Steps For Salesforce Application Development

Published on: 27 January 2020 Last Updated on: 19 March 2024

As an entrepreneur, your customers are the biggest pillar of your business. No matter your industry of domain, area of specialization, or even your business focus, they are the single most valuable asset to your organization and you should treat them as so.

Through their valuable feedback, your business can gain a new sense of direction, develop new concepts, as well as bring in more revenue. With that said, as a business owner, simply appreciating your customers isn’t enough. You need to truly understand them to tailor your products and services to meet them at their point of need. And that’s where Salesforce application development comes in.

It entails creating integrated customer relationship management solutions that interface businesses with their customers. These CRM platforms also give all the departments in a particular organization a unified view of all the customers and how they interact with various aspects of the business.

In this article, we are going to look at what Salesforce is and its uses. While at it, we are also going to delve deeper to see the entire Salesforce application development lifecycle.

What Is Salesforce?

Simply put, it’s a cloud computing SaaS company that provides customer relationship management (CRM) solutions. Thanks to the company’s cloud technology, businesses are able to better connect with their existing clientele, partners, and potential customers.

Over the years, Salesforce software has grown to become the leading marketing and customer behavior tracking solution for both small startups and Fortune 500 companies. As it turns out, customer relationship management is one of the key driving factors for the increasing demand for application development in Salesforce.

Recent research from Vonage offered a compelling view of the effects and consequences of poor customer service. In the US alone, the research revealed that an estimated $62 billion is lost annually as a result of bad customer experience.

To underwrite this figure, a different report from Huffpost has indicated that 91% of customers won’t hesitate to switch brands once they experience bad customer service. These are mind-blowing figures, especially if a business has no solution to counter the consequences of poor customer experience.

However, with Salesforce in place, businesses are able to overcome the problems caused by poor customer service and other business process variables. According to statistics published on Salesforce’s website, companies that are currently using their software have continued to see average increases in multiple areas. For instance, 34% of users have seen an increase in customer satisfaction, with 27% and 32% users seeing an increase in sales revenues and lead conversion respectively.

In 2018, Salesforce emerged as the biggest CRM software commanding a total of 19.8% market share of the CRM software market. During the same period, the company was voted as the #1 CRM provider by the International Data Corporation. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that companies are willing to pay the highest Salesforce consultant salary just to get wind of this technology.

The Benefits of Using Salesforce

Given the commendable portfolio of Salesforce, here are areas it can help your business find success. Below I am going to discuss the benefits of using Salesforce.

Helps Collect Customer Intel

In the prevailing competitive business environment, overlooking data collection can be a fatal and unforgiving mistake. As a business, collecting and collating customer intelligence should be an obsession or the very least treated as a full-time affair, because it can lead to loss of revenue. As such, if you are to improve customer satisfaction and continue remaining competitive, hiring qualified Salesforce developers to build a high-quality CRM tool is inevitable.

And with Salesforce, you get an upper hand over your competitors by enjoying tools that help you identify, understand, and solve customer problems.

Flexible And Scalable

As companies and business needs continue to evolve, the tools of trade must also adapt. For instance, if the structures of your business start to grow, the management software should be able to seamlessly accommodate the changes. Cognizant of this fact, Salesforce CRM comes with multiple functions that allow for scalability right from the initial stages to any future interactions.

Helps in Account Planning

Having a unified view of customer information allows your teams to independently make plans for various accounts. It also facilitates a more hands-on customer connection approach as well as allows various reps and departments in your organization to modify their plans for optimized results. Salesforce also comes with a to-do items feature, which helps your entire workforce stay organized throughout the day.

Along with that, Salesforce also works as an organizational tool. Your team can create calendar reminders specifying the future customer follow-ups or important duties reminders to the upper management, which helps prevent anything from falling through the cracks.

If you are in the service-based businesses, Salesforce also gives you insights into the amount of time a particular customer/s has stayed in a particular subscription package. Once this info is established, your team is able to customize marketing materials to match a particular customer niche.

Cloud Connectivity

Many companies are now gravitating towards software as a service (SaaS), which means software that is available online. Luckily, Salesforce doesn’t need to be installed on a computer as it is cloud-based. This means that you can easily access it everywhere, interface it with other digitized services, and enjoy unlimited storage capacity. And since no maintenance is required, you get to save on a Salesforce developer salary that would have otherwise been paid for this purpose.

Facilitates Team Collaboration

Poor team communication and collaboration can lead to reduced productivity. On top of a unified view of customer data, Salesforce’s “Chatter” feature allows your team members to easily and regularly communicate work-related information. Additionally, the feature also lets you highlight and prioritize urgent issues that require special attention by inviting different team members to look at them.

Salesforce Application Development Lifecycle

Software developers spend a lot of time designing, developing, securing, and delivering products that perform better than initially envisioned. As a result, different software development approaches like agile development, waterfall model, and many others have merged.

When it comes to cloud-based solutions, the incorporation and implementation of various software development methodologies make it even more complex. Moreover, the Salesforce Development Lifecycle also means that the software is developed, tested, and deployed in a cloud environment.

Below, we have laid down 6 steps that clearly illustrate the entire Salesforce Development Lifecycle:

Business Requirements Analysis

The first step towards a successful custom Salesforce application is to conduct an internal business needs analysis. It entails the development team eliciting the potential customer needs, elaborating them, validating all the assumptions, and devising efficient methodologies to meet these requirements.

Business requirements analysis is important as it helps avert potential mistakes as well as make the final product both efficient and compatible with the existing system and security standards.

UI/UX Design

Another important aspect of Salesforce application development is optimizing the app for user experience. A report by iMPACT indicates that 52% of customers are less likely to conduct business with a brand offering a poor mobile experience. On the other hand, Forbes conservative estimates indicate that intentional and strategic user experience can yield a conversion rate as high as 400%.

If these numbers are anything to go by, designing a user-friendly and highly responsive Salesforce application development is absolutely paramount. In order to optimize an app for effective and enjoyable use, developers need to map out the user journey and creatively choreograph user/platform interactions to benefit the end-user.

Development Phase

The next step in Salesforce application development entails creating developers creating isolated sandboxes. Generally, these distinct sandboxes hold the main production app copy and other supplementary Salesforce configuration information. They are also independent, implying that changes in a single sandbox don’t affect the main Salesforce production enterprise. Individual developers have to clone their branches.

To retrieve the metadata from the sandboxes to the IDE, the developers need to use Force.com IDE. Once they have the metadata, they continue coding their assigned app features, performing initial unit testing, and then submit the finished code to the Git repository.

If a subsequent developer wants to build on top of this freshly updated branch, they need to clone it to their sandbox and continue developing new features. Once done, they also have to submit their latest development to the repository.

With that said, the possibility of multiple developers working on the same branch cant be overlooked. To avoid conflicts, it is important for everyone in the development team to check for possible branch updates before committing.

Testing

The next step after building a Salesforce application is to ensure that it has an excellent and stable performance. This mainly entails developers carrying out QA activities including unit tests and code reviews. It is also at this stage that functional, performance, and integration testing is conducted within the development process.

Lastly, automation tests and debugging are conducted to augment the app’s speedy delivery.

Integration

During the integration phase, the custom CRM application is interfaced with third-party software like CMS. To facilitate a smooth transition, the development team also conduct hands-on training sessions as well as provides training materials to the client.

Launch

Once the app is launched for internal use, it is transferred to the client and subjected to their User Acceptance Testing environment (UAT). Once satisfied, the finished product is moved to the production environment and deployed to the end-users.

Salesforce Application Development Team Actors

During the app development process, different players are involved and handle different aspects of the app. In the Salesforce app development life cycle, the most common actors include:

Product Manager: Help finalize business requirements.
Release Manager: Help coordinate the app’s release schedule.
Software Developer: Handles the main coding and produces the requisite deliverables.
Quality Analyst: Tests and confirms the functionality of various app features.

Potential money from the Salesforce AppExchange development:

After researching the fact this has been seen that Potential money from the salesforce AppExchange development can depend on several other factors.

How To Build an App for Salesforce AppExchange?

To build your AppExchange app, you must go through the multi-step procedure, which includes compliance, release, ongoing support, and demand app development. Below, I will discuss how to create an App for Salesforce AppExchange.

1st Step: Become the Part of Salesforce Business Partner Community

The first and foremost step in becoming a Salesforce AppExchange trade Partner is to join the Salesforce Partner Community. In this case, you must submit the form using AppExchange. After all, the Salesforce Partner Community is the hub of existing AppExchange Partners.

2nd Step: Examine AppExchange Market

The next step in building the app is to examine the AppExchange market. AppExchange offers many products and solutions for several products and cloud services in Salesforce. In this case, for optimal outcomes, you must use the curated collections of AppExchange.

3rd Step: Make the First Sketches of Your Product

Once you are done researching the existing solutions on AppExchange, you must start defining the unique value proposition of your product. For the outline, you must follow the below-mentioned procedure such as:

Firstly, you must understand your target audience.
Secondly, ensure you have an idea of business targets.
Thirdly, you must follow the types of Salesforce editions you will support.
After that, ensure you have an idea of the package type.
Next, ensure you have the Salesforce Licenses that you want to use.
Lastly, it would help if you ensured the requirements for your AppExchange App security.

4th Step: Define the Type of ISV Partnership and the Type Of Your AppExchange Solution

Once you have joined the Salesforce Partner Community, then, you must analyze the existing products, and you can create a rough roadmap. In this case, ensure you have defined the type of ISV partnership, and consequently, you also have built the AppExchange solution.

There are seven types of ISV partners in AppExchange. It includes OEM, CDP Cloud Partner, Commerce Cloud Partner, All Other Clouds (paid), All Other Clouds (free), and Technology Partner/Tableau.

5th Step: Choose the Programming Type and Tools to Build Your Salesforce App

Recently, Salesforce provided two types of programming languages and two types of tools that you can use. Let’s know what programming tools are used in Salesforce App development. This includes Apex Cloud-based programming language. Next are Lightning components and Visualforce.

6th Step: Build Your Salesforce App

Once you can identify the exact type of solution, it must have the programming language, licensing, and packaging, and of course, you must continue with the building procedure.

Two ways to do this are using internal sources or outsourcing the dedicated team. If you want to build the SalesForce App using an in-house team, it could be one the most viable and remarkable options. If you don’t have enough resources, ensure you can control the entire product cycle of AppExchange.

7th Step: Test Your Salesforce App

If you want to ensure optimal performance, then it must conduct comprehensive end-to-end testing in technological domains. In this case, you must adhere to the development of best business practices, especially for testing.

8th Step: Prepare Your App for the Launch on AppExchange

Once you are done testing and finalizing the app, the next step is to prepare by submitting it to the SalesForce AppExchange. In this procedure, it includes creating the managed packages and providing screenshots.

9th Step: Submit Your App for Security Review and Market This

Ensure you have submitted your final app by undergoing the security review and then have met the necessary security requirements.

Final Thoughts

Salesforce CRM is a critical business tool. It helps streamline data analysis and reporting, provides invaluable customer feedback, and aid in formulating better customer service strategies. As a result, businesses are able to align their resources towards creating timely, customer-oriented solutions.

With that said, Salesforce application development isn’t a linear process. It entails working with different tools and multiple software development methodologies. And with cloud solutions continuing to capture the imaginations of business owners, the world is yet to see the full potential of CRM Salesforce and the cloud ecosystem as a whole.

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Leaf By Leaf: Free Samples As A Catalyst For A Sustainable And Ethical Kratom Industry

Originating in Southeast Asia, kratom has increasingly been attracting attention around the globe. As the kratom trade expands, its environmental impact grows as well. With this in consideration, sustainability has become a necessary feature that industry participants must focus on. The importance of responsible sourcing and reducing environmental repercussions are significant discussions in the trade, as consumers are becoming more aware of the environment and require more openness and ethical conduct from the companies they patronize. Free kratom samples as a business strategy provide a unique method to address these challenges. They are a connection between consumer interests and the trade's necessity for a more sustainable and ethical business model. By allowing customers to try products without immediate purchase, businesses are showcasing their trust in their product's quality. This article will argue that free kratom samples can initiate a beneficial cycle of heightened satisfaction and ultimately a change toward a more ethically and environmentally conscious kratom trade. We will examine how this straightforward yet tactical approach can foster a constructive change in the entire supply chain, from growth to consumer. Benefits of Free Kratom Samples Offering free kratom samples presents an undeniable advantage for consumers who are afforded the opportunity to explore a range of kratom strains and blends without having to open their wallets. This generous approach empowers individuals to discover the variant that best aligns with their personal goals, fostering a process of informed decision-making. The hands-on experience gained through these samples can lead to a deeper understanding and appreciation of each strain, encouraging a more confident and precise purchase in the future. The gesture of sharing free samples not only enhances customer satisfaction by ensuring they find their optimal product match, but it also engenders a sense of goodwill, which tends to translate into long-term client loyalty and repeat business for suppliers. Consequently, the practice serves as a cornerstone in nurturing a trustworthy relationship between consumers and kratom vendors and plays a key role in the customer's progression from novice to advocate within the kratom community. Fostering Transparency and Trust Companies that distribute free kratom samples demonstrate that they are confident about their product's quality, contributing to openness that's vital in establishing consumer confidence. When businesses are transparent about the origins and production process of their kratom, they promote a more educated customer base. People tend to favor brands that aren't solely focused on profits but also show real concern for ethical sourcing and the environmental impact of their activities. Providing free kratom samples is an action that extends beyond advertising— it signifies a dedication to excellence and ethical conduct, comforting customers that they are investing in a product that matches their principles. As a result, such openness not only earns the trust of potential customers but also strengthens the brand's reputation as an ethical and reliable supplier in the kratom industry. Supporting Ethical Supply Chains Promoting direct interactions between buyers and kratom growers, free kratom samples initiate support for ethical supply chains. This initiative forms a basis for transparency, where consumers can accumulate knowledge about the origin of their kratom and discover the cultivation and production methods used. By connecting the origin and the end-user, customers become more educated and are able to make conscious decisions, supporting producers who adhere to ethical standards and who are committed to the well-being of their workers as well as the environment. Companies that offer free samples often reinforce this ethical position, inviting examination and answering consumer inquiries regarding their supply chain management. Consequently, customers are not only informed about the quality of the kratom they receive but also about the entire sequence of operations that transports this herbal supplement from the farms to their homes, ensuring every phase is consistent with their personal values. Promoting Environmental Stewardship By integrating free samples into their distribution model, kratom companies take an important step towards environmental responsibility. This strategy inherently lessens unnecessary waste by decreasing the materials needed for packaging and the carbon emissions from shipping multiple single-purchase items. It ensures that customers only commit to larger purchases that could be wasteful after they've confirmed that the product satisfies their requirements, thus discouraging the rejection of inappropriate items. Furthermore, these environmentally-friendly practices agree with eco-aware consumers who prefer to support businesses that are actively reducing their effects on the environment. By strategically decreasing waste and adopting a more sustainable method to share their products, kratom companies not only operate with an environmentally conscious ethos but also help lead a change towards more accountable practices in the industry at large. In conclusion, free kratom samples serve as an important tool in shaping a more sustainable and ethical kratom industry. They enable consumers to make educated decisions that align with their individual needs and values, ultimately building a sense of loyalty and trust towards companies that are open and dedicated to responsible actions. The strategy also backs ethical supply chains and encourages environmental stewardship by minimizing waste and linking consumers with the origins of their purchases. The collective advantages of this business model are evident, contributing to a kratom marketplace that is not only consumer-friendly but also socially responsible and environmentally aware. For those interested in further examining the impact of free kratom samples on sustainability within the industry, research into supply chain transparency, environmental impact assessments, and consumer behavior studies would provide additional perspectives into this progressive practice. Read Also: The Ultimate Guide To Choosing The Right Shipping Company How Long Does AliExpress Take To Ship? 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7 Ways To Communicate With Customers In A Better Way!

When it comes to earning references and retaining the client, effective communication is key. It's about building and nurturing the personal and professional relationship to help gain loyalty- leading to repeat clients, good referrals, and positive word of mouth. However, on the flip side, ineffective communication can evoke frustration, dissatisfaction, and can decline sales. And in the age of digitization, negative reviews and communication can hamper business image. Irrespective of the medium you communicate with clients, here are some effective ways that help you communicate with clients: 7 Ways To Communicate With Customers In A Better Way: 1. Set Business Rules: Whether you run a small company or it’s a large organization, set specific guidelines on how your employees should react to clients. Whether it's on a voice call, video conversation, or through text messaging services like Quiq, it is important to communicate effectively. You can also provide training for your employees to prepare them for meetings. Also, have an effective and simple process of managing client communications. 2. Minimize Wait Times: Whether it's about reverting on the phone, mail, or sending a text message, making customers wait can make them feel frustrated. In fact, as per stats, a slow revert is found to be one of the top reasons for frustration among customer support. So, instead of getting things manually, have an automated system that will help route calls to the support representatives. Some apps also offer the capability of informing customers about the expected wait times. 3. Make Things Less Frustrated: Having the right tools will help increase client productivity and make things less frustrated. Let's say, if someone contact to ask about any issues, your team should be quick in pulling up previous records to minimize wait time. Also, your team should have the client’s records so that they would know about their purchase history and other interactions with the team. To minimize this, including live chat with customer relationship management tools. 4. When Doing In-Person Meetings, Do Your Homework: When getting ready to meet new clients, make sure you do your homework. If you are dealing with a new client, research about the client and their needs. However, if it’s a longer-lasting client, review its work task and discuss it with the team. No matter what you do, how you schedule your meeting, make sure to give yourself enough time to get things done beforehand. 5. Conclude Your Meetings Effectively: Conclusions are as important as the first impression, so make sure you do that effectively. Too often, when dealing with many clients, employees or representatives run in a hurry to attend the next person. However, this can ruin the overall experience and can affect overall sales. So, make sure representatives make effective communication and also send them to a nice conclusion. Just make sure your client is happy on the other side of the conversation. 6. Stay Relevant To The Preparation: Apart from the preparation, you are doing to understand your client, make sure you have good knowledge of what you are going to discuss and what your business is offering. Just be familiar with the company’s services, the price you are offering, and the overall time you will take to deliver things to the client. Also, be soft-spoken and humble when delineating the policies and services to the clients. Additionally, anything that you can't keep in mind should be written down. If there are confusing stats, make a presentation to let clients understand what you are delivering. 7. Ask For Feedback: You will not improve if you will not get feedback. So, ask your clients how they rate communications and interaction with the employees. Additionally, if you are running a large business, prepare a questionnaire, or have someone to prepare follow-ups. Irrespective of the mode of communication you use, just make sure that your clients get quality. After all, your clients are paying you for the services and effective communication comes along with it! Read Also: 7 Ways Technology Can Help In Customer Management And Sales How Portal Software Improves Communication Between Board Members 3 Ways To Boost Employee Engagement In Your Business 5 Ways Construction Businesses Can Gain New Clients

Project Management in a PRINCE2 setting

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