taking, and research. This makes it a valuable tool for businesses that need to wear many hats.
The Benefits and Drawbacks of Using Evernote as a CRM
Now that we’ve explored some of the reasons why Evernote is a popular choice for CRM, let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of this approach. As with any software solution, there are both advantages and disadvantages to using Evernote as a CRM tool.
The Benefits of Using Evernote as a CRM
1. Customizable
One of the biggest benefits of using Evernote as a CRM is its flexibility. You can create custom notebooks, tags, and fields to organize your customer information in a way that makes sense for your business. This can help you stay organized and save time in the long run.
2. Integrations
As we mentioned earlier, Evernote integrates with a wide range of other apps and services. This can be a huge advantage if you’re already using other tools in your business, such as email marketing software or project management apps. By connecting these tools to Evernote, you can create a more seamless workflow.
3. Mobile Accessibility
Evernote has a mobile app that allows you to access your notes and customer information from anywhere, at any time. This can be particularly helpful for salespeople or other team members who are frequently on-the-go.
4. Cost-Effective
Compared to some other CRM solutions on the market, Evernote is relatively inexpensive. The basic version of the app is free, and even the premium version only costs a few dollars per month. This can be a big advantage for small businesses or individuals who don’t have a lot of money to spend on software.
5. User-Friendly
Evernote is a user-friendly app that doesn’t require a lot of training or technical expertise to use. This can be a big advantage for businesses that don’t have a dedicated IT department or a lot of spare time to spend on software training.
6. Versatile
Finally, Evernote’s versatility is one of its biggest selling points. You can use it for a wide range of tasks beyond just CRM, such as project management, note-taking, and research. This makes it a valuable tool for businesses that need to wear many hats.
The Drawbacks of Using Evernote as a CRM
1. Limited Features
While Evernote can function as a basic CRM tool, it doesn’t have all of the advanced features that some businesses may require. For example, it doesn’t have a built-in sales pipeline or lead scoring system.
2. Customization Required
While customization is a strength of Evernote, it can also be a drawback if you don’t have the time or expertise to set up your CRM system. Setting up custom fields, tags, and notebooks can be time-consuming, and there’s a learning curve involved.
3. Security Concerns
As with any cloud-based software, there are always security concerns when it comes to storing sensitive customer information. While Evernote has security measures in place, it’s important to be aware of the risks and take steps to protect your data.
4. Not Built Specifically for CRM
While Evernote can be customized to function as a CRM tool, it wasn’t built specifically for this purpose. This means that it may not have all of the features and functionality that a dedicated CRM platform would have.
5. Mobile App Limitations
While the Evernote mobile app is convenient for accessing your notes on-the-go, it has some limitations when it comes to using it as a CRM tool. For example, it can be difficult to enter new customer information or update existing records from a mobile device.
Using Evernote as a CRM: How to Get Started
Now that we’ve explored the benefits and drawbacks of using Evernote as a CRM, let’s dive into the details of how to get started. Here are the steps you’ll need to follow:
Step 1: Set Up Your Notebooks
The first step in using Evernote as a CRM is to set up your notebooks. Think of notebooks as the main categories where you’ll store your customer information. For example, you might create notebooks for leads, deals, and customers.
Step 2: Create Custom Fields
Once you’ve set up your notebooks, you’ll want to create custom fields to store specific information about your customers. For example, you might create fields for contact information, company size, and industry.
Step 3: Use Tags to Organize Your Notes
Tags are a powerful way to organize your notes in Evernote. You can use tags to label notes with specific keywords or attributes, which can make it easier to find information later on. For example, you might use tags like “hot lead” or “follow-up needed” to help prioritize your tasks.
Step 4: Integrate with Other Apps
As we mentioned earlier, Evernote integrates with a wide range of other apps and services. By connecting your Evernote account to other tools like email marketing software or project management apps, you can create a more seamless workflow.
Step 5: Keep Your Data Secure
Finally, it’s important to take steps to keep your customer data secure when using Evernote as a CRM. This means using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and being mindful of who has access to your notes.
Using Evernote as a CRM: FAQ
1. Is Evernote a good CRM solution for small businesses?
Yes, Evernote can be a great option for small businesses that need a cost-effective and flexible CRM solution.
2. Can I use Evernote to track sales pipelines?
While Evernote doesn’t have a built-in sales pipeline feature, you can create custom fields and tags to help track your sales process.
3. Does Evernote integrate with other CRM platforms?
Yes, Evernote can integrate with other CRM platforms like Salesforce and Hubspot.
4. Is Evernote secure enough to store sensitive customer information?
While no cloud-based software is 100% secure, Evernote has security measures in place to protect your data. It’s important to take steps to keep your data secure, such as using strong passwords and enabling two-factor authentication.
5. Can I use Evernote as a project management tool as well as a CRM?
Yes, Evernote is a versatile tool that can be used for a wide range of tasks beyond just CRM, including project management and note-taking.
6. Does Evernote have a mobile app?
Yes, Evernote has a mobile app that allows you to access your notes and customer information from anywhere.
7. How much does Evernote cost?
The basic version of Evernote is free, and the premium version costs a few dollars per month.
The Bottom Line
So, is Evernote the right CRM solution for your business? As with any software tool, the answer depends on your specific needs and requirements. However, if you’re looking for a cost-effective and flexible CRM option that can help you stay organized and save time, Evernote is definitely worth considering.
By following the steps outlined in this guide and taking advantage of Evernote’s customization and integration options, you can create a CRM system that works for you and your business. So why not give it a try?
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. We do not endorse any specific software or service, and we are not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided. It is your responsibility to do your own research and make informed decisions about which software or service is best for your business.
