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CRMs: Salesforce vs Infusionsoft

by Delta223
13 replies
Hi;

I'm looking at using a CRM pretty soon; Saleforce, Infusionsoft, or maybe SugarCrm. We've looked at the costs for each and price is not the highest concern; we want what works best and are willing a pay a few hundred more for it.

As far as needs go, our main desire is strong marketing analytics. We want to know where our mail is best performing, what type of mailers, etc at every step in a campaign. Multi-step and multi-channel tracking is essential for us. Next on the list is Sales/telemarketing assistance: lead scoring, appointment setting, appointment displays etc.

Do you have experience with one of these 3? I'd love any feedback you may have.

Thanks!
#crms #infusionsoft #salesforce
  • Profile picture of the author Jason Kanigan
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    • Profile picture of the author Jarrod Morris
      I've helped clients get set up on all 3 platforms. Honestly I'm partial to Infusionsoft and that has nothing to do with having worked there for 4 years and running my own business supporting Infusionsoft users for almost another 4

      I'd really love to hear more about your business to make sure you're the right fit, but if you are, we can help you get started at an affordable rate through our exclusive partnership with Infusionsoft.

      You can reach me at jarrod at marketingmavens dot com to continue this conversation.
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      • Profile picture of the author Dr Feelgood
        Hi Just following up on my recent post and noticing there you had been involved in a previous discussion on the forum about Infusion soft. I was wondering if Infusion soft or any similar CRM program can actually fully replace my chiropractic clinic software. I have the ongoing problem of going back and forth between my email / marketing program and my clinic database software and having to keep up with changes made on either program eg changes in addresses, tracking correspondence, bounced emails, opt out for emails messages, marketing sequences etc etc It would be so much easier if I could run it all from one central data base that integrated all aspects. I have heard about API that allows different software to communicate with other pieces of software but not sure if this is the answer or which are the best programs that utilise this.
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        • Profile picture of the author iAmNameLess
          Originally Posted by Dr Feelgood View Post

          Hi Just following up on my recent post and noticing there you had been involved in a previous discussion on the forum about Infusion soft. I was wondering if Infusion soft or any similar CRM program can actually fully replace my chiropractic clinic software. I have the ongoing problem of going back and forth between my email / marketing program and my clinic database software and having to keep up with changes made on either program eg changes in addresses, tracking correspondence, bounced emails, opt out for emails messages, marketing sequences etc etc It would be so much easier if I could run it all from one central data base that integrated all aspects. I have heard about API that allows different software to communicate with other pieces of software but not sure if this is the answer or which are the best programs that utilise this.
          I recommend Nutshell for anyone and everyone.
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          • Profile picture of the author cognesis
            I understand the problem with trying to keep up with two systems. Unfortunatly, Infusionsoft won't replace your practice management system. I don't know about your system specifically, but medical practice management systems are built around patient appointments, records and billing, while marketing platforms are, well, for marketing. One big issue is HIPPA compliance. Infusionsoft (or any other cloud system) is not HIPPA compliant. The best solutions I have seen are Infusonsoft hooked to the practice management system through the API as you mentioned. It can be spendy to make a custom bridge. I know of an off-the-shelf bridge for the dental industry, put not for Chiropractors. Wish I had better news. Hope this helps.
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  • Profile picture of the author kellyyarnsbro
    I use Salesforce and i see no issues encountered so far, pretty good for me and gives me no problem. I haven't tried the others yet since i am contented with the Salesforce performance.
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  • Profile picture of the author MaxwellB
    I had an absolutely terrible experience with Sales Force. I wish complete failure to that business that's all I'll say about my experience.

    Just know what your getting into they told me one thing and then ended up screwing me really bad by just flat out lying to my face.
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    • Profile picture of the author MarketologyTeam
      Originally Posted by MaxwellB View Post

      I had an absolutely terrible experience with Sales Force. I wish complete failure to that business that's all I'll say about my experience.

      Just know what your getting into they told me one thing and then ended up screwing me really bad by just flat out lying to my face.
      Salesforce is most likely overkill for most here imo. On top of that there is a learning curve and any customization that is needed often has to be done by a Salesforce trained developer.

      I certainly share your frustration. They are good for large corps that can pay to customize the heck out of it, but other than that I'd advice to go elsewhere for a CRM.

      Regards,
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  • Profile picture of the author MarketologyTeam
    You might want to check out the following:

    Podio (tons of app add ons for free and lots of flexibility/customization)
    Capsule CRM - Basic, covers most needs, good interface, etc

    Regards,

    Originally Posted by Delta223 View Post

    Hi;

    I'm looking at using a CRM pretty soon; Saleforce, Infusionsoft, or maybe SugarCrm. We've looked at the costs for each and price is not the highest concern; we want what works best and are willing a pay a few hundred more for it.

    As far as needs go, our main desire is strong marketing analytics. We want to know where our mail is best performing, what type of mailers, etc at every step in a campaign. Multi-step and multi-channel tracking is essential for us. Next on the list is Sales/telemarketing assistance: lead scoring, appointment setting, appointment displays etc.

    Do you have experience with one of these 3? I'd love any feedback you may have.

    Thanks!
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    UNLIMITED CONTENT - 100% CopyScape Passed, EZINE Quality Articles. PM me for info.
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  • Profile picture of the author Delta223
    The thing about SalesForce is it seems to be the platform that other programs create integrations for 1st. Then if they get around to it, SugarCRM follows. InfusionSoft seems like the best fit for me but is not widely supported.
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    • Profile picture of the author RichBohn
      I am The oldest living independent CRM analyst! So, this is my unbiased view.

      Salesforce is an over-priced contact manager and totally sucks for small business folks!

      SugarCRM is O.K. if you have the patience to pursue their kit-oriented approach

      Based on what I know about other folks on this forum, Infusionsoft would be my recommendation. They totally "get" internet marketing. Be patient through the initial learning curve and Infusionsoft will give you everything you need to massively grow your business!

      Best of luck, Rich Bohn
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      • Profile picture of the author cognesis
        I have had some experience with SFDC and a lot of experience using and helping set up other businesses with Infusionsoft. SFDC has better reporting, but where Infusionsoft shines is the integration of marketing and sales. Having a marketing/sales process managed in one system is so powerful yet it is easy to miss its importance.

        The real answer for you depends on what type of business you have and what your goals are. Infusionsoft is not for everyone. I'd be happy to give you a no B.S. perspective of whether it would be a good fit for you.

        dave@cognesismarketing.com
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  • Profile picture of the author DaveWarrior
    I'm a Salesforce consultant so let me know if you have any questions. It is quite good for reports especially at the more expensive versions. Also I disagree it's overkill for small business. Group edition is only $25 per month and it's a great system to fully track your sales cycle and get feedback on what's working.
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