It's easy for small business owners, entrepreneurs and freelancers to feel overwhelmed when it comes to organizing the plethora of data that accompanies their work. Customer contact information alone consists of a ton of data: phone numbers, emails, websites, addresses, photos and social network profiles are just a few important items that need to be carefully sorted. Add to that any number of other tasks a small business needs to perform, such as invoicing, letter-head design and marketing, and data management may seem impossible.
Thanks to some of the great contact management for Mac software we reviewed, Mac users will find their organization problems solved. At this site, you'll find a side-by-side comparison of CRM for Mac software like Salesforce, Elements CRM and Daylite. You'll also find articles on CRM for Mac and tips on how to best utilize your new contact management application. At TopTenREVIEWS We Do the Research So You Don't Have To.™
Organizing your contacts is just the tip of the iceberg. That’s why contact management software is often referred to as customer relationship management, or CRM. This title includes a variety of functions that an application may have to aid in the organization process. As we reviewed the software in our lineup, we found a number of functions and features that are integral to an effective organization tool.
Features
A well-rounded CRM for Mac application will integrate seamlessly with Mac's personal management tools including Apple Mail, iCal and Address Book applications, so you won’t have to manually re-enter all your information. Mail integration will also make life easier by allowing you to send emails from the CRM software itself. Other key features to look for include mobile phone syncing, real-time alerts and password protection.
Contact Information
The most important aspect of CRM for Mac software is the contact information. We considered phone numbers and addresses a given, focusing instead on the ability to manage additional information associated with a client or other contact. This should include websites, notes, photos and important dates. Another key feature to look for is the ability to create custom fields, so you can add virtually any piece of information. Some applications even include Google Maps integration to provide accurate directions, dialing capabilities via Bluetooth or the ability to link contacts to one another or to other pieces of information within the software.
Sales & Marketing Tools
While not a vital component to CRM applications, sales and marketing tools certainly differentiate the mediocre software from the excellent. To-do lists, project tracking and a notepad or sticky note function are all basic tools to look for. Others, such as report creation, letter design and mailing label printing, are certainly convenient to have. More advanced options, like invoicing, inventory and accounting tools, are not for everyone, but they are excellent tools for those who need them.
Ease of Use
What good is an organizational tool if it’s cumbersome or difficult to use? Here we evaluated the CRM for Mac software based on navigational ease and intuitive usage concepts.
Help & Support
CRM software is often complicated. Even the most tech-savvy users with the most intuitive application might get lost once in a while. That’s why it’s important to have a variety of support options, including contact information, FAQs, a user message board or wiki and of course, a user manual.
When all these features are found in one CRM for Mac application, you know it will be worth your while. Check out our side-by-side comparison of software to evaluate the best contact management Mac application and find the perfect one for your needs.
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 | #6 | #7 | #8 | #9 | #10 |
|
Excellent Very Good Good Fair Poor
|
Salesforce | Elements CRM | Daylite | AIMcrm | Bento | Relationship | SOHO Organizer | Contactizer Pro | Studiometry | iDeal CRM |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Reviewer Comments |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Overall Rating | ||||||||||
| Ratings | ||||||||||
| Features | ||||||||||
| Contact Information | ||||||||||
| Sales & Marketing Tools | ||||||||||
| Ease of Use | ||||||||||
| Help & Support | ||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||
| Features | ||||||||||
| Email Integration | ||||||||||
| Dialing Capabilities | ||||||||||
| iCal Integration | ||||||||||
| Address Book Integration | ||||||||||
| Mobile Device Access | $4.99 | $39.95/year | ||||||||
| Multi-User Capabilities | ||||||||||
| Spell Check | ||||||||||
| Password Protection | ||||||||||
| Data Encryption | ||||||||||
| Search Options | ||||||||||
| Import/Export vCard | ||||||||||
| Real-Time Alerts or Alarms | ||||||||||
| Contact Information | ||||||||||
| Contact Information Pages | ||||||||||
| Company Websites | ||||||||||
| Group Organization | ||||||||||
| Link Contacts | ||||||||||
| Custom Fields | ||||||||||
| Contact History | ||||||||||
| Map with Directions | ||||||||||
| Sales & Marketing Tools | ||||||||||
| Tasks/To-do list | ||||||||||
| Projects Tracker | ||||||||||
| Invoicing | ||||||||||
| Reporting Options | ||||||||||
| Letter Templates | ||||||||||
| Mailing Labels | ||||||||||
| Accounting | ||||||||||
| Help & Support | ||||||||||
| Help Section/FAQs | ||||||||||
| Telephone Support | for fee | |||||||||
| Product Guides/Tutorials | ||||||||||
| User Forums | ||||||||||
| Online Contact Form | ||||||||||
| Email Support | ||||||||||