The following insights are part of BCG’s Build for the Future series, based on three years of research conducted on digital transformations at major organizations around the globe.
Even before the pandemic turned most individuals into diehard online shoppers, the world of customer interactions was already in a state of flux. The speed of change has only accelerated. Fast-evolving consumer expectations have been met by new capabilities, technical or otherwise, designed to satisfy them. Winning companies have deployed these capabilities to great effect. But these innovators are few and far between. For most businesses, competing with this group will take dramatically rethinking the customer experience—and making the necessary investments to achieve this goal. (See “Build for the Future.”)
Here’s what CEOs and other leaders need to know about the changing landscape of customer experience.
Today’s winners aren’t just outperforming. They’re crushing the competition. (See the exhibit.) Companies leading in customer experience reap significant rewards in acquisition, spending, loyalty, advocacy, and cost efficiency.
Put the customer first. Few companies have actually embodied a “customer first” mindset. CEOs must move their organizations beyond an uninformed, fragmented, and incremental approach to the customer experience. They must reimagine their approach to operations, talent, and technology with the customer as a starting point.
Don’t set a limit on your imagination. If you’re working on an omnichannel strategy, you’re already two steps behind. The most successful companies aren’t just meeting customers where they are today; they’re looking for ways to engage them tomorrow. A new era of consumer touchpoints is dawning, ushered in by connected devices, the metaverse, and other interfaces. Harnessing data, as well as AI and other technologies, will be essential to maximizing customer satisfaction in these spaces.
Build the right capabilities. The best-positioned companies methodically cultivate end-to-end capabilities that allow them to win customers in the present and capture new opportunities the future. Competing with these organizations means building a robust infrastructure and processes that foster a deeper understanding of the customer, improved execution, and continuous innovation.
Here’s how some leaders are driving greater customer satisfaction.
Augmented Experiences. Amazon has launched its tech-powered Dash Cart—a traditional grocery store cart fitted with an interactive screen—to automatically scan items and provide users with additional info. Armed with this device, shoppers can receive real-time personal recommendations based on their shopping habits and physical location within the store.
Frictionless Commerce. A motorcycle manufacturer built a digital ecosystem with a new suite of user experience–driven offerings that make it easier for customers to learn more about the brand’s products, order out-of-stock items, and connect with each other on the site. Notably, the company also added an interactive tool that allows customers to seamlessly build their desired motorcycle.
On-Demand Personalization. A telco has reimagined its customer journey for the digital era to boost satisfaction. Instead of having to enter locked-in contracts with human agents, customers can receive personalized recommendations on online channels, customize products and features to suit their needs, and flexibly adjust their plans via self-service apps.
Data-Powered Insights. A major cosmetics player is identifying and responding to emerging trends faster than the competition with new AI-powered social listening and detection capabilities. Among these is an engine that gathers information from the publications of beauty influencers, professionals, and others whose advice could shape consumption habits.
Learn more about what it takes to build customer experience for the future in the slideshow below.
Karen Lellouche Tordjman has over two decades of experience at Boston Consulting Group. She currently heads BCG's global customer experience initiatives, driving the transformation of customer experience strategies with an emphasis on digital customer journeys, e-commerce, omnichannel solutions, loyalty programs, and the enhancement of customer satisfaction and measurement. She is committed to fostering a culture of customer centricity.
Bharat Poddar is a core member of The Boston Consulting Group’s Financial Institutions, Insurance, Operations, and People and Organization practices.
Stephen Robnett currently leads Boston Consulting Group’s global e-commerce efforts and the firm’s customer experience work in North America. He focuses on the intersection of marketing and sales with technology and has led some of BCG’s largest digital projects.
Jean-Baptiste Bearez leads Boston Consulting Group's Technology, Media, & Telecommunications (TMT) practice in Paris. His core clients include leading telecommunications, technology, gaming and IT services companies. He is also is a core member of the firm's Marketing, Sales & Pricing, Strategy, and Technology Advantage practices. He is a global BCG expert on customer experience in TMT and beyond.
株式会社ジェーシービー勤務の後、2004年にBCGに入社。その後、トランスコスモス株式会社で上席常務執行役員を経て、2019年にBCGに再入社。DigitalBCG、BCG金融グループ、マーケティング・営業・プライシンググループのコアメンバー。
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