What if you could predict the future?
Can you imagine the kind of customer service you’d be able to offer?
You could amaze your customers by giving them what they want before they even know what that is.
The good news is, that while you may not be psychic, you can make accurate predictions about the future.
Knowledge of the future will let you improve your customer service in ways which will blow your customers away.
Here are some ways to do it.
Know Your Customer and Their Needs
The simple key to excellent customer service is meeting or exceeding your customers’ needs.
So, the better you can understand these needs, the better you can meet them.
Make sure you have a detailed customer profile based on objective data about your audience.
Use this to grasp their pain points, issues, challenges, and questions.
Develop products that meet these needs and tailor your services to them.
Keep seeking new ways to do this and you’ll surprise and delight them each time.
Talk with Your Customers
Maintain two-way communication with your audience and constantly seek their feedback.
Do this through social media, online groups, surveys, polls, and more.
If you are receptive to what your audience is telling you, they will drop clues about their needs and you’ll be able to make improvements to accommodate them.
Remember that if one person tells you something, there are probably more people thinking it and not saying it.
Know Your Industry Well
Do you want to surprise your customers with ‘futuristic’ features or innovative products?
Simply listen to what’s going on in your industry.
Stay on top of product development by subscribing to trade journals and email lists in your industry.
Follow influencers and experts.
Keep in touch with people in your network who are reliable sources for up-to-date ideas and new releases.
Your audience will think you’re clairvoyant.
Check Out the Competition
Another source of inspiration is your competition.
Sign-up for their newsletter or lead magnet. If you have the budget, buy one of their products.
This will allow you to experience your competitor’s customer service firsthand.
Observe what works and what doesn’t – and consider implementing their best ideas.
For example, you might find that a competitor’s website has a chatbot or a generous trial period.
If it’s something you can offer, integrate it into your customer service strategy.
Constantly Seek Feedback
Predictive customer service isn’t something that’s implemented one time only.
If you want to meet needs that your customers don’t even know they have yet, you must constantly seek feedback from them and the market.
Use this to create an exceptional customer experience, resulting in better retention rates and sales.
