Top 54 SEO/SEM Software (Jan 2023)

2023's Best 55 SEO/SEM Systems

Shlomi LaviShlomi Lavi / Jan 27, 2023

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1. GeoRanker

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $99 per month
  • Mar 22, 2022
Compare GeoRanker Vs. GeoRanker

GeoRanker is a growing cloud-based SEO/SEM software, it is designed to support small and medium size business. GeoRanker received a rating of 4.7 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (2.6/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


2. Linkdex

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $600 per month
  • Mar 03, 2022
Compare Linkdex Vs. GeoRanker

Linkdex is a tool that measures search engine visibility and improves it for popular brands. Organic search usually provides popular brands with the best ROI values. Search engines have become vital in the operations of a business. The software is able to unite SEO, PR, social media and content func...


3. Whitespark Local Citation Finder

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $39 per month
  • Mar 28, 2022
Compare Whitespark Local Citation Finder Vs. GeoRanker

Whitespark Local Citation Finder is a program that helps improve your search ranking in the local market. Find out where to list your business, as well as the best keywords or key phrases to use to make your name climb up the rankings and improve your online visibility locally.


4. Moz Pro

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $99 per month
  • Mar 31, 2022
Compare Moz Pro Vs. GeoRanker

Moz Pro is a complete set of SEO tools which is a must-have for internet marketers and SEO professionals. It was designed to improve search engine rank and visibility. The tools use proven techniques, metrics and analytics and follows a strict adherence to the Google Webmaster Guide. It automatic...


5. Agency Platform

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $149 per user/month
  • Apr 21, 2022
Compare Agency Platform Vs. GeoRanker

Agency Platform is a leading cloud-based SEO/SEM software, it is designed to support small and medium size business. Agency Platform received a rating of 4.3 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (2.9/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


6. cognitiveSEO

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $129.99 per month
  • Apr 18, 2022
Compare cognitiveSEO Vs. GeoRanker

The cognitiveSEO is a search engine marketing (SEM) software helping users to monitor the growth of their website and in increasing traffic to it.


7. SpyFu

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $9 per month
  • May 15, 2022
Compare SpyFu Vs. GeoRanker

SpyFu is an SEO (search engine optimization) software deployable on the cloud and work as search marketing.


8. BrightLocal

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $8 per location/month
  • May 15, 2022
Compare BrightLocal Vs. GeoRanker

BrightLocal offers users with a comprehensive reporting tool for local search engine optimization (SEO). SEO reports are done accurately and fast for the local clients.


9. SE Ranking

  • Best for: Medium business
  • Price: starts at $31.20 per month
  • May 15, 2022
Compare SE Ranking Vs. GeoRanker

SE Ranking is an SEO software that lets your company be on top of search engine result so users can easily find you. It has various tools that let you manage and monitor your backlinks, rank, and keywords, as well as offer suggestions on what needs to be done in order to make your search engine opti...


10. Unamo SEO Software

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $19 per month
  • May 16, 2022
Compare Unamo SEO Software Vs. GeoRanker

Unamo SEO Software is a growing cloud-based Marketing Analytics software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Unamo SEO Software received a rating of 4 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.1/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


Pricing Guide - SEO/SEM Software:

Marketing Software Price Ranges

Marketing software products have different pricing based on their focus features and the target audience. However, companies looking for a marketing software can expect to pay between the range of $30 to $100 per user, per month. This price range covers the basic offering of most vendors; hence, premium or enterprise offerings will be significantly higher. For instance, HubSpot Marketing Automation pricing starts from $50 per user monthly, SendinBlue from $25 per user monthly, while Pardot pricing sits around $1,200—although with more robust features and more user accounts.

The prices for marketing software also depend on the size of businesses. The price ranges for each business size are as follows:

  • Small Businesses can expect to pay between $15 to $25 for a marketing software, plus some vendors make their low-end offerings free for tiny business sizes. For example, CleverTap, Moosend, and Bigmailer all have packages that are free for small businesses. Meanwhile, some premium marketing software for small businesses are ActiveCampaign, which starts from $15 per user per month, Campaigner from $19, and Remarkety pricing starts from $25 upwards.
  • Medium Businesses can expect an average price of $50 for a marketing software. Most marketing software offerings for medium businesses sit around this price range, although some other products can be as high as $150 per user per month. For example, FreshMarket, Integrated Marketing Portal, and SalesNexus CRM & Automation cost around $50 each— all on a per user, per month basis. Meanwhile, Bazo and GreenRope cost $70 and $150, respectively.
  • Large Businesses can expect to pay prices which range from $400 to $1,500 per month for marketing software, although many of the packages include 2 or more user accounts. Adding more users cost more, depending on the business’ size. For instance, Act-On pricing starts from 900 per month, Maropost costs from $500 monthly upward, and Pardot costs around $1,200 monthly.

Marketing software best of breeds and their respective price ranges are as follows:

  • Campaign Management Software The prices for most campaign management software in the market are set based on a per month basis, although there are others with yearly billings. However, businesses can expect to pay between the ranges of $10 to $50, $50 to $150, and $150 upwards monthly for a campaign management software. The prices are subjective to factors such as the number of user accounts, number of contacts, etc. For example, Asana costs around $11 per user monthly, PinPointe $42 per month, and Campaign Influence Analyzer $6,500 yearly for unlimited users and a number of other features.
  • Brand Management Software Most Brand management software pricing comes in various volatile pricing patterns; hence, some can be bought perpetually, while others are priced on a yearly or monthly basis. Given this, companies can expect prices that fall between $500 to $3,000 for marketing software billed per month and between $5,000 to $40,000 for ones billed yearly. For example, AssetBank pricing starts from around $550 per month, BEAM costs up to about 2,500 per month, and Wedia pricing sits around $12,000 per year.
  • Content Marketing Software Content marketing software pricing usually falls between $10 to $50, depending on the tier or level of offering of each product. The prices are set on a per user, per month basis. For instance, AirTable pricing starts from $12 per user monthly, DropTrack costs from $19 per user monthly, while Topic pricing starts from $49 per user per month.
  • Marketing Analytics Software For marketing analysis software, users can expect to pay prices that range from $10 to $50 monthly for low-end offerings. On the other hand, standard or premium fall between $200 to $800 per month. For example, AgencyAnalytics pricing is priced at $49 per month, ClickData costs about $25 per month, and Singular pricing falls around $750 monthly.
  • Marketing Research Software This is divided into tiers, with some considered standard and others premium. Businesses can expect prices that range from $15 to $50 on a per month basis for standard offerings on marketing research software. Premium offerings cost between $200 to $700, depending on the robustness of the product’s features. For example, TypeForm costs $35 per month, Survio costs $29 monthly, and CYS pricing is around $290 monthly. There are also yearly pricing; for example, CheckMarket costs $1,000 per year, and Nifield pricing is at $2,000 per year.

11. BrightEdge

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $4,000 per month
  • May 23, 2022
Compare BrightEdge Vs. GeoRanker

BrightEdge offers users with several platforms in which search engine optimization (SEO) SEO and business metrics are integrated in one reporting.


12. ReportGarden

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $89 per month
  • May 22, 2022
Compare ReportGarden Vs. GeoRanker

ReportGarden is an award-winning cloud-based Analytics software, it is designed to support small and medium size business. ReportGarden received a rating of 4.4 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (3/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


13. Serpstat

  • Best for: Large business
  • Price: starts at $55 per month
  • Jun 22, 2022
Compare Serpstat Vs. GeoRanker

Serpstat is a SEO (search engine optimization) software capable of enhancing the users’ performance in major areas of SEO such as search analytics, marketing, PPCC, content marketing and many more.


14. Woorank

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $79.99 per month
  • Jun 17, 2022
Compare Woorank Vs. GeoRanker

Woorank is a website optimization and SEO solution for small and medium businesses. It offers extensive features for site optimization, competitive analysis, and link management. The software was designed and launched by WooRank headquartered in Brussels, Belgium.


15. AuthorityLabs

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $49 per month
  • Jul 01, 2022
Compare AuthorityLabs Vs. GeoRanker

AuthorityLabs is a keyword insight and search engine ranking data program that helps users monitor the performance of their website presence via day to day search engine optimization/SEO tracking.


16. Rank Ranger

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $79 per month
  • Jul 23, 2022
Compare Rank Ranger Vs. GeoRanker

The Rank Ranger is a search engine optimization/SEO and search engine marketing/SEM tool that provides users with all in one digital marketing system.


17. Conductor Searchlight

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $1,995 per month
  • Jul 30, 2022
Compare Conductor Searchlight Vs. GeoRanker

Conductor Searchlight is an search engine marketing (SEM) software that gives users with modern and proven search engine optimization (SEO) and content technology together with proven processes that will lead to revenue.


18. webtexttool

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $19 per user/month
  • Jan 27, 2023
Compare webtexttool Vs. GeoRanker

Textmetrics is a leading cloud-based SEO/SEM software, it is designed to support small and medium size business. Textmetrics received a rating of 4.8 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (3.4/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


19. Alexa

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $149 per month
  • May 21, 2022
Compare Alexa Vs. GeoRanker

Alexa is software that helps users in gaining insights to the website/online performance of their competitors.


20. Raven Tools

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $49 per 2 users/month
  • Feb 16, 2022
Compare Raven Tools Vs. GeoRanker

Raven Tools is a growing cloud-based Marketing software, it is designed to support medium and large size business. Raven Tools received a rating of 4.4 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (2.9/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


21. Advanced Web Ranking

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $44 per month
  • Feb 21, 2022
Compare Advanced Web Ranking Vs. GeoRanker

Advanced Web Ranking is an website ranking tracker that is designed to help users in growing their presence online.


22. Ahrefs

  • Best for: Small businesses and start ups
  • Price: starts at $99 per user/month
  • Mar 02, 2022
Compare Ahrefs Vs. GeoRanker

Ahrefs is a software providing users with the tools to enhance search traffic, research competitors and monitor niche. It can help with learning why the users’ competitors are high ranking and what should be done to outrank them.


23. CanIRank

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $49 per month
  • Mar 22, 2022
Compare CanIRank Vs. GeoRanker

CanIRank is an search engine marketing (SEM) and search engine optimization (SEO) software that gives users with software expertise integrated with marketing experts leading to fast ranking and more.


24. Pro Rank Tracker

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $13.50 per month
  • Apr 04, 2022
Compare Pro Rank Tracker Vs. GeoRanker

The Pro Rank Tracker is a rank tracking and reporting software that users can use to improve their online presence via tracking of keywords, videos and websites.


25. Pi Datametrics

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $1,500 per month
  • Apr 06, 2022
Compare Pi Datametrics Vs. GeoRanker

Pi Datametrics is a growing cloud-based SEO/SEM software, it is designed to support small and medium size business. Pi Datametrics received a rating of 4.4 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (2.3/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


26. Morningscore

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $65 per month
  • Apr 05, 2022
Compare Morningscore Vs. GeoRanker

Morningscore is a marketing software designed as an SEO toolset to help organizations market their brand, drive traffic, and rank significantly higher on Google.


27. WebCEO

  • Best for: Large business
  • Price: starts at $37 per month
  • Apr 25, 2022
Compare WebCEO Vs. GeoRanker

WebCEO is a marketing software that provides a set of digital advertising and SEO tools to help enterprises promote their brand. The software helps users to make keyword research, run SEO audits, and check their rankings on search engines.


28. RankTrackr

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $19 per month
  • May 10, 2022
Compare RankTrackr Vs. GeoRanker

The RankTrackr is a search engine optimization/SEO and search engine marketing/SEM software that gives users with complete control of the SEO facet of their website as well as video rankings.


29. BloomReach

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price:
  • May 10, 2022
Compare BloomReach Vs. GeoRanker

BloomReach is a growing cloud-based SEO/SEM software, it is designed to support small and medium size business. BloomReach received a rating of 4.6 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (2.8/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


30. Searchmetrics Suite

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $412.49 per feature/month
  • May 13, 2022
Compare Searchmetrics Suite Vs. GeoRanker

Strengthen your brand and increase your sales with the Searchmetrics Suite.


31. Plerdy

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $23 per month
  • May 18, 2022
Compare Plerdy Vs. GeoRanker

All Conversion Rate Optimization Tools in one CRO platform


32. Site Analyzer

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $29 per month
  • May 18, 2022
Compare Site Analyzer Vs. GeoRanker

Site Analyzer is the 360° SEO analyzer for any website.


33. Seo Powersuite

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business
  • Price: starts at $299 per license
  • Jun 21, 2022
Compare Seo Powersuite Vs. GeoRanker

Seo Powersuite is a fast growing cloud-based SEO software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Seo Powersuite received a rating of 4.5 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.7/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


34. Majestic

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $49.99 per user/month
  • Oct 20, 2019
Compare Majestic Vs. GeoRanker

The Majestic Marketing Search Engine is for.. Majestic is a tool for internet marketers and SEO professionals allowing them to improve link building and search engine optimization strategies. It uses backlink histories, referrers, anchor texts, keyword search volume and a proprietary Flow Metric al...


35. MARKETGOO

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $79.80 per user/month
  • Sep 21, 2019
Compare MARKETGOO Vs. GeoRanker

MarketGoo is a quick and easy to use software that offers users the ability to increase traffic as well as boost Google rankings. It has the capability to grow and increase traffic and rankings as well as monitor the movement and progress of your company’s closest competitors.


36. SERPs.com

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $49 per user/month
  • Sep 28, 2019
Compare SERPs.com Vs. GeoRanker

SERPs.com is a web-based search engine optimization/SEO software designed using SEO Research and analytics tools to help users with their digital marketing.


37. ClickStream Bulk Query Keyword and Topic Research

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price:
  • Sep 10, 2019
Compare ClickStream Bulk Query Keyword and Topic Research Vs. GeoRanker

The ClickStream Bulk Query Keyword and Topic Research is an search engine optimization software working as Google keyword rank checker.


38. Link Detox Tool (DTOX)

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $299 per user/month
  • Sep 08, 2019
Compare Link Detox Tool (DTOX) Vs. GeoRanker

Link Detox was first launched in 2012. It was the first link audit product launched on the market. As such it had a good head start on their competitors, giving it the opportunity to build up billions of data points. The software claims to know the most about Google penalties. It also has 25 link da...


39. Traffic Travis

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $97 per license
  • Mar 13, 2020
Compare Traffic Travis Vs. GeoRanker

Traffic Travis is an award-winning cloud-based SEO/SEM software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Traffic Travis received a rating of 4.8 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (2.4/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


40. Domaintally

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $200 per user/month
  • Sep 10, 2019
Compare Domaintally Vs. GeoRanker

Domaintally is a growing cloud-based SEO/SEM software, it is designed to support small and medium size business. Domaintally received a rating of 5 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (2.9/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


41. GinzaMetrics

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $500 per month
  • Mar 13, 2020
Compare GinzaMetrics Vs. GeoRanker

GinzaMetrics is a growing cloud-based SEO/SEM software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. GinzaMetrics received a rating of 5 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (2.2/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


42. INDATALY

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price:
  • Aug 12, 2019
Compare INDATALY Vs. GeoRanker

INDATALY is a growing cloud-based SEO/SEM software, it is designed to support small and medium size business. INDATALY received a rating of 4.6 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (2.8/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


43. MarketSnare

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price:
  • Oct 29, 2019
Compare MarketSnare Vs. GeoRanker

MarketSnare is a growing cloud-based SEO/SEM software, it is designed to support small and medium size business. MarketSnare received a rating of 4.9 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.6/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


44. My SEO Studio

  • Best for: Small businesses and start ups
  • Price:
  • Nov 16, 2019
Compare My SEO Studio Vs. GeoRanker

My SEO Studio is a growing cloud-based SEO/SEM software, it is designed to support small and medium size business. My SEO Studio received a rating of 3 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (3.5/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


45. ZEFO

  • Best for: Small business, Large business
  • Price:
  • Oct 30, 2019
Compare ZEFO Vs. GeoRanker

ZEFO is a trending cloud-based SEO/SEM software, it is designed to support small and medium size business. ZEFO received a rating of 4.2 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.9/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


46. Rankinity

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $4.93 per user/month
  • Oct 25, 2019
Compare Rankinity Vs. GeoRanker

Rankinity is a growing cloud-based SEO/SEM software, it is designed to support small and medium size business. Rankinity received a rating of 3.6 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.5/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


47. SEO Automation Platform

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price:
  • Aug 09, 2019
Compare SEO Automation Platform Vs. GeoRanker

SEO Automation Platform is a trending cloud-based SEO/SEM software, it is designed to support small and medium size business. SEO Automation Platform received a rating of 3.4 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (2.3/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


48. SERP Scan

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $99.99 per user/month
  • Oct 13, 2019
Compare SERP Scan Vs. GeoRanker

SERP Scan is a leading cloud-based SEO/SEM software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. SERP Scan received a rating of 4.3 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.5/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


49. STAT Search Analytics

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $720 per month
  • Mar 13, 2020
Compare STAT Search Analytics Vs. GeoRanker

STAT Search Analytics is a growing cloud-based SEO/SEM software, it is designed to support small and medium size business. STAT Search Analytics received a rating of 3.8 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.9/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


50. Netpeak Spider

  • Best for: Small business, Medium business, Private use
  • Price: starts at $15 per month
  • Mar 13, 2020
Compare Netpeak Spider Vs. GeoRanker

Netpeak Spider is an award-winning cloud-based SEO/SEM software, it is designed to support small and medium size business. Netpeak Spider received a rating of 4.1 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (2.7/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


51. K-meta Keyword Research Tool

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $29 per user/month
  • Nov 02, 2019
Compare K-meta Keyword Research Tool Vs. GeoRanker

K-meta Keyword Research Tool is a growing cloud-based SEO/SEM software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. K-meta Keyword Research Tool received a rating of 4.8 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.9/5) when compared to alternative solutions...


52. SyCara Local

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price:
  • Oct 13, 2019
Compare SyCara Local Vs. GeoRanker

SyCara Local is a fast growing cloud-based SEO/SEM software, it is designed to support small and medium size business. SyCara Local received a rating of 4.9 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (2.3/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


53. Velocity by SIM Partners

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price:
  • Aug 04, 2019
Compare Velocity by SIM Partners Vs. GeoRanker

Velocity by SIM Partners is an award-winning cloud-based SEO/SEM software, it is designed to support small and medium size business. Velocity by SIM Partners received a rating of 4.8 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.7/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


54. seoClarity

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $79 per month
  • Mar 16, 2020
Compare seoClarity Vs. GeoRanker

The seoClarity is a search engine optimization/SEO software that provides users with deep-learning in order for them to understand the intentions of their clients and with the development of the users’ content strategy.



A Buyer's Guide to Business Software Solutions

How to Evaluate and Buy Business Software
 
If you’re somehow puzzled if this article is only for a specific size of business, no, it’s not. This is for you SMEs, MNEs and start-ups software buyers. Also, we’re not talking about a specific software solution here. Whether the software solution that you’re planning to buy is for Accounting, Business Intelligence, ERP, CRM, Help Desk, Maintenance Management or other types of application, one thing is for sure; with the help of this article, you will be able to know the right process in evaluating and buying a business software solution.
 
We’ve been into the software business for years and we’re seeing a lot of nitty-gritty things that often bring confusions and hesitations to many companies looking for better software solutions. Some companies can’t afford to let go their legacy systems while a few is encountering technological snags once the new system is in place. While this is the underlying truth behind software acquisition and implementation, what’s exciting about buying a business software solution is that there is a clear and obvious proof that thousands of companies and corporations today are happy with the benefits this technology is bringing into their respective businesses.  There is a significant increase in their revenue and the growth is on-going. And it’s easy to say; many from the Fortune 500 companies are making a lot of money because of their smartly-acquired business software.
 
So, let’s get straight to the point. What should you do in order to acquire that business software that could make your organization achieve its goals? The answer to this is pretty straightforward: evaluate and buy that right business software. Yes, that’s what you need to do and here’s the best manual from ITQlick.com that could certainly help you in doing that strategically.
 
Consider the Needs of Your Organization
Let’s assume that at this point, the entire management team agreed that you are ready to invest on a certain software application. The budget has been compromised and the key persons who will be involved in the acquisition process were already identified. Therefore, it’s time to approach things the project management way.
 
Define the Project
Every business software solution is categorized base on application type, features, deployment model, market size and pricing model. Remember that our objective here is to evaluate and buy a business software product that will fit into the size and present needs of your business. So what the project management team should try to deal with first is to define the real requirements of your business exactly base on the categories set by the software industry. Moreover, by doing this activity, you are already narrowing down your search for the right solution. Now, consider bringing this list of FAQs to the project management and aim to come up with clear-cut answers.
 
  1. What type of software is needed? Is it Integrated-Suite, Best-of-Breed or Industry-Specific? Ask your CEO’s main agenda and find the perfect match from these available options.
  2. What are the core and secondary features? Are you looking for basic, advanced or hi-end features? List down the specific features per category and allow the department managers and supervisors to give their insights on this list.
  3. How are you going to deploy the system? Would it be on-premise, cloud-based, hosted, or mobile-based? Weigh these options with the help of your CIO.
  4. Are you going for Tier 1, Tier 2 or Tier 3 vendors? Their offered solutions are base on the size of their target market - SMEs, MNEs or start-ups. Seek your CFO’s advice as it is important to match your financial capacity against the cost of the solution that the providers have for you.
  5. Are you willing to pay for the perpetuity software license or a subscription-based solution is way better? How many users are there and what would be their roles in using the system? Solicit feedbacks from future end users for they know better what challenges and risks might possibly come along their way when they’re using the system.
 
Finalize the BOM or List of Requirements
After providing definite answers on the above questions, we can say that the project has already been defined. Your procurement team is now ready to do their role in the acquisition process of this solution. However, in order for them to execute their job properly, they must have the complete list of requirements - features, specifications, hardware, and the software product. In other words, the Bill-of-Materials (BOM) that is final, complete and well-prepared must be handed over to the procurement director. Needless to say, it is very important that everybody is following the company purchasing and procurement protocols at all times.  
 
Request for Proposal (RFP)
The RFP process will bring everything into formality. Since you’re more likely in a line of business that doesn’t regularly buy software products, it is of critical importance that your RFP is well-structured before you send it to your prospect solution providers.
 
Draft the RFP
An RFP that contains all the relevant information as discussed during the project management meetings will enable the providers to return back to you their proposal that is complete and substantial. Therefore, your RFP should basically contain the following:
 
Brief Introduction
  • Company Name
  • Mission and Goals
  • Purpose of the RFP (or the need for software solution)
Business Background
  • Organizational Structure
  • Current Situation (IT infrastructure, system currently in-use, system issues and desired solutions, etc.)
  • Major Objectives of the Software Purchase
Request for Specific Requirements
  • Solution Functionality
  • System Specifications
  • Vendor Company Information
  • Price Model, Service Plans, Package Options
Other Important Inquiries (if necessary)
 
Send the RFP
Well-structured RFP will bring a lot of advantages especially when the proposals from various providers are received and then subjected for review and analysis. Send your RFP to at least three to five providers (or prospects which you have already shortlisted during the project definition phase). Depending on the complexity of the solution, most vendors will send their proposal in a matter of time, which could be around 4 to 6 weeks for Integrated-Suite solution.
 
Why still send RFP?
Is there really a need for RFP if your preferred solution (like cloud-based) and the service plans or packages are already displayed on the vendor’s website? Well, yes, you still need to undergo the RFP process. For most sales people, they certainly know that those figures appearing in the vendor’s website are usually the “list price” and not the “actual price”. More importantly, the vendor’s proposal (response to RFP) will serve as your main basis for the negotiation. Therefore, sending an RFP is a strict requirement.
 
Follow up questions relevant to RFP
More often than not, questions and concerns will be raised by the vendors to whom you send the RFP. You have to entertain them with utmost professionalism. Solution providers who are seeking further clarifications relevant to the RFP are consisting of professional software experts who wants to help your organization as much as they can. Entertain them but at the same time, always be cautious when providing additional information which you know is confidential or proprietary.
 
Evaluate the Proposals
Always refer to your finalized BOM when tabulating the contents of each proposal. Part of this process is to check the features that are available from this certain vendor and to cross out those that are not. While using spreadsheet aids the tabulation process, laying down the document proposals on the table and allowing your project management team to review them one by one should always be conducted. Evaluating the proposals in full force can help strengthen your decision-making process. Have another round of brain-storming session and come with the name of your preferred solution provider.
 
When selecting the final vendor, always promote the best interest of your organization. Consider answering these questions with full sincerity.
 
  1. Which vendor can provide the long-term benefits to your organization?
  2. Which vendor can provide the best and honest service from acquisition to full implementation?
  3. Which vendor is willing to devote most of its time in better serving its client?
 
Contact this solution provider and in your own strategic approach, try to get the answers to those three important questions above. In most cases, vendor who really wants to prove its craft will offer product demos on a higher level. Others will even invite you to check their already deployed and working systems. Feel free to connect with this type of vendor. Conduct simulation and testing, be it a cloud-based or on-premise solution. Examine all aspects and angles especially those that your project management team want to really know in-depth. For as long as it could help you arrive at a better decision, consider doing all the options available – for the interest of the organization.
 
Enter the Negotiation Process
Most solutions providers can be flexible in terms of pricing. Although the final say is oftentimes on the mouth of the sales person from the vendor’s side, a good negotiation process can always deliver a win-win situation to both parties involve. While negotiation sometimes cannot be settled in one sitting session, always be honest with your intentions whenever negotiating with your provider. If it’s about your budget, justify it with clarity. If it’s about their service plans, tell them what’s lacking or missing on their solution. At the end of the day, the most important event that should happen is that both of you are shaking hands because of a well done negotiation process.
 
Seal the Contract
So what are you going to do on a contract that involves a significant amount of investment? There are three project management approaches for this.
 
  1. Pass the ball to you legal team. They know what to do and more or less they will tell you if there is something wrong with the contract. Give them enough time to review before they affix their signature and then finally seal the contract.
  2. Hire a consultant base on the technical aspect that you want to clarify in the contract. If it’s the Scope of Work (SOW), a software implementation expert is the right person. If it is related to complex legal terms and conditions, a lawyer can help. If it has something to do with money, invite an accountant to conduct a thorough review and computation if necessary.
  3. Always consider consulting your project management team. Remember that the CIO, CFO and CEO are all team members. They will be the signatories and they know what’s best for the interest of the company when signing a contract agreement.
 
From evaluation to buying stage, it is important that the project manager must take full responsibility of monitoring all the works identified and distributed among team members. This is why delegating the right project manager is also an important consideration when buying a business software solution. And again, ITQlick.com wants to emphasize that whatever the size of your company is, using the project management approach will always lead you into a better outcome – that is getting what you paid for the right business software solution. 

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Auditor - Shlomi Lavi

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Shlomi Lavi is an entrepreneur and founder of ITQlick.com. He holds a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Information Systems Engineering from Ben Gurion University in Israel. Shlomi brings 17 years of global IT and IS management experience as a consultant and implementation expert for small, medium and large-sized (global) companies. Shlomi’s goal is to share the best knowledge and news about information systems so you can make smarter buying decisions for your business.