Communications tracking (CRM)
I am posting this suggestion based on email exchange with a client - so that we can get more feedback from others.
Even though we don't normally refer to Wild Apricot as a CRM system, it has many things in common with CRM:
database of contacts
tracking of various transactions with each contact
the suggestion is to take this further:
Add 'Communications tab' to track all communications/actions with each contact: contact date & contact type, follow-up date & type, a note, tracking of emails (opens, links) and links to related correspondence records (email blasts). Among other major benefits, the system could be used for service and sales (fundraising) tracking and reporting, including the all important “tickler file”.
Add Outlook integration: include a copy of Outlook (client) inbox and sent items in the communications history for each member, to provide a complete picture of correspondence.
I would appreciate input from others.
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Doug Miles commented
This has been rumbling around since 2010, and is still one of the things holding back Wild Apricot as a true "membership CRM".
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Veeko Huang commented
It's disappointing for such basic function is not included for this program. we may have to switch to another software due to such matter!
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Anonymous commented
This would be so easy to add and such a help for non profit fundraising and member engagement/retention efforts. PLEASE!
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C commented
Would love to revive this. I have seen a couple of similar items on the Wishlist for Communication/Outreach info.
I created a mockup of what it could look like.
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Brian Bray commented
The inability to track calls is really a dealbreaker for me. It just could be a manual note that I can look up.
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Jenn Bartone commented
Does anyone know if this will be an added function to Wild Apricot coming soon? I am trying to decide between AW or Filemaker. Filemaker can track calls that are inputted.
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Nick Koerbn commented
This is a critical functionality going forward - in particular those associations who are trying to reach new members and engaging with existing members
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Scott Overpeck commented
This would be great. I already use it this way but have to manually log conversations in the woefully inadequate "Notes" section. Hard to get 100% compliance across all staff when it is so manual. Gmail Plugin (like most crm's and a couple other association management systems do would be ideal.....
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LDP Connect commented
This would be an immense value add for our organization. Just a generic place to track a date stamped activity/note (of any sort) would be very useful.
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Anonymous commented
Yes add CRM functionality! Wouldn't it be great if the front and back office could be managed in a single program. I am not aware of a solution that does this. I wish Wild Apricot did this, if it did I sign-up immediately.
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Karen Cook commented
Our non profit is searching for adding a contact management solution to schedule phone calls, reminders for to-do tasks, and a calendar to show where the staff has meetings with members, prospects, and vendors. The WA database has everything there but an administrative contact manager.
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John Barrett commented
Our organization would appreciate this portion of the suggestion to track interactions with prospective members:
- Add 'Communications tab' to track all communications/actions with each contact: contact date & contact type, follow-up date & type, a note, tracking of emails (opens, links) and links to related correspondence records (email blasts). Among other major benefits, the system could be used for service and sales (fundraising) tracking and reporting, including the all important “tickler file”.
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Rodney Wise commented
great idea.....I have two clients needing this service currently and two others that use a third party for this service.....makes a lot of sense to have this available in Wild Apricot....even if it costs an additional amount.
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Johanna Schweiss commented
Improved communications tracking would be very helpful! We would also find it helpful if the exported membership spreadsheet could include a column that notes member's event registrations. If CRM functionality isn't coming to WA any time soon, we will continue to organize our member outreach with the excel downloads. Including event registration information would save us a lot of time!
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Terrie Eastmade commented
Being able to call up a person and see all their information on one screen e.g. donation history and all personal information we have on record.
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Tina Goeske commented
I would love to have a tickler (or diary) function where I set a "next outreach" date and when that date arrives, I will receive a notification of those records that I need to contact. It would be even better if an actual calendar popped up when setting the date with a count of all the records set with each date so I can see which dates are "heavy" and which ones are "light".
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Paul commented
Another big feature of CRMs that's missing is the ability to record relationships - marriage, parent/child, school/student, company/employee etc.
Also, tracking multiple fundraising campaigns and appeals.
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Abigail Black commented
Thanks a lot for geting us acquainted with one more variant of crm system. It is rather interesting and seems to be effective in usage but it is always diffidcult for me to changeand try something new. I got used to https://www.bpmonline.com/ - its simplicity and comfortable interface means a lot for me and my company. But in any way - it is always interesting to get some new information in this sphere.
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[Deleted User] commented
This would allow the back office staff to track their communication with members and prospects. Whether, by phone, email, text, or postal. (i.e. Collection calls, general notes, material request, return call request that can be assigned to other staff/member and would notify them of said contact/message)
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Mike Millar commented
Keeping track of donor contact information, previous donation history, and details of our organizations contacts with each donor.