Nextiva is primarily known as a leading provider of business communication solutions, including VoIP phone systems, video conferencing, and team collaboration tools. However, Nextiva also offers integrated CRM (Customer Relationship Management) capabilities within its platform, providing a unified approach to managing customer interactions and business communications. This article provides a comprehensive review of Nextiva CRM, exploring its features, benefits, pricing, and how it stacks up against the competition.
What is Nextiva? (Brief Overview)
Nextiva is a cloud-based communication company that provides a range of services designed to help businesses connect with customers and collaborate internally. Their core offerings include:
- Business Phone System (VoIP): Voice over Internet Protocol phone service with features like call routing, auto attendants, and voicemail.
- Video Conferencing: Tools for online meetings and webinars.
- Team Collaboration: Features for instant messaging, file sharing, and task management.
- CRM: Customer Relationship Management tools integrated with their communication platform.
Nextiva primarily targets small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs), although they also offer solutions for larger enterprises. Their strength lies in combining communication and CRM into a single platform.
Nextiva CRM Features
Nextiva’s CRM is designed to work seamlessly with its communication tools, providing a unified view of customer interactions. Key features include:
Contact Management
- Store and organize detailed contact information for customers and prospects.
- Track communication history (calls, emails, chats) with each contact.
- Segment contacts based on various criteria.
Sales Pipeline Management
- Visualize your sales process with a customizable pipeline.
- Track deals through different stages.
- Manage sales opportunities and forecast revenue.
Communication Tools (Integrated)
- Make and Receive Calls: Directly from the CRM using Nextiva’s VoIP phone system.
- Send and Track Emails: Integrate with your email provider.
- SMS Messaging: Send text messages to contacts from within the CRM.
- Call Pop: Automatically display customer information when a call comes in.
- Click-to-Call: Initiate calls with a single click.
Automation (Sales and Marketing Automation)
- Automate repetitive tasks, such as sending follow-up emails.
- Create workflows to streamline sales processes.
- Set up automated alerts and notifications.
Reporting and Analytics
- Track key performance indicators (KPIs) for sales, marketing, and customer service.
- Generate customizable reports.
- Gain insights into customer behavior and trends.
Mobile Access
- Access your Nextiva CRM data from anywhere with a mobile app (iOS and Android).
Integrations
- Nextiva integrates with a variety of popular business tools, including:
- Google Workspace
- Microsoft 365
- Salesforce (Note: This is also a competitor)
- HubSpot (Note: This is also a competitor)
- Zendesk
- Zoho CRM (Note: This is also a competitor)
- And more through Zapier
Benefits of Using Nextiva CRM
The primary benefit of Nextiva CRM is its integration with Nextiva’s communication platform. This offers several advantages:
Unified Communications
- Manage all your customer interactions (calls, emails, chats) from a single platform.
- Eliminate the need to switch between different applications.
- Improve communication efficiency.
Improved Customer Interactions
- Agents have immediate access to customer information when they answer calls.
- Personalize interactions based on customer history.
- Provide faster and more efficient customer service.
Increased Sales Productivity
- Automate tasks and streamline workflows.
- Make more calls and send more emails in less time.
- Track leads and opportunities more effectively.
Streamlined Workflows
- Automate repetitive tasks and processes.
- Reduce manual data entry.
- Improve overall efficiency.
Data-Driven Insights
- Track key metrics and gain insights into your sales, marketing, and customer service performance.
- Make informed decisions based on real-time data.
Nextiva CRM Pricing
Nextiva’s pricing is typically based on its overall communication plans, with CRM features included as part of those plans. They offer different tiers of service with varying features and prices.
- It’s crucial to visit Nextiva’s official website for the most up-to-date and accurate pricing information. Pricing structures can change frequently.
- Generally, expect to pay a per user, per month fee.
- Higher-tier plans typically include more advanced features, more minutes, and more storage.
Nextiva CRM vs. Competitors (Brief, Objective Comparisons)
Here’s a brief comparison of Nextiva CRM with a couple of relevant competitors:
- Nextiva CRM vs. RingCentral: Both Nextiva and RingCentral are primarily business communication platforms that also offer CRM capabilities. They are strong competitors in the unified communications space. RingCentral may offer a slightly broader range of integrations with dedicated CRM systems. The best choice depends on your specific communication and CRM needs.
- Nextiva CRM vs. HubSpot CRM: HubSpot CRM is a dedicated CRM platform, known for its free version and strong marketing automation features. If you need a standalone CRM with robust marketing capabilities, HubSpot might be a better fit. If you prioritize integrated communication alongside your CRM, Nextiva is a stronger contender.
- Nextiva CRM vs Salesforce Sales Cloud Salesforce is best for large enterprise.
Is Nextiva CRM Right for Your Business?
Nextiva CRM is a particularly good fit for businesses that:
- Prioritize Unified Communications: If you want to manage your phone system, video conferencing, and CRM from a single platform, Nextiva is a strong option.
- Make a High Volume of Calls: Nextiva’s integrated phone system and features like call pop and click-to-call are highly beneficial for sales and customer service teams.
- Need a Simple, User-Friendly CRM: Nextiva CRM is generally considered easier to use than some of the more complex, enterprise-level CRM systems.
- Are Small to Medium-Sized Businesses (SMBs): While Nextiva can scale, its sweet spot is often the SMB market.
Potential drawbacks to consider:
- Not a Standalone CRM: If you need a highly specialized CRM with very advanced features separate from your communication system, a dedicated CRM platform might be a better choice.
- Feature Depth: While Nextiva CRM offers a good range of features, it may not be as feature-rich as some standalone CRM systems in every area.
Conclusion
Nextiva CRM offers a compelling solution for businesses seeking to combine their communication and customer relationship management tools. Its integrated platform, focus on ease of use, and range of features make it a strong contender, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses that prioritize unified communications. However, it’s essential to carefully evaluate your specific needs and compare Nextiva with other CRM options to determine the best fit for your organization.