We love to connect. Whether its an interaction via social media or real time over a cup of coffee, we know that people have a strong inclination towards social interaction. This is why certain brands have a knack for evoking nostalgic memories or positive associations, while others may fall short in that regard, regardless of their high quality and craftsmanship.
Customers prefer “trustworthy” over price
Multiple consumer surveys have provided evidence of a tangible structure for identifying, improving, and broadening “brand love” or brand loyalty. The concept classifies brands into two groups: the “inner circle” (brands that respondents have a strong affinity for) and the “outer circle” (brands that respondents actively avoid).
Through a thorough analysis of the groups that employ the inner/outer circle paradigm, we spill the beans on real factors that influence individuals’ preferences for their favorite brands and the reasons why others do not.
Studies on brand loyalty reveal that brand love is influenced by three pillars customer experience or (CX), quality, and trust.
So how can organizations establish brand loyalty with customers?
Establishing strong connections with consumers, remaining committed to your brand’s identity, and consistently delivering exceptional customer experiences are key aspects of brand love or brand loyalty.
A significant majority of consumers have reported that their initial experience with an inner circle product or service was influenced by a recommendation from a trusted source. Based on this analysis, it is evident that trust plays a crucial role in fostering brand loyalty.
Here are three methods that the most reputable companies use to establish trust with their clients.
High standard of goods and services
Product quality is of the utmost importance. Have you ever experienced a situation where a purchase didn’t meet your expectations? It’s frustrating when a kitchen gadget conks out after just a few uses. You’re feeling let down because you expected this tool to last longer than just two months. You might find yourself questioning your decision to choose one brand over another. When such situations arise, it can be challenging to rebuild a customer’s trust once it has been compromised.
My tablet broke after just a year, which has left me feeling quite skeptical about its reliability. This aligns with the findings of the survey. When questioned about a specific technological business, a respondent in our poll expressed their dissatisfaction, stating, “My TV screen malfunctioned within a year, which has caused me to lose faith in their products.” Quality was identified by the majority of survey respondents as the key factor in determining their brand satisfaction rating.
Dependable Assistance
What if you experience the unfortunate event of having your bank accounts compromised and having to endure a lengthy wait to connect with a customer care representative? When customer service falls short in high-pressure situations, our anxiety levels skyrocket.
Customers have high expectations when it comes to receiving support or resolving issues from companies.
Customer service has a greater impact on NPS or Net Promoter Scores compared to cost. Three sectors are known for their exceptional service: healthcare, banking and financial services, and travel and hospitality.
When asked about their experience with a large multinational bank, one respondent shared, “During an unfortunate incident where my online account was compromised, they demonstrated their professionalism by promptly assisting me in recovering all of my funds.” “I have complete confidence in their abilities.” In another example, a client expressed concern about the extensive healthcare system, sharing that family members and even close friends have experienced misdiagnoses. After numerous negative encounters, my confidence in this healthcare institution has been completely shattered.
Authenticity and Ethics
Customers have high expectations when it comes to the brands they support. They want to see genuine care for society and the environment from the organizations they purchase from.
When we inquired about the key factors that impact brand dissatisfaction in the customer experience, we noticed a growing trend regarding the impact of reputation and business practices.
Emphasizing authenticity and ethics as key factors for finding contentment, rank at the lowest level. However, as a cause of dissatisfaction, it climbs to the third position. It is not surprising that these sectors have a greater focus on service rather than product-oriented industries.
This is especially important in the banking and finance sector. Errors with accounts are not uncommon in the banking industry. However, the losses and the damage to your credit score are truly regrettable.
Effective Strategies for Building Customer Trust
The solution to each of these fundamental aspects of trustworthiness is clear – by creating products and services of exceptional quality, clients can have complete confidence in your business.
Providing top-notch customer service instills trust in clients, ensuring they rely on your assistance whenever they require it. By adhering to ethical business procedures, you can effectively avoid any potential controversies that could potentially damage your brand.
Nevertheless, there are alternative approaches to foster trust. Here are some valuable tips you might find helpful:
Focus on maintaining a steady emotional state. Consistency does not suggest a steadfast dedication to anything. The brand’s consistency is determined by customers’ emotional responses. Consistency is key when it comes to attracting more clients. Building trust in your brand identity is crucial for success.
Discover a way to genuinely engage in multiple communities. Customers in today’s world have become increasingly conscious of environmental and social issues, and they prefer to patronize businesses that align with their values. This offers a special chance for companies to set themselves apart by genuinely giving back in ways that resonate with their brand, their principles, and the values of their customers.
Stay informed about consumer trends and preferences. Give careful consideration to and promptly address consumer feedback regarding your brand, utilizing tools such as voice of the customer (VOC) surveys, social listening, and web analytics. When clients feel understood, stronger connections can be formed and trust can be established.
Every brand has its imperfections, but businesses can establish trust with consumers through their actions and communication. Top-tier companies prioritize the excellence of their products and services, consistently exceed customer expectations, and maintain a strong commitment to ethical practices.
Enhance your CX with customer service that reflects your unique brand.
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cxperts is a global provider of multichannel demand generation and customer engagement services. We have presence onshore, nearshore, and offshore in the USA, the Philippines, Colombia, Guatemala, and soon, Mexico and South Africa.
We partner with companies to help provide exceptional customer care that builds brand loyalty through our brick-and-mortar centers and work-from-home models leveraging top resources from the areas where we operate.
cxperts is an omnichannel customer experience (CX) provider that delivers exceptional CX for brands of all sizes. Our contact center solutions cover all facets of customer experience and business process outsourcing, from customer care, white glove services, and technical support to sales, collections, and back office.
Within our modern contact centers in the Philippines, Guatemala, and Colombia, we provide sustainable, life-changing careers to hundreds of cxperts around the world. On top of that, our work-at-home solutions give brands the flexibility to benefit from a limitless pool of exceptional talent.