We all know how important customer service can be when it comes to business success. In most cases, the companies that are able to deliver the best service and make the most of their customer relationships are the ones that come out on top - regardless of industry.
It's no surprise then, that we are seeing a shift towards a more tech-driven approach when it comes to customer service. In fact, studies have shown that 37% of all IT initiatives (globally) are focused on improving the customer experience, demonstrating just how much value businesses are placing on it.
So, just how is technology transforming customer service, and what impact is it likely to have on the future of businesses? Let’s find out.
Data-driven Customer Service Decisions
Most brands understand the importance of offering personalized products and services to their customers. If a customer feels like they are receiving a tailored experience, then it can increase their sense of loyalty and lead to more positive interactions.
This same logic also applies to customer service and the decisions companies make about how they interact with their consumers.
By leveraging data - such as demographic information, purchase history, and customer interaction data - organizations can gain a better understanding of the needs and preferences of their customers, allowing them to provide more tailored service experiences.
Moreover, by using a cloud data warehouse for data apps, companies will be better equipped to employ predictive analytics to forecast demand, anticipate customer needs, and flag potential issues before they arise. This allows them to provide a more proactive customer service experience and give their customers the clarity, direction, and reassurance they need.
AI-powered Chatbots
Artificial intelligence (AI) is quickly making its way onto the mainstream scene, and customer service is no exception. Thanks to the advancements in natural language processing, AI-based chatbots are being used to respond to customer inquiries quickly and accurately without the need for a human representative.
This technology not only speeds up the process of customer service - providing customers with faster responses than ever before - but also allows companies to scale their customer service teams more efficiently.
For example, while the AI-powered chatbot handles many of the basic customer inquiries, human agents can focus their attention on the more complex customer queries that require a higher level of understanding.
Real-time Messaging
In our fast-paced digital world, nobody wants to wait 3-5 working days to get an answer. Fortunately, those days are about to be behind us as real-time messaging services such as Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp are becoming increasingly popular options for businesses to communicate with their customers.
Real-time messaging allows companies to engage directly with customers, answer their queries almost immediately, and provide a more personalized level of customer service.
Alongside the messaging tools, many businesses are now utilizing video chat and co-browsing technologies to better understand customer queries and provide tailored solutions - significantly improving the customer experience.
Self-service
One of the best ways to provide an excellent customer experience is by making it as easy as possible for customers to solve their own queries. Self-service technology such as knowledge bases, FAQs, and virtual assistants can help customers find the answers they need quickly and with minimal effort.
However, machine learning and AI are helping to shift these experiences from static to dynamic - meaning that customers can find the answers they need faster and with more accuracy.
Instead of being faced with a complex decision tree to get to the right answer, AI-driven self-service tools can interpret customer queries and provide tailored solutions in real time.
The Rise of Omnichannel Customer Service
It wasn't long ago that customer service was largely limited to telephone and in-person interactions. But with the rise of digital technology and mobile devices, customers now expect to be able to communicate with businesses through multiple channels - both online and offline.
As a result, companies are now looking to create an omnichannel customer service experience that provides customers with the same level of service regardless of which channel they choose to use.
The goal is to foster a consistent brand experience across all channels, ensuring that customers do not have to repeat themselves when they switch communication methods.
To achieve this, companies need to invest in technologies that integrate their customer service systems across all channels, allowing them to provide a seamless experience even when customers switch between platforms.
Summary
Gone are the days when businesses simply use customer service solely as a way to respond to complaints. Now, companies are taking a more creative approach, leveraging the latest technologies to create an unparalleled omnichannel experience that speaks to each customer's unique needs.
This encourages loyalty and fosters strong relationships with customers -ultimately leading to better overall experiences and a competitive advantage for the businesses that can effectively embrace the tools and technology that drive this shift.