Podium is an all-in-one marketing and communication tool specifically built for local businesses that want to grow their business, connect with modern customers, and simplify operations. Podium's all-in-one inbox consolidates reputation management, website chat, marketing campaigns, and mobile payments into a single inbox that helps streamline outreach and campaigns efficiently.
Capabilities |
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Segment |
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Deployment | Cloud / SaaS / Web-Based, Mobile Android, Mobile iPad, Mobile iPhone |
Support | 24/7 (Live rep), Chat, Email/Help Desk, FAQs/Forum, Knowledge Base, Phone Support |
Training | Documentation |
Languages | English |
Seeing and review open and closed messages. Notifications via email that are prompt and consistent assist me in assisting my customers. Google reviews are formally sent to us. It is automatically sent which ensures we are sending review requests to all our customers. In the year I have been utilizing Podium it has not failed or gone down for maintenance during business hour. I like very much how you can see not only your personal messages but coworkers. When someone is out and you are able to see messages in the ALL folder no customers are thrown to the wayside.
I do not have many dislikes. It is a very functioning program and software. The only thing is that my inbox becomes very cluttered. When a message is assigned to someone and it is forgotten to be closed or customer doesn't respond they should expire.
I am able to contact customer conveniently and quickly. I can talk on the phone while handling calls with customers who are working or unable to talk. I am easily able to search previous discussions. Podium is integrated with our customer base and labels their messages with the first and last name associated with the account.
1) Incredible Support from Podium Staff 2) Software is Easy to Use 3) Analytics are Detailed And Help Support Marketing Efforts
I would like to see automated marketing reports on which web pages are producing chats.
We needed a reputation management and live chat solution that was easy enough for tech challenged employees to utilize. Podium solves this effortlessly. Consumers in our space are moving more and more to rely on chat and podium addresses that.
From the beginning, I have always found the platform to be user-friendly. It is straightforward relative to setup/settings,as well as, the everyday use for sending/receiving/responding to reviews. Even an indignant salesperson that knows everything can't complain about using Podium. We have had Podium for several years. We started with one store and we now use it in six of our stores. This is the most outstanding thing about Podium: THEY DO WHAT THEY SAY. Podium staff knows what they are talking about, they answer the phone, they walk you through processes, and don't get mad when you don't have time for a monthly call. Podium keeps getting better! Unlike other franchise-imposed, third parties we are forced to deal that promise you they have a great product and within two months you realize it sucks and can't get out of a contract mostly bc the rep disappeared or a GM signed up unknowingly. If someone says they aren't crazy about Podium? They aren't using it like it was meant to be used. Podium really works. So here is the breakdown: One simple interface, serious increase in # of reviews, consistency, minimal effort to get reviews - you don't have to hope the employees are asking anymore! Higher ratings PLUS less negative reviews bc of the private way we can manage feedback.
I may possibly be the only one that feels this way, however, I am not crazy about the mobile app. It's not as maneuverable as desktop. As far as just reading & responding to reviews, is fine, it's some of the backend stuff I'd like to be able to use.
Problems: The way that Podium communicated with ADP/CDK was spot on. We switched to AutoMate over a year ago and since then, I have noticed weird things. I would have to say I am pretty sure it isn't Podium but that being said, I wish that when a customer wanted removed, that it removed that number forever and ever and that it didn't send yet another text confirming they have been removed. People get grumpy about that. Sometimes numbers will slip back in and it can get real tricky with customers, particularly divorced couples. I know Podium relies on the DMS to send the proper information, which always tells me it's the user who entered it before the info pushed to Podium. So, please, just block the number in the Podium system even if a DMS sends it again. Wishlist: I would like to see an integration into our CRM in addition to our DMS. This way, if a customer doesn't buy on that particular visit, a review is just a valuable for sales in the early stage as it is for a closed repair order or closing a deal. You can't always rely on a salesperson they work harder to manipulate the CRM than they do the actual work. BUT having a Podium review helps make sure the salespersons' stories match with the sales managers. Benefits: There is a way to use this system beyond just reviews. You have to figure that out on your own. Podium is great and I hope they keep adding capabilities, maybe like service reminders or delay - send messaging.
I appreciate the ability to be able to immediately text and communicate with clients, as well as send files or pictures.
nothing I can think of. the service was great and it was beneficial to my income!
I can't recall any problems
I love that all my stores leads are filtered into one bucket. It makes it easy for me to oversee what my internet agents are saying to who. Also i love the ability to transfer conversations to other people while the customer doesn’t know.
I don’t like that i can’t respond to dealer rater reviews within podium. I also don’t like how automated texting hasn’t come out. Lastly, i don’t like that there is not automated templates and responding to reviews like reputation.com
Some issues are reviews being sent out before the customer even takes delivery of their vehicle. The benefits far our way the drawbacks
I like how easy it is to be able to compose and send to a consumers
I dont like that on the mobile it freezes
It is easier to keep the customer in contact with what is going on at the shop
The increased reviews we've received from Podium links, customers can answer quickly and easily. Our reviews and easily doubled since we started with Podium.
Not sure I have any, all of the tools with in Podium are very user friendly and work without trouble.
Easily communicate with customer through Podiums texting service. Always thought texting would be a easier communication tool but didn't realize we'd use it this much.
Its super easy to add contacts and message them. Being able to have an instant response in this day and age when no one wants to pick up the phone is absolutely wonderful.
Not having authorization to open any preexisting message, and having to wait for someone to unlock the messages. However I do understand why it is that way, makes sense.
No real major issues. The most beneficial is being able to be in constant communication with our customers when answering the phone is not an option.
Using podium lets me solicit for reviews easily and quickly to help promote my business online. It also lets me text communicate with those who have questions.
I havent found anything so far that I would say dislike.
We actually can get people yo do google and facebook reviews that other potential customers can see. It is great for that.
Easy for customers to leave a review by simply replying to a request to review our company.
Haven’t found Any dislikes, very easy for customer to review our company.
No problems. We benefit with more customer reviews.
I love that it gives me direct updates right to my phone and enables an immediate connection with my potential customer
There is nothing to dislike! Podium is great!
Through email you never know if a customer has opened your response. Podium is like texting and you're in direct contact!
I like how easy Podium is for clients to use. Oftentimes clients will just have a quick question about stock availability or pricing and Podium gives them an easy way to contact us.
I wish that there was an email prompt every 24 hours for an unanswered, still open podium request. Sometimes people miss the podiums they are assigned and they go unanswered.
I just love that clients have another way to interact with us. We can also use it to text clients when they prefer that without using our personal cell phones.
If you're looking for a tool to help you to communicate in a better and faster way with your customers, then you must consider Podium. They are a pleasure to work with and have great customer service. Using Podium has helped us provide our patient's stay in contact with us better.
Sometimes it takes a litle while for someone to come on the chat line.
Using this company has allowed us to communicate better with our patients.
I like the webchat. Made easy and simple for customers to interact with us in live time, even later at night when most/all stores are closed.
Sometimes the platform is slow on my phone, even when its completely updated.
Sold many pieces of jewelry via text. It makes us similar to the online retailer (Blue Nile), but we can close sales quicker since your speaking with a person who knows inventory. This Generation is scared to speak on the phone for whatever reason so it makes it simple, except when they text at 2am asking if we have a ring in stock...
Being able to communicate with customers & not use a cell phone.
Having to close you chats at the end, I wish they did this automatically.
Communication & how easy it is for the customer to contact you.
you can text from the company computer ,
it shows everyone in the company's text messages
if the customer is busy and cant answer their phone they will text back .
When we have difficulty reaching a customer via email or call, this allows one more method to reach them.
Occasionally the templates with quotes are not visible to our potential customers.
We've been able to get in touch with customers whom were never responsive to our calls or emails. Our technicians also have a much easier way to request a review.
Podium has been awesome for our company. I work for an engagement ring store and I am the order manager. Podium helps me keep my customers updated, and then collect stellar reviews. I can’t even properly express how much I love this app! It fits perfectly into my workflow!
There were a couple bugs at first- but now it does everything I need it to and the support team at podium is super responsive!
Podium has made my workflow so seamless and because I use it so often I’ve been able to see massive improvements in customer satisfaction! It’s the best!
That I am able to contact my customers at all times, and when customers come in and other stuff people have been working with them... We can look on Podium to see who it was.
Sometimes when we send our customers a link to give us a review, the page will not open or allow the customer to do so.
Being able to stay in contact with my customers 24/7 now
I love that Podium makes it easy and hassle free to communicate with my customers, and to allow them to review my store and my performance as well.
Dislike that sometimes my messages wont send and there's no reason provided for why.
Benefits are definitely being able to make sales over messaging and also being able to send pictures to someone's phone. Podium also allows you to communicate through email and phone number and thats beneficial as well.