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Writer's pictureJessica Schwarze

Often Overlooked but Essential: Why CRM Data Quality is the Foundation of Marketing & Sales Success (How to Fix It—Checklist Included)

Updated: Nov 14

Are your marketing and sales efforts stalling because of inaccurate or incomplete CRM data?



Remember Sir Dave Brailsford, the coach who transformed British cycling by improving every tiny detail by just 1 %? This approach, known as the Aggregation of Marginal Gains, had a profound impact—those small improvements ultimately led to Olympic gold. Similarly, I’ve found that incremental improvements in CRM data quality can also drive powerful results.

For many B2B tech companies, CRM data quality is a persistent challenge—one that’s often overlooked. In my experience leading data management initiatives and conducting CRM audits with Business Operations teams for previous employers and clients, I’ve seen firsthand how poor data quality can undermine even the most well-crafted strategies.Despite investing in powerful tools like HubSpot or Salesforce, and launching targeted lead capture campaigns, your CRM may still be falling short. Outdated contacts, incomplete profiles, and inconsistent data fields are sabotaging your campaigns, limiting your reach, hindering lead nurturing, and frustrating your teams.


You might already know that something’s off, but the impact runs deeper than you think. Every marketing message sent to an incorrect or incomplete contact is a wasted opportunity. Sales teams rely on CRM data to make informed decisions, and when that data is flawed, so are the decisions.


Your competitors are using data to segment, personalize, and engage effectively. Meanwhile, your team is dealing with time-consuming manual fixes, double-checking data fields, and struggling to trust the numbers in your CRM. Inconsistent data doesn’t just waste time; it impacts your brand’s credibility and leads to missed revenue.


But what if your CRM could become a solid growth driver? Imagine a CRM that isn’t just a database but a strategic asset, one that fuels effective segmentation, personalized marketing, and high-performing campaigns.


You’ve likely heard about data enrichment and CRM audits, but here’s the part few talk about: implementing a comprehensive CRM Data Quality Strategy—one that aligns with your business goals and is manageable even for lean teams. This approach not only cleans up your current CRM data but turns it into a powerful tool for growth.


Imagine the impact of having a CRM that’s finely tuned to your business priorities. Your marketing team can launch targeted, high-impact campaigns, knowing they’re reaching the right people. Sales teams can approach leads with confidence, focusing on high-potential accounts. With accurate data, your customer experience becomes smoother, more personal, and far more effective.


Suddenly, every piece of marketing content, every sales call, and every customer interaction has purpose. Your team no longer needs to second-guess the data—they can use it to create measurable results that move your business forward.


The path to a CRM that truly serves your business begins with a CRM Data Audit and a structured plan for data enrichment and acquisition. Here are the key steps I recommend for making your CRM data actionable:


  • Define Data Requirements: Outline the specific data points crucial to your business goals.


  • Choose the Right Data Enrichment Providers: Identify providers like Clearbit, Apollo, or ZoomInfo that integrate seamlessly with your CRM. (For full list refer to the checklist).


  • Automate Data Processes: Implement automation to maintain data accuracy and reduce human error.


  • Regular Data Quality Audits: Conduct regular checks to ensure that your data remains accurate and up-to-date.


By taking these steps, you transform your CRM from a contact repository into a strategic growth asset. Each piece of data serves a purpose, creating a CRM that powers marketing and sales alignment, personalized outreach, and effective targeting.


Clients who have adopted this approach have seen dramatic improvements: much higher campaign engagement rates, faster lead conversions, and a streamlined sales process. With accurate data, they’ve saved on CRM costs by reducing duplicate or outdated contacts. Most importantly, they’ve gained a CRM system they can rely on—one that aligns with their business goals and drives measurable results.


If you're ready to turn your CRM into a growth engine, see the full breakdown of actionable steps and access this comprehensive checklist—including my recommended tools, KPIs, and mandatory fields for lead data. (email required for access)

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