Today, customers expect at least some degree of digitalisation when dealing with businesses. There is a level of convenience associated with digital options, and customers will often give preference to businesses that provide this convenience. Online shopping allows customers to buy products from the comfort of their own homes, webpages allow information and prices to be evaluated without the need to visit premises in person, and digitised receipts are stored more safely and easily than their physical counterparts. Social media engagement is essential for a growing business to spread awareness of their brand. Businesses that have yet to undergo digital transformation will struggle to take effective advantage of these digital elements, despite the possibility of having them in place in a rudimentary fashion.
Customer journey mapping can help a business understand the digital expectations of their current and potential consumer base. Both the external and internal customer experience should be taken into consideration during this process – that is, the outward-facing side of the business that consumers interact with, as well as the inward side associated with the experience of stakeholders like employees, business partners, and suppliers. Information from data analytics and focus groups can be used to enhance a business model and create a better customer experience.
The customer experience has evolved drastically from the relatively simple process of buying products in the past. Consumers, in the eyes of businesses, were once considered mostly passive entities who were marketed to indiscriminately and purchased products as a result. The modern customer experience is markedly more involved for both sides. Customers’ options have increased, and so their specific needs and desires need to be accounted for by a business. On the other hand, customer behaviour can now be accurately predicted and understood through the examination of data generated by customer engagement. If a business has a digital infrastructure in place, new possibilities are opened up – the acquisition and communication of customer data through digital channels will allow a business to obtain invaluable insights relating to customer trends. Through these means, businesses can penetrate untapped markets or even create wholly new ones.
The digital ecosystem is the digitalised version of relationships between a business and its stakeholders. This complex network of interpersonal and inter-organizational links can only be acquired and maintained through the use of technology that allows for interconnectivity and efficient communication. As well as increasing the overall speed and reliability of general processes, businesses that enter the digital ecosystem by undergoing digital transformation will gain numerous collaborative opportunities that will further increase their customer engagement levels. Social media outreach can extend to collaborative efforts with influencers to promote a brand, and online platforms such as Linkedin offer a digitally focused method of connecting with potential clients, partners, and employees. A pre-existing familiarity with digital channels of communication will allow a business to take full advantage of online advertising opportunities such as these.
No business can survive without the support of its customers. Software applications, which are becoming increasingly sophisticated, are an essential tool that can be used to maintain relationships with customers and help forge new connections. Digital transformation can uplift outdated customer services in order to provide a smoother and more pleasant experience for all stakeholders involved.
