What do consumers desire? It’s an old-age question that all brands struggle with, and continue to obsess over, throughout their lifetime. Consumer purchasing patterns can change on the drop of a dime depending on a range of reasons (see global pandemic), so it’s important for companies to consider how generations — and society overall — are evolving on a daily basis.
The good news is that some tried-and-true buyer expectations will always remain top of mind (think exceptional customer service), and if your brand has the technology to meet those demands as their definitions expand, you’ll experience big benefits to your bottom line. Ahead are some revelations on what buyers want at this moment, and, moving forward…
An Elevated Customer Experience
From movies to groceries and everything in between, customers can get anything they want on demand at any time. In the rush to stay on top of what they crave, brands can’t lose sight of the fact that the customer service is what will ultimately seal the deal — and keep consumers coming back for more. Loyalty is the ultimate goal, so making sure you have the technology for a seamless customer experience is top priority.
Having the capabilities to meet trends such as multiple payment options and on-the-go purchases are important to consider. With flexible and reliable tech that can build out programs designed with these preferences in mind, brands can provide a seamless experience that grows with their clientele. If done right, the end result can deliver customer retention and a long-term relationship between buyer and brand both online and in store.
Curated Quality Content
According to a recent Forbes article featuring business leaders’ forecasts on consumer behavior in 2022, multiple executives cited a range of consumer trends related to knowledge. Among them? Consumers are becoming better informed, seeking enriched personalization, and making decisions influenced by emotion. What ties all of these things together? Top-quality content. The technology needed to support it, create new avenues for development, and remain stable during the additions and alterations will be mission critical for brand success.
Interest Around Sustainability
Even before COVID-19 crept into our lives, consumers were increasingly focused on their health and what impacts it on a day-to-day basis. But now, of course, they are more keenly aware of its importance. That means they’ve started to take an even closer look at what they purchase and where it comes from.
Sustainable and ethical products saw a significant increase over the past several years, as noted in an article by the Harvard Business Review. How this mindset will impact consumer spending habits could play into enhanced brand loyalty when companies showcase their strengths in these areas through targeted marketing. Having the right tech to integrate those goals will make a significant difference in delivering the most impactful and authentic messaging.
Consumer purchasing patterns are continually in flux. What’s listed above are just a handful to keep note of, but brands that use technology to their advantage will meet these challenges — and more that come — without the unnecessary strain and stress of attempting to rely on manual processes, siloed data, and delayed insights.