Mobile CRM: why they are the future of sales

Why do you think software publishers rack their brains to develop mobile CRMs? A desktop-only solution is simpler to implement and causes fewer headaches for product and technical teams…

As we often say: starting from the field requires using an application designed first and foremost for mobile. A field sales representative should no longer waste time, leaning against their car in a sumptuous setting called a "parking lot," entering data on their laptop…

Unfortunately, too many area managers are still equipped with CRMs that are only accessible on desktop, and on-premise. To succeed in your CRM implementation and ensure your sales reps will use it, you must rethink its adoption: a more flexible, SaaS, easy-to-use solution designed for those who use it daily, and therefore mobile!

Mobile is mobility's best friend (besides, the two words look quite similar). All data available in just a few "taps" (we don't say "clicks" anymore), entered instantly and accessible to the entire sales force: what was still a fantasy yesterday is a reality… starting today!

What do we mean when we talk about mobile CRM?

A Mobile CRM is a CRM accessible from a smartphone or tablet. It is an extension of traditional CRMs, which are only accessible on a computer.

The features are the exact same as on web applications. However, having access to the solution on mobile adapts to the field needs of your sales reps and responds to mobility situations:

• Access anywhere and anytime: Users can access customer data, interaction history, and sales analysis in real time, wherever they are.

• Real-time synchronization: Information is instantly updated across all devices, allowing for a consistent and up-to-date view of customer data.

• Contact and lead management: Enables effective tracking of customer information, prospects, and sales opportunities.

• Activity planning and tracking: Sales reps can schedule and track their meetings, calls, and tasks directly from their mobile device.

• Reports and analytics: Access to analysis and reporting tools for decision-making based on up-to-date data.

• Integration with social media and communication tools: Facilitates interaction with customers through various channels integrated into the application.

• Sales and pipeline management: Real-time tracking of sales status and the progress of commercial opportunities.

The advantages of Mobile CRM for sales forces

CRMs available on mobile or tablet offer many advantages for field sales reps. Accessible from anywhere, they foster mobility and flexibility for users on the go, such as retail (GMS) sales forces.

Say goodbye to bloated "gas factory" CRMs

Mobile means lightweight. Technological constraints are actually a professional's best friend: they force focus on the essentials.

Result: easy-to-use solutions tailored to the daily life of sales reps. No question of weighing down a solution by integrating as many features as possible. In design, this is called less is more.

Limitations have offered a unique opportunity to simplify things. Simplification also means cost reduction: you pay for the essentials at the fairest price, the one that matches your actual needs.

An easier implementation

Equip your sales forces with tools they actually use…

Too many and unadapted features make adoption complex. Consequently, your sales force may simply choose not to use a CRM at all. Too complicated, incompatible with my workflow, incompatible with the human aspect of the sales profession…

The mobile CRM avoids such pitfalls: almost everyone uses their mobile, and for increasingly longer periods! This new life companion will easily anchor into the habits of your sales force. It is more user-friendly than its web counterpart: on mobile, the user interface is simplified and adapted to touchscreens for quick and intuitive use.

Instead of thinking "I have to chore through this data entry again" after a long day of prospecting, your sales rep will develop new, simple, and effective sales reflexes, right at the moment of each action.

A sort of direct stream of commercial actions to data entry!

More adaptability in the field

An area manager, during their sales rounds, must sometimes juggle a busy and changing schedule. Thanks to the mobile CRM, they can organize and adjust meetings in real time, plan store visits, and even receive notifications for meeting reminders.

A mobile-accessible CRM integrates more easily with third-party applications, social networks, and communication tools useful for the mobility needs of area managers.

Moreover, in the field, quick access to customer information is crucial. With a mobile CRM, the area manager can check interaction history, previous orders, customer preferences, and feedback directly before or during a meeting, allowing for a more personalized and informed approach. They can also base their sales pitch on up-to-date data.

It allows for instant updates of information in the field, improving responsiveness and efficiency.

Avoid the loss of commercial and strategic information

Before, a sales rep had to enter all their information asynchronously: after the meeting, once a Wi-Fi connection was available. They were blind when missing information in the middle of a meeting. Between email, documents, and other sales tracking features, nothing was within reach.

The mobile CRM has revolutionized sales in these areas and saves a lot of time for both sales reps and their contacts. Now, during visits, field sales reps can immediately enter their observations, customer feedback, and other relevant data into the CRM application, even without an internet connection. This ensures that information is recorded accurately and on time, facilitating follow-up and future actions.

Improve collaboration

Mobile CRM makes sharing information among team members easy, even remotely. If an area manager uncovers an important piece of information in the field, they can share it instantly with colleagues, thereby improving collaboration and collective decision-making.

A CRM that diagnostics and revolutionizes sales tracking

For tracking commercial efficiency, this is a godsend. Efforts are redirected to the most profitable points of sale, and data intelligence changes how actions are viewed, increasing efficiency. All of this without putting pressure on teams: the goal is not to force productivity.

On the contrary: you identify the most tedious tasks, those that yield little or lead to a waste of time. By doing this, you realize they need to be scaled back or even eliminated. This freed-up time will allow you to organize yourself better to shift from quantity to quality. Doing quality work is more rewarding and generally leads to better results. Looked at this way, it changes everything!

Mobile CRM or Traditional CRM?

Why, both of course!

We believe CRM must, above all, be multi-device. It is important to have a CRM accessible on mobile apps, just as it is important to access your CRM from the Web.

This multi-platform approach allows each user to select the environment best suited to their task: a large screen for in-depth data analysis or a mobile device for responsiveness in the field (updating reports, taking voice notes, photos, conducting surveys…)

The choice of a CRM must include:

• Real-time synchronization: changes made on the mobile app are instantly reflected on the web version, ensuring information consistency for all users at all times.
  
  

• Offline synchronization: in areas without an internet connection, sales reps can continue to work offline. As soon as a connection is re-established, all actions taken are synchronized and become visible to everyone on all platforms.

By combining the advantages of both platforms, you ensure a seamless user experience and continuity of operations. This hybrid approach improves responsiveness, customer satisfaction, and sales force productivity while optimizing commercial results.

In summary: why you won't be able to live without a mobile-accessible CRM

The world is adapting to new habits and is becoming increasingly mobile. Whether it's remote work or new sales opportunities, the possibilities are endless. They benefit both field sales reps and sales directors.

Real-time collaboration with your entire sales force is another major asset.

Finally, the simplicity of use will ultimately win over even the most resistant sales reps to using a CRM. What if mobile CRM became a sales essential for everyone? At Sidely, we are convinced of this, and we assure you that mobile CRM is not the future of sales: it is already revolutionizing it!

Sidely is the simple, mobile, and implementation-free CRM/SFA that helps field sales reps be more efficient and fulfilled in their work. It helps management grow their brand or agency faster.