ZohoPartner's blog

What is Zoho Bigin?


Zoho Bigin is a CRM customer management system tool launched by Zoho specifically designed for small businesses. The platform integrates advanced features and smart tools to enable small businesses to manage their customer relationships more efficiently and intelligently. Different from traditional complex CRM systems, Zoho Bigin provides users with a more intuitive and flexible experience with its simple and easy-to-use interface and functions.


As we move into 2024, we are developing countless new features for Zoho Bigin Small CRM that will undoubtedly benefit your business.


Template messages in WhatsApp integration: Contact customers easily


By introducing message templates, you'll be able to initiate conversations with your customers and prospects more effectively. Share personalized messages, highlight new offers, market new products, and even share details about the orders they've placed. This enhancement will make your WhatsApp communications more comprehensive.

Learn about WhatsApp marketing features


Pipeline Licensing: Granting the Right Licensing to the Right People


Fine-tuned permissions capabilities give you greater control over what users can do in Bigin, improving data security and accuracy.


When you create a team pipeline, you can specify which permission levels are granted to which consumers. Administrators can manage the entire pipeline, members can access all records in the pipeline, participants can access their own or related records, and finally, requesters are not part of the pipeline but can add records to it. The requester can be an internal member of the organization, such as an employee making a time off request or filing a complaint, or an external member of the organization, such as a customer placing a new order or sharing feedback.

 

External shared pipeline records: Increase transparency by sharing customer requirement status


Your customer might have placed a new order, submitted a refund request, or requested support; whatever the case, you can create a record in the relevant pipeline to track its movement through the various stages. Wouldn’t it be great if your customers could track their needs too?


That's exactly what you can achieve with this sharing option. Select the information you want to share externally, generate a unique link, and share it with the contacts associated with that record. You can also allow customers to edit records, such as adding comments or uploading files.


Automate daily processes


To further expand the scope of Bigin automation capabilities, we are introducing stage automation, which allows you to set up actions that are automatically triggered when a record moves to a specific stage.


This feature automates repetitive and routine tasks that you would normally have to perform manually when recording is moved to another stage. These tasks can include sending emails, adding labels, creating new campaigns, and updating specific fields. All you have to do is set standards and define actions, and just like that, you'll be able to spend less time working!


Mobile application that supports Bigin Small CRM


We’re optimizing some of Bigin’s most popular and useful features for its mobile app. These include filters that locate contacts by specific criteria in seconds; a calendar view that makes it easy to schedule and view all your events; and signals that ensure you never miss an email, phone call, or social media message.


We’ve also worked on explaining how you can integrate Bigin with Shopify, a leading e-commerce platform, and QuickBooks, a popular financial management software.


Did we succeed in sparking your curiosity? Are you excited to try these features? We hope so, contact us to request a demo of Zoho Bigin or to learn more about Zoho products, we have even more offers and discounts!

Zoho Finance APPs include Zoho Books, Zoho Billing, Zoho Expense, Zoho Inventory and Zoho Invoice. Depending on the shape and size of the enterprise, Zoho Finance basically summarizes the financial software needed by the enterprise, from accounting, invoicing, and purchase, sale, and inventory management.

 

Zoho Books provides businesses with a comprehensive financial management solution. What makes it unique is its ease of use and flexibility, especially when it comes to invoicing.


financial operations software

 

Flexible and Easy To Operate


Zoho Books Online Accounting Software offers a simple and feature-rich platform. The software provides easy-to-understand dashboards so users can quickly get an overview of the status of their business. I highly recommend this tool to any financial professional.

 

Powerful Invoicing Function


First of all, please note that the invoicing here refers to a commercial transaction document used to provide customers with payment requirements for goods or services, rather than an electronic invoice in the traditional sense. Zoho does not directly integrate with tax systems.

 

In Zoho Books online accounting software, you can create an invoice in e-invoice format by including all the required fields mentioned in the e-invoice architecture. Upload your invoices directly to IRP with the click of a button. The invoicing process is very simple, users can easily add goods or services, set prices, and generate professional invoices. This is a huge advantage for businesses looking to increase the efficiency of their business.

 

Don’t Worry About Compliance Issues


With Zoho Books online accounting software, you no longer have to worry about tax compliance. Zoho Books strictly adheres to government tax invoicing requirements for all your e-invoices and prints the corresponding QR code and IRN in the invoice PDF for every transaction.

 

At the same time, Zoho Books also meets MTD requirements. A cornerstone of MTD is the ability to file VAT returns online. After recording all your business transactions in Zoho Books, you will be able to easily file VAT returns on a quarterly basis as required by HMRC. After filing your VAT return, you can record your VAT payments and refunds in Zoho Books.

 

Status Update Prompt


Zoho Books has a status list that will be updated at every stage of your e-invoicing process. It shows whether an invoice has been sent or notifies your team when an e-invoicing transaction fails or is cancelled. Always keeping your invoices updated means you can respond to changes faster and provide a better customer or supplier experience.

 

Financial Management Solution


Please remember that Zoho Books is a set of financial operations software, not just an electronic invoice (Invoice) software. As for the invoicing functionality we've been mentioning, Zoho's integration of Zoho Books, Zoho Billing and Zoho Invoice will enable businesses to manage customer transactions on a unified platform. This directly includes sending invoices, tracking payments, and instantly updating relevant financial records. Seamless transaction management helps improve productivity, reduce manual errors, and ensure financial data accuracy.

 

In addition, Zoho Books online accounting software can also be integrated with Zoho Inventory. Zoho Inventory is a powerful inventory management system that can help companies track inventory, process orders, manage supply chains, and provide real-time data analysis. Inventory is mostly used in retail or cross-border e-commerce industries. When Zoho Books meets Zoho Inventory, transactions between the two will be automatically synchronized. Through the integration, Zoho Books will update inventory information in real time based on data from Zoho Inventory. You can easily capture customer orders and supplier transactions in Books.

 

Zoho Books has always been at the forefront of helping companies digitally transform their financial operations while maintaining compliance. You can even find more extensions for Zoho Books, Zoho Billing, Zoho Expense, Zoho Inventory and Zoho Invoice in the market. Alternatively, you can find them in the integrations and marketplace settings of each of our apps. If you have any concerns or questions about Zoho Books financial operation software, send an email to [email protected] or contact a Zoho Partner to schedule a DEMO demonstration.

The Power of Zoho CRM Customization | Optimizes Business Processes

As a CRM (Customer Management System) solution provider, in 2024, we are committed to improving the CRM experience for everyone in your business, wanting to ensure that your business is fully equipped to handle any current or future challenges so that your team can focus on closing deals and building relationships. Zoho CRM actually offers a relatively complete solution, however, customization is a crucial step in realizing the full potential of Zoho CRM.

 

The Importance of CRM Customization


While Zoho CRM offers a wealth of features, the needs of every business are different. With the customization of Zoho CRM, you can match the system to the business exactly, but the higher the match rate, the more productive the work. The enhanced customer experience will create more sales opportunities.

 

Start Zoho CRM Customization Now!

 

Zoho CRM Customization Content


1. Customize modules and fields

Even if two companies run similar business processes, the exact same module fields may not apply. Custom modules and fields allow you to create specific data records based on your business needs, so you can better track and manage customer information.

 

2. Automate the process

Setting up automated processes and rules can save you a lot of time and effort. Zoho CRM allows you to automate certain actions based on specific criteria, such as sending emails, updating records, and even automatically assigning tasks.

 

3. Data analysis and reporting

Almost all of Zoho's applications are equipped with data analysis reporting modules. You can customize the format and content of the report according to your needs, and the advantage of this is that you only need to track the key metrics you want to track, and you do not need to see a dense layer of unrelated data, so that you can better understand the existing business situation.


4. CRM Integration

Zoho CRM is designed to integrate with other applications and services you use every day. We have special extensions for you to choose from or you can integrate with your existing systems to share data and automatically update it for further efficiency and accuracy. Or even if you don't see the extension you need? Create it! Zoho allows you to build your extensions for free, add them to our marketplace, and provide solutions whenever you need them.

 

5. Personalized Customization

With deep CRM customization, you can provide personalized service and experience to each customer. For example, by customizing different products and services according to customers' preferences and needs, and sending them personalized promotional messages and recommendations at appropriate times, thereby increasing customer satisfaction and loyalty.

 

For Zoho CRM Customiztion, we provide a professional technical team, including end-to-end project management services, which includes everything from consulting to customization to implementation. Our team of experts analyze your business needs in detail and take care of everything you need to build a CRM system tailored to your sales process.


Remember that a few years ago, WhatsAPP was still a chat tool for communication. But today, it has transformed into a powerful marketing channel with over 2 billion active users worldwide, offering huge potential for businesses to connect with their audiences in a direct, personalized, and highly engaging way.

 

Difference between WhatsApp and Email marketing

WhatsAPP marketing is not the same as email marketing. Zoho Campaigns is a very useful email marketing software that can create responsive designs, customize messages, send emails to inboxes, trigger automated workflows, and connect with new customers. But WhatsAPP marketing is to leverage WhatsApp's unique features to create personalized, engaging, and interactive experiences that are seen as a direct communication channel with your target audience.

 

What's WhatsApp Marketing?


WhatsApp Business was officially launched back in 2018, and it aims to provide features designed specifically for businesses, including company profiles, quick replies, tags, and automated messages. These features open the door to more complex marketing strategies, such as personalized campaigns, interactive content, and even chatbots.

To put it more simply, it's about using WhatsApp strategically to connect with customers and promote your business. It involves using features like direct messaging, group chats, rich media content, and automation to achieve your marketing goals.

 

How effective is WhatsApp marketing?


To give you an example, Tata CLiQ is an online marketplace that offers a variety of products, from international luxury brands to everyday essentials. Tata CLiQ wanted to connect with customers who signed up for updates on their website, but sending emails and text messages didn't work as well as they would like. People don't usually open these messages, and there's a limit to the types of content they can send. After trying various options, they developed a strong preference for WhatsApp. The platform's ability to personalize messaging based on browsing history, abandoned carts, and wishlists has yielded impressive results:

 

51% click-through rate

WhatsApp notifications trigger website visits that are 1.7 times more likely to be purchased

10x higher ROI compared to previous Diwali and Black Friday sales

This success stems from WhatsApp's widespread popularity around the world and its ability to deliver engaging and personalized content that goes beyond the limitations of text messaging.

 

WhatsApp Marketing AdvantagesPersonalize

Individuality is always the best advantage. WhatsAPP marketing can segment your customer base by demographics, interests, and purchase history, which enables you to tailor messages that resonate with individual needs. At the same time, mention the customer's name in the message to create a more personal atmosphere. Studies have shown that personalization can increase email open rates by 26% and may have a similar impact on WhatsApp communications.

 

Break the monotony of plain text

Include images, videos, GIFs, and even polls and quizzes in your messages. This breaks the monotony of plain text and encourages users to engage more actively. According to data, 84% of post-00s young people trust online reviews from strangers as much as they trust personal recommendations, so consider incorporating user-generated content into your messages to build trust and authenticity.

 

In addition to this, you can also encourage participation by hosting fun contests or giveaways. Most of the people who participate in brand-sponsored contests provide a great opportunity to generate excitement and gather valuable user data.

 

More technical support

Don't just bombard your customers with promotional messages, provide more helpful tips, tutorials, and industry insights related to your product or service. This will allow you to better build trust with your audience.

 

Use WhatsApp as a platform to address customer inquiries, resolve issues in a timely manner, and provide personalized support. This fosters positive brand perception and encourages repeat business. Almost all customers value the ability to message businesses directly, highlighting the importance of providing responsive customer service via WhatsApp.

 

Get started with WhatsApp marketing

To get started with WhatsApp marketing, the first step is to choose the right software for your eCommerce store. Zoho Marketing Automation marketing automation software tools are bundled with a complete set of solutions to meet the needs of online retailers.

 

How Marketing Automation Software Can Enhance WhatsApp Marketing


Increase productivity

Automate routine tasks, such as sending personalized messages, greetings, and reminders, allowing your team to focus more on strategic initiatives.

 

Scalability

Easily manage bulk messaging to large groups or groups, ensuring consistent communication and reaching a wider audience without the need for manual effort.

 

Available 24/7

With automated responses and chatbots, provide a consistent customer support experience even outside of business hours.

 

Personalization and targetingDynamic content

Leveraging customer data and personalizing messages by name, purchase history, and preferences can increase engagement and conversions.

 

Behavioral triggers

Trigger targeted messages based on specific customer behaviors, interests, or purchase history to deliver relevant content and offers at the right time.

 

Campaigns for specific market segments

Create and schedule targeted campaigns for different customer segments; Tailor your messaging and offers to their unique needs and expectations.

 

Data and analyticsUnified platform

Track and analyze WhatsApp marketing data, as well as other marketing channels, within the same platform to get a complete picture of campaign performance and customer interactions.

 

Detailed reports

Get in-depth reports on key metrics such as open rates, click-through rates, and conversion rates for data-driven decision-making and campaign optimization.

 

Identify trends and patterns

Leverage advanced analytics to identify patterns and trends in customer behavior, allowing you to refine your messaging and tailor your approach for better results.


Streamlined workflows and collaborationTeamwork

Assign tasks, track progress, and collaborate with team members within the marketing automation platform to ensure efficient communication and workflow management.

 

Comprehensive report

Generate comprehensive reports that combine data from a variety of marketing channels to facilitate efficient performance reviews and team communication.

 

Reduce errors

Automate routine tasks and eliminate manual processes to minimize the risk of human error and ensure consistent messaging across all channels.

 

Many small and medium-sized businesses are now looking for automation. But keep in mind that while automation brings tremendous benefits, it's critical to be human in your communications, comply with regulations, and continuously monitor and adjust your strategy based on data and customer feedback. Following these principles and making effective use of marketing automation software can enable your business to harness the full power of WhatsApp marketing and achieve significant results in today's dynamic digital world.

When it comes to new energy, everyone may first think of solar energy, wind energy and geothermal energy. Renewable energy has become the center of conversation around the world today. SHARC is a wastewater energy company whose goal is to build a more sustainable world, reducing CO2 emissions, energy costs and freshwater consumption. To achieve this goal, SHARC has been manufacturing and supplying thermal energy recovery systems.


Difficulties Faced by SHARC - Data Islands

Initially, SHARC relied entirely on MS Excel and Outlook, but the tedium and complexity of purely tabular implementations ran into endless trouble. They quickly needed a CRM system to help transform and scale their sales and marketing operations. SHARC Marketing and Directors quickly recognized the need for a long-term solution that could easily communicate with other tools.


According to their experience, the biggest difficulty faced by enterprises is "data silos", which makes all personnel inefficient and wastes enterprise time and opportunities. Data silos are essentially the phenomenon an organization faces when it deploys multiple software systems without a concrete way to connect them, and the company's people then become the glue that holds the information together.


ZOHO Partner


SHARC's goal is simple: digital transformation and high adoption. To achieve this goal, SHARC brought on board Spikra, a Zoho Premium Partner. Spikra is known as a "technology beacon" that guides companies in implementing Zoho CRM and developing unique use cases.


Having a partner you can talk to is crucial. Yuxuan Technology is ZOHO's partner in East China. We are determined to transform every request from our customers into a productive dialogue. Not just on a specific task, but showing an understanding of the larger whole we are trying to accomplish. If you want to know more about ZOHO products, you can contact us to make an appointment for a DEMO demonstration, or if you need implementation and development of ZOHO products, we can provide technical support.


CRM Customization A comprehensive system for capturing leads from multiple sources


SHARC's sales process begins with lead generation. Like many businesses, SHARC's website is a key source of leads, so they use a contact form created with Zoho Forms that potential customers can use to provide the necessary information and state their reason for contact, such as product information, investor relations , partnerships or other possibilities.

Zoho CRM can be customized with integration with Zoho Forms and these form entries are automatically pushed to the leads module in CRM. SHARC has also additionally configured a workflow rule that automatically adds investors to a special mailing list after they are contacted via the contact form and is sent internally when certain fields are selected in the form notify.


Likewise, integration between Zoho CRM and Zoho SalesIQ is also possible. This enables SHARC to import lead data from the website's chat box into the CRM and track their visit history. Other sources of lead generation included the company’s webinars, distributors, marketing events, and cold calls, for which the team chose to manually enter the data into the CRM.


Starting from this aspect, ZOHO premium partner Spikra takes one more step: When a potential customer leaves a voicemail, SHARC's phone system downloads the message as an audio file and emails it to Zoho Desk. By connecting Zoho Desk with Zoho CRM, these leads are automatically assigned to lead owners in the sales team based on the lead source and as per SHARC's assignment rules.


If you also need to implement this function, please contact us and ZOHO Partner will provide you with technical support.


Organized channel management for effective sales


Channel management has always been the focus of sales staff, and many of our customers want to know about CRM system channel management. SHARC's sales team uses the sales pipeline feature to nurture leads, qualify leads and ultimately close deals. Each stage is defined by certain criteria, such as the type of equipment the prospect is interested in and the industry the prospect belongs to, which determine how and when the prospect moves to the next stage. SHARC has implemented pipeline stages in the lead and deal modules, as well as multiple workflow rules that automate and accelerate the sales process.


Since the customer had previously used Outlook, ZOHO leveraged Zoho CRM's Microsoft Outlook plug-in to synchronize contacts in CRM and associate emails with leads, deals, and contacts.


Use blueprints to quickly improve process management


The big architecture behind the entire implementation of a blueprint. If your company has a technical team or personnel who are proficient in using blueprints, the daily optimization and implementation of the CRM system will be very convenient. Use the blueprint function to easily add requirements to simplify the process. For example, an original prospect goes through successive stages of marketing qualification, sales qualification, and finally technical qualification—where the team travels to the prospect's physical location to assess the feasibility of installing the equipment.


In collaboration with SHARC, we also implemented a blueprint for the trading module. Trades are typically assigned to dealers mapped in the Accounts module. The deal first goes through the design phase until it is finalized; once finalized, the deal is closed and the dealer is responsible for the estimate. The team leverages custom templates in the Quotation module to send quotes to customers directly from the CRM. Finally, get signatures easily with the ZOHO Sign product’s custom integration with your CRM.


Of course, if your company does not have corresponding operators, we can provide you with implementation services, please contact us.


More CRM Customization


Zoho Analytics & Zoho CRM

By integrating Analytic, a data analysis software application with Zoho Analytics and Zoho CRM, SHARC Energy built an interactive customer map on its website that provides website visitors with an overview of some of SHARC's customers. Through Analytis, you can easily obtain website information and perform web page SEO optimization.


Zoho CRM & Zoho Flow & Zoho Recurit

SHARC uses Zoho Flow to orchestrate various internal processes. For example, job seekers can use the contact form on the SHARC website to inquire about recent job openings. Since all submissions to this form are pushed directly into the CRM, the system automatically analyzes the submitted information. If the Interest field contains the term Career, a new record is created for the candidate in Zoho Recruit and the leads module in CRM is updated accordingly.


Zoho CRM & Zoho Project

Project is a project management software. When a record created in the deal module is won, it triggers a webhook that fetches the details of the record and checks if a project has been created for it in Zoho Projects. If the project reference is empty, a new project is automatically created using the information available in CRM. At the same time, an email is automatically sent to the technical team to notify them about the new project.


In the process of continuous cooperation and implementation, we continue to customize and optimize the ZOHO CRM system, and optimizing Zoho CRM has brought SHARC a competitive advantage. Since deploying Zoho CRM, SHARC Energy has seen a steady increase in system adoption over time, as well as significant improvements in sales leads and efficiency.


SHARC and Zoho are just the beginning of our cooperation, and we will continue to develop further in the future. Contact us if you too are planning to further explore more products in the Zoho One suite.