Types of Sales Management Software

Do you own a business and need a sales boost? Use sales management software to make your sales teams more efficient and increase profits.

If you own a small business you may struggle to make sales on a regular basis. If so, you are not alone. According to 2021 data compiled by the United States Small Business Administration, there are approximately 31.7 million small businesses nationwide. Many of those business owners go through similar struggles. Making sales is not always easy, but it becomes easier when you have a solid sales plan in place.

A solid sales plan begins with establishing a dedicated sales team for your business. Then you must follow up by ensuring the sales team is operating efficiently. When you have dedicated sales management software, you help ensure employees are doing their jobs to the best of their abilities. You can opt to utilize stand alone sales management software or purchase software that is more multi-functional. Such software is designed for total customer relationship management (CRM). A CRM suite often also includes various tools for customer support and marketing, in addition to sales tracking capabilities.

What is Sales Management?

When there is a sales team promoting the products or services a business provides, keeping the team organized is key. That is one aspect of sales management. Organizing team member activities and communication prevents wasted time and resources. It also provides a way to monitor employee activities to ensure standards are met and work is completed as desired.

Making efficient sales is the main purpose of sales management. A good sales management system tracks the entire sales process. Businesses can use sales management to make important determinations about company policies and products. For example, sales management software can help business owners or human resource departments determine:

  • Which Employees Are Making the Most and Least Sales

  • When Employees Need More Training

  • When it is Time to Hire New Sales Team Members

  • How Best to Divide Sales Team Tasks

  • How Client Correspondence is Handled During Sales

  • How Sales Trends Change Over Time

How Can Software Help You Boost Your Sales?

Sales software can boost sales for a business in multiple ways. Business owners can use it to keep sales team members on track. It is also useful because it tracks customer information. Using that information, sales team members can start targeted email campaigns. Those campaigns encourage repeat sales from customers who fit in specific demographics or show certain purchasing habits. 

Sales management software also provides an import opportunity for data collection. All data relating to sales is saved and tracked. It is easy to analyze as a whole or in part, as needed. Business owners can use recorded data to forecast trends and predict profits or losses in a more accurate way than they otherwise could.

What Are Common Types of Sales Management Software?

There are several types of sales management software available today. One is cloud-based software. Software that is cloud-based is maintained online and accessed through a browser, typically. Often, cloud-based services consist of entire sales management platforms with multiple sales tools available. They also often provide varying membership types for different business sizes.

Software-as-a-service (SaaS) is a type of sales management software that is sometimes cloud-based. However, it can also be provided by other means. The vendor offering the SaaS requires payment for services and handles maintenance or other issues that arise from use. Monthly fees are standard for most SaaS purchases, much like paying rent for an apartment. Although, discounts are often available when monthly fees are paid in annual lump sums.

On-premise software is the final sales management software option. It typically has a one-time flat purchase fee. However, it requires manual installation on various devices. Companies often offer setup and installation services for additional fees. Additionally, certain hardware specifications are often required to run on-premise sales management software properly.

Do Sales Management Software Features Differ?

The ways in which sales management software programs are designed, distributed, and paid for are not the only variations. They also differ in terms of their specific features and areas of focus. Some sales management software is designed for data collection and analysis. Other software is designed to help sales teams communicate and collaborate. That is why selecting software based on specific business needs is important. 

What Are Some Top Brands of Sales Management Software?

No two sales management software programs or platforms are identical. They offer various tools, tips, and resources for all aspects of sales management. Selecting one requires a careful comparison of program features. Here are some of the Sales Management Software programs that are most popular, as of 2022:

  • Pipedrive is one of the best sales management software programs to save sales team members time. It provides ways to automate multiple sales-related tasks. Users can also take advantage of the in-program client emailing and simple dashboard view for streamlined work efforts. Data report viewing and printing is simple. It is an ideal program for businesses that are just starting or moderately growing. 

  • HubSpot is sales management software program for any business, regardless of type or size. The software focuses on forming and maintaining contacts with potential or repeat clients. However, it also offers integration options with thousands of popular tools for sales tracking.

  • Thryv is a program created to help small business owners thrive. A main focus of the program is helping sales team members schedule appointments easily and communicate well with clients. Team members can also use its easy coordination tools to share and edit documents essential for business success.

  •  Monday offers a total CRM system for business owners and sales team members. Its sales tracking options are top notch. The program also provides various simple lead tracking options and data management templates. Automated actions and convenient calendars add to the benefits of the program.

  • Keap is a complete sales tracking and management system business owners can customize for their needs. A business of any size can utilize the Keap software. It includes various payment collection tools and data recording options. Calendar features, email functions, and invoicing systems are also provided.

What Sales Management Software Costs Can You Expect?

Sales management software costs depend on your company's size and needs. Some software programs, including HubSpot and Monday, do offer free options, but they are severely limited in the features provided. For the best range of services, you can expect to pay a monthly fee of approximately $12 to $50 as a small business owner. If your business is large, that fee can quickly surpass $3,000 monthly, depending on the number of users you wish to have access to your program of choice.