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There are many CRM platforms of every size and shape and most of them are “customizable” to fit any business. The customization, however, can come at a high cost of time or resources while still failing to support the Publisher’s business operations. Publishers have spent 10s of millions of dollars building “custom” applications in Salesforce to support their business operations only find that they need more and the applications they built aren’t embraced by the employees.

Publishers can certainly rely on a customized CRM to help manage their customer relationships. On the other hand, they could implement a system that supports the publishing process, from the beginning to end.

Here’s why there’s a difference and what publishers should look for in a CRM.
CRM Features

Buying software can be quite complex, especially when replacing a current system. In many cases, IT directors or decision-makers will choose a software package based on what was missing in the previous package. If their previous system didn’t integrate with the their audience development, for instance, and not workflow automation, that may be their only focus when choosing a system that’s right for their needs.

A typical CRM would have the following features:
  • Contact management for tracking customer interactions and other customer data.
  • Lead management for tracking prospects and sales activities.
  • Mobile compatible so that it’s accessible on the go.
  • Reporting and analytics for tracking market insights and trends.
  • Customizable for any type of business and their needs.

It’s true that these features are helpful to a sales staff who’s using a more modern approach. It’s also helpful that the CRM can be customized. But even with the cost of on-going support (necessary after paying for the complexity of customizing), these features are not specific to the publishing industry.

Going Beyond the Typical CRM

Publishers rely on many disparate systems and programs to keep media planning, production and accounting organized and on task. Instead of adding in another bulky and limited system into the mix, wouldn’t it make sense to use a system that goes beyond the typical CRM?
Consider the true needs of publishing and media companies:
  • Customer contact management and follow-up
  • Sales activities, forecasting and pipeline reporting
  • Media team communications and assignments
  • Editorial planning
  • Capture and storage of supporting media, photos, and more
  • Production management
  • Accounting and invoicing
  • Analytics and dashboards for informed business decisions
  • Efficient and fast access to data, anywhere at any time
  • Built specifically for publishing operations

End-to-End Publishing Management

Initially built as a CRM system, the creators of LaunchPad Media Management recognized the needs of publishing companies for something more. Adding in the capabilities of order entry, billing, editorial, business intelligence and production helped increase efficiency and drop expenses from the media company where the idea was born.

The mission behind LaunchPad Media Management is to provide an enterprise software suite solution that covers end-to-end publishing management. The systems is fast, intuitive and secure to meet the demands of media companies large and small.

To read testimonials about the LaunchPad capabilities for sales, accounting, production, editorial and management, click on each of the navigation menu links at the top of the page. Or to schedule a demo, click here.

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