Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools are the backbone of modern businesses. They help companies organize customer data, automate tasks and grow their revenue. Hence, more and more organizations are looking to invest in CRM tools now.
When it comes to choosing the right CRM, Act and Salesforce are two very strong contenders, each catering to different needs. This guide breaks down the Act vs Salesforce debate to help you make the best decision for your business. Let’s explore how these platforms compare and which one fits with your goals best.
Act, also known as Act! CRM, is a long standing CRM solution made for small to medium sized businesses (SMBs). It focuses on contact management, email marketing and sales automation. Additionally, Act is known for its user friendly interface and has a simple approach to managing customer relations.
Salesforce is a cloud-based CRM platform designed for businesses of all sizes. Its versatility and scalability make it a popular choice for enterprises and growing businesses. Salesforce offers a wide range of tools for sales, marketing, analytics and app integrations.
When we talk about comparison between Salesforce vs. Act, we have to discuss both the similarities and differences between the two. Act and Salesforce differ significantly in their target audience and capabilities. At the same time, they share some common features that make them popular CRM solutions. So, let’s take a closer look:
Well, here are some similar features of Salesforce and Act!:
Act and Salesforce cater to different business needs, but how do their main capabilities stack up against each other? Let’s check the features and highlight the key differences between these two products:
Now, let’s take a look at the good and bad sides of each of these two CRM platforms.
As you know, both these platforms excel in different areas. Therefore, you need to evaluate your own needs against several key factors to decide between Act and Salesforce. Let’s consider the following criteria to make the right choice:
First, you have to find out whether the platform can grow with your business. Act is ideal for small to medium operations, while Salesforce is built to handle the complexities of large enterprises. So, if your company is expecting exponential growth in the future then Salesforce is a better choice.
Next, you have to assess the technical skills and learning curve for your team. If your staff isn’t tech savvy or has never used a CRM tool before then go for Act. This is because Act is simple to adopt without extensive training. However, Salesforce requires more time and resources to master. Hence, it’s more suitable for users with a tech background or who have prior experience with complex online tools.
Check how well the CRM integrates with your current tools. Salesforce’s AppExchange offers over 4,000 integrations, making it highly versatile. Act, though more limited, supports key tools like Microsoft Office and Outlook. Thus, organizations with multiple tools and channels should get Salesforce.
Decide on the depth of insights you need on a day to day basis. Salesforce provides detailed AI-powered analytics in real time. On the other hand, Act offers basic reporting suited for smaller teams. That’s why Salesforce is for industries like tech, finance and banking where complex data and metrics are needed everyday.
Evaluate the flexibility of the platform and how it can adjust in your existing system. Salesforce excels in customization with options to tailor workflows. In contrast, Act focuses on pre-configured simplicity. This means that Act isn’t suitable for businesses that function on personalized processes.
You need to be able to contact the platform for any assistance or queries. So, consider the level of support available from the platform. Salesforce offers multiple tiers of 24/7 customer service. On the other hand, Act provides more basic options.
Finally, you have to factor in the subscription rates and other expenses. These include costs for implementation, training and ongoing maintenance. While a cheaper price may be more attractive, the overall product should be cost effective. Plus, it should offer value for money so your investment doesn’t go to waste.
So, which one should you choose? There is no simple answer to this as both have some pros and cons. Plus, you have to look at your own objectives and requirements. Are you a small business owner seeking simplicity? Or perhaps a growing enterprise in need of advanced features?
As stated above, the choice between Act vs Salesforce depends on many factors like business requirements. Both platforms serve distinct business needs. For example, Act is excellent for small businesses that prioritize affordability and simplicity. With its straightforward interface, it’s ideal for teams that need basic CRM features without a steep learning curve.
On the other hand, Salesforce caters to businesses seeking advanced features and long term growth. It’s highly customizable, with a vast AppExchange marketplace and powerful automation capabilities. Salesforce’s tools are for companies looking to optimize complex workflows on multiple levels.
In short, here’s what you should do:
Pricing is a huge factor in the Salesforce vs Act debate especially when considering additional features. Here is a detailed breakdown of the pricing for both Act! and Salesforce. There are many options available for different budgets.
1. Act! Pricing (based on annual subscriptions):
Act! Add-Ons:
2. Salesforce Sales Cloud Pricing (based on annual subscriptions):
Salesforce Add-Ons:
Here are some frequently asked questions about Salesforce and Act!:
Salesforce is currently the no.1 AI powered CRM software in the market. It has many competitors but none offers the capabilities and tools that Salesforce has. Some top contenders are Microsoft, Oracle, Zoho and Act.
Salesforce was ranked #133 on Fortune 500 ranking in 2023. It has many prominent clients in different industries across the globe. However, Walmart Inc. and Amazon are Salesforce’s largest customers.
Both Act and Salesforce offer comprehensive CRM solutions, but their strengths lie in different areas. While Act excels in affordability, Salesforce is unmatched in customization and features. Evaluate your business goals and priorities to make the best decision.
If you're still confused where to start, PixelConsulting can guide you. Our team of experts will help you select, implement and optimize the best CRM for your needs. Get in touch with our team to learn more about how we can help. Contact us now!
Read Also : Salesforce Adoption Strategies
