Digital information doesn’t have to be static. There are many ways in which you can create a more interactive experience for customers.
This can make information more engaging and can give customers more control during the purchase process. Interaction could also be a way of building increased trust in your product or service. Below are just a few examples of how you can create an interactive digital experience for customers.
Consider selling products/services that can be personalised
Rather than offering off-the-shelf products or set service plans, consider offering products or services that can be personalised to an individual customer’s needs. This is typically much easier to do with services – a customisable plan could include allowing customers to pick and choose different services to fit their budget. Personalised products may only be an option if you manufacture these products yourself. This could be something as simple as allowing customers to pick the colour of a t-shirt to something as complex as allowing them to add their own text or images to the shirt.
Allow customers to explore products in three dimensions
Instead of just providing static images of products, consider looking into 3D options. Using a 3D camera, you can take 3D product photos that allow you to explore a product from all angles by swiping or dragging a cursor around the image. When it comes to the likes of real estate, you could take things one step further and offer interactive virtual tours. Using specialist programs such as bathroom design software, it’s possible to create 3D models of a bathroom so that a customer can get a good feel of what the end product will look like. Integrating AR technology is likely to be more common in the future and is already something that has been explored by the likes of Ikea and ASOS.
Set up a virtual assistant chat feature on your site
Many business websites are now making it possible to talk to a live virtual assistant via an instant messaging chat feature. This allows customers to ask questions about products or services and get a quick personalised response as if they were interacting with a sales representative in a physical store. Just make sure that you have a staff member available online to answer any questions promptly so that customers aren’t left waiting.
Enable customers to order samples/download demos
Some companies such as perfume companies have started allowing customers to order free samples online so that they can try a product before they buy. Similarly, many software and video games companies allow the option of downloading a free demo so that customers can get a feel for it. These freebies are a great way to gain the trust of customers.
Consider allowing in-time tracking of production/deliveries
You could also consider giving customers the option to track production and delivery of a product/service in real time. This could include allowing customers to track the delivery of their pizza or allowing customers to track the progress of a marketing campaign. This can help to build trust through transparency, while also reducing the customers to keep phoning you for progress reports.
