There is an exhausting list of sales tools on the market that you could be using in order to streamline the sales process, maximize productivity, and save time. But with sales tools constantly changing, with new ones coming out and old ones being seen as ineffective, it can be difficult to figure out which ones you should invest your time in and which ones you should ditch.

But you don’t want to go at it alone when you’re in sales. You should use sales tools to make your job easier. So we’ve listed five sales tools that you should be using.

Social Networks

If you’re not a fan of social media, it’s time to get over it. It’s not going away any time soon and it’s been proven highly effective in sales. As a sales rep, sites like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter should be in your sales arsenal. You can find new sales prospects, research leads to learn more about them in order to sell better, and start to build relationships.

Google Alerts

When you’re busy prospecting and presenting in sales meetings, it can be difficult to keep track of the goings on in your network. Keeping track of your prospects, sales contacts, and competitors often falls to the bottom of your priority list.

There’s a simple fix to stay on top of what’s going on in your world: use Google Alerts. Simply set up alerts for relevant companies, people, and topics, and you’ll be notified when they’re mentioned on the internet. The service is free, and you can get the information you need to start engaging conversations that end in sales.

Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

Of all the sales tools your organization should be investing in, customer relationship management software is the one you need the most. CRM is a one-stop repository for all of your customer and prospect information. Basic contact data, personal preferences, company information—it can all be stored and accessed in one place. You’ll never waste time duplicating your efforts and you’ll never miss an important detail about a customer that can help you sell better. You’ll have a 360-degree view of every prospect and customer you’ve ever had, know where they are in the pipeline, know when the last time you contacted them was, how projected revenue is looking, and which prospects need to be moved forward or out of the process. CRM is a must-have in the sales world. 

Digital Signature

You probably close a lot more deals on the phone and via email than face-to-face. People are busy and they don’t have time to meet with you to finish the paperwork. To close your deals faster—and to close them before your customers have a chance to change their minds—you should be using a digital signature. A digital signature will allow you to sign and download documents online. It’ll eliminate the weeks’ worth of sending contracts back and forth in the mail, which will allow you to move on from a closed deal faster so you can concentrate on new prospects.

Email Tracking Software

You should know when your prospects and customers engage with your emails—when they open them or click on links. This type of intelligence can give you insight into their interests and needs, which can help you sell to them. Email tracking software like HubSpot’s Sidekick is another one of the must-have sales tools: it can tell you exactly what’s happening with your emails after you send them.

Make Life Easier with These Sales Tools

If you’re strapped for time, want to strengthen your sales strategy, or want a better way to keep your contacts organized, sales tools are the way to go. And these five sales tools listed above are the ones you should start using today. They’re guaranteed to make your life easier.