95% of customers want to engage with businesses through new and emerging technologies. You read that right; 95%. It really doesn’t get much higher than that! Customer engagement is what makes and keeps customers loyal to a business. Without loyal customers, a business simply cannot thrive in today’s fast-paced world full of options. 

Consumers no longer search the yellow pages for a business to work with. Instead, they have become familiar with the new and emerging technologies that can be used to engage with businesses. Keeping customers happy by making their lives easier and more convenient is the whole purpose of staying on top of the new technologies that are becoming available to small and large businesses alike. 

What are the new and emerging technologies that businesses should be using to keep up with their customers?

SMS Text Messaging

75% of consumers prefer texting over talking on the phone. It’s hard to argue with a statistic like that. If your customers want to reach you through text messaging, it’s your job to provide them with that option. Text messaging may not be as quick as a phone call but it’s undeniable that it’s much more convenient. Allowing customers to reach you through either call or text is very valuable in regards to customer service. 

Automated Email Marketing

Email marketing is popular, because it works. Businesses are engaging with their most loyal customers through email and it’s working. Customers want to engage with businesses through new and emerging technologies, and that means using email rather than snail mail. Automated email marketing makes the job of a business owner easier because you don’t have to manually send out emails on a regular basis. Automated email marketing is a win-win for businesses and customers. 

Webchat

Over 80% of consumers expect to have a webchat option when they visit a business website. Webchat is a necessary tool for convenience on both ends; customer and business owner. Providing website visitors with immediate responses is an expectation that over 90% of consumers have. Meeting consumer demands is becoming more and more common and businesses are following the lead of the big brands who provide that level of service.

Keeping the majority of customers happy means that your business is listening to their feedback and providing customer service that is effective and convenient. If your business needs guidance when it comes to making sure that 95% of customers are engaging with your business in the way they want, FreshLime experts are ready to put you on the right path!

For more insights on marketing strategy that actually works for small business, connect with Jay Bean, Founder of FreshLime and Small Business Marketing Expert on LinkedIn and Twitter. If any of these tips have helped you or if you have anything to add, please comment below. We’d love to hear from you!