The State of Customer Experience: 3 Important Stats You Need to Know

(This articles was originally published at CustomerBliss - republished here by the consent of the author)

Imagine a baby boomer, a Gen X’er, a Millennial, and a Gen Z’er walk into a bar. Sounds like the start of a joke, right? But think about it. How did they each choose the bar? Are they at the same place? What did they order? And if you were to ask them about their experience afterward, how would they answer? Their responses would be vastly different. In today’s digital age, never before have consumer journeys and expectations been so diverse.

I’m excited to share that I’ve partnered with Oracle on a research study that takes a cross-generational look at customer preferences, behaviors, and expectations.

We’ve included plenty of stats and insights to help you understand this journey and build appropriate strategies to accommodate your varying customer needs. During our research, we found that one-third of respondents will actually walk away from a brand after having a disappointing interaction. If just one disruptive experience can impact a company’s bottom line, imagine what consistently poor CX could bode over time! We know you don’t want that to happen.

Here are 3 major findings that I want you to share with you from this comprehensive research:

8/10 GEN Z’ERS ARE WILLING TO GIVE BRANDS ANOTHER CHANCE

Exceptional CX is memorable and good news travels fast. Consumers are more likely to share positive interactions with companies than negative ones. Gen Z tends to do more talking with their friends, family, and colleagues about an experience. Good CX prevails and has a significant business impact.

Consumers are attracted to companies who honor them. As I shared in the many case studies in my latest book, Would You Do That To Your Mother? there are tons of companies that reinvent their operations to meet customer goals.

88% OF CONSUMERS TRUST SHOPPING RECOMMENDATIONS FROM PEOPLE THEY KNOW

Consumers will ask people they know about their experiences with certain brands and/or products. They will also check out customer reviews, as it feels like insider scoop—from the fit of an item to the service they received in-store.

Additionally, company employees feel more trustworthy to us in person. Making a human connection with a store employees lets shoppers determine whether they can relate to and agree with their opinion.

Don’t underestimate the importance of the human element in the consumer journey!

15% OF CONSUMERS EXPECT PERSONALIZED EXPERIENCES

Consumers are ready and willing to make personalization a reality, but they aren’t confident that brands will actually follow through. Consumers appreciate emails and product recommendations tailored to their browsing history. When a company “knows” them, life is easier and more convenient. Just think about the success of Netflix and its suggested titles to watch based on your history, Amazon and its listing of products similar to those that you’ve previously ordered, and Spotify’s playlist curation based on songs you’ve listened to.

I strongly encourage you to download this report for further insights that you can use to your advantage while thinking through your company’s journey map and experience. Invest in your CX, and your business will be rewarded with customer accolades and loyalty!

This article is written by Jeanne Bliss:

Jeanne Bliss.jpg

Jeanne Bliss is the Founder and President of CustomerBliss, and the Co-Founder of The Customer Experience Professionals Association.

She is one of the foremost experts on customer-centric leadership and the role of the Chief Customer Officer. A consultant and thought leader, Jeanne Bliss guides C-Suite and Chief Customer Officer clients around the world toward earning the right to business growth and prosperity, by improving customers’ lives.

Order her new book on CX: “Would You Do That to Your Mother” right now!

Meet All of Your Customers’ Experience Expectations With AnswerDash  

So how do you start meeting the diverse expectations of today’s customers? Start with AnswerDash. 

AnswerDash’s predictive Q&A works with your customers’ natural patterns and behaviors, providing relevant, easy-to-understand answers to their questions directly at their point of need. And if their questions can’t be answered, we send them to the appropriate customer service rep without any fuss or wasted time. 

This seamless self-service experience works effectively regardless of customer preferences, behaviors, and expectations. That way, you can meet everyone’s needs and watch your business soar. 

Learn more at www.answerdash.com.