How Great Companies Get CX Right: Steps To Build And Measure What Really Matters

by
Neil Stone
on
November 5, 2024

I recently had the pleasure of hosting a webinar alongside Jerry Angrave, the founder of Empathyce and a seasoned CX consultant. As the Head of Marketing at SmartSurvey, I'm always eager to share ideas that can genuinely help companies up their customer experience (CX) game. This Webinar was packed with practical tips and discussions, ideal anyone looking to kick off or refresh and existing CX programs.

We covered three big topics: how to start or revitalise a CX program, from mapping to measurement, and what makes top-performing companies stand out when it comes to CX.

We talked about the real challenges businesses face when trying to implement CX strategies and shared examples of companies that have nailed it, proving that with the right approach, any organisation can see a meaningful transformation in how they engage with their customers to consistently deliver better experience's. I've expanded in a bit more detail on the key points discussed below, but to get all the insight I would recommend watching the recording.

Enhancing customer experience: key insights and strategies

In today's competitive landscape, customer experience (CX) is a critical differentiator for businesses. Successful companies understand the importance of empathy, strategic planning, and continuous improvement in delivering exceptional CX. This article delves into the essential components of building or revitalising a CX program, the challenges faced by organisations, and the traits of companies that excel in customer experience.

Building or revitalising a CX program

Three steps to success

  1. Vision: Establishing a clear CX vision is crucial. It aligns with the organisation's purpose and objectives, guiding all actions and decisions. A well-defined vision helps in setting expectations and measuring success.
  2. Maturity assessment: Understanding the current state of CX maturity within the organisation is vital. This involves evaluating existing processes, customer feedback mechanisms, and employee engagement to identify areas for improvement.
  3. Customer Journey Mapping: This strategic tool helps organisations understand the customer's perspective. By mapping out the customer journey, businesses can identify pain points and opportunities for enhancement, ensuring a seamless and satisfying experience.

Overcoming common challenges

Organisations often face challenges such as siloed operations, lack of customer understanding, and complacency. Addressing these issues requires a holistic approach that integrates empathy into business processes and fosters collaboration across departments. Companies must also focus on using technology effectively to enhance CX without overcomplicating processes.

Traits of companies with outstanding CX

  1. Empathy: Understanding customer needs, hopes, and fears is fundamental. Companies that excel in CX prioritise empathy, ensuring that every interaction is meaningful and memorable.
  2. Consistency: Delivering consistent experiences across all touchpoints builds trust and loyalty. This involves aligning processes and operations with the CX vision.
  3. Innovation: While getting the basics right is essential, companies should also innovate to exceed customer expectations and differentiate themselves in the market.
  4. Employee engagement: Engaged employees are crucial for delivering exceptional CX. Companies should foster a culture where employees are proud and motivated to represent the brand.
  5. Customer-centric culture: A customer-focused approach should permeate every aspect of the organisation, from leadership to frontline staff.

Case studies: success stories

  • MOO.COM: This online printer stands out by prioritising customer satisfaction, even correcting customer errors at no extra cost. Their commitment to customer happiness fosters loyalty and advocacy.
  • John Lewis: After facing challenges with online order fulfilment, John Lewis revamped its processes to restore its reputation for excellent service, demonstrating the importance of aligning CX with brand values.
  • Portland Airport: By aligning food and drink prices with downtown Portland, the airport enhanced customer satisfaction and increased revenue, showcasing the impact of empathetic pricing strategies.

Wrapping up

Incorporating empathy, strategic planning, and continuous improvement into CX programs can transform customer interactions and drive business success. By understanding and addressing customer needs, companies can create memorable experiences that foster loyalty and advocacy. As the landscape evolves, businesses must remain agile and committed to delivering exceptional CX.

Watch the webinar here: How Great Companies Get CX Right