2018 saw some big revolutions when it came to small businesses engaging with their customers, and some of those trends are only expected to soar. For instance, the switch from email to SMS, increased social media presence, more personalized marketing and services, gamification and ease-of-use loyalty programs. However, there are a few newbies on the block, ready to take over in 2019. Here’s a list of the most expected customer engagement and marketing trends 2019:
Automated Engagement
Mobile marketing is merely a tool to reach and engage targeted customers. What good is it if it results in costs such as added manpower or isn’t as effective as direct engagement? Automated engagement comes to the rescue in such cases. It ensures direct, hassle-free and completely automated reach.
Enhanced Marketing Intelligence
Small businesses, especially in the F&B sector are expected to boost investment in smarter technology beyond CRM. In order to manage the customer’s overall experience with a brand, most businesses are moving towards better data integration and visualization. Everyone has their eyes set on the prize- namely “Turning insights into footfalls”
Segments in Customer Engagement
Additionally, businesses are looking forward to categorising customers according to their visit and spending habits in 2019. This would lead to the personalization of services and incentives on a more intelligent level.
Surprises Over Rewards
In addition to customer loyalty, more and more customers are engaging with surprises over flat cashbacks. This also involves small-scale gamification as the customers wouldn’t know what gift they would receive- it could be big chocolate hamper or a single doughnut- and your customer would still be delighted.
Brand Partnerships and Collaborations
“United we stand, divided we fall”. Many small businesses are taking this adage seriously as the year is taking off. Furthermore, partnership marketing helps your customers to remember you even when they aren’t at your store.
Ease of Accessibility
Making your business more easily visible as well as accessible to the masses is no longer an option. Digital or rather online presence is mandatory and that goes beyond social media pages. If your business doesn’t have an app or even a website, the time is yesterday.
eWards as a customer engagement software, web and mobile app solutions are already assisting thousands of small and medium businesses market like pros.
