When you're running a law firm, every investment counts. That's why when you ask, "How much will a Client Relationship Manager (CRM) cost me?" you're not just asking about dollars and cents. You're considering the potential for streamlined operations, improved client interactions, and the overall impact on your firm's efficiency.
Investment #1: Your CRM Software or Application
It's crucial to select a CRM that aligns with your firm's needs. The costs can vary widely, depending on the complexity and scalability you require. From monthly subscriptions to one-time fees, each CRM comes with its price tag.
Investment #2: Setting Up for Success
Whether you take on the setup process internally or outsource it, there are costs involved. In-house setup means dedicating time and resources to learn the system. Outsourcing? It means paying for expertise to outline the automations, write the messaging, and build the system. But partnering with a savvy team, like ours at LegalEase, means we'll work with you to identify your needs and set up a CRM that fits like a glove. Don’t forget about the time it will take to migrate previous data as well!
Investment #3: Ongoing TLC for Your CRM
Whichever applications or softwares that you ultimately use, they won’t be “set it and forget it”. A CRM system is like a high-performance vehicle—it needs regular maintenance to run smoothly. Consider whether you'll train an internal team member or hire an external expert to manage this ongoing commitment of handling necessary updates, proactive checks, and improvements.
Potential Additional Costs
When it comes to choosing a CRM, the sticker price is just the beginning. To truly harness the power of any technology, you need to consider the full landscape.
Feature Unlocking: Some programs will require you to pay more for specific features. It is important to consider this when picking the tools that you will use. Many CRM platforms also operate on a tiered pricing structure, so prepare for possible increases as your firm grows.
Other Programs: If the program you select is lacking a specific feature, you may want to consider adding other applications or softwares to your tech stack.
Zaps or API Tokens: If you end up using multiple applications or software, you may need a program like Zapier, or manual setup of webhooks/API connections to make your techstack work. If you plan to use more than one application or software (which we don’t discourage by any means), plan for additional costs to keep the programs “speaking” to one another.
What’s the Payoff?
Remember, the value you get from your systems correlates directly with the effort you put into it. These tools can yield significant returns, but it requires attention and constant optimization. It’s important to look at your CRM as an operational tool, not necessarily a marketing expense (though it could be a mix of both).
Ready to Plan Your Investment?
Let’s make a plan to get a handle on your CRM costs and setup. Schedule a meeting with our team at LegalEase Marketing. We're here to help you map out the necessary automations and integrate them with the right software, setting your law firm up for success.
