Articles by Barclay Ballard

Barclay has been writing about technology for a decade, starting out as a freelancer with ITProPortal covering everything from London’s start-up scene to comparisons of the best cloud storage services. After that, he spent some time as the managing editor of an online outlet focusing on cloud computing, furthering his interest in virtualization, Big Data, and the Internet of Things.

The role also allowed him to gain knowledge of SEO and social media hashtags, as well as take part in a press trip or two. A visit to Prague for the Huawei Cloud Congress Europe 2016 was a particular highlight. He eventually returned to freelancing, writing news and feature pieces for TechRadar Pro. Cloud remains a primary interest but he’s also happy covering the hardware and software that powers productivity in workplaces around the world as they attempt to manage the transition to hybrid working.

Articles by: Barclay Ballard

How to use a CRM to improve sales productivity

By Barclay Ballard published 21 February 24

The productivity of your sales team is fundamental to your success. This guide will show you how your CRM can help with it

How to pick the perfect CRM for your business

By Barclay Ballard published 19 February 24

These questions will point you in the direction of the perfect CRM for you - not some general tool.

Woman placing a customer order in a shop

How to choose a CRM for a small business

By Barclay Ballard published 16 February 24

A small business CRM may have specific features or pricing plans. This guide will outline the things to look for.

How much does a CRM cost? A guide to pricing the most popular CRM software

By Barclay Ballard published 15 February 24

Some CRM platforms are free. Others are not. This guide explains how to ensure you're getting value for money.

Here are the 5 fundamental steps for a successful CRM strategy

By Barclay Ballard published 15 February 24

We've put together a guide on how to craft the right strategy for getting the most from your chosen CRM platform.

CRM vs CMS: What are the key differences between a customer relationship management software and a client management system?

By Barclay Ballard published 7 February 24

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This article will outline the key differences and similarities between CRM and CMS solutions.

Here are the 30 most common CRM terms and what they mean

By Barclay Ballard published 28 January 24

We've provided definitions for 30 of the most commonly used CRM terms so you're fully in the know.

A brief history of CRM: How customer relationship management became one of the most important business software

By Barclay Ballard published 24 January 24

This article explains the history of CRM software, reaching back decades to before digital tools were the foundation of modern business

5 ways a true native mobile CRM app is different from mobile-optimized CRM software

By Barclay Ballard published 22 January 24

This article explains the difference between native mobile CRMs and mobile-optimized ones

Monday Dev features and integrations April 2023

5 things to consider when integrating CRM into existing business software systems

By Barclay Ballard published 19 January 24

This guide explains the main considerations when evaluating a CRM platform's integration capabilities.

5 powerful myths and 5 inconvenient truths about CRM you absolutely need to know

By Barclay Ballard published 17 January 24

These myths continue to hold back CRM adoption. This article sets the record straight.

A person making a sales call in an office.

30 free sales plan templates: Download these PDF, Excel, Word Doc, Google Docs examples

By Barclay Ballard published 16 January 24

Download these free sales plans and watch the money come rolling in.

30 free project plan templates: Download these PDF, Excel, Word Doc, Google Docs examples

By Barclay Ballard published 15 January 24

Starting a new project? Then check out these free project plan templates to ensure your project stays on course at all times.

25 free project management tools you absolutely need to try

By Barclay Ballard published 12 January 24

Is a free project management tool the way to go? The solutions in this guide are certainly worth considering.

A woman making a sales call in an office

10 essential features that every CRM needs to have

By Barclay Ballard published 5 January 24

Looking for the essential features that no CRM should be without? This guide showcases the top 10.

10 CRM studies you need to read before you select your next CRM

By Barclay Ballard published 3 January 24

Finding the best CRM software isn't easy. Fortunately, these case studies highlight the benefits of some of the market leaders.

Dark web monitoring from Norton ID theft advisor plus

What is dark web monitoring?

By Barclay Ballard last updated 9 October 23

We explain how dark web monitoring is increasingly being used to determine if businesses have been victims of a data breach.

5 things you need to consider before buying a password manager

By Christian Rigg last updated 28 September 23

This article will guide you when looking for the best password manager using five key user needs: cloud storage, recovery options, and compatibility, among others.

How to change your Google Chrome password or reset it

By Richard Sutherland, Bryan M Wolfe last updated 15 September 23

Your Google Chrome password needs to be strong and secure, so if you have a weak password, follow our guide to update it.

Chrome password manager: What is it and how to use it

By Richard Sutherland last updated 15 September 23

Why pay for a password manager when Chrome has a free one built in?

Zoho Bigin review

By Mike Jennings last updated 3 April 23

Bigin by Zoho CRM is an affordable CRM software suite that’s designed for small businesses – is it an ideal tool, or does it not go far enough?

A person tapping a smartphone with a cloud on the screen.

What is a cloud storage manager?

By Barclay Ballard published 18 January 23

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Need to organize multiple cloud accounts? A cloud storage manager is what you need.

Unlimited cloud storage: 5 things you need to know

By Barclay Ballard published 18 January 23

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Heavy cloud users may need unlimited cloud storage. Here's what they should know.

A cloud icon on a desk in front of a laptop.

What are the pros and cons of cloud storage?

By Barclay Ballard published 18 January 23

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We'll weigh up the pros and cons of cloud storage so you can make an informed decision.

Google Cloud storage vs Google Drive: What's the difference?

By Barclay Ballard published 14 December 22

Two very different cloud storage offerings explained: Google Cloud and Google Drive.

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