Salesforce for Outlook (or Outlook for Salesforce) is a Salesforce native tool that allows you to centralize Salesforce data into Outlook. In doing so, you can easily transfer/sync data like contacts, events, and tasks between these systems, saving you time and resources as well as improve business efficiency.
Installing Salesforce for Outlook isn’t difficult. You can use the Salesforce for Outlook application developed by Salesforce to do that. Other popular ways are using Salesforce Outlook integrations like Revenue Grid. Each way is good in its own right.
That said, connecting Salesforce to Outlook requires some time and a certain level of technical knowledge. So, you should choose a Salesforce integration with Outlook that covers all the essential features you need while simplifying the process for you.
In this post, I’ll show you how to connect Salesforce to Outlook via Revenue Grid — the best alternative to Salesforce Inbox for Outlook.
Why You Should Integrate Salesforce with Outlook
Salesforce and Outlook are important tools for salespeople. For example, using Outlook, salespeople can send emails to communicate with potential clients, store client data, and make appointments. Meanwhile, Salesforce is great for tracking and managing sales processes, from contacts and pipeline to deal closing.
However, switching between Salesforce and Outlook can cause certain problems. Some tasks can be done in both apps, for example, tracking contacts and scheduling meetings. This leads to inefficient use of time and increasing errors (e.g., missing data or typing mistakes) while inputting data into these apps simultaneously.
To avoid all of these drawbacks, many organizations start integrating Salesforce with Outlook. This way, they can easily manage Salesforce data in Outlook without logging in to the CRM and, at the same time, improve salespeople’s performance.
Best Solutions from Revenue Grid
How to install Salesforce for Outlook
You can use the native Salesforce for Outlook application or Salesforce Outlook plugins to install Salesforce for Outlook.
If you use the former, all you need to do is download the Salesforce for Outlook installer, install and configure it, and then customize settings to sync what you want.
However, using this method has some critical drawbacks:
- Salesforce for Outlook hasn’t supported new users since Winter 2019. The application will stop serving existing users starting in June 2021 and ending with full retirement in June 2023.
- You won’t be able to receive adequate support from Salesforce teams, which means whenever you have an issue with Salesforce for Outlook, you have to figure it out yourself.
- If you use Mac OS, you need to set up Outlook integration and Einstein Activity Capture.
That’s why using a dedicated Salesforce Outlook integration like Revenue Grid is the best choice to install Salesforce for Outlook. You’ll avoid interruption, streamline your workflow, and sync all of your data seamlessly.
Revenue Grid allows you to connect Salesforce with the three most popular email clients: Office 365, Outlook, and Gmail.
Install Salesforce for Office 365
To install Salesforce for Office 365, follow these steps:
Step 1: Go to Microsoft store, find and install Revenue Inbox for Salesforce Add-In.
Step 2: Work with Revenue Grid logon.
Ensure you already have a Salesforce account and an Office 365 account. Then, open the Sidebar in Microsoft Outlook and log in to the Revenue Grid for Salesforce add-in. Follow the instructions as stated to connect Salesforce with Office 365 and choose which data you want to sync.
For a detailed tutorial, refer to How to Install and Run the Product for Office 365 Mailboxes.
Install Salesforce for Gmail
To install Salesforce for Gmail, all you need to do is add the Revenue Grid for Salesforce Extension to your Google Chrome. Sign in to Gmail and grant Revenue Grid permission to work with your Gmail and Google Calendar data. Then, authorize the Revenue Grid Chrome Extension to access your Salesforce data.
For detailed instruction, refer to How to Set Up the Chrome Extension for Salesforce and Gmail.
Install Salesforce for Microsoft Exchange
Installing Salesforce for Microsoft Exchange is the same as when you do that for Office 365. Watch this video or follow this tutorial to learn step by step:
Salesforce for Outlook vs. Outlook Integration
As you might already know, Salesforce for Outlook has some limitations. Even though Salesforce encourages users to switch to Lighting for Outlook (also called Salesforce Outlook Integration) after the application retires, Lighting for Outlook requires at least Outlook 2013 for Windows. Many users even reported that the integration loads too slowly and has a lot of bugs.
Another worthy note is that Salesforce Outlook Integration doesn’t sync some types of data, for example, opportunities, calls, and meetings. That means you still have to switch between Salesforce and Outlook to get that information.
Fortunately, Revenue Grid helps you solve all the problems you might have when using Salesforce for Outlook.
Here is what makes Revenue Grid the best Salesforce Outlook integration:
- Easily connect Salesforce with Office 365, Gmail, and Microsoft Exchange. Simple and quick setup.
- Specifically designed for syncing Salesforce data with email clients, meaning fewer errors, more reliable and faster syncing, and higher security.
- Automatically sync any data you want, from Salesforce contacts/leads to custom objects and much more.
- Share and manage emails in Salesforce, including file attachments.
- Compatible with smartphones, keeping your mobile device updated with contacts, meetings, and tasks.
Maximize Salesforce Outlook integration with Revenue Grid
Key takeaway
Installing Salesforce for Outlook will help salespeople access and manage Outlook data and Salesforce records in one single place. This makes it easier for them to create target email communications to prospects, which eventually drives more leads and sales. With Revenue Grid, companies can quickly connect Salesforce with Outlook and avoid all the hassles when using Salesforce for Outlook applications.
Read also:
Why Revenue Grid is a better alternative to Einstein Activity Capture
