In today's omnichannel world, delivering a seamless customer experience across digital and in-person touchpoints is more important than ever. Discover why consistent, reliable product information is the cornerstone of these experiences, and the strategies that can help your brand master omnichannel consistency and elevate your brand's customer experience.
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While virtually every brand today has some type of an online presence, not all brand strategies align with successful omnichannel experiences. Customers have fully adjusted to the eCommerce model, however, as customer expectations change, markets get more saturated, and companies are under increased pressure to showcase their competitive advantage, it’s essential that brands master the omnichannel experience. Otherwise, they risk falling behind and losing once loyal customers to more digitally advanced competitors.
But herein lies a major challenge; no two customers are the same. No two customers will go through the same journey to make a purchase which is why the product experience is crucial when it comes to eCommerce and omnichannel success. As brands continue to refine their digital experiences, it is essential to look at strategies under the lens of a strong product experience (PX), otherwise, it’s easy to overlook a significant amount of value and revenue for the business.
The digital age is here to stay and as new technology continues to emerge, brands are forced to reevaluate their digital presence. Luckily, several companies have already fine-tuned their strategies and elevated their PX strategy to ensure a seamless omnichannel experience. Integrating print, customer support, social media, and in-store channels will result in a true omnichannel brand experience for customers, and as we head into major shopping seasons, there has never been a better time for brands to look critically at their strategy and master the omnichannel experience.
When building a successful omnichannel experience and strategy, it’s important to focus on first building the foundation of PX. This means digging deeper into the customer journey and understanding that eCommerce is just the beginning. Customers have an average of 17 interactions with a brand before they convert. Paired with the fact that the digital age has allowed more brands to exist and increased competition, companies need a robust brand strategy to break through the noise and connect (and stay connected) with their customers.
For brands looking to expand their omnichannel experience, journey, and presence, creating a unified experience for customers across every channel (social media, in-store, online, mobile, etc.) ensures that no matter where or when a customer chooses to engage with a brand, they are always receiving the same level of personalization and consistency. It also allows brands to meet the customer where they are.
Because omnichannel is customer-centric, shoppers have flexibility with the medium they are using to shop and make purchases. This becomes increasingly important during the busy shopping seasons, such as back-to-school, where shoppers are turning to websites to research their purchases, but thenopting to pick up in-store. A strong omnichannel presence can ensure thatcross-channel journeys like these are seamless and consistent, bridging the gap between in-person and online experiences.
After all, it’s expensive to replicate product information on every platform, so a strong omnichannel presence can alleviate added stress and ensure that the right information is provided with the right branding in the right channel.
Customers rely on product information to make informed purchasing decisions. Whether they’re browsing your website, scrolling through a mobile app, or standing in a physical store, they expect the same accurate details. If a customer sees different product specifications, prices, or availability across channels, it erodes their trust in the brand. Consistent information reassures customers that the brand is reliable and transparent, fostering long-term loyalty.
From an operational perspective, consistent product information reduces the likelihood of errors and discrepancies that can arise from managing multiple channels. When all touchpoints are aligned with the same product data, it streamlines inventory management, pricing updates, and promotional activities, ensuring that all channels operate cohesively.
Switching between online storefronts, brick-and-mortar stores, and social media shopping experiences is commonplace for consumers. Their preferences can change daily and can alter depending on their needs and desire for flexibility. What doesn’t change for shoppers is their expectation of a seamless and reliable shopping experience.
A consistent omnichannel strategy builds trust, enhances the customer experience, reduces frustration, and reinforces brand identity and loyalty. When cross-channel experiences integrate, long-term growth is achieved. Brands want to retain loyal customers and they want to ensure that customers are receiving reliable and integrated experiences to reinforce brand identity and values.
Integrating a full experience that extends beyond both in-store and online experiences will result in more than just boosted sales but also build brand loyalty and affinity. With these things in mind, brands can build a successful and comprehensive omnichannel strategy.
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