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Digital transformation has a customer-centric future

5 minutes March 31, 2023
Amorette Klotz Digital Coordinator
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The future of digital transformation is bright when it’s customer-centric. Discover the benefits of putting your customers at the forefront.

The global digital transformation market is valued at $469 billion. More and more companies are recognising the importance of digital transformation. 

Many of them are discovering that a customer-centric approach is crucial. The connection between transformation and customer experience cannot be ignored. 

As a business leader, you understand how customers come first. So, it makes sense that a customer-centric approach leads to successful digital transformation.


What is 'digital transformation'? 

Digital transformation is the process of using digital technology to fundamentally change how the business operates. This is achieved by implementing new technologies, changing business processes, and improving customer experience.

Digital transformation is also defined as the shift from analogue to digital - this has been happening over the last few decades.

Digital transformation has revitalised many companies - by making them more efficient, scalable, and cost-effective.


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Benefits of digital transformation 

Some of the key benefits of digital transformation are:

  • Improved customer satisfaction
  • Increased productivity
  • Reduced costs
  • Increased profits


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Why is customer experience (CX) so important? 

Customer experience is the most important aspect of a business. It is the reason why customers choose to buy from one company over another, and a review of customer interactions is therefore important. 

However, it is not easy to create an effective customer experience. This is why a customer-centric approach is vital to a successful digital transformation.  


The connection between customer experience and digital transformation 

Companies that focus on digital transformation are also customer-centric. It is an essential part of the transformation process. Implementing these changes improves service quality and creates sustainable competitive advantages.

When implementing digital transformation, companies see the impact ripple across the organisation.

Businesses focusing on transformation want to drive effective change in their operations. To do this, they need to have clear goals and strategies in place.

When creating strategies and goals, the customer's needs must be the focus. This ensures your transformation efforts create a better customer journey and is based on customer interactions. 

 

What are customer expectations? 

Customers in today's digitally-charged world have high expectations, including: 


1. Omnichannel experiences

Omnichannel experiences are gaining popularity, as they let customers shop through different channels and buy products from anywhere at any time. 

An omnichannel experience is a customer-centric approach that involves a unified experience across all channels. 

The reason behind this trend's growth is that customers are becoming more aware of their shopping experiences, and companies understand that many experiences can be improved by making them seamless. Companies that provide an omnichannel experience deliver a better customer experience (CX). 



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2. Online communications


Customers are increasingly expecting online communications. Whilst they want to be able to talk to a person, they also want the option of chatting with AI or a chatbot. 

The future of customer service is customer-centric, and less focused on automation. Customers are expecting more from their interactions with organisations and brands, and companies must provide better customer service to stay competitive in the market. 

In the digital era, businesses must have a responsive customer service team. There must be an efficient customer service team in place that serves customers through all platforms. 


3. Speed 


Customers expect fast customer service. In the age of digital, they can easily research their options. They consider a lot of factors and then decide where to spend their money.

If a company is not providing the best service possible, it will lose out on potential customers.


How to drive digital transformation with customer service

So, how do you put the customers at the forefront of digital transformation? By focusing on the following: 


1. Prioritise customer metrics

Digital transformation has become a necessity for many organisations. And with these changes, customer satisfaction metrics are becoming the key factor in success. Involving the customer service team in the early stages of transformation is a must. This is to ensure you include these metrics. 

Many companies focus on customer journeys and satisfaction. It is an important part of their digital transformation strategy. Some have found that these metrics predict and prevent future churn.


2. Build an online presence 

Customers are now able to connect with brands and businesses in a more personal way. However, it's extremely important that companies build an online presence that is engaging for consumers. 

An online presence is important because it helps you with:

  • Gathering information about your customers (i.e. customer interactions and customer journey)
  • Gaining feedback and understanding their needs
  • Establishing trust and credibility with them

An online presence is not just about having a website or social media - but includes blog posts, podcasts, video content and even attending events.


3. Utilise automation and artificial intelligence

It's difficult to stay competitive in this fast-paced environment, and many companies are looking for ways to automate as much as possible.

Automation and artificial intelligence (AI) tools can help companies achieve a better customer experience, by reducing the amount of time spent on manual tasks, thus improving efficiency.

Using these technologies allows businesses to communicate with their customers more naturally and authentically. They also provide insights into what the customers are thinking and feeling. This helps businesses improve their interactions with customers.


4. Personalise digital experiences 

Personalisation is an important part of digital experiences and is a way to ensure you are giving your customers a great experience to meet their unique needs.

Personalisation in digital marketing has been on the rise and is not just about making content personalised for a specific user. It is also about making it more relevant and engaging for customers.

Customised experiences are easier than ever with the growth of artificial intelligence.


5. Provide ominchannel support 

Omnichannel support is an important aspect of a successful customer experience. Businesses must provide a seamless and consistent experience. 

Omnichannel support is not just about having an integrated website - but also about being available on social media and mobile apps. 

Customers are more likely to buy from a company when they can easily find them online - the products and services must be in the right place at the right time.


6. Add instant gratification elements 

You can provide your customers with instant gratification through digital transformation. This can be achieved by incorporating gamification or incentives into your experiences or customer journey. 

Customers are used to getting products and services with little wait times. Adding a instant gratification element along the customer journey will increase positive customer interactions, and reap many other benefits. 


7. Address pain points

Pain points are the things that cause customers to be unhappy and why customers might not want to buy your product or service. You need to identify these pain points and then provide a solution for them in your changes.

The key is to focus on identified customer pain points. If you resolve pain points, you will have more success in customer retention and increasing brand loyalty. 


8. Keep your brand 'human' 

Although digital transformation is crucial for staying competitive, there are still elements of a brand that should always remain human. Showing the ‘human side’ by connecting with customers authentically is crucial in building trust.  Digital transformation should consider both the digital and human - in this way, companies can create a more authentic and engaging customer experience, strengthen customer relationships, build brand loyalty, and trust.


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Improve customer experience with Dapth

Now you understand the connection between digital transformation and customer experience. If you want your transformation to be successful, focusing on customers first is a must.

Today's digital customer has higher expectations than ever before. 

At Dapth, we offer a variety of services to revolutionise how your company shows up online. 

Don't let challenges that are easily resolved stop your business from growing.

We're happy to teach you more about the services we offer. Take the time to contact us to learn more.



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