Podium (customer relationship management) is a system to help businesses retain and gain new customers. It provides tools for improving communication, streamlining processes, and tracking and managing leads. Apart from SMS and email communications, the company offers analytics and contact profiles.
Podium allows any business or agency to create customized messages that are tailored for each recipient. The service's inbox is a centralized communications hub that allows you to send and receive messages, reply to messages and manage your contacts. You can also send automated messages, respond to requests, and set up a web chat widget.
While some may find the prices on Podium a bit on the high side, the company does offer a free starter plan. The monthly subscription lets you purchase as many subscribers as you want. If you are a small business, the cost may be too high. Textedly, a similar service, offers a flexible monthly pricing schedule.
The Podium dashboard is clean and easy to navigate. You'll be given basic instructions to help get started when you first log into the Podium dashboard. The knowledge base can be found at the top of your navigation bar. This knowledge base is permanent. Here you will find useful tips and tricks that will make your campaigns more effective.
Podium has a review feature that is truly impressive. Customers can send feedback immediately. After submitting their feedback, customers can choose which platform they would like to express their opinion. The company claims that the web chat function generates two-thirds (or more) of all leads.
Podium sends review invitations by text to encourage customers to leave reviews. Clicking the "Review Invitation" button will take you to a URL-shortened webpage. Once the recipient clicks the URL, they will be taken to a review page that has a button to submit their review.
Podium offers its users templates and other tools to make it easier to implement a review campaign. These templates include four types. The template can be customized with the name of the customer and the phone number. It is then sent to its recipient.
Podium can send reminders and emails to customers about appointments and other messages, which is different from other messaging systems. The help center also offers live chat.
This review feature can also be used to attract more customers. It uses artificial intelligence and prioritizes incoming messages based upon a customer's past history. Another feature you'll love is the "Review Invitation," where you can send out limited numbers of automated reviews invitations via text. Depending on your requirements, you can choose from Google review, Facebook, Yelp, and more.
Podium is an excellent way to increase your online reputation and connect with customers. Some businesses may find the price too steep for the advanced features offered by Podium, such as an email inbox specifically designed for customer engagement.