As a teen, I discovered that I really liked the textures, fabrics, clean lines and structured look of tailored clothing, and I would add my dad’s button front v-neck cardigan sweater and oversized blazer with a pair of jeans, a tee shirt and some platforms or pumps. I loved the way they looked on me and as I grew into my adult years, I continued to love that style of dress.
I recently made a big investment and bought myself a camel-colored wool suit I have been wanting from Banana Republic for quite a long time and I had no idea it was going to inspire this month’s blog, but it did.
Why?
User experience.
You see, I’ve been opening emails from Banana Republic for as long as I can remember. I visit the website often and am so intrigued not only by the feel of the brand but also by their company history, content and messaging. While I wasn’t quite ready to make a big purchase, I was invested.
46% of all website visitors will not trust a company if its mission statement is not clear. (Source: UserZoom)
That is step one as a business owner.
Ensure your clients, and potential clients, find value in your content, website, social media posts, etc. Let them know who you are, what you do and why you are a solution or a good fit for them. Everywhere they see you before they hire you, makes an impact. Branding is about a lot more than fonts or colors, it’s about your story. Why should they work with you or buy from you?
One example is how Banana Republic showcases goals on their websites as to what they are doing to protect the environment by sourcing sustainable fabrics.
Go to your website right now.
- Is it user friendly?
- Easy to navigate?
- Can people find out what you do quickly?
What about social media?
- Is your story and messaging clear?
- Is your language fitting for your ideal client?
- All of these things matter so much to your potential clients and customers.
My first purchase from Banana Republic was a belt. Nothing more. Yet, I kept coming back. I knew I wanted to support the company, I knew it was a fit, and when I was ready for that big investment, it would be with them.
Step two is keeping your potential clients engaged after they’ve made first contact.
They downloaded your free gift, they attended a webinar, they followed you on LinkedIn.
- Are you following up?
- Do you have an email automation sequence in place?
- What are you doing on social media or your blog?
- Are you active on your platforms?
- Are you commenting and supporting others?
- Are you living your brand?
- Are you staying connected?!
When I finally decided to make the big purchase, I was excited enough, but then I was thrilled when I actually received the suit. It came packaged in an absolutely beautiful box with a vintage-looking, black and white, tissue paper map of Africa and the presentation floored me. It was based in fantasy.
This is such a good lesson and step three.
Once you get the client or customer, that is only the beginning. You want to keep that client and surprise that client in the best ways.
Are your processes seamless?
Is your communication flawless?
Have you given them ideas and suggestions to propel their business forward?
Are you their true partner in the process?
Do you do the little things that make a big difference?
It doesn’t have to be anything extravagant, but simple gestures go a very long way. I was going to love that suit no matter what the box looked like, but wow, receiving it the way I did made my entire user experience very special.
Companies with a customer experience mindset drive revenue 4-8% higher than the rest of their industries. (Source: Forbes)
I thought about myself as a young woman in her dad’s oversized blazer staring in the bedroom mirror and it was so nostalgic as I realized I am now living her dream.
As we round out 2022, it’s a great time to look at the overall user experience in your business and see what you are excelling at and in what areas you want to improve.
If you run a retail store, would a handwritten note in each shipping box add a little edge?
If you are a service professional, would complimentary coffee in the lobby really cheer up your waiting customers?
If your website is outdated, would some new images and fresh content really uplevel your game?
If you want to discuss user experience, Done4U™ is here for you!
From creating email automations, to helping you with client follow-up, to handling social media and more, we can help. Reach out anytime by visiting us at done4u.vip and let’s chat.