How do you know what your customers want? Is there a way to better understand their likes and dislikes? And how can you anticipate their needs if you don’t know their current problems?
These are just a few questions to consider regarding the importance of customer preferences. These preferences include everything from interests and hobbies to color and product selections to preferred communication and social platforms.
Knowing that a customer’s inclinations drive sales and having the right information can set you up for success. You should be able to distinguish yourself from any competitors.
Another reason why customer preference matters is because it can lead to guaranteed customer satisfaction. If you’re developing products and services with your target audience in mind, you’re in a better position to deliver consistent satisfaction.
This, in turn, will lead to an improved brand image and drive customer loyalty.
Of course, determining customer preferences can take a bit of work. It’s more than just guessing and assuming. It requires meeting consumers where they are and asking questions that disclose this information. With that in mind, here are three engaging ways to encourage customers to share their preferences.
IMAGE: UNSPLASH
1. Ask Consumers Directly
Loyal customers want to help brands succeed. After all, they are invested in the company and want to keep supporting it the best they can. While many brands may think they need to trick customers into providing them with their preferences, asking them directly can be the easiest way.
Within a piece of blog content or within an ad unit, ask a simple, direct question. Multiple-choice questions may be best, especially if you’re asking a this or that type of question. For example, “Do you prefer receiving email or text messages from us?” or “Are you an early bird or a night owl?” Users’ responses to these questions are known as zero party data, or information that customers share willingly. It’s privacy-safe because consumers are outrightly sharing it, making it very reliable as well.
Another avenue to ask customers directly is through an e-newsletter. Your most loyal, devoted customers are likely subscribers to your email list. Asking them a few questions in exchange for a special coupon code or promotion is a way to entice them to share.
Again, anything from brand perception to customer preferences to consideration or intent can be asked. Get creative with the way you phrase your questions, and you’ll draw attention and get answers.
2. Collect Valuable Data Via Giveaways
Pretty much everyone loves a prize. Giveaways are an appealing way to obtain brand loyalty, boost engagement, and enhance a brand’s image. This encourages a sense of community between followers and the brand.
They are also a way to collect consumer data and preferences while also giving them something in return.
When it comes to hosting a giveaway, make sure you have all your ducks in a row before you set it live. Be sure the form is clear and easy to understand, capturing all the information that you need.
This can range from basic demographic information including name, email, and telephone number. For information regarding their preference, you can add a few simple questions to the survey response.
This can be anything from what products or services they are looking for to what colors they prefer for an upcoming launch.
3. Learn About Your Consumers With A Quiz
Quizzes are a fun, interactive way for consumers to engage with your brand. You can deploy several quizzes, but only some will assist in learning consumer preferences. Knowledge-based quizzes are best for sharing information about your brand while a lead-based quiz is designed to capture demographic information.
For preferences, a personality quiz can be a great option as it reveals the behaviors and mindset behind consumers’ actions. For example, a “Find Your Style” quiz can disclose what types of colors, patterns, and shapes individuals are drawn to. This can inform future product design choices.
A shoppable quiz can take this personality quiz a step further, leading users to a customized results page based on their answers. Not only are you learning about their likes and dislikes, but then you’re showing them which of your products align with their selections.
This type of quiz brings consumers through the sales funnel, directing them exactly to products they are likely to purchase.
Customer Preferences – Takeaways
Customer preference is valuable for every company looking to grow and improve their offerings. Knowing your consumer’s likes and dislikes can inform product development, customer service offerings, and future marketing campaigns. And while you can receive their preferences in engaging ways, it’s important to keep timing in mind.
If you’re already running a feedback survey, promoting a different quiz via social may be overwhelming. Space out these tactics to ensure that you’re receiving authentic answers. Also, avoid surveys or quizzes that are lengthy or cumbersome. You don’t want your brand to be associated with something tedious!
Also, adding a reward such as a coupon code or a thank you email to send out after completion can be a welcome touch.
Lastly, remember that customers’ preferences will evolve. To keep up with their wants and needs, be sure to adjust your offerings accordingly. Just because hot pink was all the rave for Barbiecon doesn’t mean that the trend continued past the summer of 2023!
IMAGE: UNSPLASH
If you are interested in even more business-related articles and information from us here at Bit Rebels, then we have a lot to choose from.
COMMENTS