What should a customer database include

A database is an electronic storage system that organizes data into tables of rows and columns that that a user can query to gain almost instant access to records. Businesses are free to keep client records according to their specific needs, so there is not a particular set of information that a company must keep on clients. That said, all businesses should store basic personal information in a database so that they can easily look up client records and identify customers.

Names, company names, account numbers, Social Security numbers and client numbers are examples of identifying information that a business can store in a database. Businesses can also use databases to store financial information like credit card numbers and bank account numbers.

Businesses need to get in touch with clients for all sorts of reasons, from giving consulting advice to making sales calls. A client database should store contact information, including mailing addresses, home phone and cell phone numbers, e-mail addresses, fax numbers and client website information.

Of course, annual or enterprise-wide subscriptions may cost a pretty penny, especially for private entrepreneurs or new coming start-ups. If you have a moderate budget — check out the following options of how to get free customer database software for small business:.

Also think of how exactly you can collect the necessary data, and how much it will cost your company. Remember: with a well-made customer database, your business will build loyalty and earn higher profits. We started looking for a solution, and we found Snov. What is a Customer Database: definition, examples, and software. Written by Tamara Zhostka from Snov. Published: July 22, Contents What is a customer database?

What is a customer database used for? How to create a customer database? Customer database software. What is a customer database? A customer database, which is an internal database, is usually preferred than a data warehouse for marketing purposes as a data warehouse can contain a large pool of unstructured information which is irrelevant for marketing purpose and requires additional business intelligence tools for analysis.

Database marketing helps target the right customers at the right time. However, a customer database carries only the relevant information in a structured format which can be retrieved or analyzed using simple queries or minimal business intelligence tools. Analysis: Customer Database allows users to analyze data using tools like Microsoft Excel, Power Pivot and Power View which can make analysis and interpretation more efficient.

Simplicity: Data is stored in structured form in a database which makes it faster and more convenient to retrieve and analyze data through simple queries. Data Security and Privacy: Users' identity is authenticated and only authorized users can access the data which conforms to the security feature of the database. There are also levels where users can view only that data which they have been allowed to maintaining the privacy of the data.

Access to Real Time Information: With the help of business intelligence tools, real-time data can be stored without delays to ensure effective decision making. High Investment: Setting up a database management system with proper business intelligence tools requires substantial hardware and software costs and need time and resources to install and design.

The initial conversion cost from the file system to a database system is also high. Understanding trends among customers and prospects will help you personalise communication and improve your approach based on actual insights. Understanding your customer requires a thoughtful analysis of where and how to collect the right data. By defining which information is most significant, you can start measuring and analysing better ways to engage them, and ultimately sell more.

You can start by collecting customer information from just a handful of sources:. You could also offer a discount on their next purchase if recurring customers fill out your survey or participate in your competition.