Omnichannel Communication

Omnichannel, or omni-channel communication, refers to a strategic approach used by businesses to interact with customers across a range of channels with ease. 

With this approach, the customer experience remains consistent, regardless of the channel they engage in. 

In the digital age we live in, most people switch between several devices per day. An omnichannel business can handle customer interactions from a range of channels including:

• Voice/ Telephone 
• Email
• Webchat
• Mobile app
• Social media 
• In-person
• And other digital channels

The important aspect is that customers can seamlessly transfer from one channel to another. At contact centres, agents will have access to the same customer information and history across all channels. 

This allows them to provide personalised assistance and resolve issues efficiently. By adopting an omni-channel approach, contact centres can deliver a more satisfying customer experience, leading to higher levels of customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Omnichannel vs Multichannel - Are They The Same?

While omnichannel and multichannel strategies both involve interacting with customers through multiple channels, they have slightly different approaches and focuses. 

A multichannel approach utilises various channels for customer interaction. However, they often operate independently, resulting in a fragmented customer experience. Each channel may have its own strategies and data, which can lead to inconsistencies in communication.

On the other hand, omnichannel communication combines all channels seamlessly. The focus is on providing a harmonious experience across channels, ensuring that customers can transition between them effortlessly.

Data and insights are shared across channels, leading to a more streamlined and personalised customer experience.

What Are The Benefits of Omnichannel Communication?

There are many benefits to adopting an omnichannel approach, for both organisations and customers. Here are the top 4 benefits to consider: 

1 - Enhanced Customer Experience

The main benefit of omnichannel communication is that it improves CX (customer experience). If you offer multiple channels for interaction, customer service and customer support agents can meet customers where they are and cater to their individual preferences. 

Customers expect seamless transitions between channels and personalised experiences tailored to their needs and preferences - and omnichannel communication provides this. 

Over 35% of customers expect to be able to contact the same customer service representative on any channel. (Zendesk)

Consistency across channels boosts trust and loyalty, ultimately leading to higher customer satisfaction and retention rates.

2 - Improved Resolution of Issues

When you implement an omnichannel approach, your customers can choose their preferred channels to seek support or resolve issues.

Integration between channels allows support teams to access relevant customer data and history. This can make it easier (and quicker) to resolve potential issues, saving time and energy, and speeding up the customer journey. 

Real-time communication channels such as live chats mean that you can offer immediate assistance to customers. This, in turn, leads to quicker problem resolution and higher customer satisfaction.

This can also make it easier for customer support agents. With an omnichannel approach, they will no longer need to have unnecessary back-and-forth conversations. Instead, they can get straight to the point and provide fast solutions at the first touchpoint. 

3 - Deeper Insights and Personalisation

Omni-channel communication can provide your business businesses with a more natural view of the customer journey by acquiring and analysing data from various touchpoints.

You can analyse customer data across a range of channels to identify: 

• Patterns
• Customer preferences
• Pain points

This can help you to target your customers more effectively and personalise interactions. Ultimately, if you develop a better understanding of your customer behaviour and preferences, you can tailor your messaging and offerings to better meet individual needs, enhancing the overall CX.

4 - Strengthened Customer Relationships 

Consistent communication across channels can allow for stronger relationships with customers, as you can provide more meaningful and personalised interactions at each touchpoint. 

Call centre agents and other customer-facing employees can proactively engage with customers, efficiently anticipate their needs, and provide relevant assistance throughout the entirety of their journey.

Personalised experiences and proactive communication demonstrate a commitment to customer satisfaction, building trust and loyalty over time.

Customer retention rates are 90% higher for omnichannel vs. single channel. (Omnisend, 2020)

Who Should Use Omni-Channel Communication?

Omni-channel communication can be beneficial for any business looking to deliver a seamless and personalised experience to its customers. 

It’s especially beneficial for customer-facing industries or businesses that liaise with customers frequently - for example: 

• Healthcare
• Banking
• Hospitality
• Retail
• Telecommunications 

Essentially, if your business prioritises customer satisfaction, you should consider adopting an omnichannel approach to connect with customers effectively across multiple channels.

Omnichannel communication can enable your business to deliver a consistent customer experience, resolve issues efficiently, gain deeper insights, and strengthen customer relationships. 

When you integrate multiple channels seamlessly and prioritise personalised interactions, your business will be much better equipped to meet customer expectations and drive satisfaction and loyalty. 

How Can I Get Started With An Omnichannel Approach?

If you’re looking to get started, MaxContact are here to help. Our omnichannel solution involves voice, email, web chat, conversational SMS, WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger in one single platform. 

With our omnichannel solution, you can provide a seamless journey to your customers. Your customer service agents can efficiently liaise with your customers via their desired channels. 

This not only benefits the customer but makes your customer service agents’ lives easier too - they will no longer need to juggle multiple platforms. Instead, they can communicate with customers using our single platform, delivering quick and effective responses. 

You will also benefit from full visibility of the customer journey. This can help you tailor your conversation and prepare for customer interactions. You can also capture CSAT ratings to improve your customer service. Book a demo with MaxContact today.