How to Utilize and Integrate Shopify Customer Management / CRM Apps
Introduction
To succeed in e-commerce and mail-order businesses, leveraging a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system is essential. Especially for businesses using Shopify, integrating a compatible CRM allows for effective utilization of customer data and enables personalized marketing for each individual. This can lead to increased sales and overall business growth.
In this article, we will thoroughly explain the fundamentals of CRM, how to optimize marketing strategies through integration with Shopify, and provide practical use cases. We’ll also cover the advantages of using CRM with Shopify, recommended apps for integration, and tips on how to choose the right one. By utilizing Shopify’s high customizability and dedicated apps, you can easily implement CRM and improve the operation of your e-commerce site.
Click here to install StoreCRM.
What is CRM?
CRM (Customer Relationship Management) refers to the strategies and systems that businesses use to build and maintain strong relationships with both existing and potential customers. The goal of CRM is to deeply understand customers and provide services that meet their needs, thereby enhancing satisfaction and fostering long-term relationships. Ultimately, this approach aims to increase sales and maximize customer lifetime value (LTV).
CRM tools enable centralized management of customer information and transaction data, allowing businesses to offer highly personalized services. For example, businesses can make product recommendations based on purchase history or preferences, or send birthday messages—enhancing the customer experience. These efforts help customers feel valued, which in turn builds trust and loyalty toward the brand.
Traditionally, customer data was managed using Excel or proprietary systems. However, modern CRM tools automate these processes and improve the efficiency of marketing and other operations. On Shopify, even the basic plan allows for customer segmentation, and integrating additional apps enables advanced CRM functionalities. This makes it easier for businesses to implement data-driven marketing strategies and support their growth.
CRM embodies the fundamental business principle of being customer-centric, made possible through data utilization and technology. It has become an essential element of modern business strategy.
Benefits of Integrating Shopify with CRM
Customer Data Management
By integrating Shopify with a CRM system, you can consolidate all types of data—such as customer purchase history and personal information—into a single location. Additionally, by linking Shopify customer accounts with LINE Official Account friend IDs, it becomes possible to associate accounts across different platforms. This ensures data consistency and enables all departments to operate based on the same unified information.
Customer Analysis
A CRM integrated with Shopify can leverage accumulated data to conduct detailed analyses of customer purchasing patterns, preferences, and lifetime value (LTV).
Boosting Sales and Maximizing LTV
Integrating Shopify with a CRM allows for easy implementation of personalized marketing automation (MA) strategies. For example, step emails to encourage repeat purchases or cart abandonment emails can help increase the average order value. By leveraging CRM apps, businesses can smoothly set up and manage these initiatives, ultimately boosting sales and maximizing customer lifetime value (LTV).
How to Choose a CRM Service
About Integrated Services and Features
CRM services can vary in terms of the features they offer. Many CRM apps designed for Shopify focus primarily on marketing automation (MA) through automated email delivery, often combined with SMS and push notifications. StoreCRM, in addition to automated email delivery, also offers integration with LINE—a crucial tool for marketing in Japan—enabling automated LINE message distribution as well.
Languages and Support Offered
Many CRM services for Shopify are developed overseas, and a significant number of them are not available in Japanese. For CRM systems that are complex and offer a wide range of features, it’s not uncommon for users to have to navigate through difficult English documentation and configure the app in English. In many cases, support is also only available in English, making communication burdensome.
StoreCRM, on the other hand, is a CRM service for Shopify provided by a Japanese company. It is fully available in Japanese, and customer support is handled by Japanese staff. Initial setup support is also offered free of charge.
About Security
Most CRM services synchronize customer data, including personal information, within Shopify. As mentioned above, many CRM services for Shopify are developed overseas, and their handling of personal data and security may not necessarily comply with Japanese standards.
StoreCRM, provided by GroovyMedia Inc., has obtained Japan’s PrivacyMark certification, ensuring that personal data and security are managed in accordance with Japanese standards.
