The 4 Best CRM Software Options For Construction Companies Posted on April 9, 2021January 24, 2023 by Smartboost Every construction project involves a lot of variables. Whether you’re a large-scale construction company designing and putting up apartment buildings in DTLA or a small housing contractor doing kitchen and bathroom remodels, your project probably involves a handful of contractors, suppliers, insurance contacts, and permitting experts. It’s no surprise that more construction companies are integrating CRM software into their business model. Business owners can use Customer Relationship Management (CRM) in a variety of industries. In the past, construction companies have typically invested more into software that helps with estimating, job costing, and basic project management, but in 2019 we saw an increase to 4% of all CRM software being used for construction projects. What is CRM for Construction? Contact Relationship Management (CRM) software facilitates new project tracking, and lead generation and management. For construction professionals, the industry-specific software assists with contact management for your long list of names and businesses. A construction CRM software centralizes, monitors, and logs each of your bids into projects and allows you to easily manage each project’s progress. Businesses who use CRM’s can also leverage the software to sell or win jobs. Benefits of CRM Software for Construction The obvious benefits of CRM software are organizational. Whenever your business takes on a new project, you have a streamline process of uploading contacts and tracking progress that allows you to focus on the actual work. From there, your CRM should offer some automation software like scheduled emails that allow you to update your client on the status of their project easily. The enhanced organization that comes with CRM integration can make a customer feel more comfortable with the construction process. If your business does home building or renovations, you can send real-time notifications and updates to your clients from a single source. Plus, CRM software keeps track of deadlines and monitors new selling opportunities online to keep your business moving forward. In 2020, Google saw a 50% increase in home improvement searches, so there’s truly no better time than the present to make CRM software one of your company’s selling points. Features of Construction CRM CRM software gives your business a few different advantages in the construction industry. First and foremost, you’ll have access to a project management platform that’s easy to use and carries you from the initial bid to the final payment. You should have the ability to integrate your other platforms like G-Suite and Salesforce. Most CRM platforms have a high level of customization and even assist with new sales and growth for your business. 4 Exceptional CRM Options for Construction Marketing To qualify as a Construction CRM, a product must do the following Aggregate and manage contacts and data in a centralized database Track & capture leads Have the ability to filter, organize, and assign leads or contacts Facilitate communication between project and team members Below are our recommendations: BuilderTREND BuilderTREND is designed to meet the needs of residential construction professionals. A few primary features include: Plan Markup, Leads CRM, Bid Requests, Proposals and Estimating, Daily Logs, and Budgeting Benefits: Focused on finding you more business opportunities with specialized lead management capabilities Pull from historical data to quickly send accurate estimates Members stay connected and informed through the scheduling feature Great user experience and flawless presentation tools Direct messaging for employees through the platform Easily track your status on different projects and send automated emails to keep clients informed Drawbacks: The Free Trial subscription still requires payment upfront. If you wish to cancel, you have 30 days to get your money back The search function could be improved Price Price: Free Trial Core Subscription: $299/month (Limited features) Pro Subscription: $499/month (Access to advanced features) Premium subscriptions are also available (Get access to customization) Procore Procore Construction Management Software features include Contract Management, Project Management, Quote Management, Sales Management, Scheduling, and Time Management. Benefits: Optimized for construction; managing RFI’s, punch lists, inspection reports, and more Excellent at managing approval workflows and gives visibility to the client Document sharing and data management that’s easy to access Pending items dashboard Drawbacks: The System network is a bit slow The system isn’t optimized for subcontractors High implementation cost Price: Project Management Plan (unlimited): $375/month Project Management + Financial Management plan (unlimited): $549/month Custom bundle plans are also available through Procore Sales Unanet Unanet features include Client Tracking, Forecasting, Quote Management, Sales Management Benefits: All-in-one platform for management and proposal automation Manages personnel as well as contacts and projects Good customization capabilities Cash flow projections Drawbacks: Could improve the User Interface, as the platform is a little outdated Lots of training required to use the platform Price: Full User plan: $70 per user/per month Read Only plan: $10 per user/per month JobNimbus JobNimbus is a web-based construction CRM for general construction services. A few features include: Lead Tracking, Tasks, Activity Tracking, and Estimating Tools. Benefits: Specialized features for businesses that offer service in roofing, restoration, remodeling, solar power, painting, flooring, window, and door installation, deck and patio work, and landscaping An automated project management system that guides you through projects Automated progress update emails sent to clients Price Drawbacks Some user experience shortfalls that could be improved on System speed can be a bit laggy The practicality and ease-of-use may not work for larger companies who need more features Price: Free trial Basic Subscription: $25/user/month Pro Subscription: $35/user/month Advanced Subscription: $75/user/month How to Choose a Construction CRM Now that we’ve looked at some common choices for home builders, what features should you look for in a CRM? Below are several items and questions to consider: Is there a plan that fits my budget and needs? Will my employees have trouble using it? Does it integrate with the other platforms I’m using? Are all of my basic needs met? Can I add additional features to meet any future needs? Does the CRM company offer training? How will I handle technical issues and deal with CRM support? Construction CRMs and Marketing Depending on the size of your company, managing your CRM can be challenging in and of itself. Marketers do the job of CRM’s every day with their own businesses, managing relationships with their customers and seeking out new projects. smartboost is an expert in marketing for construction companies and can help manage your CRM and marketing, so you have time to focus on your business itself. CRM marketing aims to improve and optimize customer relationships to drive customer loyalty, retention, revenue, and customer lifetime value. If you’re interested in expanding your business, adopting these strategies is an almost necessary step. smartboost can help determine your needs and find the best fit for your business when looking for a CRM software solution.