27 ideas for real time customer engagement you can start using today
Practising real time customer engagement is a valuable way for you to differentiate yourself from other organisations in your field and create positive customer experiences while you’re at it.
There are plenty of methods to choose from, depending on what industry you’re in and what resources you have, but most importantly, what you believe will matter the most to your customers today. Take a look at our list of ideas:
1. Use AI chatbots
Chatbots, and especially more advanced AI assistants, mean you can provide immediate answers to customer questions, but also save time and money by automating customer service tasks.
2. Offer live chat support
Live chat support means providing people with immediate team assistance, helping to improve customer satisfaction and loyalty.
3. Use social media
Social media platforms like X and Facebook are often used to respond instantly to customer comments and messages, which can help build relationships with customers and enhance your brand reputation.
4. Send push notifications
Push notifications can be used to send personalised messages and offers to customers, helping to increase customer engagement and sales.
5. Use email marketing
Email marketing can be used to send personalised messages and offers to people, or educate and support your community. You can go all out on this one to bed in your own style and tone to distinguish your brand from others.
6. Offer personalised recommendations
Since these are relevant product recommendations based on the customer’s habits and preferences, it’s one of the most accurate and genuinely helpful ways you can support them.
7. Use webinars
Offer valuable information about your products or services using webinars, so people can see you and hear from you directly. This all helps to develop a stronger relationship with your customers.
Actively rewarding people for their loyalty means people are encouraged to stay loyal, which further increases customer retention and reduces churn.
Use gamification methods to give people a fun and interactive experience that encourages them to interact often with your brand. Celebratory badges or digital gifts are just two examples you can use to stay memorable.
AR is a great way to present people with interactive experiences that allow them to visualise your products or services.
11. Use virtual reality (VR)
VR offers immersive experiences that mean customers can experience your brand in a way they’ve never been able to before.
12. Provide self-service options
Self-service options empower customers by giving them convenience and control. From processing refunds and booking appointments to sorting out travel itineraries, give your customers a way to access your services in their own time, when they most have the incentive to act.
13. Offer video chat support
Face-to-face video assistance is another excellent way to turn up for customers at the exact time they need you most.
Sharing your screen is a great way to guide customers through a process or issue without causing any frustration going back and forth.
15. Use live streaming
Offer a live demonstration of your products or services, introduce an offer, or host an Ask Me Anything (AMA) event to engage viewers directly.
16. Provide personalised content
Personalised content like blog posts, videos, and infographics can be used to share relevant information with the most appropriate segment of your audience.
17. Use retargeting ads
Show people personalised ads based on their browsing history and preferences to keep content 100% relevant, always.
18. Use SMS marketing
This can be used to send customers personalised messages or poignant offers via text message, straight to their phone.
19. Offer mobile apps
Having people interact with your brand on-the-go means you can stay top of mind. Use in-app notifications like hints and tips or messages to keep people engaged.
20. Provide live product demos
Live product demos allow you to demonstrate the features and benefits of your products or services and answer questions at the time when viewers are highly motivated to buy.
21. Run interactive quizzes
Hosting an interactive quiz is an especially fun way for customers to engage with you in real time, but results can also inform your understanding of who your core customer is to keep improving their experience.
22. Offer a consultation service
If customers aren’t sure which of your products or services are right for them, a little real time diagnosis of their situation can help them recognise the right route for them and move quickly through the sales journey.
23. Offer a quote estimator tool
If customers want to calculate the price of an item or estimate their return on investment (ROI) before they commit to your offer, this is a reassuring way to remove objections in real time.
24. Offer free shipping
Free shipping can provide an incentive for people to make that purchase they’ve been deliberating over, helping you increase sales and customer loyalty.
25. Use customer feedback
Ask for people’s opinions and suggestions to help improve your products and services, so you can build stronger relationships with every customer. You can automatically ask for feedback after every conversation using an AI assistant.
Not technically a real time engagement technique, but a welcome space for customers to have meaningful discussions and engage with other like-minded people in their own time, which in turn helps you stay closely connected with them.
Encouraging your customers to share their own content in real time can help you build a less formal sense of community if you or they might prefer it.
All of these suggestions are affordable, if not free, and you’re likely familiar with most, if not all of them, so there’s nothing to stop you from giving some a go.