Effective customer communication is essential for any business to survive and thrive in today’s competitive landscape. Fortunately, with the influx of new technology solutions everyday, there are a number of tools available that can help you streamline your communication efforts and provide top-notch customer support.
In this blog, we will explore the 10 best tools for communication for businesses, spanning various categories including live chat software, help desk software, customer survey software, customer review platforms, and chatbot software.
Key Takeaways
- Effective customer communication is crucial for businesses. There are various tools available in the market to streamline communication efforts and provide top-notch customer support.
- Communication tools are available spanning categories, including chatbot tools, helpdesk software, customer survey software, and many others.
- As per our experts' analysis, the top 10 business communication software are ControlHippo, LiveAgent, Zendesk, Freshdesk, Qualaroo, SurveyMonkey, SoftwareSuggest, Capterra, Botsify, and ChatBot.
We will discuss their features, pros, and cons to help you make an informed decision about which tools are best suited for your business needs.
Let’s get started without further ado!
"When selecting the right customer communication tool for your business, it's essential to consider factors like features, pros, cons, pricing, and how well they align with your specific needs. Make an informed decision to enhance your customer communication strategies."
Top 10 tools for customer communication
As you are aware, any business requires more than one software or set of tools to effectively manage its communication activities, spanning from help desk ticket management to customer communication.
That’s precisely why we have included various top customer communication software and solution categories in this blog. The first category we will explore is Live Chat Software.
Live Chat Software
Live chat software is a real-time messaging communication tool that enables businesses to engage with website visitors or customers instantly, providing quick phone support and answering queries. As per our analysis, the two best Live Chat softwares are ControlHippo and LiveAgent. Let’s take a closer look at each one.
1. ControlHippo
ControlHippo is a WhatsApp-shared inbox designed for sales and support teams, offering efficient management of multiple WhatsApp accounts and seamless CRM software integration. It enables unified message management, real-time sales leads tracking, and instant customer feedback management. Besides, with integration options like Slack and HubSpot, it empowers efficient team collaboration and personalized workflows.
Features
- Unified message management
- Real-time sales leads tracking
- Instant feedback management
- Third party integrations
- Personalized workflows
ControlHippo Pros
- Foster data accuracy and empower agents to manage diverse WhatsApp numbers efficiently.
- Seamlessly integrate with tools like Slack and HubSpot for centralized support.
- Consolidate customer conversations and maximize efficiency through comprehensive oversight.
ControlHippo Cons
- Some users may require time to adapt to the platform's advanced features.
- ControlHippo primarily focuses on WhatsApp, with limited support for other communication platforms.
Pricing:
- ControlHippo provides an affordable pricing option at just $30 per user per month, encompassing essential functionalities alongside advanced features.
2. LiveAgent
LiveAgent is a versatile all-in-one customer care solution that prominently features live chat capabilities. Offering round-the-clock customer service, it boasts a swift chat widget and proactive communication strategies. With no setup fees and a user-friendly approach, LiveAgent is one of the top sales communication tools.
Features
- Agent collision detection
- Automated ticket distribution
- Chat embedded tracking
- Interactive AI voice response
- Social media helpdesk
LiveAgent Pros
- Easy implementation with a fast chat widget.
- Proactive communication to convert visitors into customers.
- All-in-one solution for comprehensive customer care.
LiveAgent Cons
- May not be as feature-rich as specialized live chat tools.
- Pricing structure may not suit all business sizes.
Pricing:
LiveAgent offers 4 pricing options as outlined below:
- Small Plan: $9/agent/month
- Medium Plan: $29/agent/month
- Large Plan: $49/agent/month
- Enterprise Plan: $69/agent/month
Browse Related Content: The 10 Best Live Chat Software For Customer Support
Let’s now move to the next category of customer communication platforms- Help Desk software.
Helpdesk Software
Helpdesk software is a comprehensive solution for support teams that empowers businesses to efficiently manage customer inquiries and issue resolution– enhancing customer satisfaction. Our top choices in this category are Zendesk and Freshdesk.
3. Zendesk
Zendesk is an all-in-one help desk software that provides a centralized hub for all customer communication. Its strength lies in efficient ticket management, knowledge base creation, and multichannel customer support. Furthermore, businesses can leverage advanced analytics and reporting to enhance their customer communication strategies.
Features
- Ticket management
- SLA management
- Self-service portal
- Insights and analytics
- Omnichannel support
Zendesk Pros
- Robust ticket management and automation capabilities.
- Multichannel support for seamless communication.
- Extensive reporting and analytics for performance insights.
Zendesk Cons
- Complex setup and customization may require expertise.
- Some advanced features may come with additional costs.
Pricing:
- Zendesk provides a range of plans catering to teams, individuals, and enterprises. For a comprehensive overview, we recommend visiting their website to explore the options available to meet your specific needs.
Recommended: Best Zendesk Alternative
4. Freshdesk
Freshdesk is a cloud-based help desk software known for its intuitive interface and customizable workflows. It accommodates businesses of all sizes with its affordable pricing plans. Furthermore, Freshdesk also provides a comprehensive approach to customer communication, from ticketing to automation and multichannel to customer support teams.
Features
- Intelligent ticket assignment
- Time-triggered automation
- Event-triggered automation
- Automatic email notification
- Omniroute™
Freshdesk Pros
- Comes with an easy user-friendly interface for easy adoption.
- Provides customizable workflows and automation.
- Affordable pricing plans for businesses of all sizes.
Freshdesk Cons
- Integration options may be limited compared to other tools.
- Some users report occasional performance issues.
Pricing:
Freshdesk offers 4 pricing options as outlined below:
- Free Plan: ?0 (Upto 10 agents)
- Growth Plan: ?999/agent/month
- Pro Plan: ?3599/agent/month
- Enterprise Plan: ?5699/agent/month
The next category of customer communication platforms we will cover is customer survey solution.
Customer Survey Software
Customer survey software is a valuable call center software for collecting real-time feedback from users, helping businesses gain insights into customer preferences and opinions. According to our analysis, the top two customer survey software options are Qualaroo and SurveyMonkey. Let’s take a closer look at both of these.
5. Qualaroo
Qualaroo is an innovative customer and user feedback software that excels in capturing real-time insights. Businesses can use Qualaroo to optimize web and app experiences, gather product feedback, boost conversion rates, and improve overall user experiences. Some of its notable features include targeted surveys, AI-powered analytics, and exit surveys.
Features
- Survey Templates
- AI Sentiment Analysis
- Nudge for Prototypes
- Confirmation Page Surveys
- Exit Intent Surveys
- Question Branching
Qualaroo Pros
- Offer real-time feedback for immediate insights.
- Allow you to conduct targeted surveys to gather specific feedback.
- Provides AI-powered analytics for data-driven decisions.
Qualaroo Cons
- Limited to survey-based communication.
- May not be suitable for businesses without a significant online presence.
Pricing:
- Qualaroo offers a range of plans for both email surveys and contextual surveys. To gain a deeper insight into their offerings, we recommend visiting their website.
6. SurveyMonkey
SurveyMonkey is a versatile survey platform that offers user-friendly survey creation tools and a wealth of question templates. Businesses can benefit from its robust reporting and analytics features to gather insights essential for effective customer communication. While it is primarily focused on survey-based communication, SurveyMonkey is a trusted name in the field of customer survey software.
Features
- Survey creation and distribution
- Question templates
- Reporting and analytics
- Integration options
- Mobile-friendly surveys
SurveyMonkey Pros
- Easy-to-use survey creation tools.
- Extensive question templates for various use cases.
- Robust reporting and analytics features.
SurveyMonkey Cons
- Limited to survey-based communication.
- Free plan has limited features.
- Advanced analytics may require a higher-priced plan.
Pricing:
- SurveyMonkey provides a range of plans catering to teams, individuals, and enterprises. For a comprehensive overview, we recommend visiting their website to explore the options available to meet your specific needs.
Software Review Platform
A software review platform serves as a valuable resource for businesses to showcase their software offerings and collect user feedback. Based on our evaluation, the top software review platforms are SoftwareSuggest and Capterra.
7. SoftwareSuggest
SoftwareSuggest is a leading online platform that simplifies software discovery and selection for businesses. It offers a vast catalog of software solutions across various industries, helping companies in finding the perfect software to meet their specific needs. With expert reviews, comparisons, and personalized recommendations, SoftwareSuggest empowers organizations to make informed decisions.
Features
- Rich Software Catalog
- User Ratings and Reviews
- Vendor Profiles
- Request for Quote (RFQ) Functionality
- Industry-Specific Software Categories
SoftwareSuggest Pros
- A vast selection of software options ensures businesses can find solutions for their diverse needs.
- The platform provides expert reviews and personalized recommendations.
- Simplifies the software procurement process, saving time and effort for businesses.
SoftwareSuggest Cons
- Some software listings lack reviews or have only a limited number of them.
- The platform must address the issue of AI-generated reviews to preserve the authenticity of user feedback.
Pricing:
- Basic listing is free for all. However, for premium listing of the solutions, SoftwareSuggest charges a fee. Get in touch with their team to learn more.
8. Capterra
Capterra is a popular online platform that helps businesses find the right software solutions for their specific needs. With an extensive directory of software products and user reviews, Capterra simplifies the software selection process. Whether you are searching for project management tools, accounting software, or CRM systems, Capterra provides valuable insights and comparisons to make informed decisions for your business.
Features
- Software Search and Discovery
- User Reviews and Ratings
- Software Comparisons
- Product Demos
- Vendor Listings
- Category Filters
Capterra Pros
- Covers a wide array of software categories, ensuring users can find solutions for niche needs.
- The platform offers a wealth of user-generated reviews, providing valuable insights into software performance.
- Capterra promotes transparency in vendor profiles, helping businesses make informed decisions.
Capterra Cons
- The extensive range of software listings can be confusing for users seeking a quick decision.
- Capterra primarily relies on user reviews, lacking expert evaluations.
Pricing:
- Basic listing is free for all. However, for premium listing of the solutions, Capterra charges a fee. Get in touch with their team to learn more.
Chatbot Software
Chatbot software is an AI-driven communication tool that automates interactions with users, delivering instant responses and assistance. Based on our assessment, the top two chatbot software choices are Botsify and Chatbot.
9. Botsify
Botsify is an AI-powered chatbot platform designed to supercharge your business. With a drag-and-drop interface, it captures 10x more leads and automates sales processes, turning web forms into friendly conversations. This feature-rich tool offers white-label options for agencies. Boost revenue, generate qualified leads, and provide 24/7 customer support. Botsify is the key to growing your customer base efficiently and intelligently, ushering in the workforce of the future.
Features
- Drag-and-Drop Chatbot Builder
- Automated Sales Processes
- Meeting and Sales Call Scheduling
- Lead Generation Automation
- Proactive Visitor Engagement
Botsify Pros
- Automate customer interactions for efficiency.
- Multichannel support for broad reach.
- Analytics and reporting for performance insights.
Botsify Cons
- May require technical expertise to set up complex chatbots.
- Chatbot responses may not always be perfect.
Pricing
Botsify offers 3 pricing options as outlined below:
- Basic Plan: $49/month
- Professional Plan: $149/month
- Enterprise Plan: $424/month
10. ChatBot
ChatBot is a versatile platform that simplifies customer service automation. It empowers users to create conversational chatbots effortlessly, with no coding required. This all-in-one solution enhances marketing strategies, enabling personalized customer interactions across various communication channels.
Features
- No-code chatbot builder
- Customizable chat widget
- Prebuilt templates
- Third-party integrations
- Chatbot testing tool
ChatBot Pros
- Create customized chatbots to meet specific needs.
- Multilingual support for global reach.
- Analytics and user behavior tracking for optimization.
ChatBot Cons
- Requires technical expertise for complex chatbot setups.
- Chatbot responses may need continuous refinement.
Pricing:
ChatBot offers 4 pricing options as outlined below:
- Starter Plan: $52/month (Billed annually)
- Team Plan: $142/month (Billed annually)
- Business Plan: $424/month (Billed annually)
- Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing
Recommended: The Top 10 Customer Engagement Software For Businesse
Conclusion:
The 10 tools for communication we have explored in this blog cater to various aspects of communication– from real-time live chat and help desk support to user feedback collection and others. Each of these tools is tailored for specific purposes or serves a particular set of industries. Therefore, it’s crucial to thoroughly assess all aspects before making any decisions. Pick the one that perfectly aligns with your requirements, budget, and goals.
Updated : April 19, 2024
Akshat Adani, a prolific content writer and author, delves into the intricate realms of technology. With a flair for simplifying complex tech topics, Akshat’s expertise shines through insightful articles. Unlock the world of innovation through his compelling narratives.
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