82% of customers expect immediate answers when they reach out to a business. Obviously, small businesses can’t afford to have someone on-call around the clock to respond to inquiries from current and potential customers. That doesn’t mean that small and local businesses can’t keep up with the demand consumers have for instant answers. Don’t make your customers search for the information they need. Instead, have it readily available to them through instant webchat. 

When consumers have simple questions regarding your business, your products or the services you offer, they don’t want to wait around for a phone call or email that comes hours, or even days, later. The best part is that instant webchat makes life easier for business owners and employees, too. Roughly 70% of consumers say they would prefer to work through technology to get their answers than to speak to a representative at a business. The world has moved toward technology over the years, which has really changed the way customers work with businesses. Now that so many things are off-limits due to the COVID-19 pandemic, utilizing technology to help customers and build relationships with them is more valuable than ever. 

What are the benefits of webchat?

• 24-Hour Customer Care: Being available for your customers 24-hours a day is made simple and realistic through webchat. People can ask questions, address concerns and more to receive the answers they need right away. What better way to assist your customers through these times of social distancing than to provide them with a safe way to communicate with your business any time, anywhere.

• Accurate Information: In today’s technology-driven world, people don’t just expect quick and accurate answers, they won’t settle for anything less. Don’t make your customers search for the information they need about your business. Make it easy on them, and you, by providing them with instant and accurate information. Utilizing webchat means that you get to choose what responses are sent to customers based on their inquiries, so you know the information is correct and helpful to them.

• Saves Time & Money: Most of us can’t afford to pay an employee to sit on the phone or computer around the clock to respond any time someone has a question or concern. Using instant webchat on your business’ website saves time and money, while also impressing your customers. All businesses have a goal of saving time and money, and with the current situation in our world, this is more crucial than ever. 

Instead of making customers search the internet to find answers about your business, provide them with a quick and easy way to get accurate information. Webchat is beneficial for both businesses and consumers, and it should be a priority for small and local businesses to implement on their websites. 

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!