In today’s increasingly connected, cross-media and multiscreen world, it’s more important than ever to connect with consumers where they are – online, on mobile and on social media.
The modern client is more informed than ever before. Today’s clients do their research online before deciding to engage with a new service provider. Peer recommendations through social networks and review aggregators are highly regarded, and personalised one-on-one communication is expected. To make sure you take advantage of this new dynamic, here are three key ways you can use technology to engage with your clients.
1. Join the conversation
Start by setting up your profile on a professional networking site like LinkedIn. The platform allows you to start and join industry groups, follow organisations and connect with peers. Get involved in the conversation and demonstrate your expertise by posting articles and research, offering your views on a topic or posing questions that inspire comments.
2. Set up a social listening strategy
Social media listening is an important way to gauge client sentiment, both about your work and broader issues of interest. Set up a simple Google results search, or use a more advanced social listening platform to track keywords and topics that are trending online. Find out who the major influencers are in your areas of interest and follow them on LinkedIn and Twitter. If you know what people are saying, you can curb negative sentiment and be ahead of the curve in offering information and services that clients are demanding.
3. Optimise your online presence for mobile
With smartphone penetration in Australia at 66 per cent, having a mobile presence is essential. Ensure clients can view your website from their mobile devices when on the move by optimising it for mobile viewing. If your website isn’t easy to view from a mobile platform, you’re invisible to two-thirds of the population – potential clients who will quickly go to a competitor. Remember, it’s all about being in the place where your current and future clients are.
These are some simple steps you can take to engage with your current clients online as well as attract new ones. Technology is evolving constantly and there are many ways you can improve your offering, so start with these basics and keep on building.
