CRM (client relationship management) forms are one of the most effective ways to gather or share information with a client. When used well, CRM forms can cut down on the number of emails and meetings you may have to have, as well as save your sanity by easily documenting details.
What do I mean by “forms”?
Forms refer to any information collection function inside a CRM. These can be contracts, sub-agreements, questionnaires, lead capture forms, proposals, and more. Each CRM platform offers different types of forms you can create, but almost all include contracts (a way to collect signatures) and questionnaires (collecting client input.) Forms can be an efficient way to gather a plethora of information about your client and keep your time together organized.
As a warning, just because you can create a form doesn’t mean you should. Be thoughtful about what information you’re gathering (is it necessary?) and how (is the form an appropriate place?) Clients may not be keen on filling out form after form if they don’t understand the purpose. Also, remember that most CRMs are not compliant with sensitive data regulations, so please proceed with caution if you work in industries that have controls in place.
What are the best ways to use CRM forms?
Below are a few of my favorite ways to use CRM forms, from the obvious to things you may not have considered.
Collect Client Information
Okay, so maybe this isn’t the most groundbreaking way to use a form, but it’s certainly one that shouldn’t be overlooked. If you need to gather information from your client to get started or want to give them prompts to think about how you’ll work together, then using forms will facilitate sending and collecting that information. You can also use these for check-in surveys and other “getting to know you” exercises.
Internal Onboarding Notes
Remember, not all forms need to be sent to or even visible by the client. Have a checklist of information you need to gather from a client but prefer to cover it during conversation? Create a fillable form and type directly into it while on the phone with your client. Then you can save the form to their project privately for your records or send it to your client to contribute to.
Project Punch, Change, or Approvals List
Keep track of all those nitty-gritty details. Using the sub-agreement form in your CRM, create a punch list for your client to acknowledge and approve job tasks or changes. This ensures you and your client keep track of communications and approvals without making it weird or potentially tense.
Feedback Survey
Along the lines of things that seem obvious but shouldn’t be overlooked, create a simple form that prompts your clients for feedback on specific aspects of their engagement with you. Don’t forget a box for them to drop you a formal testimonial and a checkbox to approve using their name and words in your marketing.
Forms are the number one way to keep yourself and your client’s information organized within the CRM system. Get creative about the ways you use them, and you’ll unlock a smoother way of communication and keeping track of your projects.
Dubsado offers the opportunity to create all the forms mentioned above and so much more. If you’re looking to get started with a CRM, I cannot recommend Dubsado enough. Click here to learn more and receive a discount when you sign up for an account.
