In today’s fast-paced world, customer convenience reigns supreme. With a plethora of technological tools at your disposal, there’s simply no excuse for making your customer’s life harder than it needs to be. The key is to keep the customer experience at the forefront of your mind at all times. After all, dissatisfied customers are a surefire way to sink your business. Even if your products or services are top-notch, a subpar customer experience can drive people away in droves.
The modern consumer expects nothing less than a seamless, hassle-free experience when dealing with a company. And those businesses that can deliver on that promise are the ones that will come out on top.
Customer-centric companies see a whopping 60% increase in profitability compared to their less-focused counterparts.
So where should you focus your efforts? That depends on your business’s unique needs and budget. We have compiled a list of ideas to suit businesses of all sizes and stripes, so you know there’s something here for you. Let’s dive in!
Cloud Forms
Are you still going through the tedious process of emailing clunky Microsoft Word forms to your customers? It’s time to step into the modern era of cloud-based forms. Not only does this make the experience smoother and more intuitive for your customers, but it also streamlines your own operations by automating the form data collection process and providing valuable analytics.
With cloud-based forms, your customers can simply follow a link and fill out the necessary information from any device – no more cumbersome downloads or email exchanges required. And as the data flows seamlessly into your system, you can spend less time on manual data entry and more time focusing on what really matters: growing your business.
Best of all, if you’re already a Microsoft 365 user, you’re in luck – the cloud-based form tool Microsoft Forms is already at your fingertips! Simply navigate to your available applications or visit the Microsoft website to get started.
Digital Signatures
According to industry experts, the use of eSignatures is poised to skyrocket by a whopping 69% come 2024. And it’s easy to see why. With digital signature capabilities, the tedious process of printing, signing, and scanning documents becomes a thing of the past. No more wrestling with finicky printers or struggling to navigate an unfamiliar scanner – just a smooth, hassle-free signing experience for all parties involved.
But the benefits of eSignatures go far beyond just convenience. By using digital signatures, you can handle transactions entirely online, eliminating the need for time-consuming and error-prone manual processes. Plus, digital signatures are just as legally binding as their ink-and-paper counterparts, giving you peace of mind that your transactions are secure and enforceable.
So, if you’re still clinging to the old-fashioned ways of signing documents, it’s time to embrace the future of business and make the switch to eSignatures. Your customers (and your bottom line) will thank you.
Smart Chatbots
Customers demand speedy and responsive service – and if they don’t get it, they will be quick to take their business elsewhere. This is where chatbots come in. These savvy digital assistants can field a wide range of common questions and concerns, providing quick and helpful responses 24/7 right on your website.
But chatbots aren’t just a time-saver – they’re also a customer favorite. Recent studies have shown that 68% of consumers are happy to use a helpful chatbot, and many prefer it over traditional communication methods like email. With chatbots, customers can get the help they need in a matter of seconds rather than waiting around for a human agent to get back to them for hours or days.
SMS Notifications
When it comes to keeping your customers informed and engaged, there’s no denying the power of SMS notifications. With email inboxes clogged with spam and promotional messages, text messaging offers a direct, streamlined way to deliver important updates and alerts.
Whether you’re sending shipment notifications, purchase confirmations, or payment reminders, SMS notifications can help ensure that your customers never miss an important message. Of course, it’s essential to respect your customers’ privacy and preferences. That’s why you need to ensure to implement an opt-in and opt-out method, giving your customers full control over which messages they receive.
Online Appointments
Giving your clients the power to book their own appointments can be a game-changer. By eliminating the need for phone calls and back-and-forth scheduling, you can streamline your lead-generation process and make it easier for prospects to connect with you.
But how do you get started with online appointments? The first step is to carve out dedicated time in your schedule to speak with potential clients. From there, you can leverage powerful tools like Microsoft Bookings to make the process even smoother.
With features like automated client notifications, integration with Teams video meetings, and the ability to send customized follow-up emails, Microsoft Bookings is a powerful solution for businesses of all sizes. And by showcasing your online appointments on Google or your website, you can increase your visibility and attract even more leads.
FAQ Kiosk
Staying ahead of the curve is essential. That’s why savvy companies turn to innovative tools like FAQ kiosks to enhance their customer experience and streamline operations.
FAQ kiosks are popular in retail stores as a powerful way to provide quick and easy access to information. Because they’re self-serve, customers can get the information they need without waiting in line or tracking down a staff member.
But more than just retail stores can benefit from FAQ kiosks. Service businesses of all kinds can also use these tools to significant effect. By providing answers to commonly asked questions, they can save time for their staff and make it easier for clients to get the information they need. And with the ability to direct clients to staff offices or other areas of the facility, these kiosks can also serve as a valuable wayfinding tool.
VoIP Phone System
Your phone system is more than just an internal tool for your business. It’s also a critical part of your customer’s experience. The way customers perceive your business is shaped by their interactions when they call you. That’s where VoIP phone systems come in, providing your staff with the freedom to assist customers from anywhere, even while on the go.
VoIP doesn’t have to mean long, branched auto-attendant queues that are painful to get past. You can use VoIP to answer calls faster, stay available for clients, and use tools that make your daily work more efficient (such as voicemail-to-email transcription). With other features like group ring and auto-attendant, VoIP systems enhance caller engagement and improve your overall customer service.
Get Help Planning your Tech Roadmap
When upgrading your technology, making informed decisions that benefit your business’s bottom line is essential. At Protek-IT, we specialize in identifying the best systems to integrate with your existing solutions. We analyze the latest trends and innovations to help you stay ahead of the curve.
If you’re ready to take your business to the next level, call us today at 773-907-0600 or fill out the form to schedule a consultation, and we’ll help you figure out how to improve your business.
Republished and edited with permission The Technology Press.
