Providing a robust digital experience for your customers can increase satisfaction and build brand loyalty. While sales will come from digital media, your customers primarily come there to have fun and get a behind-the-scenes peek at your brand. It is vital to modify your digital strategies to meet their expectations.
Here are five innovative ways retailers can digitally connect with their customers ;
1. Show your Appreciation
An appreciation can give a happy feeling to the customer, giving retailers an edge over competitors. Showing gratitude to your audience, whether it be on your website, through emails, or social media, should be a regular activity of your marketing strategy. Connecting with your online audience on a personal level will resonate with your customer base. For instance, if your customers mention your company on social media, take the time to reply to them or share their messages.
2.Be active on Social Media
Most stores benefit from having social media accounts; however, simply having a social media account is not enough – retailers need to be actively engaged. Many shoppers see whether a store has an online presence before they will do business with them. Customers are already using social media platforms to browse new products, leave reviews and share favorite items with their friends, and you should meet them where they are. Interacting on social media can help retailers’ stores shine, and it is a great way to stay on your customer’s minds and feed.
Customers are constantly reviewing and talking about brands on social media, and there is a good chance your store will be the topic of discussion at one point or another. Actively engaging customers on social media and responding to social media comments are great ways to direct the narrative about what is being said about your brand. It can also allow you as a retailer to resolve negative comments as soon as they arise.
3.Ask for Feedback and Implement those Ideas
Gathering information about the preferences and opinions of your audience has never been easier. Consumers love to share their views online, and they will be more than willing to share their thoughts. Retailers need to give them an idea and an outlet. One of the simplest ways to do this is by creating a poll or post a question with content on social media. It’s important to listen to your customers to find to improve your business. While collecting feedback is crucial to a successful business, it’s almost pointless if retailers don’t use it in a meaningful way. Be sure to create a document with all of the customer feedback you receive, separating complaints and suggestions. Retailers should professionally handle the claims and integrate any useful ideas into their business strategy. This should be done regularly because when customers see that you are listening to them, they will be more forthcoming with feedback in the future.
4. Adapt WhatsApp Messaging
In today’s digital landscape, 90% of people are using WhatsApp. As a retailer no matter the size of your business, WhatsApp messaging can be a great way to connect with customers. If you’re a smaller business, WhatsApp messaging is a convenient way to quickly communicate with clients about new products, orders, delivery, promotions, etc. If you’re a larger business, you can allow customers to opt-in for WhatsApp messaging about offers and deals. You can also have a dedicated WhatsApp texting support number that allows customers to text, rather than call, with issues.
5. Embrace Live Video
Live video marketing is a rapidly growing trend in the eCommerce marketing community. Live video is particularly appealing because it allows viewers to experience something vicariously and immediately and opens the door for live feedback, such as user-contributed questions and comments. Live video can be used for Q&As, new product launches, etc. Retailers need to keep in mind the appeal of live video and how it can be used to expand their customer connections.
In conclusion, the allure of digital connections is to create a more intimate relationship with your customer base. Use all your digital platforms to offer exclusive insights to your brand and design a unique experience for your customers. The key to keeping your audience engaged is by adding value to their lives through your original branded content.
By Carolyne Rabut
Content Marketing – CompuLynx
