Insightly - Exceeds Expectations
Updated December 04, 2018

Insightly - Exceeds Expectations

Jane Beisell, PMP, CIA, Professional Organizer, Productivity Coach | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 6 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User

Software Version

Professional

Modules Used

  • Insightly iOS / Android Mobile App
  • Desktop PC

Overall Satisfaction with Insightly

We use Insightly across the organization for customer relationship management at each stage in the sales funnel: from potential leads to proposal to executed contract. Streamlines access to all contacts and links to organizations for a visual of each person's role in the organization. User-friendly workflow for task and project management, as well as assigning tasks to remote users for transparency when needed or privacy options for specific tasks or projects.

Pros

  • User-friendly database set up via import of contacts from multiple sources
  • On-going support and training: live webinars, recordings or on-line Q&A are invaluable
  • Reporting flexibility and ease of adding custom fields
  • Accessablity from multiple platforms: I use it daily on my desktop, laptop & Android

Cons

  • Recurring task management could use more flexibility on the triggers
  • Emails are kept in one repository & don't link directly to the project/person referenced
  • QuickBooks not accurate if multiple projects/subcontracts for one client
  • Customer support is non-existent: no phone help, online chat or ticketing helpdesk system. Just post a question & wait to see if someone answers it!
My main goal for obtaining Insightly was to gather all existing contacts in one user-friendly database, expanding the list to capture leads/opportunities as they arose. It was crucial that there was an easily traceable method for creating various workflow scenarios based on the type of lead. All these outcomes are achieved with Insightly. As well, calendaring and editing tasks is straightforward and highly visible. When tasks are worked on, the results are published to the administrator to make accountability built into the process.
After extensive research, I chose Insightly due to: colleague recommendations, online research of various CRMs for smaller businesses, price point, and finally a free trial usage was the deciding factor! Again, the reason I've stayed with Insightly is the on-going training and support they provide. It's far superior to high-end (e.g. Expedition, Prolog, PMWeb, EADOC) PMIS support that I've experienced in 20+ years of construction program panagement!
Well suited for service-oriented businesses using the software for CRM, as a sales tool and for project management. Not suited for in-depth program management in certain industries where there is specific software addressing document and cost control issues, e.g. construction management.

Insightly Feature Ratings

9.0
Customer data management / contact management
10
Workflow management
9
Opportunity management
8
Integration with email client (e.g., Outlook or Gmail)
8
Interaction tracking
10
Customer Service & Support ()
Not Rated
9.5
Lead management
9
Email marketing
10
7.3
Task management
8
Billing and invoicing management
6
Reporting
8
8.7
Forecasting
7
Pipeline visualization
10
Customizable reports
9
8.0
Custom fields
9
API for custom integration
7
10.0
Role-based user permissions
Not Rated
Single sign-on capability
10
8.0
Social engagement
8
6.0
Marketing automation
6
9.0
Mobile access
9

Using Insightly

2 - General business operations, sales/ marketing/website IT.
1 - I'm the primary user of Insightly and do the bulk of data entry myself as I'm involved in the majority of customer (& prospect) contact. Although I do have quite a bit of database experience, wouldn't say that is a necessity to get started using Insightly. My 'Virtual Assistance' handles the mass mailing piece using Mail Chimp.
  • Tracking the Sales Funnel LifeCycle
  • Tracking all contacts: potential clients to clients, referral partners, competition, subcontractors, vendors, etc
  • Tra
  • Tracking a Project: from Planning through Execution and invoicing on to Closeout.
  • More mass mailing options via MailChimp
  • Creating more reports to analyze Clients and Potential Clients
It's a one-stop database: anything to do with marketing, sales, communication is here! It integrates well with MailChimp, Quickbooks and my Google Calendar. I'm learning new functionality tips constantly via Insightly's on-line tools & video. I'm very pleased with the Insightly product and see no reason to switch to another CRM!

Evaluating Insightly and Competitors

Yes
  • Price
  • Product Features
  • Product Usability
At this price point, the functionality can't be beat!

Insightly Training

  • Online training
I've used Insightly's online training &/ or learned as I went. I've found the blogs and online written material helpful. I've also attended a few webinars, which can be useful if you use a J-I-T approach so as not to overwhelm you (or your staff) with functionality that you are using just yet. The fact that it's all available on their website and you can learn at your own pace is invaluable!

Configuring Insightly

Configurability is just right for this type of product at this price point. For example, easy to set up your own filters for quick data lookups or set up Workflows for repetitious processes. Other examples are: setting up tags and creating categories for your own business needs.

Insightly Support

If your issue is simple & was previously covered in their online FAQ's it's fine.
If not, you are stuck... or in my case currently I'm unable to even access the database until someone answers my online question.
There is no help phone line or online chat!!!
ProsCons
None
Slow Resolution
Poor followup
Not kept informed
Escalation required
Difficult to get immediate help
Slow Initial Response
No - The cost is exhorbitant... I'm a solo-preneur and not willing to pay $1500-3000/ year (in addition to the licensing fee.)
I would be willing to pay on an on-call basis, but that's not an option :-(

Using Insightly

Insightly Reliability

Knock on wood... I haven't had any difficulties with Insightly's availability to-date. I mostly use it on my desktop and infrequently access via my Android phone. No access issues.

Integrating Insightly

  • Quickbooks
  • Mailchimp
Quickbooks was simple to integrate (payments, invoices & estimates), but I wouldn't say it was successful or useful.

MailChimp was integrated by a virtual assistant & I don't believe it was difficult.

Comments

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