What is the difference between CRM and CMS? In the world of digital business tools, this is a common question given the similar acronyms. A CRM stands for customer relationship management, which refers to tools that help you maintain business relationships.
A content management system (CMS), on the other hand, is a platform that streamlines the process of managing content on your website. As you can see, these two tools serve different purposes, both of which are useful for your business.
What is CRM?
At its core, CRM systems are intended to improve business success by improving customer relationships through targeted and structured interactions. The idea is that you need to start and develop relationships and make every customer feel like part of getting more leads, closing more deals, and customer satisfaction and loyalty.
CRM software acts as a powerful contact and communication database where most of your customer relationships start and end. In addition to marketing and customer support, it is also a powerful marketing tool, often with automated features that make the difference between marketing and sales processes.
Logically, website traffic, email marketing, and social media channels are all at the same end of the spectrum. A great CRM helps convert cold leads from warm channels and drives results on both sides.
CMS solutions sit a little further at the other end of the market.
What is a CMS?
Simply put, a CMS is used to create, publish, edit and manage your website and its content. Popular CMS platforms that simplify content creation and digital asset management include WordPress, Magento and Joomla.
CMS benefits only. A business website or landing page is the second most used marketing channel behind social media, which means that every business needs them. But designing, developing and updating websites and blogs can be a daunting task. CMS makes this easier.
With a CMS, you get a user-friendly interface that allows non-technical users to log in and update the website. This could be publishing new website content, such as a newsletter or blog post, or adding new products to an e-commerce site. Without a CMS, your business may need to hire a team of designers and developers to support your marketing team. This is where these similar acronyms begin to show significant differences.
What are the main differences between CRM and CMS?
If you’re looking for a CRM, the features and benefits you’ll want to look for are:
- Contact Management: Save and track customer contact information, including social media
- Interaction List: Keep a record of customer interactions including emails, phone calls, text messages
- Lead management: follow processes and signals effectively and gain insight into conversions
In comparison, CMS software should allow you and your team to:
- Content Publishing: Streamline Content Publishing and Content Marketing Strategies
- Website Maintenance: Support the website maintenance process
- Market Access: Create a low barrier to entry for digital marketing efforts, such as content marketing
In practical terms, if you are looking for a tool to develop your business, the right choice depends on the type of work you do and your immediate needs.