Simple Steps Towards Improving Customer Experience

March 2, 2016

Whatever line of business you are in and whichever platform you sell from, customer experience is vital. Every interaction they have with your brand can be pivotal. A good experience could be the difference between a loyal customer and someone who never comes back.
In today’s guide, I’m going to show you a few things you can do to get on top of your customer experience issues. The idea is to make your business as appealing as possible to your clients. There are a few things to get through, so let’s dive straight in.
Understand who they are
First if all, who are your customers? If you don’t know this, you have little-to-no chance of appealing to them! Look at their age, geographical location, and all their other demographics. Try and find an ideal customer – someone that exhibits all the characteristics of your target market. Then, try and talk to them in a way that encourages them to respond. Once you do this, you can concentrate on designing your business towards appealing to their immediate needs and concerns.
Talk to them
Of course, you can see a lot about people through their demographics, but talking to your customers can be even more revealing. Try using surveys or interviews and get to know them better. Although people might find it a hassle to fill out a long survey, you can include a few short questions when you follow up a sale. Under the guise of customer service, people tend to be a lot more positive about giving you feedback.
Be secure
People like to know they are safe, so make sure that your website has enough protection. Keep all your systems up to date, and set up more secure ways of taking payment. When you set up a merchant account, for example, it gives people a lot more confidence that you take security seriously. You can read up on more of the benefits of merchant accounts over at this website. Everything you do to improve your online security will result in more confidence – and that can be a deal breaker when it comes to making sales.
Communications
How well does your business communicate with its customers? If you find yourself struggling to answer the phone or respond to emails promptly, it’s going to be a bad look. People like to know that your business is there and willing to talk – whether it’s a complaint or inquiry. And, if you fail with your communications, there’s every chance your clients will go somewhere that gives them what they need.
Fix everything
If anything is broken – whether it’s on your website or in your shop – fix it. It’s a turn-off for anyone that visits ou in person or online. Broken links on a site, or broken windows in a store – they are all a sign of a business that doesn’t care. Appearances are so important in any business. And, if you fail to make a great first impression, it’s unlikely you will have the chance of making a second.
Have any more tips on improving customer experience? Get involved with the conversation by leaving a comment below!

Mark Asquith

That British podcast guy, Mark is co-founder of Captivate.fm, the world's only growth-oriented podcast host. A Harvard, TEDx, Podcast Movement and Podfest speaker (amongst many more!), he's a wildly approachable Brit and Star Wars/DC Comics geek.

Learn podcasting
in your own time

Listen to the
free podcast

The free, thrice-weekly show that brings you podcast education, industry insights & straight-talking reactions to podcasting news. This short-form show typically runs for between 7 and 15 minutes and releases every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Usually a solo show, every now and then, the show features expert podcast industry guests and release bonus episodes as the podcast industry continues to grow and develop.