7 Reasons Why Enterprise Companies Should Avoid Using a CRM as a CMS

Discover why enterprise companies should avoid using a CRM as a CMS. Learn about the limitations in website building, user experience, customization, SEO, and more. Find out why dedicated website development platforms are the better choice for enterprise CMS needs.

enterprise, website, b2b, marketing

Customer relationship management (CRM) systems are essential tools for managing customer data and sales processes. 

 

While CRM platforms like Salesforce offer powerful capabilities in these areas, they may not be the best choice for enterprise companies looking to build and manage their websites. 

 

In this article, we will explore the reasons why enterprise companies should avoid using a CRM as a content management system (CMS).

 

1. Limited Website Building Capabilities: 

CRM systems, including Salesforce, are primarily designed to focus on managing customer data and sales processes rather than website development. 

 

While they may offer some website building features, these are often basic and limited compared to dedicated website development platforms like WordPress or Drupal. 

 

Using a CRM as a CMS may result in constraints in terms of design flexibility, layout options, and the ability to create visually appealing and fully customized websites.

 

2. User Experience Limitations: 

CRM platforms prioritize CRM functionality over webpage design and user experience. 

 

As a result, you may face limitations in creating highly interactive and user-friendly webpages. 

 

Advanced user experience features such as complex animations or interactive elements may require additional development effort or integration with external tools. 

 

This can lead to a suboptimal user experience for visitors to your website.

 

3. Steep Learning Curve: 

Using a CRM as a CMS often comes with a steep learning curve, particularly for users who are not familiar with the platform. 

 

Building webpages within a CRM ecosystem requires understanding its complex configuration, customization, and integration options. 

 

It may require significant time and effort to become proficient in using a CRM for website development, especially for users without a strong technical background.

 

4. Customization Limitations: 

While CRM systems offer some customization options, they are often limited compared to dedicated website development platforms. 

 

Customizing the design, layout, and functionality of your website may be challenging as you may be restricted by the CRM's predefined templates and modules. 

 

This can hinder your ability to create a unique and fully customized website tailored to your enterprise company's brand and requirements.

 

5. SEO and Marketing Limitations: 

CRM platforms are primarily focused on CRM functionalities and may not provide comprehensive SEO and marketing tools required for a successful website. 

 

Optimizing your website for search engines or implementing advanced marketing strategies may be challenging without additional integrations or plugins. 

 

Dedicated website development platforms often offer more extensive SEO and marketing features and integrations.

 

6. Cost Considerations: 

Using a CRM as a CMS can be costly, particularly for enterprise companies. 

 

CRM systems often require a significant investment in terms of licenses, implementation, and ongoing maintenance. 

 

Additionally, CRM platforms usually outsource the consulting side of the platform to regional vendors, which can result in higher costs and a focus more on CRM customization rather than website development.

 

7. Dependency on CRM Infrastructure: 

By using a CRM as a CMS, you become dependent on the CRM's infrastructure and ecosystem. 

 

Any limitations or changes in the CRM platform can directly impact your website. 

 

This lack of independence and flexibility can be a disadvantage, especially if you need to scale or adapt your website to changing business needs.

 

In summary, while CRM systems like Salesforce are powerful tools for managing customer relationships and sales processes, they may not be the ideal choice for enterprise companies looking to build and manage their websites. 

 

The limited website building capabilities, user experience limitations, steep learning curve, customization restrictions, SEO and marketing constraints, cost considerations, and dependency on CRM infrastructure make dedicated website development platforms a more suitable choice for enterprise CMS needs. 

 

Consider opting for platforms that offer comprehensive features, flexibility, and ease of use specifically designed for website development and management.