Today there are multiple ways for prospective consumers to research, compare and evaluate companies. It can take numerous touchpoints with an ideal client to close the sale especially if it is a cold lead. Every business owners goal is to move an ideal client further down the sales funnel. Marketing and sales efforts should rally around maximizing impact at every step of the customer purchasing journey.
It is important to know your buyer. Every customer is not your ideal customer. Work with a professional to understand who is buying the company's products and services. Build a client profile(s) and remain curious. Capturing reviews or post purchase surveys are great tools in remaining curious. Along the journey the company wants to provide custom, relevant and personalized messaging.
This will allow a way for you to build effective communication for each segment of your target audience because you understand their needs, wants and pain points. Consider how your ideal customers behave at each stage, and what messaging and marketing channels are most effective for reaching them. Mid year planning is the perfect time for these types of activities.
Over the next 2 blogs DPI will take time to walk through the stages of the customer journey.
Below are the stages of the customer purchasing journey:
AWARENESS -- CONSIDERATION -- DECISION -- POST PURCHASE -- ADVOCACY
In today's highly competitive business landscape, understanding and optimizing the customer purchasing journey is crucial for sustainable growth and success. The customer purchasing journey, also known as the customer buying cycle, is the process that potential buyers go through before making a purchase.
By strategically maximizing each stage of this journey, businesses can increase customer satisfaction, enhance brand loyalty, and boost revenue. We will explore the stages of the purchasing journey and provide valuable insights on how to optimize each step.
STAGE 1: AWARENESS
At the initial stage of the purchasing journey, customers identify a need or a problem
they wish to solve. To maximize this stage, businesses must focus on creating brand awareness and ensure that their products or services are visible to the target audience.
Here are some effective strategies to achieve this:
Content Marketing:
Produce high-quality content that educates and addresses the pain points of potential customers. Blog posts, social media updates, and informative videos can significantly enhance brand visibility and attract potential buyers. When content is posted make sure to include a strong call-to-action. This will inform the customer on what to do next (ex: Share, Tag, Visit, Donate, Enroll, Shop Now, Register, etc.)
SEO
(Search Engine Optimization):
Optimize your website and content to rank higher in search engine results. 81% of consumers will research a business on Google before making a purchase. It is important to have a
Google Business Listing. A business listing on Google is free to business owners. This will help potential customers discover your brand when they search for relevant keywords. Focus copywriting on describing how you will solve the ideal client's problem.
Influencer Marketing:
Collaborate with influencers and thought leaders in your industry to reach a wider audience. Also partner with those that have complementary businesses (ex: massage therapist and chiropractor). Leveraging their authority, audience and credibility can positively impact brand perception.
In the next blog post DPI will discuss the four remaining stages. Visit
DPI’s website
to schedule a complimentary discovery call. DPI is committed to supporting our customers achieve long-term business sustainability. DPI can recommend other solutions in maximizing growth at every stage.