Properly storing customer data is essential for running a successful business. Accurate, up-to-date customer data helps you track orders more quickly and easily and understand customer preferences and loyalty. A recent study also showed that 39% of UK businesses identified a cyber-attack. Properly managing your customer data can ensure the best data protection and help you maintain customer trust and build relationships with them. So how do you do it? Here are 4 best ways to manage your customer data.
By Team Savant
Image: Claudio Schwarz
1. Use a CRM System
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems are designed to help you keep track of customer data. They’re great for storing customer contact information and tracking orders and preferences. With a CRM system, you can easily segment customers by product interests, demographics, and more. Plus, they can be integrated with other software, such as email marketing systems, to make customer management easier. However, it is not enough to create a centralised database if you don’t have the expertise to manage it. For instance, hiring the right database experts can equip you with the assistance you need on all relevant aspects of your system, including your SQL server end of life and keep your data well-protected and current.
2. Clean Up Your Consumer Data
Customer information might soon become outdated, making monitoring your consumer data essential. The average marketing database contains up to 25% erroneous data, influencing client costs and confidence. Aside from a backup strategy, you also require a plan for cleaning up your data regularly. Regularly check and update details like email addresses, phone numbers, and private addresses. Remove duplicates and uncontactable contacts. Clearing up your old customer data boosts its value and keeps it current.
3. Use Automation
Automating the customer data management process is a great way to save time and effort. Several tools help you automate the process, such as customer segmentation, lifecycle management, and customer data analysis tools. These tools can help you collect and analyse client data more quickly and accurately. Additionally, automation can help you target customers with specific offers and promotions based on their data, which can help you boost sales and customer loyalty.
4. Backup Your Data
Despite the substantial danger of data loss, 29% of SMEs are unprepared for such situations. This number is even more concerning when one small business is hacked every 19 seconds in the UK. Backups of data and a recovery strategy are required. You must maintain a safe and regularly managed backup of all your client data to be well-prepared in case your system fails. Backup guarantees that your client data is protected and that your organisation is a trustworthy partner. You will undoubtedly need to pre-test your recovery system to ensure everything is in working order.
By following these tips, you can easily manage your customer data and ensure that your customers are happy and satisfied. Correctly storing customer data is essential for any business, so make sure you take the time to do it right.