HOW DO I CHOOSE THE BEST SALESFORCE IMPLEMENTATION PARTNER FOR MY BUSINESS?

Publish date:

• 23rd December, 2024

It’s widely acknowledged that automation and analytics are transforming the digital landscape. 

Nonetheless, integrating new technologies presents its own set of challenges. 

While many individuals at your organization may use CRMs like HubSpot or Salesforce, few have experience with their implementation. Additionally, as your CRM gathers more data, you might need to perform a cleanup through a Salesforce or HubSpot audit. 

Specifically, Salesforce can be more challenging to learn and manage effectively. 

That is why we will guide you through the Salesforce implementation process and explain the importance of having a Salesforce implementation partner for your business.

What is a Salesforce implementation?

A Salesforce implementation involves designing and building a Salesforce instance tailored for your organization. This process includes both an initial setup and ongoing maintenance. The initial stages often involve employee training and the configuration of technical accounts. 

Ongoing maintenance will involve several factors, including data hygiene (e.g., Salesforce Opportunity management) and third-party integrations through tools like HubSpot, Slack, or any other applications you use. 

Given the complexity of the Salesforce platform and the resources needed for its ongoing management, we recommend hiring an in-house Salesforce expert (or two) or engaging a third-party Salesforce implementation partner.

What is a Salesforce Implementation Partner?

A Salesforce implementation partner is a consultant specializing in Salesforce implementations or specific areas of Salesforce, including Salesforce reviews and accreditation of each partner.

You can engage a Salesforce implementation partner to establish and manage your CRM or assess and optimize your current Salesforce environment.

Salesforce implementation partners may focus on various areas within Salesforce’s comprehensive CRM.

• Broad Salesforce implementation 

• Salesforce automation consulting

• Einstein analytics consulting

• Field service lightning consulting

• Salesforce HubSpot integration 

• Salesforce Clouds

Whether you work for a company or as a freelancer, hiring a Salesforce expert is essential.

Choosing a Salesforce implementation consultant, whether a company or individual, depends on your specific needs and budget. Salesforce consultants often specialize in various areas and can provide a broader range of knowledge to help you manage your entire Salesforce ecosystem.

On the other hand, some individuals have expertise in specific areas of Salesforce implementation that could help you save money. As with any industry, hiring a company may be more cost-effective in the short term, but employing a full-time staff member could be more expensive over the long run.

The Benefits of a Salesforce Implementation Partner

According to Salesforce, 90% of customers manage their CRM using third-party applications or consultations.

Engaging a Salesforce implementation partner ensures your CRM is optimized effectively and your data is recorded and stored accurately, enabling you to act on that information.

The advantages of hiring a Salesforce implementation partner include:

Support the implementation and training for Salesforce.

• Tailor Salesforce CRM to fit the specific requirements of your business and align with your operational model.

• Ensure seamless data transfer or incorporation with different systems. 

• Arrange CRM information to ensure it is easy to handle.

• Utilize different automation techniques that make processes more efficient.

• Spot mistakes in the internal procedures affecting the effectiveness of sales or marketing.

• Guarantee the security of data gathering and systems to avoid potential errors and risks in the future.

• It is more cost-effective than employing a full-time data analyst or Salesforce specialist.

Salesforce provides its App Exchange platform, which includes more than 7,000 third-party applications, specialists, and consultants to help customers implement and oversee their Salesforce cloud.

We also emphasize the significance of engaging a Salesforce implementation partner from the beginning to prevent expensive CRM repairs or modifications that may necessitate additional upfront work to correct your system.

Considering these benefits, how do you select the right partner?

Tips for Choosing the Right Salesforce Implementation Partner 

Look for partners who specialize in your specific needs.

Are you searching for a Salesforce developer, administrator, or integration consultant? Before selecting a consultant, review their qualifications and explore their services. Browse through Salesforce’s AppExchange and refine your search based on specific services. If you require comprehensive or general services, we suggest employing a firm with expertise in all Salesforce facets.

Read reviews and testimonials for insights and feedback.

You've selected several companies focusing on Salesforce implementation but are unsure which one to rely on. Seek out social proof by examining reviews and testimonials from external sources. However, look for reviews on third-party sites like Google or Salesforce’s App Exchange for the most objective reviews.

Many companies can easily manipulate reviews on their native website, so look for companies with many detailed reviews on third-party sites. 

Seek out tutorials and educational resources.

Regrettably, reviews do not accurately represent the company we will collaborate with. It is advisable to explore that company's content for more substantial evidence of expertise and specialization. 

Informative blogs, guides, and ebooks are great resources for clients to resolve issues with their Salesforce accounts. Most importantly, this type of content showcases that companies possess the necessary knowledge to address challenges related to your Salesforce account. 

We recommend investigating issues on Google, Reddit, or any other platform to see which content ranks highest, as users generally regard this material as the most useful. 

Think about using directories to conduct your search.

When looking for Salesforce consultants, consider using various directories. The AppExchange is just one of many platforms that provide reviews and descriptions of leading Salesforce consulting firms. Additionally, numerous websites offer third-party directories for services like Salesforce implementation and audits. However, be cautious of sites that prominently feature their own company at the top of the lists for Salesforce implementation partners. Consider looking for information on directories.

Reach out to your network.

Are you aware of any businesses connected with a Salesforce implementation partner? You can look for personal recommendations to locate a third-party consultant through your network. Social media platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn can also be effective for expanding your outreach if you cannot find a consultant in your immediate circle. 

Get in touch with a Salesforce account executive.

A Salesforce account executive might provide you with valuable insights about the top companies they have experience with or are familiar with. Reach out to an executive directly to inquire about their recommendation for any third-party consultant they have collaborated with or had a positive relationship with.

Find a consultant whose culture and values align with yours.

Ultimately, an often neglected aspect of choosing a CRM partner is selecting one that aligns with your company’s mission, culture, and values. Many Salesforce consulting partnerships are designed to be long-term engagements that require significant communication. Therefore, finding a consultant with whom you feel at ease and who embodies the values you prioritize within your organization is essential.

Codleo is a certified Salesforce implementation partner specializing in Salesforce implementation and HubSpot integration. Contact us for a free consultation to discover how we can assist your business.

If you want to learn more about how Salesforce and HubSpot work together, please take the integration course by clicking the link below.

Summary

Salesforce implementation involves creating and maintaining a customized instance for businesses, including training, data hygiene, and third-party integrations. A Salesforce implementation partner specializes in optimizing CRM systems, providing advantages such as tailored solutions, easy data transfer, automation, error detection, and cost savings over hiring in-house expertise.

Key Advantages of Implementation Partners:

• Customizing Salesforce to fit business needs.

• Ensuring secure and efficient data handling.

• Providing expert training and support.

Tips for Choosing a Partner:

• Identify specialization based on your needs (e.g., developer or administrator).

• Review third-party testimonials and content for expertise.

• Use directories like Salesforce AppExchange for trusted consultants.

• Seek recommendations from your network or Salesforce executives.

• Align with partners sharing your company’s values and goals.

Codleo is a certified Salesforce partner that offers expert implementation and integration services. Please get in touch with us for a free Salesforce consultation.

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About the Author

Akansha Singh

Akansha is a Digital Consultant having rich experience in Organic as well as Paid Marketing, Marketing Automation, Lead Generation, Email Marketing and also in Social Media Management. Her main forte is to help you grow your business through strategy and planning.