5 Reasons Why Industry-Specific CRM Platforms Are Actually Terrible For Your Business

In today’s tech landscape, one-size-fits-all solutions are usually seen as a big red flag. The thinking is that the more niche and specific your tech-stack, the more competitive you’ll be with others in the same industry. I mean, who buys pants that are one-size-fits all when you have a bazillion different size options that are guaranteed to fit—and fit in whatever way you want (bootcut, trouser, straight leg, cropped, extra tall, the list for pant styles and sizes might be as varied as the industry-specific CRMS offerings)?  

That’s why when businesses start looking for a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform, their first thought is usually to look for an industry-specific CRM platform to streamline their interactions with customers, manage sales pipelines, and drive growth. Something that is shaped to their business exactly—a CRM that fits in the waist with no weird gaping, elongates the leg, and makes their butt look really, really, good. 

While it seems like a great fit—tailored language and jargon, built in standardized processes—this is usually a huge mistake. And like most huge mistakes, businesses don’t realize it until it’s way too late. 

If you’re a business that wants to grow, scale, and be truly competitive in your industry, here are 5 reasons you should avoid industry-specific CRM platforms.

5 Limitations of Industry-Specific CRM Platforms That Slam The Brakes On Revenue Growth

1. Lack of flexibility and customization

One of the main drawbacks of industry-specific CRM systems is their limited flexibility and customization options. These solutions are typically built to cater to specific industries, offering predefined features and workflows that may work at first but fail to align with your business as you grow. Basically those pants that fit perfectly in all the right places aren’t the best choice for pilates class or Thanksgiving dinner.  

Without a nimble CRM that moves with you, you’ll find yourself constrained by the system's rigid structure, struggling to adapt it to your evolving needs and unable to take advantage of emerging opportunities.

2. Incomplete integration capabilities

Integration is everything these days. When your systems and tech-stacks play nicely together, you’ve got a system set to maximize efficiency and productivity. But industry-specific CRM systems usually fall short on robust integration capabilities, leaving your other essential business tools out in the cold.

As a result, you may not be able to sync data across various platforms, causing data silos and fragmented customer insights. An all-encompassing CRM solution that allows seamless integration with your existing software stack can empower your service, marketing, and sales teams with a holistic view of customer interactions and drive better decision-making.

3. Limited scalability

Almost every business wants to grow. Even if you think business growth is in your distant future, the management tools you implement now should be able to grow at scale, not hold you back. 

Unfortunately, industry-specific CRM systems may struggle to keep pace with your evolving needs. These solutions are often tailored to specific industry requirements, which can hinder scalability when you venture into new markets, expand your product offerings, or diversify your customer base. Choosing a more flexible CRM platform that can scale with your business ensures you won't be held back by software limitations as you strive for growth.

4. Missed opportunities for innovation

Doing business just like everyone else in your industry isn’t a Recipe for Results. Your CRM platform should support your business’s unique perspectives and processes so that your offerings stand out. 

Relying solely on an industry-specific CRM can mean you miss out on opportunities to leverage cutting-edge technologies to wow customers, and stay ahead of the competition. Unlike niche CRMs, more general-purpose CRM platforms, with their focus on adaptability and constant updates, are more likely to incorporate emerging features and integrations that can enhance your business operations and customer experience. And let’s be clear: a CRM that makes your life easier but not your customers, is not going to help you grow.

5. Reduced return on investment (ROI)

Investing in a CRM system is a strategic decision aimed at improving business outcomes and generating a significant return on investment. However, industry-specific CRM solutions may not provide the desired ROI due to their limited functionality and adaptability. By opting for a broader CRM platform, you gain access to a wider range of features and tools that can be tailored to your specific business requirements. 

With most all-purpose CRMs, the sky’s the limit when it comes to customizations. Access to this kind of versatility not only maximizes your ROI but also ensures long-term value for your organization.

The Best CRM For Any Industry

What does your dream CRM platform look like? For most businesses, the best CRM is flexible, scalable, innovative, and integratable. For many businesses (including us, full disclosure) HubSpot checks all those boxes. 

HubSpot is a platform that is both adaptable and comprehensive. It’s the CRM equivalent of your favorite yoga pants, work trousers, and everyday jeans rolled into one, and it simultaneously moves with you and supports you.

A few of our favorite HubSpot features include: 

• Efficiency. Web-based delivery eliminates on-premise IT costs.
• Integration. ERP, CRM and e-commerce cuts cycle times and reduces errors.
• Visibility. Real-time dashboards and analytics eliminate spreadsheets.
• Accessibility. Browser and mobile app access allows you access from anywhere.
• Globalization. Multi-subsidiary intelligence scales as you grow.
• Adaptability. Customize with confidence and pivot as needed
• Cutting Edge. A dedicated team that ensures your HubStack is the latest innovations.

The HubSpot CRM platform has the marketing, sales, customer service, operations, and content management features you need to build the best experience for your customers—at any level.

Make The Switch To A System That Scales!

If you don’t currently have a CRM or if your CRM is a jumbled-up franken-system, it’s time for a reality check. Your business can’t create sustainable growth without systems that are optimized to fit your business, teams, and customers. 

Team Sauce is proud to be a HubSpot partner, which means we’re your HubSpot dream team. We work with you to develop operational systems within HubSpot that enhance revenue growth, eliminate waste, streamline your processes and support your people to achieve repeatable success. We know when systems work together, they grow revenue together—at scale. To find out how Team Sauce can help you leverage the power of HubSpot to #GrowSmarter, schedule a call with one of our Certified Growth Guides today!