The term ‘mobile year’ has gained considerable buzz in recent years. Both the years 2009 and 2010 were called by this name, and now, 2011 seems all set to be awarded the moniker as well. However, it can make anyone wonder what the big deal is about this name. After all, mobile marketing is pretty likely to gain more popularity with each passing year anyway. Shouldn’t that make every year a ‘mobile year’?

True enough, but it seems that 2011 may rightfully claim the title after all, owing to a host of new concepts that were created in 2010, but are likely to take the world by storm only about halfway through 2011. Let’s have a look at two of the leading concepts:

Mobile CRM (Customer Relationship Management)

This is still in the early stages, but by mid-2011, it should gain considerable popularity among brands that carry out digital marketing. The technique is simple; a customer posts feedback regarding some product, or asks how to solve some problem with a product. The Mobile CRM software picks up keywords from the customer’s query, checks it with a preset database, and provides the customer with a solution from that database.

The process is extremely fast, hassle free, and guaranteed to put a smile on the customers’ faces. Besides, a record of every query and solution is maintained, which allows the company personnel to improve their products or services. The system offers excellent returns over investment (ROI) by maintaining high level of customer satisfaction and automating the process too. The caveat, however, is that the intelligent mobile CRM systems cost enough to destabilize the monthly budget of a company.

Retail marketing on mobile

Major retail chains across the globe, including Wal-Mart and Target, are fast adopting mobile marketing campaigns as their primary techniques for ushering in more customers, leading to increased profits. As time progresses, these customers will also be able to purchase products of their choice from mobile stores hosted by major brands, and provide feedback of the same. The technique is still in its nascent stage, but is sure to gather momentum in the New Year.