Have you ever been appreciated? If yes, what was the feeling? I guess you had the best experience with the appreciation.Customer appreciation gives customers the same feeling.Just to note, customers are not just numbers or sales figures to companies; they are the heartbeat of every business, the reason every business strives for innovation, and the driving force behind every business’s commitment to excellence.Since customers are of such importance, customer appreciation is crucial. This is because customer appreciation is not merely a strategy but a mindset that permeates every aspect of a business.By showing customers that they are valued and appreciated, businesses can build strong, lasting relationships that benefit both the customer and the business itself.Do you know how to appreciate your customers? If not, your quest ends here.In this article, we’ll explain everything on customer appreciation, its importance, and some appreciation ideas and phrases. What is customer appreciation?Customer appreciation refers to the strategies, methods, and actions a company takes to show gratitude towards its customers.This can be done through various activities such as offering special promotions, gifts, discounts, personalized messages, or exclusive events in customer service.The aim of customer appreciation is to express gratitude to customers, strengthen the relationship with them, enhance brand image, and encourage repeat business.Customer appreciation goes beyond just saying thank you. It involves demonstrating a genuine interest in a customer’s well-being and showing them that you cherish all the moments with them.The best customer appreciation ideasThe following are some of the customer appreciation ideas.1. Offer exclusive discountsOne way to show appreciation to your loyal customers is by offering them exclusive discounts, sales, or promotions. This not only shows your gratitude for their continued support but also incentivizes them to continue supporting your business.2. Organize special events or annual gatheringsA creative way to express your gratitude to your customers is by organizing special events or annual gatherings specifically to appreciate their support in your business. Such events can give your customers an interactive atmosphere and serve as a networking opportunity.This helps build a stronger sense of community among your clientele.3. Offer loyalty programsA loyalty program that gives customers points or rewards for their purchases is an effective way to show your appreciation. This customer appreciation strategy not only shows your gratitude but also encourages repeat business and fosters customer loyalty.4. Feature customers on social mediaWith their permission, featuring customers on your business’s social media pages can make them feel special and valued. It also provides social proof, which can attract new customers.5. Offer free trials and customer appreciation giftsOffering free trials for new products to your loyal customers can be a surprise gesture that makes them feel appreciated. It’s also a great way to introduce your customers to your latest feature updates and new releases, potentially increasing your sales.6. Offer proactive customer serviceProviding proactive customer service can significantly affect how your customers perceive your brand. By promptly addressing their concerns and going the extra mile to ensure their satisfaction, customers feel valued.This can lead to positive reviews and word-of-mouth referrals.7. Send personalized thank-you notesTo add a personal touch to your customer service, consider sending handwritten thank-you notes to your customers. This small gesture can demonstrate your appreciation and show customers that you truly value their business.It can also make your brand more memorable and personal in the minds of your customers.8. Birthday/anniversary discountsCelebrate your customers’ special days, like birthdays or anniversaries, by sending out special discounts or small gifts. This personal approach can make your customers feel cared for and appreciated.9. Conduct customer surveys and communicate changesConducting customer surveys and communicating the changes you’ve made according to customers’ suggestions can show your customers that their opinions matter to you and you value them. This builds a good rapport with your customers, as it fosters customer loyalty.10. Send personalized emailsSending personalized emails that highlight customer preferences, or offering recommendations based on their purchase history, can make your customers feel valued. It also provides a more personalized shopping experience.11. Involvement in community forumsShowing involvement in your business community forum by replying to customers’ views and promising to work on their suggestions can show customers that you care about their well-being.This can help build a positive image for your brand and strengthen your relationship with customers.12. Collaborations and partnershipsCollaborating with other local businesses to offer exclusive deals or packages can provide unique value to your customers. It also fosters a sense of community and can attract new customers.13. Product/service upgradesOffering free upgrades to your loyal customers can show them that their loyalty is appreciated. It can also introduce them to higher-tier products or services, potentially increasing their value as customers.14. Implement referral programsImplementing a referral program where customers get discounts or freebies for referring new customers can incentivize customer loyalty and encourage word-of-mouth marketing.15. Offer customized and customizable productsIf applicable, offer customized products to your customers based on their requirements, and give them the chance for logos and brand customization. By doing this, you show that you value their individuality.This can help differentiate your brand and provide a unique selling point.Customer appreciation phrasesHere is a breakdown of some of customer appreciation quotes.Appreciating customers for their supportYou can use the following phrases to thank customers for supporting your business.Examples of support appreciation phrasesOur success story is incomplete without your unwavering support. Thank you for choosing us.Your support means the world to us. Thank you for being an incredible part of our journey.Your support has been the key ingredient in our success. Thank you for being our valued customer.We appreciate your continued support. You’re not just our customer but a part of our growing family.Acknowledging and appreciating customer satisfactionUse the expressions below to let your clients know how much you value your customer satisfaction and acknowledge it.Examples of customer satisfaction acknowledgement phrasesYour satisfaction is our number one priority. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you.Thank you for being our valued customer. We’re grateful for the pleasure of serving you.Your feedback and satisfaction are the measures of our success. Thank you for choosing us.Your satisfaction is our motivation. We appreciate your continued patronage.Appreciating customers for their trustTry using the following quotes to express gratitude to your clients for trusting your service.Examples of customer trust appreciation phrasesYour trust in us is our most precious asset. We can’t thank you enough!We’re grateful for the trust you’ve placed in us. Thank you for being our valued customer.We don’t just appreciate your business. We appreciate your trust in us. Thank you for being our loyal customer.We don’t take your trust for granted. Thank you for believing in us.Commitment to serviceThe following are quotes to use showing your customers that you are happy to serve them.Examples of commitment to service phrasesWe are so thankful for the privilege to serve you. Our commitment to providing you with the best service remains.We are what we are because of you. Thank you for giving us the chance to do what we love.We appreciate your trust and will do our best to continue giving you the kind of service you deserve.One of our true joys is serving customers like you. Thank you for your unwavering support and loyalty.Acknowledgment of customer loyaltyMake use of the phrases below to show gratitude to clients for their continued patronage to your business.Example of customer loyalty acknowledgment phrasesYour loyalty fuels our passion. Thank you for choosing us again and again.Your loyalty means the world to us. We couldn’t have done it without you. Thank you!Thank you for making us your first choice. Your continued patronage is a critical part of our growth.Your continued business with us inspires us to do better. Thank you for your loyalty.Valuing customer feedbackThe following are phrases used to show customers that you value their feedback.Example of valuing customer feedback phrasesYour feedback is the compass guiding our growth. Thank you for helping us improve.We are because you are. Your feedback is invaluable to our business. Thank you.Your thoughts and opinions matter to us. Thank you for your valuable feedback.Thank you for shining a light on our path with your valuable input.Celebration of milestonesBy using the following expressions, you can let your clients know that you’ve reached a goal and that you appreciate their help in getting you that far.Examples of milestones celebration phrasesThank you for being an integral part of our journey towards success. We couldn’t have done it without you.We are celebrating our success because of you. Thank you for being there every step of the way.Thank you for helping us reach new heights. You are more than just a customer. You’re part of our success story.We’ve achieved another milestone thanks to your unwavering support. We can’t thank you enough.Affirmation of qualityTo thank customer for recognizing your work input, use the quotes that follow.Examples of affirmation of quality phrasesWe strive to deliver the best. Thank you for recognizing our efforts.Thank you for recognizing our dedication to quality. You make us strive to be better every day!Quality is not an act but a habit for us. Thank you for acknowledging our efforts.Your appreciation for our brand’s quality fuels our passion. Thank you for your continued trust and support!Encouragement for continued partnershipYou can use any of the expressions listed below to express gratitude to your clients for their ongoing support of your company.Examples of encouragement for continued partnership phrasesTogether, we’ve achieved great things. We look forward to accomplishing even more with you. Thank you.We value our partnership and look forward to a successful future together. Thank you.Our journey together has been great. We look forward to continuing this successful partnership. Thank you.We’ve come a long way together and are excited about the journey ahead. Thank you for your support.Appreciation for referralsYou may express gratitude to clients with these expressions below for referring others and serving as the best brand ambassadors.Examples of customer referral appreciation quotesThank you for recommending our business. Your trust and support mean the world to us.We appreciate your referrals. Thank you for spreading the word about our services.Your referrals have been instrumental in our growth. Thank you for your trust and support.We’re grateful for your trust in referring your friends and colleagues to us. Thank you.Importance of client appreciationClient appreciation is a crucial aspect of any successful business strategy. It is a powerful tool that can help in:Building customer retentionMaking your customers feel cherished cultivates loyalty. For instance, a coffee shop offering a loyalty program where customers earn a free coffee after purchasing a certain number can increase customer retention by acknowledging and rewarding their repeat business.Word-of-mouth marketingHappy customers who feel valued often turn into brand ambassadors. For example, if a customer receives a surprise birthday discount from a clothing store, they are likely to share this positive experience with friends and family, promoting the brand through word-of-mouth.Statistics also prove this by stating that 41% of customers would leave a positive review when their customer experience expectations are met or exceeded.Establishing brand reputationBeing known as a brand that truly values its customers can distinguish you from the competition. For instance, a company that regularly sends out personalized thank-you emails to its customers will develop a reputation as a brand that values customers and has excellent customer service.Boosting loyalty and lifetime valueWhen customers get the best customer experience and are appreciated, they tend to be loyal. A loyal customer is more likely to stick with the business. This becomes a win for your business since 65%of any company’s business is from existing customers.Additionally, when customers are loyal, they tend to stick to a business for a longer period, thus increasing their customer lifetime value.Establishing an open feedback forum for improvementValuing your customers can lead to more honest feedback. They’re more likely to voice their thoughts and suggestions, giving you the opportunity to enhance your products or services.Creating emotional connectionWhen customers feel valued, they develop a personal connection to your brand. For instance, a pet store that sends a personalized condolence message to a customer who recently lost their pet can create an emotional connection, demonstrating that they value the customer as a person, not just as a source of revenue.This bond often influences their decisions and can lead to deeper loyalty.Gaining competitive advantageIn a competitive market, customer appreciation can be a game-changer. Businesses that master this can get ahead of the competition.A grocery store that offers a free delivery service for seniors shows appreciation for this customer group, creating a competitive advantage by meeting a specific customer need that competitors may not address.Surviving the hard timesDuring tough economic times or crises, businesses with strong customer relationships based on appreciation are more likely to ride it out. Customers are more understanding and loyal when they know they’re valued.The secret to enhancing customer appreciationIn conclusion, customer appreciation is a critical aspect of business operations. It is not merely a strategy but a mindset that should pass through every aspect of a business.By showing customers they are valued and appreciated, businesses can build strong, lasting relationships that benefit both the customer and the business itself.Now that you know how important customer appreciation is, let’s lift the curtain of enhancing customer appreciation for business growth by introducingLIKE.TG, powerful help desk software that helps you understand your customers’ needs, expectations, and experiences.LIKE.TG, the only solution that takes you a step ahead of the rest, doesn’t just talk the talk. It walks the walk by offering you a30-minute live demoto give you a first-hand experience and sneak peek into the world of enhanced customer experience.Additionally, it offers you a15-day free trialto provide you with an opportunity to explore how its distinctive features can be tailored and incorporated to satisfy your company’s needs and exceed your customer’s expectations.To know more and learn how to get started, don’t hesitate tocontact LIKE.TG.Related articlesCustomer Loyalty: A Comprehensive ArticleWhat is Customer Relations? Types, Importance, and BenefitsCustomer Churn: A Comprehensive Guide

Establishing a business can be thrilling, rewarding, fulfilling, but also extremely demanding and challenging.For small businesses looking to grow their brand and improve their customer experience, having reliable free help desk software is crucial.Customer service is an important part of any-sized business as it provides a platform for customers to communicate with the company.Effectively handling customer inquiries can increase customer satisfaction, loyalty, and generate positive word of mouth.Not only are customer queries managed efficiently with the right help desk software,but help desk software also plays a significant role in streamlining and managing customer service workflows.Many help desk solutions offer enticing free plans that can potentially address a variety of issues.However, bear in mind that all free plans are not created equal. Some might resolve certain problems, while others could necessitate paid upgrades.This article will help you explore the top free help desk software available for small businesses and guide you through choosing the appropriate solution. What is free help desk software?Help desk software is a tool used by support teams to organize, manage, and respond to customer service-related inquiries.Free help desk software is an affordable, software-based solution that allows small businesses, particularly startups, to manage and track customer inquiries and issues, ensuring a smooth support experience for clients.This software is designed to streamline the process of dealing with customer questions, complaints, or problems, primarily through a ticket management system.By implementing free help desk software, startups can consolidate all customer communication into one platform, making it easier to manage and ensuring that no request is overlooked.It also helps create an efficient workflow for customer service representatives, reducing response times and increasing productivity.Benefits of free help desk softwareInitiating a startup poses many challenges, particularly in the realm of customer service.The aim of any new business is to deliver an unrivaled experience for its clients, but constraints in budget or resources may hinder this.Startups, known for their limited resources and the need for rapid growth, can greatly benefit from help desk software.The following are some of the major advantages of free help desk software:Scalability: As the startup grows, the volume of customer inquiries is likely to increase. Help desk software is scalable and can handle a dynamically increasing number of tickets without compromising on efficiency and productivity.Cost-effective: Rather than having a large customer service team, startups can rely on free ticketing system to help reduce costs by automating various tasks. This is particularly beneficial for startups on tight budgets.Better organization and categorization: With free IT ticketing software, startups can organize customer issues based on priority, category, and other criteria. This aids in prioritizing critical issues and preventing anything from being overlooked.Improved customer service: Quick and efficient responses to customer queries or issues can significantly improve customer satisfaction. Free help desk ticketing system ensures that all customer issues are traced and resolved in a timely manner, ultimately enhancing the customer experience.Reporting and analytics: Free IT ticketing system often comes with built-in analytics, which can provide useful insights into common customer issues, response times, and overall customer service team performance. This data can be used to enhance products, services, and customer service.Increased productivity: By automating routine tasks, free help desk software allows customer service representatives to focus on resolving complex issues. This results in increased productivity and an efficient use of resources.Better communication: Free help desk software fosters better communication between support teams and departments by providing collaboration features, shared inboxes, mentions, and centralized ticketing systems, among other streamlining innovations. Everyone involved can track the progress of a ticket and communicate more effectively, leading to quicker resolution of issues.Best free help desk software and ticketing systemsThe market is flooded with startups and a wide variety of service desk systems, making the selection process for help desk software challenging.In a startup, it’s crucial to be prudent, as every decision can make a significant difference.To assist you with your decision, we have analyzed 10 of the top free help desk software designed for startups.1. LIKE.TGBudget and functionality are the two primary concerns for small business owners looking for help desk software. With those in mind, consider LIKE.TG a top priority as it effortlessly combines affordability with robust help desk features.LIKE.TG is modern help desk software that is designed to meet the needs of both small and large businesses.It offers a complete set of tools to manage customer service and support tickets, including email ticketing, knowledge base software, customer portal software, customer service automation, and ticketing features.This enables agents to rapidly respond to customer queries, monitor progress, and keep all information centralized.It’s a scalable, user-friendly platform ideal for small businesses aiming to provide superior customer support to drive business growth.As your startup expands and your customer service needs become more complex, you can upgrade your plan to add new features and meet your requirements.Teams have the flexibility to customize the software as per their requirements, including custom fields and workflows.Should you require help, the LIKE.TG support team is to answer any questions.Arrange a live demo to explore how LIKE.TG can benefit your support team.Top featuresRobustticket routing systemKnowledge base softwareIntegrationsReports and analyticsEffectiveautomationTeam collaboration featuresCustomizable, expandable, intuitive interfaceArtificial intelligence toolsMultichannel supportCustom fieldsAutomated workflowsCustom SLA integrationScalabilityPricingLIKE.TG offers the following three categories as its affordable pricing plans.Scale:$25for 3 agents/monthGrowth:$50for 3 agents/monthEnterprise:$75for 3 agents/monthFree trial duration: 15 daysStartup programQualified startups can receive the Growth plan entirely free for one year.Syncfusion customers are provided with 1-year free usage offer.2. ZendeskZendesk is a cloud-based help desk software. Image source: ZendeskWith Zendesk, startups can effectively manage, track, and resolve customer support tickets, ensuring a seamless customer experience.Key featuresReporting and analyticsIntegrationsAI and automationMessagingHelp centerScalabilityPricing for basic annual plansSupport Team: $19 per agent/monthSupport Professional: $55 per agent/monthSupport Enterprise: $115 per agent/monthFree trial duration: 14 daysStartup program: Qualified startups can receive their first six months free.3. HiverHiver is a user-friendly help desk software solution that is especially beneficial for startups.Image source: HiverHiver allows startups to manage their customer support services directly via Gmail.The software provides a shared inbox feature where all support emails can be accessed by the team.It also allows for the assignment of emails to particular team members to ensure accountability and timely responses.Key featuresCross-team collaborationKnowledge baseAutomationSLA remindersPersonalized email templatesCollision alertsPricing for yearly planLite: $15 per user/monthPro: $39 per user/monthElite: $59 per user/monthFree trial duration: 7 daysStartup program: Qualified startups can receive their first six months free.4. FreshdeskFreshdesk is cloud-based customer support software for businesses of all sizes, including startups, offering a variety of solutions.Image source: FreshdeskIt is easy to set up and requires minimal training to navigate its features.The software serves as a contact center solution and ticketing system, featuring integrated support for voice conversations and omnichannel messaging.Key featuresKnowledge baseCollision detectionAutomationsIntegrated ticketingSLA managementPricing for annual plansFree: Up to 10 agentsGrowth: $15 per agent/monthPro: $49 per agent/monthEnterprise: $79 per agent/monthFree trial duration: 14 daysStartup program: Qualified startups can save up to 90% on their first year and continuing discounts for subsequent years.5. HubSpot Service HubHubSpot Service Hub is a customer service platform that helps startups manage and connect with their customers more efficiently.Image source: HubSpotIt features a dashboard that consolidates all customer inquiries in one place, providing full transparency into the status of each one.This means no ticket will slip through the cracks, ensuring efficient and timely customer support.Key featuresAutomationShared inboxEmail tracking and notificationsConversation routingSLAsKnowledge basePricingFree Tools: $0 (limited features)Starter: $18 per month (2 users)Professional: $450 per month (5 users)Enterprise: $1,200 per month (10 users)Free trial duration: 14 daysStartup program: Qualified startups can receive 30%-90% off their first year and continuing discounts for subsequent years.6. LiveAgentLiveAgent is user-friendly help desk software suitable for startups.Image source: LiveAgentIt provides a platform where businesses can manage all their customer interactions from various channels in one place. This includes emails, chats, social media messages, and calls.Key featuresReportingAutomationAPI and integrationsUnlimited ticket historyPricing for annual planFree: $0 per agent/month (limited features)Small: $9 per agent/monthMedium: $29 per agent/monthLarge: $49 per agent/monthEnterprise: $69 per agent/monthFree trial duration: 7 days with free email. 30 days with corporate email.Startup program: Qualified startups can receive the large plan for free for 6 months and receive an additional 6 months for 50% off.7. Help ScoutHelp Scout provides a robust shared inbox solution for small businesses, consolidating all customer service emails in one location.Image source: Help ScoutIt allows startups to manage their customer interactions in a central place, making it easier for teams to collaborate and respond to customer queries promptly.This help desk software for small businesses offers a range of features that make customer support seamless and hassle-free.Key featuresTicket routing and prioritizationAutomated workflowsExtensions and integrationsMultichannel communicationEmail and live chatCustom reportsPricing for annual plansStandard: $20 per user/monthPlus: $40 per user/monthPro: $65 per user/monthFree trial duration: 15 daysStartup program: Qualified startups can receive their first 6 months for free.8. ProProfs Help DeskProProfs Help Desk is a customer service tool designed to help small and medium businesses manage customer queries and resolve issues effectively.Image source: ProProfsIt provides a shared inbox for managing and tracking customer emails, a knowledge base for self-service support, and a chat tool for instant resolution of customer queries.Key featuresLive chatShared inboxKnowledge baseReporting and analyticsTicket managementPricing Free for 1 agent$20 per user/month for teams9. SpiceworksSpiceworks is an excellent tool for startups, especially for those with a limited budget.Image source: SpiceworksIt is free, cloud-based help desk software that provides businesses with all the necessary tools to handle their IT support.It is an ideal solution for startups as it helps them manage their customer support services effectively without having to invest in help desk software.Key featuresKnowledge baseReporting and analyticsTicket managementAutomationPricing for annual plan: Free for all users.10. Vision HelpdeskVision Helpdesk is cloud-based customer service software that offers multichannel helpdesk support to businesses of all sizes, including startups.Image source: Vision HelpdeskThis software enables automatic routing of incoming tickets using round-robin assignment.Key featuresShared inboxMultichannel supportWorkflow automationsEmail ticket creationReporting and analyticsPricing for annual plansStarter Help Desk: $12 per agent/monthPro Help Desk: $20 per agent/monthSatellite Help Desk: $24 per agent/monthPro Service Desk: $32 per agent/monthEnt Service Desk: $48 per agent/monthFree trial duration: 30 daysComparison of 10 best free help desk toolsThe following is a summary of the best help software for startups in 2024.NameTop featuresStarting prices LIKE.TGRobust ticketing routing systemKnowledge base softwareIntegrationsReports and analyticsEffective automationTeam collaboration featuresCustomizable, expandable, intuitive interfaceArtificial intelligence featuresScalability$12/user/monthZendeskReporting and analyticsIntegrationsAI and automationMessagingHelp centerScalability$19/user/monthHiverCross-team collaborationKnowledge baseAutomationSLA remindersPersonalized email templatesCollision alerts$15/user/monthFreshdeskKnowledge baseCollision detectionAutomationsIntegrated ticketingSLA management$15/user/monthHubSpot Service HubAutomationShared inboxEmail tracking and notificationsConversation routingSLAsKnowledge base$18/user/monthLiveAgentReportingAutomationAPI and integrationsUnlimited ticket history$9/user/monthHelp ScoutTicket routing and prioritizationAutomated workflowsExtensions and integrationsMultichannel communicationEmail and live chatCustom reports$20/user/monthProProfs Help DeskLive chatShared inboxKnowledge baseReporting and analyticsTicket management$20/user/monthSpiceworksKnowledge baseReporting and analyticsTicket managementAutomationFree for all usersVision HelpdeskShared inboxMultichannel supportWorkflow automationEmail ticket creationReporting and analytics$12/user/monthChoosing the right free IT ticketing system softwareIn conclusion, free help desk software is a critical tool for small businesses that aim to provide a high level of customer service.It not only helps manage and resolve customer issues effectively, but also provides features that enhance support workflows, foster team collaboration, and deliver insightful reporting.Help desk software can vary greatly in terms of complexity, cost, and customization options.Therefore, startups should carefully consider their specific needs, budget, and resources when choosing help desk software.Related blogsThe Best Customer Service Software for 202315 Best Issue Tracking Software Solutions for 2023

Most businesses have a team dedicated to providing excellent customer service every day.However, taking care of your employees and offering them support when necessary is just as crucial to running a successful business as providing excellent support to your customers. Customer satisfaction and employee satisfaction reflect each other.While happy and motivated employees tend to give their best at work to satisfying customers, frustrated employees are likely to spread negativity to customers and perform poorly, as well.Additionally, having your employees prepared leads to an increase in employee productivity, speeding up problem resolution, and higher employee retention rates.In this blog, we explore several best practices and guidelines to internal customer service. What is internal customer service?Internal customer service refers to the support and assistance provided to employees within an organization. This is often the case in a work environment where team members support each other to accomplish tasks.For example, in a software development team, a developer might need assistance from another developer who is more experienced or has a particular set of skills.The developer assisting in this context is a customer service provider, while the one seeking help is the customer.The main aim is ensuring employee satisfaction, keeping them happy and motivated, and creating a positive work environment for productivity and success.Difference betweeninternal and external customer serviceThe difference between these two types of customer service lies in the recipients and the context in which the service is rendered.Internal customer serviceExternal customer serviceRecipient of serviceThe support and assistance is provided specifically to employees.The support is provided to individuals outside the organization, such as customers, vendors, suppliers, or stakeholders.FocusFocuses on meeting the needs and expectations of employees and ensuring their satisfaction.Revolves around customer satisfaction and maintaining lasting relationships.CommunicationInvolves interactions among different teams or departments.Involves interactions with organization’s clients or partners.MetricsTrack employee-related metrics, such as their satisfaction, productivity, inter-departmental collaboration, and internal customer service efficiency.Track customer-related metrics such as their satisfaction, loyalty, efficiency at using products, retention, and churn rates.Both internal and external customer service are crucial for the success and growth of an organization, as they contribute to overall employee satisfaction, customer loyalty, and business performance.Best practices for enhancing internal customer serviceThe following are some of the strategies for ensuring you provide outstanding internal customer service.1. Understand your employees betterA company should try to know its employees, get their perspectives and what motivates them, to gain insight into their thoughts and emotional requirements.By attempting to grasp the origins of their viewpoints and experiences, organizations can optimize their internal customer service practices and establish a benchmark for excellence.Promoting empathy and patience in the workplace helps companies address employee needs and concerns better, thus improving their satisfaction and fostering productive relationships within the organization.2. Offer training programs for employeesSometimes, the same problems recur, making it difficult for staff members to work efficiently. Therefore, companies should continuously train staff members so they can handle even complicated problems on their own.They can consider implementing the following:Arrange training workshops for staff members to acquire optimal communication and problem-solving techniques.Hold regular company meetings that involve all relevant employees to discuss recent rising issues and come up with lasting solutions.Create forums for employees tolearn and practice newEstablishing such programs as a routine will equip workers to handle similar situations on their own in the future.3. Always be friendly and keep an interactive toneAlthough professionalism is valued, not all internal interactions inside a company should be conducted formally.Building relationships among internal stakeholders during departmental exchanges requires using a conversational tone.Your support teams should practice speaking to one another politely and with respect at all times. Employees should try and hold casual conversations, with friendly tones.They should also always be encouraged to lend a hand to co-workers in need.4. Establish clear objectives targets for your employeesIt’s challenging to work for a corporation if you are unsure of what is expected of you. You should set clear expectations for internal support in your organization.Make sure all your staff members are aware of the precise standards you expect them to uphold and that they know their roles.5. Offer clear instructions on how to resolve employee-related issuesWhen faced with issues, employees often rely on the guidance and expertise of their internal customer support team.By articulating precise instructions, these co-workers can effectively help them solve their problems.For employees who frequently help other employees, make sure they know how to identify and emulate good directions.This not only saves valuable time but also minimizes the potential for confusion or misinterpretation.6. Provide multiple communication channels for your employeesCompanies should strive to offer a variety of communication channels through which their employees can interact and seek support. These channels can include email, an internal help center, and messaging apps.An multichannel strategy lets:All employees communicate with each other effectively via any preferred channels.Your employees reach your dedicated internal customer service team.Your employees select the channel that works best for them.Information is streamlined across departments, which minimizes pointless inquiries and prevents crucial information from becoming lost or distorted during communication.7. Make self-service optionsMaking support resources easily accessible to all employees lets them resolve their issues independently.It’s beneficial to have a central repository such as an internal knowledge base with resources like regulations, policies, troubleshooting, and frequently asked questions.A knowledge base will serve as a comprehensive source of information that’s helpful for internal customer service to be effective.To improve employees’ satisfaction, you can also create online platforms such as community forums where staff members can ask for and share suggestions and ideas at any time.These self-service tools can also be utilized for training and staff onboarding.8. Pay attention to your employees and monitor their feedbackListen to employees’ concerns and reach out to them to get a clearer picture of issues at hand.Team leads should initiate open and transparent communication amongst the team members.These leads should pay attention to employees’ experiences at work when it comes to solving issues.Actively seeking feedback about workflows, either through structured surveys or informal conversations, lets you gain a comprehensive understanding of employee concerns, suggestions, and expectations.Such feedback serves as a valuable tool in identifying the root causes of internal customer service gaps. It enables organizations to devise action plans to rectify the shortcomings or make necessary improvements.9. Celebrate and reward exceptional support effortAccording to Deloitte, recognition raises employee engagement, which in turn raises work performance and creates business value. Appreciation boosts output, performance, and employee engagement by 14%.Companies should encourage a culture where helping co-workers is expected by implementing initiatives that recognize and reward employees who do it.You can consider the following appreciation strategies:Reward and honor staff members who have gone the extra mile to assist colleagues when necessary.Thank employees who provide support that enables others to complete an assignment successfully.Recognizing and celebrating employees’ efforts and achievements not only boosts morale but also reinforces a work culture in which employees want to work.Why is internal customer service important?The following are some advantages of placing emphasis on internal customers in an organization.Improves employee satisfactionWhen employees feel supported and have their needs met, it makes their work easier and they are more likely to feel motivated and be more productive.Speed up problem resolutionGood internal service fosters a culture of teamwork and collaboration. When employees know can rely on their colleagues for assistance and have an easy means of asking for it, they feel more comfortable asking.Instead of floundering for a long time trying to solve an issue, an employee will know who to ask for a solution and feel at ease doing so.Improves external customer serviceThe experiences of external customers are the main emphasis for most organizations.However, an organization that values internal customer service often improves their external customer service.Suppose your customer service employees receive good treatment and are comfortable with their responsibilities.In that case, they will enjoy working for your company and be willing to go above and beyond to provide your consumers with the same experience.As a result, a business may be able to gain more loyal customers and enhance the calibre of service their customers receive.Increases employee retention ratesA strong internal customer service culture can contribute to higher employee retention rates.When an organization attends to the needs of its employees, they tend to be more loyal to the organization.They will not only work harder but also be less likely to seek employment elsewhere when they feel valued and supported.Better reputationWhen supporting each other is encouraged and employees are satisfied, they are motivated to leave positive reviews andfeedback about the company on sites like Glassdoor.Such a positive company reputation can attract and retain top talent, since employees are more likely to seek opportunities in organizations known for their excellent employee support.Improves employee productivityEfficient internal customer service processes help employees access the tools, information, and resources they need to perform their jobs. This in turn enhances their overall productivity.LIKE.TG tools for internal customer serviceHere are examples of the tools that businesses can utilize for internal customer service:Email addresses: Create a work email address for each employee to interact with others This is usually something like [email protected] communication platforms: These are integrated communication tools for casual interactions between employees that occur more frequently, such as Microsoft Teams and Slack. Employees can chat, video conference, and share documents instantly.Live chat software: Supports real-time interaction between employees, ensuring any issues that need immediate attention are resolved quickly.Embeddable web forms and widgets: Allows employees to easily contact each other via contact forms embedded in the company’s internal and external websites and access different help center pages, like an internal knowledge base, FAQs, and more.Mobile app: Provides instant access to LIKE.TG from a mobile device, freeing internal support agents to do their jobs beyond the confines of their desktop or laptop.Internal help desk software: These are tools with which employees can make support requests and create tickets for different departments to collaborate and address their issues swiftly. For example, LIKE.TG is cloud-based, modern customer service software that facilitates a wide range of customer support activities for both internal and external customers.Self-service portal: Establish web-based employee portals and help centers, where company employees can obtain HR data, search for solutions to commonly asked questions, and access the most recent information regarding benefits, laws and regulations, and other things.Examples of internal customer serviceHere are some common examples of internal customer service in a company.DepartmentRoleAdministrationThese roles provide administrative support to various departments, including scheduling, document management, and general assistance.HR serviceThe human resource (HR) department is responsible for managing employees’ experience. The department assists employees with onboarding, benefits, payroll, and other personnel-related matters.IT supportThe IT support department provides technical support to other departments, helping with hardware issues, technical troubleshooting, software installation, network problems, and more.Facilities managementThis department ensures that the workplace is well-maintained, including managing office space, cleaning, and repairs.Training and developmentThis department offers training programs to help employees enhance their skills and knowledge.Internal help deskA help desk provides a central point of contact for all internal inquiries and support requests. It connects all departments and can offer a central repository for documents and basic information from all of them.Employees assistance programAdministrators of programs like this offer counselling and support services to employees dealing with personal or work-related issues. Top of FormElevate team performance by utilizing internal customer serviceAny organization will benefit from providing excellent customer service to both employees and customers alike.Employee satisfaction will increase if you treat them with care and provide support. Establishing a cooperative employee culture benefits everyone in an organization.Schedule alive demoto see howLIKE.TGcan help your customer support team more easily address other teams’ needs. Start afree trialto explore its many features. If you have any questions about the product and its capabilities, feel free to contact theLIKE.TG support team.

Black Friday is possibly the most significant shopping day of the year. As Black Friday approaches, anticipation for amazing deals and intense shopping ensues.Businesses and their staff will be swamped making sales and preparing orders, while customers will be busy filling holiday wishlists and searching for the best bargains.Research from McKinsey reveals that during the holiday season, 43% of U.S. consumers will change retailers if they offered lower prices. Before revealing your exclusive offers, it’s recommended to prepare for the surge in Black Friday customer service inquiries.Customers will have questions about prices, stock availability, delivery, and return policies.It’s easy to become overwhelmed by these queries, but what if there were a more efficient approach? As with any large-scale shopping event, it’s expected that there may be minor issues and setbacks.This necessitates streamlining your support strategy prior to the peak season. Black Friday customer service tips to considerHere are some Black Friday customer service tips on maintaining a low-stress environment and boosting customer satisfaction this Black Friday.1. Create unforgettable experiences with personalized customer engagementIn the height of the holiday shopping season, customers are presented with an array of choices. While Black Friday can be a thrilling experience, the true delight lies in establishing enduring connections with your customers.The dialogues that take place during the shopping frenzy can significantly influence their perception of your brand. Hence, it is important to note that every customer is unique with their own preferences and needs.Personalize your customer service per their requirements and try to exceed their expectations.By being kind and supportive, and simplifying processes for them, you will retain customers with these positive experiences long after the sales have ended, creating a lasting positive impression.Providing a memorable experience to your customers will not only help you in retaining them but also in acquiring new ones.2. Quickly assist customers to ensure a successful checkoutYour customer service plan should incorporate strategies to ensure swift response to customers.During the rush to secure the best Black Friday deals, holiday shoppers require immediate answers to their queries.Delayed responses, particularly during high-traffic events such as Black Friday, can lead to lost sales.Enhancing response speed can be achieved by:Adequately staffing your service team: Ensure that you have enough staff on hand to handle the increased volume of shoppers.Training your customer service team: Make sure your staff is well-trained in all aspects of the checkout process. This includes knowing how to handle common issues that can arise, such as price discrepancies or payment problems.Be prepared to solve problems quickly: This could include having a manager or supervisor on hand to handle any issues that arise, or having a system in place for quickly addressing any technical issues with your checkout systems.Prioritize customer needs: Understand and prioritize the needs of your customers. If a customer needs assistance in finding a product, guide them promptly to keep the checkout process moving.Have templates ready: Using templates, have answers ready for frequent customer inquiries.3. Ensure return and exchange policies are readily availableHaving clear and easily accessible return and exchange policies is essential for any business. By developing and indexing FAQs and return/exchange policies, and making them readily accessible online, businesses can streamline the buying process.It’s critical to ensure that your return and exchange policies are clearly laid out and readily accessible to customers.This not only helps the customer understand what their options are, but it also saves your customer service team valuable time as they won’t need to explain the policies repeatedly.This also provides shoppers with a sense of security and trust, knowing that they can return or exchange items if they are not satisfied.This is especially important during Black Friday sales, where the volume of purchases is significantly higher than usual.By ensuring that your return and exchange policies are readily available, you can make the Black Friday shopping experience more enjoyable and less stressful for everyone involved.4. Allow customers to assist themselves using self-service resourcesUsers are increasingly seeking to solve their own issues without the need for direct interaction with support agents.A study conducted by Nuance Enterprise confirms that 67% of customers prefer utilizing self-service options, such as online knowledge base articles and FAQs, instead of conversing with a company representative.With Black Friday looming, now is the perfect opportunity to enhance your self-service options and keep them updated with relevant information.Self-service resources are a crucial part of any service-oriented business. They not only reduce the workload of support agents but also enhance the user experience by providing immediate solutions.Having self-service options is more than just empowering your customers to handle their issues; it’s a strategic step that lightens the load on your team during high traffic periods.Implementing self-service resources is a win-win situation for both businesses and users. It reduces the pressure on support agents and provides users with immediate solutions, enhancing their overall experience.5. Make it easy for customers to get in touchEvery customer is unique, and their preferred methods of contacting a business are equally diverse.Offering multiple communication channels can help cater to the different preferences of your shoppers.The choice of communication channels is ultimately yours, but customers will gravitate toward brands that are easy to engage with and contact.No matter how many communication channels you decide to use, it’s crucial to ensure they function cohesively.Get ready for Black Friday customer serviceE-commerce and retail companies often experience heightened traffic during times like Black Friday and Cyber Monday, presenting significant challenges for customer service agents.To ensure a successful holiday season, it is essential to start early, prepare well, and plan thoroughly.By following these customer service tips, you can ensure that your shoppers have a smooth and successful checkout experience on Black Friday.This not only increases Black Friday sales, but it also builds customer loyalty and encourages shoppers to return to your store.A support platform such as LIKE.TG offers quick, multi-channel capabilities that enable your customer service team to swiftly and effortlessly address a large number of customer issues and inquiries.Schedule a live demo to explore how LIKE.TG can improve your business and assist customer service teams during Black Friday. Start a free trial to explore its many features.If you have any queries about the product and its capabilities, feel free to contact the LIKE.TG support team.Related blogsWays to Prepare Your Support Team for Black Friday 2022Best Black Friday SaaS Deals in 2023

We are thrilled to introduce our exciting November product release! The November product release has several new features designed to enhance the user experience and improve productivity.These features have been developed based on user feedback and industry trends.In addition to new features, the November product release also includes several improvements to existing functionalities.These improvements aim to address previous limitations and provide users with a more seamless and efficient experience.The LIKE.TG team has incorporated the following features to elevate your customer support experience.Ticketing systemThe ticketing system has been improved with the following update.Additional configurations to manage CC field in ticketsUsers can now manage the configuration for the CC field at the organizational level. This can be enabled through the general settings in the admin section.Contact moduleThe contact module has been updated as follows.Advanced filters and views supportIn the contact module, updates have been made to include advanced filtering support, enabling the module to operate in a manner similar to ticket filtering. These filters can also be saved as views.Activity moduleTo enhance the activity module capabilities, the following new features were added.WorklogsThe activity module now includes support for worklogs.A worklog provides valuable insights that can be used to improve time management, resource allocation, and project planning.Agent signature support for forward ticket activityThe recent update in forward ticket activity is support for the use of agent signatures, much like in regular tickets.If an agentrepliesto a forwarded ticket using a configuredsignature, it will be automaticallyloaded.Webhook support for the activity moduleWebhooks now include activity events. This enables the transmission of real-time data from the activity module to external applications.Reports and analyticsThe following feature has been added to the reports module.Ticket metrics reportThe reports module now includes a new report titled Ticket Metrics Report. This report provides a variety of ticket-related metrics in a table format.Using this report, you will be able to view ticket-related metrics such as:First response achievedFirst response breachedAgent update countRequester update countAdditionally, it comes with advanced filtering and export options.Underlying data support for stats and chart widgetsAll dashboards and reports can now display their underlying data. You can see this data by clicking on a stat or chart, which will prompt a dialog box with the relevant data.Furthermore, this data can beexportedto Excel and used for further analysis.Knowledge baseThe quality of our knowledge base software has been enhanced with the addition of the following new features.Support for bulk article deletionWe’ve introduced a new feature that allows for bulk deletion of multiple knowledge base articles in one go.This will significantly reduce the time and effort spent on removing a largenumberof articles.Turn auto save option on or off for KB articlesThe automatic saving of articles can now be enabled or disabled using the Auto Save toggle button.When enabled, changes are automatically saved to a draft while an agent edits an article.Some agents may prefer not to have their changes saved automatically, so they can disable this feature.Manage knowledge base article tagsThis new feature enhances your ability to manage tags on your knowledge base articles.It allows you to add, edit, delete, and arrange tags, making it easier to categorize and locate articles based on them.AutomationThe following functionality has been enhanced to make automation more efficient.Share ticket actionThe automatic sharing of tickets with groups and agents during ticket creation or the updating of events is made possible by the integration of the share ticket feature in the event trigger automation.IntegrationThese integration updates ensure the smooth functioning of your various software applications.MS TeamsintegrationMicrosoft Teams nowsupports a two-way sync integration withLIKE.TG. Thisfunctionenables you to add responses, add notes, andupdateticket properties straight from Microsoft Teams.Shopify integrationYou can now cancel and refund orders directly fromLIKE.TG, thanks to the Shopify integration.Admin moduleThe admin module has been updated to improve the user experience.Setting custom status for agent availabilityA new feature has been introduced for adding custom availability statuses.Admins can add new statuses according to their organization’s needs.This new feature can be found in the agent availability status module within the admin section. However, it’s worth noting that this feature is not available with the Starter or Standard plans.To control the ability to change statuses, an additional permission has been incorporated into the roles and permissions module.Import contacts and contact groups in bulkWe have implemented a feature that allows users to import contact and contact group files directly from BoldDesk.This functionality enables the swift creation of numerous users and contact groups in bulk.Support for Google Tag Manager ID in customer portalUsers can now integrate the Google Tag Manager ID into the customer portal.The Google Tag Manager ID enables you to update measurement codes and related code segments swiftly and effortlessly, collectively referred to as tags, on your website or mobile app.Customize approval module email templatesYou can now customize the email templates for the approval module via the email notification module in the admin section.Article satisfaction rating in embeddable widgets and formsThis new feature allows you to incorporate options for rating article satisfaction within your knowledge base widgets and forms.This functionality gives users the opportunity to provide feedback on the usefulness and relevance of articles directly within the context of their support interactions.Apply field display condition using multiselect dropdown fieldPreviously, ticket fields did not support the inclusion of multiselect fields in field display conditions.However, now the support for this feature has been provided. Note that only the in operator is supported when using a multiselect field.Excel export option for admin modulesThe following admin modules now have the ability to export data to Excel:Ticket viewsGroupsAgentsEdit names ofpredefined ticket system viewsAdmins who have permission to manage views can now also edit the names of default system views.Mobile applicationThe following new features and updates have been added to the mobile application.Switching and adding multiple accountsThe LIKE.TG mobile app offers agents the convenience of effortlessly adding and managing multiple organization portals.It also provides a smooth experience for switching among these accounts without the inconvenience of logging out and logging back in.Share ticketsTicket sharing, which was previously exclusive to the web version of the agent portal, is now also accessible in the mobile app.Copy web ticket URLUsers can copy the web URL of a ticket to share it with a customer or end user.Check out these new feature updates!This November product release, with its new features and improvements, provides users with an enhanced experience and improved productivity.If you are not yet a LIKE.TG customer, contact us to arrange a 30-minute live demo to explore its latest features and see for yourself how it can transform your customer support. Alternatively, register for a 15-day free trial today.Related blogsLIKE.TG Release Announcement: September 2023 New Features Update!LIKE.TG Release Announcement: July 2023 New Features Update!LIKE.TG Release Announcement: May 2023 New Features Update!

Many businesses fail to meet their customers’ expectations by waiting for customers to reach out first, creating a barrier between themselves and their customers.This leads to a damaged customer service reputation and a poor customer experience, making customers feel insignificant.Businesses should instead implement a proactive customer service model, which includes anticipating and addressing customer needs before customers even realize it.Be the first to act and offer proactive customer support to build customers’ trust, establish your brand as their preferred choice, and improve customer relationships. What is proactive customer service?Proactive customer service involves businesses taking the lead in anticipating customers’ needs and issues through various channels and coming up with solutions before issues occur.Businesses can apply proactive customer service in different ways. For example:By providing immediate solutions and reaching out before issues occur.Informing customers of any delays in delivery.Immediately alerting customers when there is scheduled maintenance or product troubleshooting.The focus of support is on resolving customer issues and providing high-quality assistance. This helps businesses identify potential issues and provide timely and relevant information or solutions.Ultimately, this fosters stronger customer relationships and ensures a positive customer experience.Proactive vs reactive customer serviceProactive customer service Reactive customer serviceThe business is the first to make contactThe customer takes the initial stepProactive service entails a pre-emptive mindset and forward-thinking, whereby companies take the initiative to address customer needs and concerns before they even ariseReactive service relies on reacting to customer complaints and inquiries after the problem has occurredThis proactive approach involves actively seeking opportunities to enhance the customer experience through personalized recommendations, timely updates, or preventive problem-solving measuresReactive service involves a more passive and responsive approach, where companies only address issues after they have been brought to their attention by customersIn the customer service field, there is a difference between proactive and reactive approaches. The key to understanding the distinction is recognizing who initiates the interaction.If your customers’ expectations aren’t met, they may be frustrated with your brand. Even if there’s a solution, the issue could be complex and require a lot of time and effort to resolve.Proactive customer service is also a strategic and customer-centric approach that anticipates and addresses customer needs.It creates a positive and memorable experience, fostering loyalty and long-term success.Proactive customer service is beneficial, but businesses cannot anticipate all customer needs. The ideal approach is to make use of both proactive and reactive strategies.Pinpoint areas where proactive customer service can help, and use reactive customer service to respond to inquiries, provide answers, and guide customers to success.Why should you provideproactive customer support?Companies that prioritize their clients often achieve impressive results. Adopting a proactive approach to customer service allows businesses to address potential issues before customers have to seek assistance.This also allows support teams to detect critical issues or problems early, facilitating timely resolution and preventing escalations.Additionally, companies also demonstrate a customer-centric approach when they aim to deliver an exceptional experience by predicting and meeting customers’ needs.Proactive customer service reflects a dedication to outstanding service and contributes to an improved net promoter score.Effective ways to deliverproactive customer serviceThere are strategies that can be employed to effectively provide proactive customer service. They include:1. Understanding your customersTo implement proactive customer service, it’s crucial to first understand your customers. This means investing time to know them better before anticipating their needs.This understanding will form a foundation for enhancing your proactive customer support abilities.This can be achieved by conducting surveys, actively listening to customer inquiries on social media, and monitoring feedback and reviews on dedicated community forums.It allows businesses to provide excellent customer experiences while identifying customer challenges, what motivates them, and their pain points.Having this deeper understanding will enable you to proactively meet customers’ most important needs, thereby boosting satisfaction levels.2. Regularly contacting customers for feedbackOne common mistake that businesses often make is assuming they know what their customers want and need.Regularly collecting feedback can reveal patterns such as recurring complaints from potential buyers or frequent complaints from existing customers.To obtain a more comprehensive understanding of your customers and their needs, it is recommended to regularly conduct customer surveys.These surveys can identify common issues faced by customers and provide valuable insights for product or service enhancement.Therefore, it is important to include open-ended questions in your survey, such as “what problems are you currently facing with our product?”Feedback can be collected through various means such as:Interviewing current customers to understand their issues and ways to enhance your product or service.Examining information from your help desk software to identify and address common problems.Monitoring your company’s social media pages for user comments and remarks about your brand or products and services.Sending surveys to former customers using tools like web forms or community forums.This will provide you with the understanding required to implement proactive customer service measures that effectively address actual problems your customers are experiencing.3. Interact with your product and servicesInteracting with a product feature is a proactive approach to customer service. This strategy sets customers up for success by suggesting enhancements or additions that could enhance their experience.When launching a new product or feature, it is essential to ensure thorough internal testing.Employees are often the best source of detailed feedback because they are highly familiar with the product.They can proactively identify potential issues customers might encounter and find solutions to prevent any inconvenience beforehand.By consistently foreseeing and tackling your customers’ needs and desires, you can tailor the customer experience and make customers feel valued.4. Educate your team to be proactiveThe key to proactive customer service is having competent and accountable support teams. This includes everyone in your organization, as their insights and experiences can contribute to effective strategies.Training your support teams to anticipate and address customer queries, staying updated on trends, and focusing on proactive service, enhances customer satisfaction.Establishing an internal knowledge base and educating employees on proactive support can make a significant difference in how customers perceive your brand.Encouraging ideas from across your organization can greatly enhance customer experience.5. Be honest and transparentConcealing problems can be one of the most detrimental actions. During times of crisis, it is important to be proactive and contact your customers before they become aware of an issue.Modern consumers want sincere relationships with brands they support. According to a study by Abby McCain, 66% of customers consider transparency as one of the most appealing characteristics in a brand.Therefore, a key proactive support strategy is to acknowledge errors and inform customers of issues before they discover them on their own.Apologize to and notify customers of technical glitches promptly to earn their trust. Be transparent and honest from the start. Offer timely solutions, discounts, or refunds if necessary.Keep customers informed about your actions to address their problems. Reassure them that the issue won’t recur.Provide contact information for questions or feedback. This approach shows commitment, honesty, and the ability to deliver high-quality results.6. Develop a knowledge base for self-serviceAccording to theHarvard Business Review, 81% of all customers try to take care of issues themselves before reaching out to live customer support. The optimal service you can provide for a customer is to empower them to serve themselves.Establishing a well-structured knowledge base that includes frequently asked questions (FAQs), manuals, how-to guides, videos and more, is a significant step toward implementing proactive customer service.By using a self-service portal and taking the initiative, customers can actively seek answers to their questions and solutions to their problems at their convenience.Businesses must ensure that the content on their website is easily accessible by avoiding these unusual mistakes.Ensure unrestricted access to informationRemove unnecessary and unhelpful subjects to create a clutter-free environmentProvide a search option for ease of navigation7. Reach out and engage with customers through social mediaBusinesses should have a social media page where they can share any news or new updates.Annabelle Nyst’s study indicates that 62% of organizations utilize social listening programs to gain a better understanding of their audiences.Businesses should actively engage with customers on online community forums, Instagram, and other social media platforms to potentially prevent the need for direct support contact.Understanding the target audience helps determine the preferred social media platform for information.Support agents can be assigned to platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, X, or YouTube to engage with customers and address concerns.Businesses should assign respective support teams to provide a quick response to customers on different social media platforms.Engaging with customers who mention your brand on social media, irrespective of the context of the conversation, can also be beneficial in addressing their complains or issues they raise. Using social media management tools can help monitor comments and respond proactively.Following relevant keywords and hashtags on social media platforms can also facilitate proactive customer support.What are the benefits of proactive customer care?Implementing proactive customer service strategies can greatly contribute to the success of a business. Here are the key benefits:Improved customer satisfactionCustomers won’t forget errors unless they are resolved with superior and proactive customer care. However, mistakes do happen, but exceeding customers’ expectations is the key to redemption.When you proactively address customers’ dissatisfaction with your company or brand, it reduces the likelihood of them reaching out to you.Reduced support callsA customer service approach that prioritizes responsiveness necessitates the constant availability of support agents.The exact time when customer issues will occur is uncertain. This can pose difficulties for a customer service team in efficiently handling support tickets and inquiries.Investing in proactive customer support proves to be a successful tactic for reducing tickets.By minimizing common issues, support teams can dedicate additional time to addressing complex customer problems before they escalate.Enhanced customer retention rateThrough offering proactive customer service, support teams can handle all customer problems, ensuring no support ticket goes unnoticed.This approach enables businesses to emphasize the importance of the customer, and it conveys that customer’s sentiments and experiences are valued.The act is straightforward and doesn’t require much effort, yet it boosts customer loyalty, resulting in a higher customer retention rate.When a customer has a positive experience with a brand, the chances of returning or recommending the business to their friends and family are very high.Increased brand reputationA brand that follows a proactive customer service idea and consistently maintains it, is one that develops a favorable reputation among its customers.According Helplama survey revealed that 86% of consumers tend to have more loyalty towards brands that demonstrate a thorough comprehension of their priorities and preferences.By anticipating and solving customer problems before they reach out through social media, you’ll impress customers and make them feel valued. Thus, they may leave positive comments about their satisfaction with your services.Information provided on social media by customers can be internally shared with your business partners to help agents identify recurring issues and concentrate on solving them.Proactively addressing your customers’ issues will enhance your brand image.Better decision-makingThe tools utilized for tracking customer behavior, like customer service surveys, offer a crucial source of feedback. This is essential for any business aiming for consistent improvement.Customer feedback can be utilized to make better-informed product decisions and to improve product features.Additionally, the insight gathered can be used to develop resources that can address common issues without needing to contact a support agent.Boosts revenue/salesWhen customers are considering a company’ product or service, your support team should proactively approach customers and attempt to convince them to complete a purchase by providing the best offers and explaining to them how it works.By also putting substantial effort into swiftly addressing customers’ issues, their appreciation for your efforts will increase, and their gratitude for your endeavors will grow.Numerous businesses have discovered that proactive customer care, which includes immediate interaction and engagement, enhances sales.Frees up your support teamInitiating proactive support by providing a self-service option, can greatly reduce the number of support tickets, enabling customers to resolve their issues independently.This allows the support team to dedicate more time to high-priority inquiries and complex tasks.Dealing with fewer tickets allows support teams to focus better and experience less stress, enhancing their satisfaction and positively influencing their customer service.Builds customer loyaltyBy implementing proactive customer service, you can cultivate loyalty by reaching out to your customers before they seek help, offering a knowledge base and providing fantastic experiences to them.This approach offers more opportunities to address customer problems, and customers will feel that their views are valued compared to reactive support.Proactive customer service examplesFollowing are some successful proactive customer service examples.LIKE.TG’s new product release notificationsAt LIKE.TG, we use a proactive approach to keep our users informed about new product releases.Whenever a new feature or update is rolled out, LIKE.TG sends targeted emails that highlight the latest enhancements and functionalities that users can employ.This proactive communication ensures that users are always aware of changes and lets them make the most of the customer service software’s capabilities.Delta Air Lines’ flight reschedulingDelta Air Lines takes proactive steps to reduce the inconvenience caused by flight delays or rescheduling.Delta proactively notifies passengers about flight changes, cancellations, and delays via SMS or email. They provide alternative flight options and allow passengers to rebook without having to contact customer service.Amazon’s personalized recommendations and delivery alertsAmazon uses data analytics to recommend products based on past customer purchases and viewing history. By proactively suggesting relevant items, Amazon enhances the shopping experience of its users.Additionally, the online retail platform notifies customers in advance about any delivery delays.This transparency helps manage expectations and reduces frustration.Improve your customer relationships with proactive customer serviceCustomer service can be difficult, and assessing its value can be even more intricate. Adopting a proactive customer service strategy can help you progress and enhance communication methods to better comprehend your customers.By resolving their issues promptly, you can establish long-term relationships.Utilize various platforms like community forums, social media, and email ticketing systems to connect with consumers instantly.Successful proactive customer service builds trust and loyalty, enhancing your brand’s image.Make use of both reactive and proactive customer support to retain and attract more customers.Schedule alive demoto see howLIKE.TGcan enhance your business and proactive customer service.Start afree trial to explore its many features. If you have any questions about the product and its capabilities, feel free to contact theLIKE.TG support team.Related articles10 Most Popular Essential Customer Service SkillsCustomer-Centric Business – The Complete Details

Companies know that building relationships with clients is essential to their success. Increasing customer trust is one strategy to strengthen those relationships.By establishing a strong rapport with your customers, they come to rely on your products and services and become long-term supporters of your company.To foster such a relationship, businesses must appreciate and understand their clients and offer reliable, relevant experiences.Creating customer trust lays the groundwork for the long-term success of your business.In this blog post, we discuss the importance of gaining the trust of your customers and offer a checklist of the 10 crucial actions you can take to do so. What iscustomer trust?Customer trust is the confidence and belief that customers have in a brand, product, or service. It’s established when customers feel assured that a company will consistently meet their expectations, deliver quality, and act with integrity.Trust is built over time through positive experiences that demonstrate reliability, transparency, and a commitment to fulfilling promises.It’s a critical element in fostering long-term relationships, encouraging customer loyalty, and supporting a brand’s reputation.How to build trust with customersBuilding customer trust is a crucial aspect of maintaining successful and long-lasting relationships. Here are 10 strategies to help you build trust with your customers:How to build customer trust Create an excellent productProvide exceptional customer serviceCreate a loyalty programBe honest and transparentPrioritize your customersSeek customer feedback and act on itTreat your customers as you would a friendAddress conflicts clearlyShare customer reviews and testimonialsPreserve your company’s reputationCreate an excellent productConsider the requirements of your intended customers and develop products that cater to their needs.The process of crafting your product into a superior one instills a sense of confidence in customers toward your company, thereby fostering a deeper level of trust.You should ensure that your products are enjoyable for your customers to use, as this can increase the likelihood that they will stick with your business going forward.Provide exceptional customer servicePrioritizing exceptional customer service is a fundamental component of trust-building.This can be done by:Offering consistent, responsive, and personalized interactions that demonstrate a genuine commitment to meeting customer needs.Responding consistently when clients contact you with queries and concerns.Making sure your agents handle support tickets while keeping in mind that there are people who need help on the other end of the ticket number.Establishing a set of policies and procedures that guide your agents to proper responses to FAQs and the resources necessary to solve complicated problems.Businesses that prioritize customer service as a core value are more likely to establish and maintain trust with their customer base.Create a loyalty programLoyalty programs increase sales and customer lifetime value. A loyalty program pushes businesses to reward and retain clients to build exciting connections.According to a study by Zippia, 75% of consumers would change brands for a superior loyalty program.By providing loyalty programs to current clients who are already invested in your products, you can strengthen your relationship with them and show them how much you value their business.You can experiment with different programs to find which ones work best for your consumers, leading to a long-term, mutually beneficial partnership.Be honest and transparentGaining the customer trust requires being open and honest. It’s no secret that customers feel more personally connected to a company that is truthful and transparent.According to a Sprout Social study, 89% of people believe that a business can restore trust if it acknowledges its mistakes and is transparent about how it plans to rectify the situation.Being transparent with your clients shows them that your business is trustworthy, which in turn can increase their loyalty.Furthermore, this transparency can increase customers’ engagement by providing them with information about how your business is run.Transparency with customers can be achieved by:Being clear about the features and benefits of your products, services, and policies.Addressing issues or mistakes promptly and openly.Presenting the prices of your products without any obfuscation.Prioritize your customersCustomer trust will develop if you keep them at the core of your operations. Your employees’ empathy and desire to meet your consumers’ needs will determine how effectively your company builds credibility.Credibility can be achieved by:Making certain that your firm has a customer-centric.Continuously assessing customer service and adapting to better meet the demands of clients.Urging every staff member to consider how best they may serve customers in their position.Interacting with customers on the platforms that they prefer.Seek customer feedback and act on itCompanies can use Customer feedback surveys to better understand what clients enjoyed and disliked about their experiences with products and services.It’s important to gather feedback from both happy and dissatisfied customers to build an insightful, balanced assessment.Customer feedback is crucial to helping firms make decisions about improvements to products and services.Treat your customers as you would a friendLike friendships, customer relationships are based on mutual respect and trust and require time to develop.You can build a solid foundation of trust with your clients by treating them like friends.The best ways to improve customer relationships are to:Recognize devoted followers and express your gratitude, whether through small gestures or simply by consistently attending to them.Demonstrate empathy to show clients that your business cares for them and wants to help them succeed.Practice being hospitable and approachable.Communicate with your clients regularly via the platforms they prefer, such as social media, email, live chat, and website comments.Address conflicts clearlyTo gain customer trust, you must own up to your mistakes and make amends.Errors happen. When they do, accept them and deal with them directly. Don’t downplay or ignore a mistake just because it would be inconvenient to address.Especially don’t downplay a situation where you believe your clients’ data may have been compromised.Companies can further establish trust with customers by speaking with them directly, rather than relying solely on logged supports issues and tickets.Provide clear, concise answers to any inquiries from customers so that they feel heard by your service team.Share customer reviews and testimonialsCompanies can share customer testimonials, reviews, and case studies on their blog, social media accounts, and website to boost buyer confidence.According to a BrightLocal study, 76% of customers regularly check internet reviews when selecting a local business to patronize.Furthermore, 46% of consumers believe that online business reviews are as trustworthy as personal recommendations from friends or family.These statistics show that new customers will have more trust in your brand when reviews from other customers vouch for your company.Get in touch with clients who you know have had positive experiences with your business and ask them to be included in a blog post or testimonial video.Don’t hesitate to include accounts of scenarios where a customer found the product lacking and the company updated the product to respond to the feedback.Building a collection of such endorsements not only shows potential customers how reliable your company is but also shows that you value customer feedback.Preserve your company’s reputationGaining customer trust requires maintaining a positive company reputation.This involves numerous factors, such as employing and developing outstanding personnel and producing high-quality products.To preserve your company’s good name and the confidence your clients have in you, make sure you consistently live up to client expectations.Additionally, because the customer service department is typically the one that customers interact with directly, providing excellent customer service is essential to maintaining your brand’s reputation.Remember, a single negative experience has the power to ruin a customer’s perception of a brand.Why it is important to build trust with customers for businessHaving customers that trust you is vital to the long-term success of your business. Here are just a few of the advantages to building customer trust:Builds customer loyaltyWhen a customer trusts a brand, he or she is more likely to choose its products or services repeatedly and over competing brands.Customers who feel your business strives to give them the finest customer experience will be brand ambassadors.Boost your brand’s reputationTrustworthy businesses have better reputations. Positive word-of-mouth and recommendations from satisfied customers can attract new customers and enhance a brand’s image.Increases revenueCustomers are inclined to engage in repeated transactions and make larger purchases when they have confidence in a company’s products or services. More and larger transactions grow the company’s bottom line.Improves customer engagementBy actively participating in conversations, listening to feedback, and sharing experiences from customers, businesses strengthen their customer relationships.Both sides benefit from active engagement: the business gains valuable insight into its products and services, and customers feel valued and cared for.Fosters long-term relationshipsTrust is a fragile yet essential element in fostering long-term relationships. According to a study conducted by Mercuri International, 99% of business leaders believe that trust is essential to establishing enduring relationships with customers.Customer trust and long-term relationships can be built through:Effective communicationConsistent supportUnderstanding customers’ unique needsConsistent effortActing with integrityGenuine commitment to meeting and surpassing customer expectationsTrusting customers offer valuable perspectivesWhen customers trust that their feedback is taken seriously, they are more likely to share it. This input is invaluable to improving a business’s products, services, and support.How can you build customer trust?The two primary characteristics of a strong customer base are trust and loyalty. Customer trust has to be earned and maintained, just like in any other relationship. Start gaining the trust of your customers in the prospecting phase.Don’t wait until they have completed a purchase.Setting a baseline of open communication and excellent customer service goes a long way to building long-term relationships and high customer lifetime values.The right customer service and support software can significantly ease your trust-building efforts. Schedule alive demoto see howLIKE.TGcan help your company build deep customer trust. Start afree trialto explore its many features. If you have any questions about the product and its capabilities, feel free to contact theLIKE.TG support team.Related articles8 Benefits of AI in Customer Service10 Key Customer Satisfaction Metrics to Measure in 2023

A business’s ability to differentiate itself from competitors hinges significantly on superior customer service.In a highly competitive marketplace offering comparable products, customer interactions can leave an enduring impact on your customers.One Microsoft study indicates that 96% of participants consider customer service a significant factor in their decision to be loyal to a brand.By providing gratifying experiences to your customers, they remember you and share their positive experiences with others.Your customer service team represents your company, and the customer experience is shaped by the proficiency and excellence of the support they receive.Customer service is challenging, requiring a perfect blend of communication skills and in-depth product knowledge to offer an exceptional customer experience.This blog reviews excellent customer service tips to help you grow your business and improve your customer service. Top customer service tips you need to knowProviding exceptional service is a cornerstone of any successful business. Support agents are often a client’s first point of contact, making their performance crucial to the overall customer experience.PWC reports that after one negative experience, 32% of customers would cease dealing with a brand they previously loved.Here are some strategies to help support agents deliver top-notch service.1. Practice active listeningCustomers communicate because they want to be understood. Allow them to express their concerns and treat those concerns with gravity.Listening is a powerful learning tool. Stay attentive, as you may receive crucial information that could distinguish between resolving an issue and failing to do so.It is essential to listen to customers, as you can only offer effective assistance by comprehending their needs.Active listening involves:Attentive listeningAnalysis of the speaker’s wordsUnderstanding the speaker’s intentResponding thoughtfully, often with additional questionsBy employing active listening techniques, agents can foster customer relationships, inject empathy into conversations, and ensure the customer feels listened to, understood, and valued.This enables agents to provide more effective service.2. Be accessibleIn customer service, accessibility significantly influences customer experience. Being accessible means being available and easy to reach whenever your clients need assistance.Your customers should not be terrified at the thought of contacting your business for support.It should be easy for your customers to contact you when needed. Accessibility in customer service is vital for several reasons.It facilitates building trust and loyalty among your clients. Clients feel valued and appreciated knowing they can easily contact you for help.It resolves issues quickly, thereby improving customer satisfaction.It gives you a competitive edge.3. Understand your customers and their needsIn any business, understanding your clients and their needs is crucial.This is especially true in the service industry, where the success of your business depends on your ability to meet and outdo customer expectations.Gaining a clear understanding of why your customers choose your product over a competitor’s, and what they appreciate most about your offerings, will enhance your ability to serve them effectively.Understanding your customers, their reasons for investing in your product, and their likes or dislikes about your company is irreplaceable.It is key to providing efficient customer service and keeping customers satisfied.4. Foster a communityIn customer service, fostering a community is crucial to significantly improving the overall customer experience.This involves creating an environment where customers feel valued, heard, and connected.You can set up an online community, social media forum, or chat forum where your existing customers or potential clients interested in your business’s offerings can pose questions, discuss solutions, and provide mutual support.Fostering a community in customer service can have numerous benefits for businesses.It can help to:Enhance customer experienceIncrease customer loyaltyStrengthen brand imageBusinesses can successfully foster a community in their customer service by engaging regularly, providing value, encouraging participation, showing appreciation, and promoting a positive environment.5. Personalize your interactionsOne of the important strategies for improving customer service is creating a meaningful experience with a touch of personalization. This involves:Understanding customer preferencesUtilizing data-driven insightsAdopting strategies that provide tailored solutionsMcKinsey Company research indicates that 71% of consumers anticipate personalized interactions with companies they choose to interact with. The study also reveals that 76% of consumers become frustrated when these expectations are unmet.For SaaS businesses, personalization could mean adapting your service to cater to each customer’s needs.This could entail offering custom pricing based on purchase volume, personalized training, or custom integrations.While automated email templates addressing the customer by first name may be useful, genuine personalization makes customers feel like they’re interacting with a human, not just a business.6. Maintain clear and precise communicationFeeling lost and unsure about what’s happening is one of the most disheartening situations for your customers.Effective communication is the cornerstone of any successful customer interaction.The customer needs to comprehend precisely what actions are being taken or what is being offered.Given that your customers have a busy schedule, they would appreciate a streamlined communication process.Ensure the language is clear and comprehensible.7. Give priority to resolving issues at the first contact (FCR)No one enjoys repeatedly reaching out to a business for the same issue. Customers expect prompt and effective responses when they encounter issues or have questions regarding products and services.Responding promptly is essential, particularly when dealing with client requests that are time-sensitive.Practicing first contact resolution (FCR) is one of the best strategies to maintain customer satisfaction and position your company as an exceptional service provider. This means resolving your customers’ issues upon initial contact.Customers highly value having their issues promptly and effectively addressed on the first attempt. Solving problems the first time around is essential for support agents.This not only enhances user experience but also improves support team efficiency. The goal is to resolve an issue without needing follow-up.8. Assist customers across various channelsOne top-notch customer service tip is to provide your customers with various ways to reach you.Customers anticipate a seamless, multi-channel interaction, which necessitates engaging with them on their preferred platforms.The choice of channel may differ depending on:The problem at handCustomer demographicsThe ease of access to a specific channelOmni-channel customer support unifies various channels to provide consistent service and a unified brand experience across all platforms.As a business, it’s crucial to identify the channels your customers prefer to use when connecting with them. Leverage these channels to boost engagement and deliver high-quality support effectively.Such channels may include:Email supportPhone supportSocial media supportLive chat supportThese platforms ensure a smooth customer experience regardless of the chosen channel.You can offer high-quality customer service by being present across all customer touchpoints and maintaining service consistency.9. Educate and train agents on essential customer service skillsCustomer service representatives devote their time to responding to customer inquiries, problem-solving, and occasionally spotting sales prospects.To accomplish this effectively, they need a thorough understanding of the customer’s context and situation and a comprehensive knowledge of products and services.Customer service training equips your team with the necessary customer service skills to cope with even the most challenging circumstances.Enhancing your support team’s emotional intelligence, comprehension, communication skills, attentiveness, patience, time management, and issue resolution is crucial.Through regular training sessions, customer service representatives can fine-tune their abilities and gain new ones.This improves their speed and quality, delivering faster outcomes.10. Do regular follow-upsCustomers can be negatively impacted if you don’t consistently follow up with them after their interactions with you.It is vital to ensure you follow up with your customers to verify that their issues have been correctly handled and that they are pleased with your service.A brief phone call, a short support email, or even a customer feedback survey can effectively communicate your appreciation for your customers’ time and support.11. Resolve urgent customer issues firstIn customer service, it’s crucial to prioritize tasks effectively. The nature of customer issues or requests can vary greatly—some necessitate immediate attention and resolution, while others can be addressed more leisurely.One of the most important aspects of this is identifying and resolving urgent issues promptly.Urgent issues often involve situations significantly impacting the user’s experience or operations.These can range from technical problems preventing the user from using a product or service, to billing issues affecting their financial status.Promptly resolving these issues can maintain user satisfaction and trust. Using free help desk software, your agents can classify support tickets as high, low, or medium based on urgency.This enables your team to organize their day efficiently and avert any potential negative impact on your business.12. Simplify the process of gathering customer feedbackFeedback is a crucial element that helps businesses understand their customers’ needs and expectations.Regular feedback collection can aid in capturing critical customer viewpoints and pinpointing areas for enhancement.The easier it is for users to provide feedback, the more likely they are to do so.This can be achieved by creating straightforward feedback forms, providing multiple channels for feedback (such as email, social media, and your website), and making sure these channels are easily accessible.Simplifying the process of gathering feedback can lead to more valuable insights and a better understanding of your users’ needs and expectations.You can make the process more efficient and effective by using automated tools, making it easy for users to provide feedback, asking the right questions, acting on feedback, and regularly reviewing and updating your feedback process.13. Exercise empathy and patienceYour customer support team can stand out through empathy. Your customer service teams must be ready to empathize with your clients and consistently deliver consistent service.When customer service representatives demonstrate empathy, they recognize and validate the customer’s emotions and worries.This fosters a positive exchange and facilitates a more effective resolution to the problem.Companies can enhance empathy in customer service by teaching representatives to comprehend various customer situations and respond suitably.There will be numerous occasions where customers are perplexed and require time to understand the solution. You must give them time rather than having them depart with a negative impression.Establishing a supportive and appreciative atmosphere can assist agents in positively dealing with customer interactions.14. Make use of customer service templates and canned responsesOne way to achieve efficiency and accuracy in customer service is through service email templates and canned responses.These are prewritten messages that agents can use to answer recurring questions, making it quicker to respond to customers via email, chat, text message, or social media.They provide a standard format for responses, ensuring that all necessary information is presented clearly and professionally.They also save time by eliminating the need to type out the same response multiple times, and they ensure consistency in information.While these tools can be highly beneficial, using them correctly is vital to avoid sounding robotic or impersonal.15. Choose the right toolsWhile speed may not be the chief concern of customer service, response time is significant. When interactions become routine, rapidly addressing common problems can save your support representatives time.This is where automation and help desk software solutions come in.With the appropriate help desk software, you can integrate numerous tools and establish a connection between your customer service team and your clientele.Effective customer support involves a blend of technology and personal interactions.Help desk software provides a comprehensive customer experience platform that facilitates impactful customer interactions and optimizes customer service.Selecting and deploying the appropriate customer service softwareis critical in promoting customer engagement with your brand.This enhances your brand’s credibility and delivers exceptional customer experience.Leverage AI tools in customer support to streamline repetitive or manual tasks.This can minimize wait times and enhance efficiency, enabling customer support representatives to concentrate on more complex issues.16. Use positive languageLanguage can significantly impact the experience of the person on the other side of the conversation. Positive language is a powerful tool that builds a more positive client experience.It can also aid in building trust and rapport with the person you are communicating with.Using positive language makes you more likely to create a positive impression and make the other person feel valued and respected.This is crucial for customer service that focuses on the assistance you provide and the actions you can take rather than on your limitations.If a customer requests something unfeasible, positive language can propose an alternate solution that is doable and beneficial to the customer.By shifting the conversation from negative to positive, the emphasis is on the solution. This approach, which puts the result in the spotlight, decreases the likelihood of the customer becoming upset.Using positive language can prevent unintentional conflicts that arise from miscommunication. The shift may be subtle, but the impact is significant.17. Encourage self-serviceSelf-service is a powerful tool that allows users to find solutions to their problems without directly interacting with support agents.Nuance Enterprise reports that 67% of the survey participants favor using self-service tools rather than conversing with a representative from the company.It’s not a new phenomenon that customers prefer self-service. Understandably, seeking answers from a knowledge base , FAQs, or video tutorials for minor, non-urgent issues is simpler than contacting customer support.Consumers believe that self-service options enhance the quality and efficiency of customer service.By promoting self-service, support agents can focus on more complex issues requiring their expertise, eliminating your clients’ dependence on your team to provide all solutions.18. Show your customers appreciationCompanies must express gratitude for their customers and provide coupon to retain them. A mere “thank you” to a customer can go a long way in fortifying the relationship with them.Take a moment to express your gratitude to your customers for trusting you and your services. Such gestures play a crucial role in strengthening customer relationships.Showing appreciation for your customers has a significant impact: It cultivates loyalty, enhances retention, and encourages word-of-mouth referrals.Offering your dedicated customers special discounts and early access to new features is a successful strategy for enhancing the customer experience.These rewards can make them feel more appreciated and significant.If feasible, consider providing memberships, loyalty cards, and other coupons to maintain their satisfaction and ensure continuous patronage.19. Take customer complaints seriouslyTo enhance customer service and expand your business, understand customers’ positive and negative experiences.Harsh remarks do not necessarily reflect insightful knowledge, and disgruntled customers do not always indicate a problem.However, you can sometimes find valuable feedback within bitter comments—give serious consideration to each one. Keep in mind that no business is flawless.It’s natural to desire only positive feedback about your company, but in reality, negative reviews are inevitable no matter how much effort you put into satisfying your customers.While negative feedback can be difficult to swallow, see it as an opportunity to improve your customers’ experience.Gathering feedback can serve as an excellent strategy for improving your overall brand.It’s essential to solicit customer feedback about products and maintain regular contact with your customers.20. Select the appropriate closing remarksThe customer journey extends from the first interaction to the final impression. How you end a customer conversation is just as crucial as how you start it.A rude or poorly timed ending can ruin a deal and may lead to the customer not reaching out to you again.Make sure to part ways with your customers on a positive note. A simple farewell that says, “Have a nice day,” can go a long way in leaving a powerful impression.It’s equally vital to explicitly convey the forthcoming steps to the customer, particularly if their concern remains unresolved.Enhancing your closing skills can improve every interaction. This doesn’t only pertain to sealing a deal but also to concluding a conversation with a customer.Leverage customer service tips and elevate your service skillsProfessionals in customer service often serve as the initial touchpoint for customers.Regardless of how exceptional your product may be or how proficient your customer support team is, customers are likely to remember the direct interaction with your company the most.Delivering outstanding customer service is a sure way to attain and retain contented customers who will stay loyal to your brand and advocate for it.By adhering to the above customer service tips, you guarantee the success of your customer service team.Schedule a live demo to explore how LIKE.TG can improve your business operations and enhance your customer service team.Start a free trial to examine the extensive range of features available. If you encounter any inquiries about the product and its capabilities, please feel free to contact the LIKE.TG support team for assistance.Related blogsImportance of Good Customer Service10 Best Templates to Write Apology Emails to Customers10 Common Customer Service Mistakes to Avoid10 Examples of Bad Customer Service and How to Fix Them10 Important Customer Service KPIs to Track

Understanding and improving customer service performance is crucial in every business, as it affects both customer satisfaction and brand loyalty. With the help of customer service metrics, you can determine how good your customer support is and whether your support team is meeting customers’ expectations and needs.Although each customer service metric serves as a powerful tool for gauging satisfaction, efficiency, and the overall health of customer relationships, businesses should ask which customer service metrics are the exceptional performers that enable them to reliably measure their successes and which ones significantly influence their ability to ensure customer satisfaction.In this blog, we’ll discuss at length these customer service metrics. What is customer service metrics?Customer service metrics are specific measurements that assess the quality of customer service, the quantity of support issues handled, and the performance of your support team.Companies measure these customer service metrics to gain valuable insight into:How well their customer service performance isHow efficient their customer interaction isThe productivity of their support teamAreas where improvements are needed to enhance their overall customer experienceBusinesses can make informed decisions to improve customer service by analyzing these metrics, increasing customer satisfaction and loyalty.The qualities perfect ofcustomer service metricIdeal customer service metrics should have the following qualities that help them offer valuable insights and stimulate positive changes.Here are some qualities that you may consider while choosing the right metric for measuring customer service:Relevance: Customer service metrics must align with the business’s goals and objectives, providing meaningful information regarding customer service performance.Measurability: Customer service metrics should be quantifiable and measurable to facilitate data-driven decision-making.Actionability: Customer service metrics should provide actionable insights that enable teams to identify specific areas for improvement.Accuracy: Data used to measure customer service metrics should be accurate. Ensuring the reliability and consistency of the data used to calculate metrics enhances the credibility of the insights derived, supporting more informed decision-making.Timeliness: Customer service should provide up-to-date information that reflects the current state of customer service operations on time. This quality is important in a fast-paced business environment where rapid responses and adjustments are necessary.Consistency: Meaningful comparisons and trend analysis require consistency in measurement methods and data sources. Consistent customer service metrics over time provide a reliable basis for evaluating the impact of changes or interventions.The bestmetrics for customer serviceCustomer service metrics are measures based on performance, quality, and quantity of customer service. Here are some of these metrics:Quality-related metricsThe following customer service metrics measure how your customer service is impacting your customers:Net promoter scoreThe net promoter score (NPS) evaluates the probability ofconsumers recommending a business’s brand to their friends, family,and others.This assessment is based on a single question, asking if respondents would be inclined to suggest the business to others.Here is a formula you can use:How to use it:On a rating range of 0 to 10, respondents indicate their tendency to recommend their brand to others.They are then categorized as:Promoters (9–10)Passives (7-8)Detractors (0–6)The net promoter score (NPS) is a complete indicator of consumer advocacy that is calculated by subtracting the number of Detractors from the percentage of Promoters.Customer satisfaction scoreCustomer satisfaction score (CSAT) is a measurement used to evaluate the level of contentment customers experience during a specific interaction or the entire experience with the product or service.Below is a formula you can use to calculate CSAT score:How to use it:The customer satisfaction score can always be evaluated through a survey question that includes a scale, such as 1 to 5, that asks customers to rate their level of satisfaction.The resulting average score is an indication of the overall level of satisfaction.Customer effort scoreThe customer effort score (CES) is a metric used to gauge the ease with which customers can accomplish a task using a product or resolve an issue related to your brand.This measure is obtained by asking customers for feedback on their effort during a specific interaction, usually on a quantifiable scale.Here is a formula you can use:How to use it:Businesses can assess how simple it is for customers to fix problems or issues using customer effort score.A lower CES suggests that customers felt less effort was required, indicating better user-friendliness.A higher CES indicates that customers felt more effort was required during their interactions, suggesting the product was hard to use.First contact resolution rateFirst contact resolution (FCR) measures support agents successfully resolving issues during their first contact or interaction with customers.A greater rate signifies effectiveness, enhances customer contentment, and diminishes the need for customers to reach out multiple times concerning the same issue.This can be done with well-designed service level agreements (SLAs), which help the support team monitor each customer ticket.How to use it:By watching the FCR rate, you can learn how effective your customer service is and monitor your support agents’ ability to resolve customer issues during the first interaction.Average resolution timeAverage resolution time (ART) is a critical metric measuring a support agent’s average duration to resolve customer concerns. It encompasses when a customer first raises an issue until it is completely resolved.Several factors can influence ART:The complexity of problemsThe expertise of the support teamThe available tools and resources for problem-solvingHere is a formula you can use:How to use it:This metric is essential for evaluating the effectiveness and efficiency of a customer support team.A lower ART indicates a quicker response and resolution procedure, potentially increasing customer satisfaction.Conversely, a high ART may indicate inefficiencies in the resolution process, which could result in customer dissatisfaction.Customer retention rateThe customer retention rate is a metric that measures the percentage of customers a business can retain over a specific period.According to Zippia, the average customer retention rate across all industries is approximately 75.5%.Therefore, companies should strive to retain customers by offering good customer service.Here is a formula you can use to calculate customer retention rate:How to use it:The customer retention rate helps companies know how many customers are stopping their use of the company’s products or services, possibly due to dissatisfaction, competition, or unmet expectations.A higher retention rate indicates higher customer satisfaction and implies a greater likelihood of customers continuing with a company’s products or services and remaining loyal.Low retention rates indicate a decrease in customer loyalty and satisfaction.Customer churnThe customer churn rate measures the percentage of customers that stop using a brand or stop doing business with a company within a given period.This metric, which contrasts with the client retention rate, is crucial to comprehending customer attrition.Here is an example of a formula you can use: How to use it:Customer churn rate determines the proportion of lost business during a given time frame.By monitoring this rate, companies can identify strategies to retain more customers and improve their services since a higher churn rate indicates customer dissatisfaction.Performance-related metricsThese customer service metrics are used to measure how long support agents take to resolve customer issues:Ticket volumeTicket volume is the total number of customers’ support tickets or questions received within a given time frame.Here is a formula you can use to measure ticket volume:How to use it:The goal of monitoring and analyzing ticket volume is to assess the volume of work performed by the customer support team and to provide information about common trends and patterns regarding client complaints.Ticket resolvedThe “tickets resolved” metric indicates the total number of tickets the customer support team resolved.It shows the volume of successfully resolved customer issues.How to use it:This metric is important, as it indicates the effectiveness and efficiency of your support team in successfully addressing customer issues or inquiries.It can also assist in identifying recurring issues, allowing for proactive measures to prevent them.A high number of resolved tickets demonstrates a responsive and efficient support team.On the other hand, a low number may indicate inefficiencies or obstacles in solving customers’ issues or inquiries.Number of unresolved ticketsThe number of unresolved tickets measures the total number of customer problems or unresolved requests within a specific timeframe.This measure is vital because it directly affects customer satisfaction and loyalty. A high number of unresolved tickets indicates inefficiency in addressing customer issues, meaning bad customer service.It is essential for companies to monitor this measure and strive to keep it as low as possible.How to use it:By analyzing these tickets, companies can recognize opportunities for development and take the initiative to improve offerings.Additionally, reducing the number of unresolved tickets can enhance operational efficiency. Companies should keep track of open tickets to know how many are not resolved.First response timeFirst response time (FRT) is a support agent’s time to respond to a customer’s initial inquiry. It is a crucial metric that assesses the effectiveness of a customer support team.To optimize the first response time measure, it is imperative for businesses to consistently monitor and assess the duration it takes to acknowledge and address consumer inquiries through various communication channels such as email, social media, and others.Here is a formula you can use:How to use it:By measuring FRT, you can assess the following:The level of priority you assign to client concernHow well your team is providing customer supportHow well the support system is managedA prompt response demonstrates a commitment to customer satisfaction, a positive impact on customer perception, and loyalty in customer service.Average ticket handling timeAverage ticket handling time is a key measure in customer service for gauging how long it takes to address a customer’s issue or resolve a ticket. Shorter times indicate efficient service, but balancing speed with quality is tantamount.Rushing solutions for the sake of speed can lead to customer dissatisfaction.Here is a formula you can use to calculate AHT:How to use it:Analyzing trends in handling time can provide insights into support processes and workforce efficiency.Variations may signal a need for training or improved procedures.Ultimately, a well-managed balance ensures prompt, high-quality assistance for customer satisfaction and loyalty.Quantity-related metricsThe following quantity-related metrics measure how productive your customer service is and the amount of work being done:Social media metricsSocial media metrics gauge how successful your customer support agents are at meeting your customer needs.These metrics show what your social customer service team is doing well, where they can improve, and what resources they need to close those gaps.You can measure social media through the following metrics:Number of followersLikesSharesCommentsMentionsThese metrics provide valuable insights into a company’s performance, customer perception, brand awareness, and sentiment.How to use it:This metric assesses how well your social media presence reflects your brand, how involved you are with your customers, and how you can enhance your entire online presence.By tracking these metrics over time, you can make data-driven decisions to improve customer service and satisfactionCustomer lifetime valueCustomer lifetime value (CLV) is a customer service metric that quantifies the overall value a customer brings to a business throughout their entire association.Here is a formula you can use to calculate CLV:How to use it:CLV is an essential metric that aids businesses in comprehending the significance of customers and determining the appropriate allocation of resources for serving and retaining them.A high CLV signifies that you have many loyal customers who make frequent purchases and are likely to recommend your business to others.These customers need exceptional customer service, as their retention can substantially enhance profitability.Conversely, a low CLV may indicate the need to reassess the customer service approach for that segment. They may be dissatisfied, or there may be untapped opportunities for upselling or cross-selling.Frequency of upsells and cross-sellsThe frequency of upsells and cross-sells is a vital customer service metric that measures how often additional products or services are suggested and sold to customers.Successful upselling and cross-selling indicate skilled customer service, which improves the customer experience.This metric also reflects customer engagement, satisfaction, and trust in recommendations.How to use it:The frequency of upsells and cross-sells indicates the frequency at which clients upgrade their services or make additional purchases.It also assesses the effectiveness of sales strategies, enhances sale value, and maximizes revenue.Additionally, it allows companies to refine their strategies, identify opportunities for improvement, and customize their approach based on customer preferences.The importance of metrics for customer serviceBy analyzing customer service metrics, businesses can better deliver outstanding customer service, which boosts customer loyalty, customer satisfaction, and brand image.Here are some of the benefits of customer service metrics:Assessing support team performanceCustomer service metrics offer tangible insights into the effectiveness of your support team.By tracking and analyzing these indicators regularly, you can:Recognize high performersSpot areas where training might be neededMake well-informed decisions to raise the standard of serviceHave a proactive and responsive support team that contributes to ongoing improvement effortsIncreasing competitive advantage between customersCustomer service metrics can significantly impact a company’s success in a competitive market by fostering customer loyalty.Loyal customers are more inclined to recommend a business to others, increasing market share.Additionally, comprehending these metrics allows businesses to anticipate customer requirements and offer proactive solutions that stand out.Offering data for decision-makingThese customer service metrics offer measurable data that can be thoroughly examined to gain insights into customer behavior, preferences, and satisfaction.Organizations can base their decisions on factual customer feedback rather than mere assumptions.This information can guide decisions such as:Allocation of resourcesImprovement of operational proceduresAdvancement in product developmentIdentifying areas of improvementCompanies can obtain valuable information about their operations by monitoring customer service metrics.Examining these customer service metrics assists in recognizing recurring patterns and trends, highlighting areas that require enhancement.By pinpointing these areas, businesses can implement optimization strategies, thus improving the overall customer experience.Measuring efficiency in customer serviceMeasuring efficiency in customer service involves tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) that reflect how effectively and promptly your support team handles customer service requests.Monitoring average response time, ticket volume, and other customer service metrics can help businesses to:Identify challengesEnhance the customer experienceImproving customer satisfactionAnalyzing customer service metrics offers valuable insights into service quality, allowing businesses to quickly spot and deal with problems.By improving response times, resolution efficiency, and the total customer experience, companies can boost satisfaction, encourage loyalty, and promote a positive brand image.Tracking these customer service metrics also provides businesses with quantitative data and qualitative insights to improve customer satisfaction and build long-term relationships.Make use of customer service metrics to measure your performanceCustomer service metrics are crucial for assessing and improving customer experience and support operations.They offer data to evaluate support agent performance, identify areas for growth, and make informed decisions.Remember, a successful business prioritizes customers and constantly seeks to improve.Use LIKE.TG to help you improve your customer service.Sign up for a free trial or book a live demonstration to see the advantages LIKE.TG can provide to your support team. Please contact the LIKE.TG support team withany questions you may have.Related articlesImportant Metrics in Help Desk Software7 Best Techniques for Reducing Customer Service Response Time10 Important Customer Service KPIs to Track

We are excited to announce the latest new features in our December release!The LIKE.TG team is dedicated to providing you with state-of-the-art tools necessary for delivering outstanding customer experiences, and this release further demonstrates our commitment to this goal.This product release introduces a suite of new features, improvements, and optimizations that are a result of invaluable user feedback and the latest trends in customer service.Let’s explore the latest features in LIKE.TG!Ticketing systemThe following updates have been implemented in the ticketing system:Preview the attached images in tickets before downloadingPreviously, users had to download images attached in tickets to view them because no preview option was available.Image previews now open in the browser, eliminating the need to download the file before viewing it.View a ticket worklog editor’s informationWe’ve updated the worklog editor to show a clear indicator when any changes are made. Users can view information about who made the edits within the tooltip of a ticket.IntegrationsAdditional integrations have been implemented to guarantee LIKE.TG works seamlessly with other productivity apps.The highlights include:Slack integrationUsers can now integrate LIKE.TG with the Slack app. This allows users to receive instant notifications within chats and channels in Slack whenever:A ticket is created.A ticket is edited.A reply is added to a ticket.Other events occur on the LIKE.TG site.The following are the key features and advantages of this integration:Users can receive LIKE.TG notifications directly in Slack chats and channels.Support agents can receive notifications for ticket events.Users can customize the notifications sent to chats and channels based on criteria such as brand, category, and status.Microsoft Teams integration updatesThe integration of LIKE.TG with Microsoft Teams has been enhanced to include conversation thread messages that are linked to main ticket messages.Users can view conversions from the Microsoft Teams app whenever a ticket is updated, a reply is received, or a note is added.Knowledge baseThe following new features have been added to the knowledge base software:Support for bulk permanent deletion of articlesWe’ve introduced a new feature that allows for permanent deletion of multiple knowledge base articles at once.This will significantly reduce the time and effort needed to permanently delete a large number of articles.Support for bulk restoration of deleted articlesWe’ve introduced a new feature that allows for the bulk restoration of several deleted knowledge base articles at once.This will significantly reduce the time and effort needed to restore many articles.Mobile applicationThe following new features and updates have been added to the LIKE.TG mobile application.Activity module included in the mobile appThe activity module, which was previously exclusive to the web version of the agent portal, has now been integrated into the mobile app.Agents have the flexibility to monitor and handle their activities from anywhere and receive instant updates on them right from their mobile devices.Improved user interface (UI) for the switch account featureWe’ve revamped the user interface for the switch account feature.It now provides a more intuitive and visually pleasing experience, allowing users to seamlessly switch from one account to another.Reports and analyticsThe following feature updates have been added to the reports module.Inclusion of the activity module’s worklogs in the worklog reportThe worklog report has been updated to not only display worklogs from tickets but also to include information from activity module worklogs.Additionally, the option to choose worklogs from both modules collectively or from individual modules selectively has been added.Export files with hyperlinks for specific fields in the report moduleUsers can now export files from the report module that include hyperlinks.The exported file can include hyperlinks for the following fields:Ticket IDUpdate IDRequesterAgentContact GroupActivity IDSupport for all types of custom fields in the report module’s table viewWe’ve updated the Reports module’s table view to support all types of custom fields.The custom field selection for all data types is now enabled in a dashboard widget’s underlying data to allow users to select the desired custom field types when generating reports.Explore these new feature updates!LIKE.TG is engineered to adapt to your unique workflows, ensuring that every customer support interaction is efficient, effective, and, most importantly, customer centric.The features and improvements in this release further strengthen LIKE.TG to guarantee customer satisfaction and ensure that your customer service remains second to none.Get in touch with usto schedule alive demoto try out these latest features and experience firsthand howLIKE.TGcan revolutionize your customer support. Or sign up for a 15-dayfree trialtoday.Previous releasesLIKE.TG Release: November 2023 New Features Update!LIKE.TG Release Announcement: September 2023 New Features Update!LIKE.TG Release Announcement: July 2023 New Features Update!LIKE.TG Release Announcement: May 2023 New Features Update!Release Announcement—March 2023 New Features

According to Grand View Research, software-as-a-service (SaaS) is an industry with a market size valued at $261.15 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 13.7%. With the increased competition due to market growth, SaaS brands need to stand out by implementing SaaS customer success strategies that focus on customers achieving their desired goals.This becomes a win-win for both customers and SaaS brands, as it gives both the opportunity to be successful in their diverse markets. Customers get more value from interacting with the SaaS brand while SaaS companies retain their clients and gain a loyal following.But what is SaaS customer success, and how do you ensure your customers achieve it?Dive into our comprehensive guide on SaaS customer success and learn the components, importance, best practices, and useful tools. What is SaaS customer success?SaaS customer success is the measures taken by SaaS companies to ensure that their customers achieve their desired outcomes while using their software.In the SaaS industry, achieving customer success involves:Guiding customers through the initial stages of using their software.Providing exceptional support throughout the customer journey.Offering continuous education and training.Encouraging customer engagement to foster lasting relationships.Aligning software’s features and capabilities with customers’ needs and preferences.Helping customers maximize the value they derive from the SaaS brands.6 Components of customer success in SaaSFor a SaaS business to guide its customers to successful outcomes, it can integrate the following core components.Customer onboarding: This process involves welcoming new customers and providing them with resources to help them gain a better understanding of the product and utilize it to its full potential.Customer feedback loop: This involves gathering and analyzing customer feedback to assist businesses in understanding areas of strength and areas that require improvement. It offers invaluable insights into customer preferences and expectations, which can be utilized to enhance the product and service.Quarterly business reviews: Regular discussions of aspects including the utilization of products, the customer experience, and the identification and resolution of any notable hindrances customers may be facing.Self-service: This is the provision of knowledge base articles, how-to videos, and frequently asked questions with answers to help customers solve problems they’re facing on their own.Customer success planning: This is the process gathering information about the goals and challenges of customers and then planning how to help them through the latter in order to achieve the former.Playbooks: A playbook clearly outlines the best strategies and methods for achieving SaaS customer success for an organization. It includes important elements such as procedural guidelines, performance benchmarks, and carefully drafted scripts.Importance of customer success in SaaSThe following are some of the importance of SaaS customer success.Boosts customer retentionIn a highly competitive market, retaining customers can be challenging. However, effective SaaS customer success strategies can boost customer satisfaction and their continued usage of the company’s products.By offering exceptional SaaS support and guidance, customers feel valued and are more likely to remain loyal to the company.Enhances product valueWith a robust customer success strategy, SaaS companies can ensure their customers effectively utilize their product to its full potential. This increases the value derived from the product, leading to greater satisfaction and loyalty among users.Furthermore, through easy interaction and feedback, companies can continuously improve and update their products based on customer needs and preferences, thus adding more value.Leads to increased revenueImplementing SaaS customer success strategies can boost a company’s revenue. One of the primary ways this occurs is through improved customer retention. Satisfied customers are less likely to cancel their subscriptions, leading to a steady and predictable revenue stream.Furthermore, happy customers are more likely to upgrade their services or purchase additional features, leading to increased revenue. Successful customers are also more likely to recommend the product to others, driving new customer acquisition without incurring the typical costs associated with marketing and sales efforts.Builds strong customer relationshipsOne significant benefit of SaaS customer success is the cultivation of strong customer relationships. SaaS companies can use BI software as part of their customer success strategy to track and understand customer behavior and preferences, leading to more personalized and efficient services.Catering to customer preferences shows an understanding of your customers, which they feel, resulting in long-term relationships.SaaS customer success team rolesBuilding a successful SaaS customer success team can help ensure customer satisfaction and long-term business growth.Here’s an outline of the key roles and responsibilities for a SaaS customer success team:Chief customer officer: A chief customer officer (CCO) oversees all customer-related activities, including support and success. They play a key role in leadership, advocating for customer success in discussions with product, engineering, and sales teams.Vice president (VP) of customer success: The VP of customer success manages operations and direction at a SaaS brand. They recruit a team and provide guidance to managers for important accounts.Customer success manager (CSM): SaaS CSMs take charge of a specific group of clients and ensure their success and ongoing partnership. They discuss objectives, create customized strategies, and offer software guidance and training. They may supervise a team and handle contract renewal and upselling as needed.Chief operation manager: This executive-level position manages customer interaction and success, including strategic planning and implementing a customer experience strategy.Implementation specialist: An implementation specialist, also known as an onboarding specialist, helps new clients set up their accounts, transfer data, and learn how to use the SaaS platform.SaaS customer success best practicesEnsuring that your customers not only adopt your product but also derive value from it is essential for long-term success. These are some SaaS customer success best practices.Understand your customer’s objectivesTo achieve customer success, you should understand what your customers aim to achieve by using your SaaS product. Conduct an initial onboarding meeting to align your team with a new customer’s expectations.This helps you understand your customers specific needs and establish a strong foundation for your customer’s success.You can also initiate meetings and surveys later aimed at learning how your customers’ desired outcomes change as they get to know your product.Establish an onboarding process that aligns with customer successQuick and efficient customer support during customer acquisition is critical in the SaaS model. Initiate a thorough onboarding process to ensure that your customers can leverage the full potential of your product. Offer customers resources like tutorials, webinars, and training sessions.Measure your SaaS customer successRegularly assessing SaaS customer success can help you gauge whether your product is meeting customer needs. There are different types of metrics used to measure SaaS customer success. Following are a few metrics for customer success:Customer retention rate: Customer retention rate is a metric used to determine the percentage of customers a company has been able to retain over a certain period of time.Customer satisfaction score: The customer satisfaction score is a measurement of the level of satisfaction that your SaaS customers have with your products and services.Customer effort score: This measures the ease with which customers can use a SaaS product.Customer churn rate: This measures the rate at which customers leave a SaaS product for similar products.Foster customer relationshipsBuilding strong relationships with your customers is one key to customer success. Regularly communicate with your customers, listen to their feedback, and take appropriate action if they bring up issues.Foster an environment where customers feel comfortable sharing concerns in order to address potential issues before they escalate. This helps builds a good rapport with your customers, thus making their success with your company more likely.Provide flexible pricingOffering flexible pricing options can attract more customers. Companies can consider initiating the following strategies to ensure the pricing isn’t an obstacle:Initiating renewal discussions well in advance of the contract expiration date.Providing incentives for long-term commitments.Clearly demonstrating the ongoing value of your product to encourage renewals.Enhance your customers’ support experienceCustomers are likely to encounter issues while using your software, and how these issues are addressed can significantly impact their satisfaction and decision to continue as customers.Providing a good customer experience includes promptly replying to inquiries, offering effective solutions, and efficiently resolving issues. Delivering high-quality customer service not only aids in retaining existing customers but also attracts new ones.Establish a customer success teamHaving a dedicated customer success team can aid your customers in achieving their desired outcomes. This team can proactively engage with customers, understand their needs, and assist them in effectively using your SaaS product.Regularly update your productRegularly updating your product with new features and can help retain existing customers and attract new ones. Communicate these updates to your customers and provide necessary training.Be adaptable to changes in the customer’s business environment, and proactively manage any transitions. Offer flexible solutions and customization options for new updates to accommodate the unique needs and evolving requirements of each customer.Communicate your data security and complianceClearly communicate your commitment to data security and compliance standards. Keep customers informed about any security enhancements or certifications your product achieves, reinforcing their confidence in your platform.Useful customer success SaaS toolsThe following are some customer success SaaS tools businesses can consider using.Customer relationship management software (CRM)A comprehensive customer relationship management tool enables SaaS brands to seamlessly organize their contact data, segmentize the data, sync contact details, and integrate customer success and customer support functions within a unified platform.A CRM also empowers customer success teams to:Keep a history of all customers’ email interactions.Track every support ticket conversation and progress.Access comprehensive records of all communications with every customer.By responding directly within the system, CSMs gain a holistic understanding of each customer’s journey, thereby enhancing their ability to provide effective support.Help desk ticketing softwareHelp desk ticketing software is an online customer service tool used to aid and perform support operations. A help desk ticketing systemhelps customer success teams in the following ways:Automatically converts inquiries or requests that customers submit from varying communication channels to tickets.Automates and helps optimize the workflow of customer success teams.Automatically categorizes, prioritizes, and routes the new tickets to the right support agents to handle the issues.Knowledge base softwareKnowledge base software is a tool for creating, managing, and sharing information in a systematically arranged and searchable format. Knowledge base software works as a self-service repository of information where SaaS customers can find guides on how to make their work easier or solve issues on their own.A knowledge base can include:FAQsTroubleshooting articlesAdvanced search functionalityStep-by-step product guides and tutorialsCustomer support team contact optionsA straightforward self-service portal setup and configurationBoost client retention with effective SaaS customer success strategiesIn conclusion, ensuring your customers derive value from using your SaaS products should be at the forefront of your objectives. Employing appropriate tools to help you help them is an important step to achieving this objective.We invite you to try LIKE.TG, a robust support solution that helps you enhance your SaaS customers’ success. It has all the tools and features you need to answer their questions and provide resolutions to their issues smoothly.To learn how to get started with LIKE.TG, book a30-minute live demo. You can also start a15-day free trial to see for yourself how LIKE.TG can help your support team and customers succeed. Don’t hesitate tocontact the LIKE.TG team if you have any inquiries.Related articles15 Best SaaS Affiliate Programs in 2023SaaS Affiliate programs: Benefits and Best Practices for Affiliates

In a business, each stage presents an opportunity to connect with their customers and guide them on how to interact with a company.Companies can meet customer needs and expectations at each touchpoint and visualize the progressive steps a customer goes through to accomplish a task by creating well-defined customer journey map.Customer journey mapping is a narrative that goes beyond mere events, encompassing the emotions and motivations that influence the decisions made.This serves as an opportunity for businesses to see their company from the customer’s perspective, assisting them understand not just what the customer is doing, but also why they are doing it.In this article, we will learn about the concept of customer journey map, its importance, how to create one and some customer journey map examples. What is a customer journey map?A customer journey map is a visual representation of the steps a customer takes to complete a specific interaction with your brand or company.The map displays every interaction a consumer has with your company, from the first time they become aware of your business to the post-purchase follow-up.Customer journey map helps companies:Understand their customers’ perspectiveSee their operations from the clients’ point of viewComprehend the customer’s experience at each touchpointIdentify common issues clients may face and find solutions for themKey elements of customer journey mapsTo gain a complete understanding of the customer experience and create an effective customer journey map, it is necessary to include the following key elements:Persona identification: Create buyer personas for your target audience by gathering details about their preferences, behaviors, and demographics. Businesses can develop a more focused and effective strategy by using this technique to help them develop a relatable and distinct picture of their ideal client.Touchpoints: Identify and record every stage of interaction, both digital and physical, where customers engage with the brand. Communication at each touchpoint plays a significant role in building relationships, ensuring consistency, and addressing potential difficulties throughout the journey.Customer actions and emotions: Capture the emotional aspects of the customer experience and outline the specific behaviors and actions customers take at different stages of their journey. Understanding these behaviors and recognizing emotional touchpoints helps build empathy and tailor strategies to meet customer needs and expectations.Pain points and opportunities: Pain points in a customer journey map show where customers may struggle, giving valuable insight for solving problems. Opportunities point out areas for improvement, helping businesses innovate and exceed expectations.Metrics: Include relevant key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to quantitatively measure the success and effectiveness of the customer journey map. Metrics such as conversion rates, customer satisfaction scores, and customer retention rates provide valuable insights for ongoing optimization and strategic decision-making.Customer journey stages: The customer journey stage is a crucial part of understanding the customer experience. It includes distinct phases that individuals go through when interacting with a brand. The main stages include awareness, consideration, decision, purchase, usage, experience, and advocacy. By analyzing and enhancing each stage, businesses can improve processes, communication, and customer satisfaction.What is a touchpoint in a customer journey map?In a customer journey map, places a customer interacts with a business are touchpoints.These occur in different ways and at different times, like when they first hear about the business, when they buy something, or when they need help after buying.Touchpoints are important because these are the points in time that shape how customers feel about the brand.How to create a customer journey mapFor businesses to have an effective customer journey mapping, they should consider using the below criteria:Set your objectivesEstablishing your goals and objectives for the customer journey map is the first step. In this stage businesses should ask themselves; Why are they creating a customer journey map and who their audience are.Setting objectives may include:Enhancing customer satisfactionIdentifying areas of concernOptimizing customer interactionsIt is crucial to have a clear understanding of what you aim to accomplish during the customer journey.Create customer personaThe customer persona is a detailed and semi-fictional representation of your ideal customers. These personas are created based on real data about your existing customers, market research, and highlights into your target audience.The purpose of developing customer personas is to gain a deep understanding of the diverse range of customers who interact with your brand, product, or service.These profiles should encompass the following:Demographics: Customer personas should include details such as age, gender, income, education, and location. This information helps you understand the varied backgrounds of your customers.Behaviors: Persona development involves examining the behaviors and patterns of your customers, which include online behavior, buying habits, and interaction preferences.Needs and goals: By delving into the specific needs and goals of each persona, you gain insight into the motivations that drive their interactions with your business and help you with product development by utilizing the proof of concept steps.Outline all possible customer touchpointsThis step entails the identification and acknowledgement of all the touchpoints where customers interact with your brand.Identifying these customer touchpoints allows businesses to comprehend and strategically address the various interactions customers have with their brand, understand consumer experience, pointing out problems and potential areas for improvement.These touchpoints encompass both digital and physical communication channels, such as:Social media platformsOfficial websiteEmailsCustomer support servicesPhysical stores (if available)Gather customer dataThis stage involves the process of collecting detailed customer data about customer interactions and experiences.This valuable data can be acquired through the following methods:Customer feedbackSurveys and interviewsReports and analyticsBy utilizing customer information, organizations can gain a better understanding of customers’ specific issues, emotional responses, and underlying motivations at every point of contact.Identify customer emotionsThis involves capturing the emotional condition of the customer at different stages throughout their interaction with your brand.This will allow you to pinpoint and differentiate the moments that cause customers to feel satisfied, dissatisfied, or confused.Therefore, it is essential to identify and understand these feelings to raise the standard of the customer’s experience.Assess the customer journey on your ownThis step involves experiencing your brand from customer’s perspectiveIt helps you gain firsthand insight into the customer’s experience, identify potential pain points, and understand areas for improvement or adjustments are necessary.Determine opportunities and pain pointsThis is the stage where a company will recognize areas where its customers might have experienced dissatisfaction, challenges, or pain points.After a business has identified these areas, it can seek out opportunities to improve the customer experience and create positive interactions with customers through the entire customer journey.Types of customer journey maps and examplesCustomer journey mapping can be modified to fit a specific need and help you better understand your customers’ journey. Below are some types of customer journey maps and the customer journey map examples:Buyer’s journeyThe buyer’s journey maps visualize the customer’s journey from recognizing a need to making a purchase.This journey map highlights on the following stages which provides insights into motivations and challenges:AwarenessConsiderationDecision-makingBy understanding each step, businesses can tailor marketing and engagement strategies to meet changing buyer needs.Use case example: Creating content and experiences that enhance the customer’s journey.Current stateThis type of customer journey mapping represents the way consumers currently engage with your product or service.It starts with the initial awareness or interaction, progresses through the engagement phases, and concludes with a post-purchase scenario.Use case example: Essential for identifying the behaviors, emotions, and experiences of customers at every point of interaction, as well as their frustrations.It also draws attention to areas that need to be optimized or improved.Future stateThe future state journey map outlines the ideal customer experience a company aims to offer in the future.By depicting the customer’s journey and emphasizing the intended interactions, experiences, and touchpoints, businesses can sets goals for enhancing and transforming their customer service.Use case example: Helps companies in strategizing and planning, while giving priority to the demands and expectations of their customers.Day in the lifeThis is a comprehensive journey map that presents a typical day in a customer’s life, encompassing all their daily interactions, transactions, and tasks both within and outside the company.By understanding how and when their product or service aligns with the customer’s daily routine, and tailoring their products and services accordingly, companies can meet customers demand.Use case example: Provides valuable insights into the customer’s everyday challenges, requirements, and behaviors.Benefits of customer journey mappingBelow are some of the benefits a business has when they map their customer journey:Enhances customer service experienceBy understanding the customer’s journey, businesses can identify key touchpoints and the associated pain points.According to Statista, 82% of customers expressed their willingness to recommend a business solely based on outstanding customer service.This helps businesses address these issue and offer a more enjoyable experience for their customers.This could through:Simplifying the purchasing processImproving customer service interactionsPersonalizing marketing effortsHelps in providing proactive customer serviceBy examining the customer experience at different stages, businesses can gain insights into customers’ needs and challenges.This allows businesses to implement proactive customer service such as addressing issues before they become significant problemsThus, reducing the effort customers need to interact with the brand. Implementing solutions and support systems helps organizations identify potential obstacles and areas of difficulty in the customer experience.Fosters better understanding of customer perspectivesMapping the customer journey allows businesses to step into their customers’ shoes and get customer’s perception of the business.This provides a comprehensive view of customer’s experience.This approach helps businesses identify gaps and pain points which can reveal insights about what customers value or find frustrating.Thus, enabling businesses to make personalized improvements.Improves customer engagementWhen consumers perceive a brand to be aware of their requirements and to continuously deliver a satisfying experience, they are more inclined to get involved, talk about their experiences, and develop into devoted supporters.Higher customer engagement is the result of a smooth and tailored relationship strengthening the bond between the consumer and the brand.Ensures a higher customer retention rate and loyaltyWhen customers have a positive experience throughout their customer journey, they are more likely to keep using your brand and even advocate your product or service to others.This ultimately leads to higher retention rates and increased customer loyalty.Boosts the customer lifetime valueCreating a customer journey map in a business aid in expanding the customer base and increasing the market share.Satisfied customers are likely to continue purchasing your products or service over a long period, resulting in higher revenue and profitability.Build a well-structured customer journey map!Every company hoping to provide a first-rate client experience needs to have a customer journey map.It helps companies to see how their consumers interact with them at each touch point, identify areas for improvement, and eventually create a more customer-focused organization.By representing the customer’s journey visually, organizations can recognize chances for enhancement and establish a more favourable and smooth customer experience.To experience the benefits of LIKE.TG in improving your customer experience, try and book a live demo. Additionally, you can initiate a 15-day free trial on BoldDesk. If you require further details, kindly reach out to LIKE.TG support.

We are excited to announce the latest new features in our December release!The LIKE.TG team is dedicated to providing you with state-of-the-art tools necessary for delivering outstanding customer experiences, and this release further demonstrates our commitment to this goal.This product release introduces a suite of new features, improvements, and optimizations that are a result of invaluable user feedback and the latest trends in customer service.Let’s explore the latest features in LIKE.TG!Ticketing systemThe following updates have been implemented in the ticketing system:Preview the attached images in tickets before downloadingPreviously, users had to download images attached in tickets to view them because no preview option was available.Image previews now open in the browser, eliminating the need to download the file before viewing it.View a ticket worklog editor’s informationWe’ve updated the worklog editor to show a clear indicator when any changes are made. Users can view information about who made the edits within the tooltip of a ticket.IntegrationsAdditional integrations have been implemented to guarantee LIKE.TG works seamlessly with other productivity apps.The highlights include:Slack integrationUsers can now integrate LIKE.TG with the Slack app. This allows users to receive instant notifications within chats and channels in Slack whenever:A ticket is created.A ticket is edited.A reply is added to a ticket.Other events occur on the LIKE.TG site.The following are the key features and advantages of this integration:Users can receive LIKE.TG notifications directly in Slack chats and channels.Support agents can receive notifications for ticket events.Users can customize the notifications sent to chats and channels based on criteria such as brand, category, and status.Microsoft Teams integration updatesThe integration of LIKE.TG with Microsoft Teams has been enhanced to include conversation thread messages that are linked to main ticket messages.Users can view conversions from the Microsoft Teams app whenever a ticket is updated, a reply is received, or a note is added.Knowledge baseThe following new features have been added to the knowledge base software:Support for bulk permanent deletion of articlesWe’ve introduced a new feature that allows for permanent deletion of multiple knowledge base articles at once.This will significantly reduce the time and effort needed to permanently delete a large number of articles.Support for bulk restoration of deleted articlesWe’ve introduced a new feature that allows for the bulk restoration of several deleted knowledge base articles at once.This will significantly reduce the time and effort needed to restore many articles.Mobile applicationThe following new features and updates have been added to the LIKE.TG mobile application.Activity module included in the mobile appThe activity module, which was previously exclusive to the web version of the agent portal, has now been integrated into the mobile app.Agents have the flexibility to monitor and handle their activities from anywhere and receive instant updates on them right from their mobile devices.Improved user interface (UI) for the switch account featureWe’ve revamped the user interface for the switch account feature.It now provides a more intuitive and visually pleasing experience, allowing users to seamlessly switch from one account to another.Reports and analyticsThe following feature updates have been added to the reports module.Inclusion of the activity module’s worklogs in the worklog reportThe worklog report has been updated to not only display worklogs from tickets but also to include information from activity module worklogs.Additionally, the option to choose worklogs from both modules collectively or from individual modules selectively has been added.Export files with hyperlinks for specific fields in the report moduleUsers can now export files from the report module that include hyperlinks.The exported file can include hyperlinks for the following fields:Ticket IDUpdate IDRequesterAgentContact GroupActivity IDSupport for all types of custom fields in the report module’s table viewWe’ve updated the Reports module’s table view to support all types of custom fields.The custom field selection for all data types is now enabled in a dashboard widget’s underlying data to allow users to select the desired custom field types when generating reports.Explore these new feature updates!LIKE.TG is engineered to adapt to your unique workflows, ensuring that every customer support interaction is efficient, effective, and, most importantly, customer centric.The features and improvements in this release further strengthen LIKE.TG to guarantee customer satisfaction and ensure that your customer service remains second to none.Get in touch with usto schedule alive demoto try out these latest features and experience firsthand howLIKE.TGcan revolutionize your customer support. Or sign up for a 15-dayfree trialtoday.Previous releasesLIKE.TG Release: November 2023 New Features Update!LIKE.TG Release Announcement: September 2023 New Features Update!LIKE.TG Release Announcement: July 2023 New Features Update!LIKE.TG Release Announcement: May 2023 New Features Update!Release Announcement—March 2023 New Features

A customer service team is the heartbeat of any business. This dedicated team provides a vital link between the company’s offerings and the satisfaction of its clients.According to Tony Hsieh, the visionary behind Zappos –“Customer service shouldn’t just be a department; it should be the entire company.”Customer service is something the entire company should be doing. It shouldn’t just be confined to a single department.Ensuring the delivery of effective solutions to customer queries is vital across all segments of an organization, ranging from the product development team to design, sales, and marketing teams.While the benefits of exceptional customer service are numerous, they are amplified and realized more swiftly when the responsibility permeates every level of an organization. Benefits of providing good customer serviceCultivating a collective effort of service excellence creates an environment for customers where they feel valued and respected, leading to many positive outcomes for the business.Here are some of the key benefits of providing good customer service:Boosts customer satisfactionOutstanding customer service fulfills the needs and surpasses the expectations of customers, resulting in high levels of satisfaction.Very satisfied customers are likely to return for additional purchases, building higher customer lifetime values.Happy customers remain loyalWhen customers receive excellent service, they are more likely to ask for more.This translates into repeat business and customer advocacy, which provides free word-of-mouth advertising to potential customers.Good customer service leads to higher revenueProviding exceptional customer experiences is the best bet for increasing sales. Satisfied customers are more likely to make additional purchases and are also less sensitive to price changes.Moreover, loyal customers tend to spend more with a business over time.Top-notch customer experiences guarantee an edge over competitorsIn a marketplace where products and prices can be very similar, customer service can be a key differentiator.Businesses known for their good customer experiences distinguish themselves from their competition and attract more customers.Brand reputation improves with each positive customer experienceOrganizations known for their outstanding service develop a favorable reputation over time, enhancing their brand image.Establishing a favorable reputation can help smooth the process of rectifying service issues and provide a shield for the business during periods of crisis or when confronted with adverse public attention.Excellent customer service reduces problems and complaintsProactive customer service enables businesses to preempt problems before customers can even articulate them.This results in fewer complaints and less time and resources spent on resolving issues.Happy employees stick around longerEmployees who are trained and equipped to provide good customer experiences often have a clearer understanding of their role and the impact they have on the business.It is this understanding that leads to higher job satisfaction, lower turnover rates, and a more positive work environment.Company-wide customer service engagement at an affordable costOne of the hurdles to establishing a company-wide approach to customer service is the cost of customer service software.Usually, these software solutions charge per agent. This can be prohibitively expensive for sizable companies that have a considerable workforce interacting with customers.If you’re worried about the expense of instituting company-wide support, here’s your solution:LIKE.TG offers unlimited agent pricing plans that can revolutionize how you manage customer service.These plans enable a company-wide commitment to customer service by removing the constraints of per-agent costs.With the right one in place, you can easily expand your customer service teams, enhance collaboration, and enrich the overall customer experience without having to worry about incurring extra costs.Benefits of choosing an unlimited agents pricing planLet’s explore how you stand to benefit from choosing customer support software with an unlimited agents pricing model, and why it could be just the solution you’ve been waiting for:Cost efficiencyTo cope with recent economic challenges, 42% of senior executivesexpressed that cost cutting is a priority for their business.The essence of unlimited agents pricing plans is to save money. In contrast to conventional pricing plans that usually charge per agent, unlimited agents pricing models charge a flat rate, regardless of how many agents you have.If you have enough people using the customer support software, you can save significantly with an unlimited agents planFreedom to expandAs your business grows, your customer support needs also increase.With an unlimited agents pricing model, your customer support team can easily scale up to meet these growing demands without worrying about incurring extra costs for additional agents.This flexibility is particularly beneficial for startups and small businesses that run on a tight budget and yet need to build and grow their teams to consistently provide good customer service.Increased team collaborationA study by Microsoft revealed that employees spend 80% of their time collaborating on projects.Customer service software with no restrictions on the number of agents helps foster a more collaborative environment.Teams can work together, share knowledge, and solve problems more effectively.Collaboration improves the quality of service and leads to improved decision-making, innovation, and overall business performance as well.Enhanced productivityCustomer support software with an unlimited agents pricing model allows businesses to streamline operations by engaging as many agents as necessary to handle customer requests.This strategy reduces workload and enables agents to focus on their area of specialization, thereby enhancing their efficiency and productivity.This leads to a reduced time to resolution, happier customers, and, finally, a healthier bottom line.Improved customer experienceTo remain competitive, businesses need to ensure they are always available to address customer needs.By opting for software with an unlimited agents pricing plan, businesses can maintain a sufficient number of agents to provide around-the-clock customer support, thereby improving the customer experience.Get ready to deliver new heights of customer service excellence!Customer support software with an unlimited agents pricing model is the perfect choice for businesses seeking to strike a balance between offering top-notch customer experiences and managing costs.Don’t let your business be shackled by budgets or outdated practices. It’s time to save resources, collaborate more, enhance productivity, and deliver exceptional service across all fronts.Embrace the limitless potential of LIKE.TG’s Unlimited Agents pricing plan. This package simplifies your bill, letting you devote more time and energy to your business’s growth rather than juggling your budget.Contact usto schedule alive demo to experience firsthand how LIKE.TG’s features can help you achieve customer service excellence at an unbeatable price. Or, try out our15-day free trialwith instant access.Make the smart switch today—because when we say unlimited, we really mean unlimited!

In the dynamic business landscape, where customers’ needs, preferences, and expectations are always evolving, providing exceptional customer service is paramount.However, without setting customer service objectives that align well with the business mission, visions, and values, teams may struggle with conflicting priorities on the best way forward.Therefore, you must establish a set of well-defined targets that follow the best customer service strategies. Let’s go over customer service objectives and their significance, some examples, and clear strategies to enhance them. What are objectives of customer service?Customer service objectives are specific, measurable targets set by organizations to ensure they consistently meet or exceed customer expectations.These customer service objectives serve as a roadmap, guiding customer service teams in their efforts to provide exceptional experiences for customers.Organizations often align these customer service objectives with broader business goals and values, making them an integral part of the company culture.The ultimate customer service objective of customer service is to deliver an exceptional customer experience that not only pleases customers but also fosters loyalty, promotes positive word-of-mouth, protects the company’s reputation, and ultimately drives business growth.Moreover, customer service performance objectives often encompass:Efficiently providing timely response and resolutions to customers’ issuesActively engaging with customersEnhancing customers’ overall satisfactionEstablishing and nurturing long-lasting customer relationships16 Best customer service objective examplesBusinesses can consider and set the following key customer service objectives to ensure they provide the best support.Boost customer satisfactionOne of the main customer service objectives of every support team is to enhance customer satisfaction. However, consistently satisfying customers is a continuous process that requires dedication and commitment from the support team.Businesses should implement strategies to ensure they win over their customers. These can include:Understanding customer needs and expectationsDelivering high-quality products and servicesProviding exceptional customer serviceSoliciting customer feedbackImplementing customer suggestionsTo ensure you identify and remove all possible causes of customer dissatisfaction, consider regularly carrying out customer satisfaction surveys after interactions.Minimize customer wait timeCustomer support won’t win over clients with prolonged delays in responses to inquiries. According to Salesforce, 83% of customers expect an immediate interaction with a representative when they contact a company.Therefore, you should strive to shorten your first response time (FRT). To meet this customer service objective, employ an adequate number of experienced employees and equip them with the proper customer service tools.By lessening your FRT, you assure your customers that you value them, thus creating a good impression of your customer service.Boost customer loyalty and retentionCustomer retention is typically more cost-efficient than winning new customers. However, bad customer service is the fastest way to make customers opt for your competitors.Therefore, companies should focus on providing efficient customer service as one of the key customer service objective to ensure customers continue using their products, renewing their subscriptions, and recommending others to your business.To gain and retain customer loyalty, aim to resolve their issues quickly, regularly follow up with them, and reward loyal customers through loyalty programs.Promote self-serviceSelf-service helps reduce the number of customer inquiries that need an agent’s intervention. Many customers prefer to try finding answers and solutions on their own before contacting customer support.Therefore, implementing self-service in your customer service should be one of your company’s customer service objectives.Self-service resources can include:Knowledge basesFrequently asked question (FAQ) pagesHow-to videosCommunity forumsWhen customers can handle simple issues independently, it allows your team to concentrate on more complex, high-value tasks. Offering and promoting self-service resources can lighten your team’s workload, enhance customer satisfaction, and create a more efficient support system.Provide regular trainingThe quality of your customer service directly reflects your customer service team’s skills and satisfaction. To deliver superior customer service, your team must be empowered to excel.This can be done by training employees on the company’s policies, procedures, and products, as well as strategies for effectively managing challenging customers.Companies should also conduct anonymous satisfaction surveys regularly to track and improve employee satisfaction. Content support agents make for more pleasant support interactions.Boost productivitySince productivity is a key customer service objective of any successful customer service team, companies should ensure their support teams work fast while providing their clients with the best possible service.An efficient customer support workflow results in fewer errors and delays, leading to satisfied customers and agents. Establishing streamlined procedures can significantly enhance your support team’s efficiency.This can involve implementing standard operating procedures, using automation tools, and regularly reviewing and updating processes.Regularly ask for customer feedbackImplementing an effective customer feedback loop is crucial in customer service. Businesses should always make it an objective to gather and analyze customer feedback.Customers have a different perspective on your areas of strength and weakness, so understanding their experiences lets you make the appropriate improvements.This feedback also offers invaluable insight into customer preferences and expectations, which can be utilized to enhance the product and service.Deploy customer service management toolsThe utilization of customer management tools can greatly contribute to the achievement of customer service objectives. Here are some tools commonly deployed:Customer relationship management (CRM) systems to monitor and manage customer interactions.Ticketing software to track, automate, and manage customer support tasks in a centralized platform.Knowledge base software creates a repository of information. Users can create, manage, and share information in a systematically arranged and searchable format.Offer clear communicationCustomer service representatives must exhibit clear and professional communication skills. These can include:Listening attentivelyDelivering accurate informationUsing a friendly tone and polite languageShowing empathy during customer interactionsBy doing so, representatives can significantly improve customers’ experience and cultivate a favorable customer perception of the company.Efficient customer recoveryTo pacify unsatisfied customers, businesses must create and execute a customer recovery process. This involves attending to grievances or concerns and promptly resolving customer issues to ensure you transform negative customer experiences into positive ones.Customer recovery entails:The first step is to analyze customer pain points and negative experiences. This helps identify areas for improvement and tailor the recovery process.Next, develop a clear and efficient customer recovery strategy with guidelines for addressing complaints professionally and empathetically.Transform negative experiences into positive ones through sincere apologies, appropriate compensation, solutions to stated problems, etc.Prevent recurring problems by analyzing root causes and making necessary changes.Maximize customer lifetime value (CLV)Some businesses aim to increase their customer lifetime value (CLV). Execute strategic measures aimed at prolonging customer association and customer engagement with your business.One method is offering the best customer support to encourage them to keep doing business with you. Another is initiating customer loyalty programs with special rewards, if appropriate for your business model.Boost revenue and reduce costsEfficiently identify and execute cost-effective strategies that uphold service quality while concurrently enhancing operational efficiency.This can be through workflow process optimization and the integration of technology such as automation, aimed at streamlining customer service operations.Additionally, implement well-targeted campaigns aimed at upselling and cross-selling products, to optimize revenue generation from a loyal customer base.Fast and effective issue resolutionAcceleration and optimization of the process of resolving issues should be one of your targets. Businesses should always strive to provide accurate and prompt solutions to clients to ensure their success.To ensure support teams resolve issues effectively:Implement streamlined workflow processesEmpower customer service representatives with essential resourcesHarness the power of technology to address problems swiftlyFoster customer advocacyPromote and cultivate customer advocacy through the implementation of strategic initiatives that offer incentives and acknowledgement to loyal customers.This can transform them into esteemed brand ambassadors who actively engage in the promotion and endorsement of your company’s products or services.Enhance brand reputationThe company’s reputation and that of its brands plays a huge role in attracting new customers. Therefore, businesses should make it a priority to keep improving their standing in the eyes of their customer base.This can be partially achieved through exceptional customer service, ensuring transparent and effective communication, as well as adopting proactive reputation management practices.By doing so, potential issues can be identified and addressed before they escalate, safeguarding the overall reputation of the brand.Additionally, accepting responsibility, rectifying issues, and possibly extending a goodwill gesture leaves your customers with a positive impression of your company.Build strong customer relationshipsBuilding lasting relationships with customers helps ensure the continued growth of many businesses, making it a key customer service objective to consider.Businesses can develop positive customer relationships by employing tailored communication strategies, implementing effective feedback channels, and proactively making efforts to comprehend and fulfill customer requirements.Importance of customer service objectivesEstablishing objectives for customer service:Helps in employee motivation: Goals give employees a concrete list of attainable accomplishments. They also help employees stay focused on their desired path.Aids in performance evaluation: Well-defined customer service objectives serve as effective benchmarks for measuring a company’s achievements. Furthermore, these customer service objectives assist in conducting employee performance evaluations and self-assessments. This empowers managers to make necessary adjustments to their teams’ efforts in order to meet company goals.Facilitates continuous improvement and growth: By establishing challenging yet achievable customer service objectives, customer service teams are encouraged to improve their abilities, methods, and plans. These customer service objectives foster a culture of growth.Enhances accountability: Having well-defined customer service objectives gives a clear sense of direction and accountability. They aid in prioritizing tasks amongst team members, thus improving work output of each employee. Without clear customer service objectives, customer service efforts might become disorganized and less impactful.Assists in strategy planning: The process of planning strategies and making decisions is greatly aided by having clear and specific customer service objectives. These objectives not only serve as a guide for employees in their decision-making but also ensure that every decision and strategy implemented by the company is focused on enhancing customer service.Set your customer service objectives today!By formulating well-defined customer service objectives and implementing effective strategies, organizations can enhance their customer service efforts and attain heightened levels of customer satisfaction.If you want to enhance your customer service, try out LIKE.TG. Book a live demo to discover how it can help you meet your customer service objectives. Or begin a free trial to try out its numerous features.Should you have any questions regarding the product and its functionalities, don’t hesitate to reach out to the LIKE.TG support team.Related articlesMost Essential Customer Service SkillsGuidelines for Customer Service for Any BusinessHow to Set Smart Customer Service Goals in 2023How to Create Customer Service Policies Effectively

When starting a business venture, entrepreneurs are often faced with a sea of challenges. One of these is the need to maintain minimal operational costs while maximizing efficiency in daily operations.We understand that every dollar counts when your venture is young.Therefore, we’ve curated a list of the 15 top free tools for startups that you can utilize to streamline processes, enhance productivity, and navigate this complex business landscape with more ease and confidence. 1. LIKE.TG for customer service managementManaging a new business means that you must understand your customer’s needs and preferences, quickly respond to requests, provide proactive customer service, and communicate clearly with stakeholders.Syncfusion’s LIKE.TGis the best customer service software for forward-thinking businesses that are just starting out, letting them centrally manage customer interactions, track service requests, and collect and analyze customer feedback.It is a cloud-based, modern help desk ticketing software with free tools for startups that empower teams to provide world-class customer experience with minimal effort.LIKE.TG can be customized to organize and track support requests, facilitate collaboration, automate repetitive tasks, streamline workflows, and optimize the customer experience.Key features25 agent accountsAn efficient, end-to-endhelp desk ticketing system for your support teamA completetask management system that boosts productivityGenerative AI-assist features that complement your support team’s effortsRobust knowledge base software that promotes self-service and information sharingA customer portal that enables customers to send and track ticketsMultilingual help desk features that bridge language barriers for enhanced supportAutomation of repetitive tasks to improve efficiencyTools for seamlessintegration with your favorite applicationsA user-friendly feedback portal to solicit user feedback and new feature requestsInsightfulreporting and analytics on help desk functionality and team performanceTop-notchsecurity and privacy that protects business dataThese capabilities make customer support management a breeze for startups. Schedule alive demo to discover why LIKE.TG is one of the best free software for startups.You can then reach out to theLIKE.TG support teamfor further clarification on how you can apply for LIKE.TG for startups.2. Canva for graphic designNew business ventures should create appealing logos and graphics for their landing pages, blogs, and social media, as 75% of consumers say that they judge a business’s credibility based on its website design and online presence.With a repository of around a million fonts, photos, and icons, graphic design is effortless with Canva. This platform enables the easy creation of visually appealing content that can make your digital presence felt.With the free version of Canva, user experience teams can choose from ready-to-use templates to create impressive presentations, logos, marketing ads, banner images, business cards, reports, and wallpapers that customers will definitely find professional.3. Logomakerr.ai for free logo designsA well-designed logo can make a significant impact, creating a memorable impression and setting you apart from the competition. That’s where Logomakerr.ai comes in – your go-to tool for creating stunning, professional logos without breaking the bank.Logomakerr.ai is designed with ease of use in mind. You don’t need any graphic design skills to get started.The intuitive interface guides you through the process, allowing you to create a stunning logo in minutes. Simply enter your business name, select your industry, and let the AI do the rest for as low as $29!4. Zoom for video conferencingWith the hybrid work environment becoming a popular choice for employees, Zoom is one of the must-have free tools for startups. The cloud-based video conferencing platform provides unlimited face-to-face video meetings, screen sharing and recording features, and the capability to host video conferences.The free version limits meetings to 40 minutes and 100 attendees, which is usually enough when you’re just getting started.These features offer young businesses the capability to not only promote employee collaboration but also connect with customers from all over the world without breaking the bank.5. Slack for instant messagingSlack eliminates the hassle and confusion startups sometimes go through when communicating with team members across multiple platforms and devices. It is one of the top free business tools for startups that allow diverse teams to communicate efficiently.It does this by creating workspaces so team members can have private group discussions, send messages, and exchange files.While the free version of Slack won’t unlock every feature, it covers most of the things your startup might need in its everyday operations—including 5GB of file storage and integrations with your favorite applications.6. Asana for project managementAsana stands out as one of the most effective project management tools for businesses that are just setting sail. It presents a comprehensive and user-friendly interface that enables seamless coordination of tasks across various teams in a startup.Asana’s basic free tools for startups allow for:Creating to-do lists for ongoing projectsDelegating tasksSetting deadlinesTracking progress in real-timeThe ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously and integrate with other essential tools, such as Slack, makes it an even more convenient tool for startups.7. Renderforest for animated videosRenderforest Animated Video Maker offers a simple way to create interesting animated videos right within your web browser, perfect for entrepreneurs looking to make a splash. With more than 500 ready-to-use animated movie templates, this animation software offers a vast collection that includes anything from complex 3D graphics to useful explainer videos.Some of Renderforest’s key features include :Wide-ranging Template Collection: Select hundreds of 2D and 3D designs designed for different types of animation projectsDrag-and-drop Customization: You may quickly alter movies to match the aesthetic of your business by adding text, color, and musicNo Technical Knowledge Needed: Make animations that appear professional even if you have no prior video production experienceAdaptable Use: Excellent for explainers, music visualizers, brand animations, and much moreWith the help of Renderforest Animated Video Maker, video animation is now more affordable and accessible, even for startups with limited resources or technological know-how. This is the perfect tool for companies looking to produce visually appealing and captivating animated videos to pique the interest of potential investors or clients.8. Google Analytics for SEO monitoringBusinesses periodically need to monitor performance using metrics such as website traffic. Google Analytics gives you real-time insight into how visitors to your site are interacting with it, including where they’re dropping off.It offers a comprehensive suite of features for data analysis, allowing growing businesses to understand their website’s performance, user behavior, and traffic sources.Managers can use this information to:Make data-driven decisionsOptimize websitesImplement effective SEO strategiesGoogle Analytics’s integration with other Google platforms, such as the Google Search Console and Google Ads, further amplifies its utility, providing a consolidated view of various metrics.Moreover, its user-friendly interface, coupled with the fact that it offers free tools for startups, makes it a cost-effective solution for growing businesses operating with limited resources.9. Calendly for event schedulingEven highly skilled secretaries may find it challenging to manually manage events, meetings, and conference calls. Calendly is the best free software for startups that can do all the dirty work for you.With its automated reminders, customizable availability preferences, and the capacity to accommodate multiple invitees, Calendly reduces the administrative workload and improves productivity for new teams.One of its advantages is its capability to integrate with other calendars such as Google, Outlook, Office 365, and iCloud to prevent double bookings and foster efficient time management.10. MailChimp for email marketingNew businesses require great email software to reach out to leads for onboarding and nurturing. MailChimp, a comprehensive email marketing tool, stands out as a good choice for startups seeking to leverage email marketing.MailChimp’s free tier accommodates up to 2,000 contacts and lets a company send 12,000 emails per month, an ideal solution for startups with budget constraints.MailChimp provides customization options, templates, advanced analytics, A/B testing, and segmentation options that enable startups to craft targeted campaigns and measure their effectiveness.Additionally, the free software for startups can integrate with popular event management platforms like Eventbrite to facilitate smooth event marketing operations.11. Google Drive for document managementManaging documents can be a nightmare when you are just getting underway in business. There are loads of legal documents and contracts that you need to take care of.Google Drive is a great free software for startups when it comes to document management.It offers a comprehensive suite of collaborative startup tools, including Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides, allowing team members to create, share, and edit files in real time, irrespective of their location.The free software for startups provides up to 15 GB of free storage, which is enough for most growing businesses. Moreover, it is compatible across multiple devices, facilitating access to documents on the go.Google Drive also integrates with other applications like Gmail and Google Calendar, making it an adaptable tool. Its robust security features further ensure that sensitive business information remains protected.12. Hootsuite for social media managementEstablishing a strong online presence is critical for startups seeking to capture the attention of consumers who are increasingly turning to social media channels for information about brands.Hootsuite is a good choice for startups looking to maximize their presence and engagement on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, and Google+ without incurring additional costs.It enables businesses to manage multiple social media accounts, schedule postings, keep an eye on social conversations, and track analytics, all from a single dashboard.13. Zapier for automationZapier is a free automation tool that startups can leverage to enhance operational efficiency. Zapier’s free tools for startups can integrate with over 3,000 apps, including Gmail, Slack, and Trello, without coding, and offers unparalleled efficiency in automating repetitive tasks.New businesses can create an infinite number of workflows, called Zaps, to automate tasks such as email notifications, content management, and file transfers, thus saving valuable time, effort, and resources.14. Trello for task managementNew businesses are prone to chaotic, inefficient processes that can sometimes restrain productivity. Trello is a free task management tool that businesses can utilize to refine workflows and streamline operations.This free tool for startups allows teams to organize tasks into lists and cards, fostering teamwork and transparency across all team members.Trello can be customized to fit a wide range of business models and project management methodologies, making it one of the most adaptable free software for startups. It also integrates with other productivity tools such as Slack, Google Drive, and Dropbox.15. Google Workspace for collaborationGoogle Workspace, formerly known as G Suite, offers a set of free startup tools for collaboration. It consists of a wide array of apps that promote collaboration and improve productivity. These include:Gmail for professional emailGoogle Drive for cloud storageGoogle Meet for video conferencingGoogle Docs, Sheets, and Slides for content creation and editingGoogle Calendar for schedulingThe platform is designed for seamless integration, allowing users to switch between tasks and simultaneously collaborate on projects in real-time.Additionally, Google Workspace’s robust security features, such as two-step verification and single sign-on, provide layers of protection for sensitive business data. Its scalability makes it an excellent choice for startups, as it can easily accommodate growth.16. Cloudways for web hostingCloudways is a set of free tools for startups in need of web hosting solutions. It is renowned for its advanced features, including automatic backups, built-in caches, dedicated firewalls, and SSL installation, all designed to enhance website performance, security, and reliability.It is one of the best free tools for startups that lets businesses easily manage their web hosting, even without extensive technical knowledge.Furthermore, Cloudways allows startups to scale their hosting resources as their businesses grow, in line with their specific requirements and needs.17. Wave for financial managementFinancial management is an integral part of operations for businesses that are just breaking ground. Startups need an effective tool to help manage finances.Wave is a free, all-inclusive financial solution that startups can employ to streamline their financial operations.It provides robust financial services, including free accounting and invoicing, receipt scanning, and payroll management, that are all easily accessible on a user-friendly platform.The free software for startups can:Integrate with other financial systems and institutions for smooth transactionsGenerate financial reportsTrack income and expenses in real timeConnect with financial experts, allowing you to tap into their expertiseProvide valuable insights into a business’s financial healthLeverage the power of free tools for startups to achieve business successThe truth is, most businesses that are just starting out operate on razor-thin margins, and every penny saved can make a significant difference in the long run.The selection of free tools for startups we’ve outlined eliminates cost barriers and offers an opportunity for young businesses to make the most of their resources. From project management to graphic design, these free startup resources cover almost all aspects required for the smooth operation of a startup.With these free startup resources, startups can enhance their productivity, save time and resources, and deliver top-notch customer experiences.Every startup’s toolset may vary depending on its unique needs, but we hope that the ones we’ve shared will offer your venture a robust launchpad and create a strong foundation for sustainable growth.Similar articlesTop 10 Free Help Desk Software and Ticketing Systems in 202315 Best Issue Tracking Software Solutions for 202312 Best Knowledge Management Software Solutions in 2023

For e-commerce businesses aiming to stand out amidst established competitors, it is crucial to identify moments of opportunity.Demonstrating genuine gratitude by displaying or sending thank you notes is a simple yet effective method to foster stronger relationships with your customers throughout your customers’ journey.In this pursuit, expressing gratitude to customers for their purchases can go a long way. A number of businesses have lost customersdue to their perceived indifference.By sincerely and personally thanking your customers, you can effectively showcase the human side of your brand, establish good feelings, enhance customer lifetime value, and improve customer retention.This guide will outline the importance of showing customer appreciation, give examples of templates for expressing gratitude, and provide additional advice on how to thank your customers. Customer thank you note examples to use in your businessThere are several ways for your customer service team to appreciate customers for their support, trust, and patronage. The following are some of the templates you can use in different situations in your business.Thank you notes for purchasesThese are messages that serve as expressions of gratitude extended to customers who have made a purchase of a product or service.The following are examples of notes that appreciate customers for their purchases:Thank you for your recent purchase. We appreciate every order and strive to provide useful products and impressive services. Please share your feedback or contact us if needed.Thank you for choosing [Company Name]. We appreciate your purchase and hope our products bring you joy and satisfaction.Sample templateThank you for your purchase!Dear [Customer Name],We’re thrilled to inform you that your order is on its way! Thank you for your purchase.We’re honored that you’ve selected our products and we’re committed to ensuring you have a fantastic experience with them.Should you have any questions or need assistance with your new purchase, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help you!Warm regards, [Your Team]Thank you notes for customer loyaltyThese are example sentiments to send to long-time customers to let them know that you appreciate their steadfast commitment to and support of your business:As we reflect on the years gone by, we would like to express our profound gratitude for your unwavering support. It has been the cornerstone of our growth and success. Thank you for being a vital part of our journey.Sample templateLoyalty acknowledgment thank you noteDear [Customer Name],We cannot express our gratitude enough for your continued loyalty to [Company Name]. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey.We are committed to maintaining the high standard of excellence that you’ve come to expect from us. Here’s to many more years of serving you!With appreciation,[Company Name]Thank you notes for feedbackThese are thank you notes expressing gratitude to customers for taking the time to leave a review or comment for your business. Which one you send will depend on the type of feedback you receive:We are thrilled to hear about your positive experience with our service! Your kind words are greatly appreciated. Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback.Thank you for sharing your feedback with us.Thank you for your review! We’re glad to hear that you are enjoying [product/service].Sample templateService feedback thank you noteHello [Customer Name],Thank you for taking the time to provide feedback on your recent experience with our service. We are overjoyed to learn that we have met your expectations and contributed positively to your day.Your kind words motivate us to continue striving for excellence. We value your patronage and are here to assist you anytime you need us.Best wishes,[Company Name]Thank you for your collaborationThese are examples of notes sent to customers and partners with the intent of thanking them for teamwork:We sincerely appreciate you for sharing your thoughts with us regarding our latest [survey or case study]. It is inspiring to witness what your team has accomplished through the utilization of our product. We eagerly anticipate the ongoing partnership between our organizations.We extend our gratitude for your valuable contributions to our [Campaign Name] campaign. Your insightful input played a vital role in its success.Sample templatePost-client project collaborationDear [Client’s Name],As we wrap up our recent project, I wish to thank you for your exceptional collaboration. Your clear communication and prompt feedback made our work together both efficient and enjoyable.Your partnership has been invaluable, and I believe the results will speak for themselves.Thank you for trusting us with your business needs, and I look forward to our continued collaboration.Warm wishes,[Your Name]Thank you notes for email subscriptionThese are notes sent to customers to thank them for subscribing to the company’s email.We’re thrilled to have you join our community! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.Your subscription to [Your Company]’s newsletter has been successful. We appreciate your interest in our content and services.Sample templateEngaging welcome noteHi [Subscriber’s Name],You did it! You’re now officially on the list to receive all the cool stuff from [Your Company]. From tips and tricks to early bird specials, we’ve got a lot in store for you.And because we like to keep things interactive, we’d love to hear what topics you’re most interested in.Welcome to the family,[Your Name] at [Your Company]Appreciation thank you notes for customer trustThese are notes sent to customers with the intent of thanking them for their trust in the company.I am writing to express my heartfelt thanks for the trust you have placed in me by referring [Referral’s Name] to my services. Your recommendation is an invaluable contribution to the growth of my business.Sample templateThank you note to a new customerDear [Client’s Name],I am truly honored that you have chosen [Your Company’s Name] for your [specific service provided, or product offered].Thank you for your confidence in our abilities, and we look forward to a successful partnership.Warm regards,[Your Name]Handwritten thank you cards: dos and don’tsCrafting a note of thanks is a classic gesture of appreciation that comes with its own set of expectations. Here’s a quick guide to the essentials of writing a professional thank you note.What to doFollow these tips to create a thank you note that will be genuinely valued by the recipient:Find the appropriate tone: Maintain a balance between being formal and casual to convey sincerity in your message.Be concise and to the point: Express your gratitude without being wordy.Personalize your message: Incorporate shared experiences or lighthearted references that resonate with your professional relationship.What not to doThere are a few things you should never do when writing or sending a thank you note:Including promotions: Thank them sincerely and without any ulterior motives. This is not the time to advertise your business but rather to express gratitude.Wait: If you want to send your thank you card, get it out as soon as you can.Use unprofessional language: Don’t use slang or improper phrases of affection when thanking someone in your business network.How to write a thank you noteBefore starting the task, understand the fundamental protocols linked to crafting a formal thank you message. Here are some guidelines on how to write an effective customer thank you note:Choose the right delivery form: Decide whether you will send a physical note, an email, or a digital message. A handwritten note adds a personal touch, while an email may be more convenient for you and the customer.Start with a proper greeting: Use the customer’s name to personalize the note. A simple “Dear [Customer’s Name],” works perfectly.Share your reason: Get straight to the point. In the first sentence, thank the customer for the specific action that prompted the note.Be specific: Mention the exact product or service they purchased or the action they took that you are thankful for. This shows that you pay attention to their contributions.Highlight the relationship: Emphasize the importance of the customer to your business. Mention how much you value their loyalty and look forward to serving them again.Offer additional support: Let the customer know you are there for them. Offer assistance or invite them to contact you if they have any questions or need further help with their purchase.Build rapport: If appropriate, include a personal message or narrative reinforcing your relationship. For example, “It was a pleasure catching up with you at the checkout the other day!”Close with a warm sign-off: End the note with a courteous and professional closing. Use phrases like “Sincerely,” “Best regards,” “With appreciation,” followed by your name and position (if applicable).Proofread: Before sending the thank-you note, proofread it for spelling and grammatical errors to maintain professionalism.Send promptly: Aim to send the thank-you note after the interaction or purchase as soon as possible. Promptness shows that you are attentive and proactive.Effective strategies for expressing gratitude to customers through thank you notesUnderstanding how to craft customer thank you notes effectively is just the first step. The next is determining the best way to deliver your message of appreciation. You should select a method of expressing gratitude that aligns with your customers’ preferences.Following are three strategies that you should consider employing, depending on your type of business.Digital thank you via emailUtilize email as a prompt and reliable method of connecting with your customers. This approach not only ensures immediate delivery but also allows you to build a valuable email list. By collecting customer’s verified email addresses from the beginning of your relationship, you are able to send out your thank you notes effortlessly.Thank you inserts in shipmentsTake advantage of the shipping process by including a thank you note with each customer’s order. Enhance their unboxing experience by adding small treats or branded items like custom stickers or bookmarks. These gestures can impress your customers and simultaneously boost brand visibility.Personalized direct mailIn an age dominated by digital communication, sending a handwritten thank you note through traditional mail can leave a lasting impression for certain companies. Including some company-branded merchandise can serve as an added delight for the recipient, offering them a tangible connection to your brand.The ROI of customer thank you notesReturn on investment (ROI) is a method used to gauge the profitability or effectiveness of an investment. Thanking your customer positively impacts your business profit margin by encouraging repeat purchases from existing customers who feel valued and appreciated.You can also win over new customers through recommendations and positive reviews.For several reasons, thank you notes are important for business growth.Encourages word-of-mouth marketingSatisfied customers who feel appreciated are more likely to become advocates for the brand, promoting it through word of mouth, leading to acquisition of new customers at a lower cost compared to traditional advertising, positively impacting the ROI.For instance, when a clothing store surprises a customer with a birthday card, they are inclined to mention this positive encounter to their friends, thus endorsing the brand through personal recommendations.Strengthens brand reputationConsistently sending personalized thank you emails to satisfied customers builds a good rapport between your company and your customers, thus building a good brand reputation. This good rapport encourages customers to keep purchasing from your business, thus increasing your total revenue.Moreover, a strong brand reputation attracts customers for whom the worth of a reputation outweighs pricing differences.Boosting loyalty and lifetime valueUsing thank you notes to appreciate your customers makes them more inclined to remain committed to your business. Given that a large chunk of a company’s business comes from return customers, this means a larger amount of reliable revenue.Customer loyalty leads to prolonged customer relations, ultimately amplifying the customer lifetime value to the business.Building an emotional connectionWhen customers perceive themselves as being valued, they establish a personal attachment to your brand. This connection influences their purchasing choices.For example, a pet store that sends a customized message of sympathy to a customer who recently experienced the loss of their pet can cultivate an emotional connection, showcasing their regard for the customer as an individual rather than solely as a means of generating income.Show appreciation with thank you notes to customersTo conclude, expressing gratitude to customers through thank you notes is not just a tactic, but a fundamental attitude that should permeate all aspects of a business.If you need a secret to enhancing your customer appreciation via thank you notes, try using LIKE.TG. If you feel unskilled at composing such notes, LIKE.TG’s AI assist features can give you suggestions for phrasing that you can then adjust to your style.You can book a live demo to discover how LIKE.TG can help you meet your customer service objectives.Begin a free trial to delve into its numerous features. Should you have any questions regarding the product and its functionalities, don’t hesitate to reach out to the LIKE.TG support team.Did you find the article interesting? Or do you have other phrases that would be a great addition to our blog?Either way, we’d love to hear from you! Kindly leave your comments below with any ideas and suggestions.

Starting a small business can be overwhelming. Anyone familiar with running or owning a small business is well aware of the numerous obstacles and challenges encountered on the path to prosperity and expansion.Thankfully, the progression of technology has led to the development of various software applications designed to simplify business operations and reduce the workload.Selecting the most suitable small business tools can significantly enhance your team’s productivity and efficiency.However, pinpointing that small business software is not easy. In this blog, we explore a selection of tools that have become essential companions for small business owners on their journey to success. Top small business tools to help you boost your productivityOwners of small businesses frequently operate with limited resources, a situation aggravated by rising inflation.Priorities such as enhancing marketing efforts, streamlining task management, or growing your team remain essential, but in times of financial constraint, it may be necessary to try to achieve more with fewer resources.Following is a list of some of the best software for small businesses that we’ve found.1. LIKE.TG for customer service managementLIKE.TG is an excellent customer service software package, providing a comprehensive solution tailored to the needs of small and medium-sized businesses.With its user-friendly interface, small businesses can effortlessly manage customer inquiries, resolve issues, and create an optimized customer experience.Top featuresRobust ticket routing systemKnowledge base softwareIntegrationsReports and analyticsAutomationTeam collaboration featuresCustomizable, expandable, intuitive interfaceArtificial intelligence toolsMultichannel supportCustom fieldsAutomated workflowsCustom SLA integrationScalabilityAs entrepreneurs navigate the difficulties of building and growing their ventures, LIKE.TG provides the support, small business tools, and insights needed to offer their customers excellent interactions.Whether you’re looking to organize your customer support service or make informed decisions based on data, LIKE.TG can help small businesses thrive.Schedule a live demo to explore the ways in which LIKE.TG can improve your small business’s operations. Start a free trial to experience the wide array of features available.If you have any questions about the product or how it works, feel free to contact the LIKE.TG support team for assistance.PricingLIKE.TG presents three pricing categories for its customers to choose from, depending on which features you need to access:Scale:$25for 3 agents/monthGrowth:$50for 3 agents/monthEnterprise:$75for 3 agents/monthGet a discount for paying yearly instead of monthly. See our pricing page for current deals and additional discounts.Free trial duration: 15 days2. Canva for graphic designSecuring the services of an expert graphic designer can be a significant investment, which may not be immediately feasible for your budget.Canva, with its user-friendly platform and design capabilities, is a budget-friendly alternative software for small businesses looking to elevate their brand presence.It enables individuals to arrange visuals, text, and other elements via a drag-and-drop interface, suitable for crafting designs for both digital and printed media.Canva offers an array of ready-to-use templates for social media banners, promotional flyers, various events, and a multitude of documents such as presentations, letters, and reports.Canva is a design playground that allows small businesses to design professional and visually appealing content.Top featuresLogo makerVersatile design templatesBusiness card makerPDF editorPricingCanva Pro: $6.49 per month/1 userCanva for Teams: $12.99 per month/5 usersFree plan: Available3. Mailmodo- Email marketing softwareMailmodo aids businesses in constructing and expanding their email automation framework through an intuitive visual builder featuring drag-and-drop workflows for automating time-based drip series.Simplifying the process, they offer an easy way to ensure responsiveness across various devices and include an in-built open rate suggestions feature to rectify errors before sending emails.Moreover, Mailmodo’s AMP technology presents a myriad of interactive elements, including calendars, forms, surveys, live ratings, reviews, polls, and widgets, allowing users to gamify emails directly within the message.This minimizes redirections and enhances engagement, offering a seamless experience for both senders and recipients.Top featuresInteractive emailsSeamless Shopify integrationAdvance email automationA/B testingTriggered campaignsPricingLite: $ 39 per monthPro: $ 79 per monthMax: $ 159 per monthFree plan: A 21-day free trial is available.4. KrispCall for modern telephony businessKrispCall is a cloud-based call center software designed for small businesses, offering an efficient and cost-effective telephony solution.With KrispCall’s advanced call management system, businesses can handle inbound and outbound calls with exceptional efficiency. Its powerful features, including call routing, call recording, and call analytics, enable businesses to optimize their call-handling processes and significantly boost agent productivity.One of KrispCall’s standout features is its Unified Callbox, which allows users to manage all incoming calls, voicemails, and SMS messages in one window. Additionally, KrispCall offers features like live call listening and call recording to enhance call quality and improve customer query handling.Top FeatureGlobal callingShared phone numbersWide coverage on 100+countriesCall AnalyticsCall transfer forwardingPricingEssential- $12 per user per yearStandard- $32 per user per yearEnterprise- contact to sales team 5. Zapier for automating workflowsZapier is an automation software for small businesses that allows various online applications to communicate and share data with each other.It operates on the principle of Zaps, which refers to automated workflows created to perform specific tasks when triggered by a predefined event.With a vast collection of supported apps, Zapier empowers small enterprises to automate repetitive tasks and integrate their favorite tools without the need for complex coding.Top featuresCustomizable workflowsBusiness process automationReal-time data syncingPricingStarter: $19.99 per monthProfessional: $49 per monthTeam: $69 per monthFree plan: Available6. FreshBooks for simplified proposal processFreshBooks proposal software is designed to simplify and enhance the way you create, manage, and send proposals. Whether you’re a small business or a large enterprise, their software provides an intuitive platform that automates the proposal process, saving you time and increasing your chances of closing deals.By using proposal software, managing client interactions becomes a breeze. You’ll stay organized, keep your clients in the loop every step of the way, and see a boost in overall productivity. This tool encourages seamless collaboration, effortlessly integrating your calendars, tools, and software to create a smoother, more efficient workflow, saving you valuable time.Top features:Customizable TemplatesDownloadableE-Signature IntegrationAnalytics and Tracking/ Easy TrackingCRM IntegrationMultiple LanguagesPricing:Plus plan is $33.00 per month.Premium plan is $60.00 per monthCustomized plan – Talk to their specialistFree plan: A free trial is available.7. Google Analytics for analyzing customer website behaviorFor small business owners who manage a website or engage in content marketing, utilizing Google Analytics is a good idea.This is one of the complimentary small business tools that assists in monitoring the performance of your website, applications, and marketing campaigns.With Google Analytics, you gain insights that can help you create a detailed profile of your audience, including their origins and preferences, allowing you to alter your content to meet their interests.Google Analytics offers a wealth of valuable metrics that can be instrumental for small businesses in refining their online presence, understanding customer behavior, and optimizing marketing strategies.By leveraging this tool, small enterprises can make data-driven decisions that contribute to their overall success in the digital landscape.Top featuresWebsite performance metricsTraffic sourcesContent performanceCustomer journey mappingPricingFree for small businesses.Advanced features require a paid subscription.8. Asana for project managementAsana, a project management and collaboration tool, is a valuable asset for small businesses seeking efficiency and organization in their day-to-day operations.Its features promote collaboration, organization, and efficiency, making it an asset for those looking to enhance project management and streamline workflows.The small business management software allows for the creation of recurring tasks, the delegation of these tasks to team members, and the monitoring of their advancement through a single, tailored dashboard.Top featuresTime trackingDocument sharing and storageGoal managementResource schedulingPricingStarter: $10.99 per user/monthAdvanced: $24.99 per user/monthFree plan: Available9. HubSpot for customer relationship management (CRM)HubSpot CRM stands out as an exceptional small business management software aiming to nurture and expand their customer relationships.This cloud-hosted platform delivers a suite of tools designed to streamline the organization of communications and monitoring of engagement with customers.With its intuitive interface and an array of features designed to enhance customer relationship management, HubSpot CRM should be a consideration for small businesses.Top featuresContact and company managementCustomer databaseLead capture and trackingPerformance metricsPricingStarter: $30 per monthFree plan: Available10. Google Docs for document collaborationGoogle Docs is a prominent option for small business applications. As a free, web-based platform, it facilitates document collaboration among colleagues and associates.This document collaboration platform offers a myriad of benefits, with a user-friendly interface, real-time collaboration features, and seamless integration.Top featuresDocument templatesDocument creationReal-time editing and feedbackEasy sharing and permissionsPricingBusiness standard: $12 per user/monthFree plan: Available11. Trello for task managementEvery small business owner understands that maintaining order and staying ahead of tasks is a daily struggle that must be conquered.Relying solely on basic calendars or to-do lists, or even attempting to memorize all responsibilities, is nearly futile.Trello, a versatile project management tool, is good for organization, particularly when managing a team that includes remote workers.The structure of this small business management software is intuitive, featuring cards, lists, and boards that provide an array of organizational possibilities tailored to the unique requirements of a business.Top featuresEngaging interfaceCollaborative workspaceCustomizable workflowsTask automationPricingStandard: $5 per monthPremium: $10 per monthEnterprise: $17.50 per monthFree plan: Available12. Thunderbird for managing business emailsShould you find yourself uninterested in Google’s complimentary small business tools and instead favoring having your email client and correspondence saved directly on your device, consider Thunderbird.Thunderbird is a reliable and feature-rich solution that meets the communication needs of small businesses and contributes to enhanced productivity and collaboration.This cost-free, integrated small business software offers email, task management, calendar functionality, and team messaging, with a user experience that bears some similarity to the classic Microsoft Outlook.Top featuresAddress bookAttachment reminderMultiple emailsCollaborative featuresPricingFree13. IFTTT for managing integrationsIFTTT is an acronym for “If This, Then That,” and it operates on the principle of creating automated workflows, known as applets, that trigger predefined actions based on specific conditions.This small business software connects various apps, devices, and online services to create seamless automation, eliminating repetitive tasks and saving time for small business owners.The flexibility and adaptability of IFTTT make it a valuable asset for small businesses looking to simplify operations without breaking the bank.Top featuresData securityApp integrationPrebuilt connectorsIntegration managementPricingIFTTT Pro: $2.50 per monthIFTTT Pro+: $10.83 per monthFree plan: Available14. Hootsuite for social media managementFor higher budgets, Hootsuite is one of the best software for small businesses for managing social media activities, allowing you to enhance your social media strategy.This small business software enables users to plan and post content, interact with their audience, and evaluate their social media performance from a unified dashboard.The platform enables the attachment of images and videos and supports simultaneous posting across multiple channels.It ensures that your business remains active online even during off hours and helps maintain a steady flow of content from your company as you focus on other tasks.Top featuresSocial media schedulingTeam collaborationSocial media analyticsSocial media listeningPricingProfessional: $99 per monthTeam: $249 per monthEnterprise: Contact vendor for pricing15. Dropbox for collaborationDropbox provides an online platform for storing files in the cloud, enabling you to synchronize them across different devices.This small business software simplifies the process of sharing files among multiple devices and servers, which is particularly beneficial for teams operating remotely.It is also convenient for distributing sizeable files such as images and graphic designs, advantageous for marketing teams or external consultants you might engage.By fostering collaboration, ensuring data accessibility, and providing robust security measures, Dropbox helps small businesses thrive.Top featuresAnywhere, anytime accessBackup and recoveryIntegration capabilitiesEnhanced securityPricingBasic: FreePlus: $9.99 per user/monthEssentials: $18 per user/monthBusiness: $20 per user/monthBusiness plus: $26 per user/month16. Connecteam for team collaborationConnecteam’s business solution provides software for employee clocking, scheduling, payroll, and task management.This small business software designed to streamline the management of your business and workforce.By integrating essential features into one platform, Connecteam lets small business owners focus on growing their business.Furthermore, all data is securely housed within Connecteam’s robust cloud database.Top featuresDedicated work chatForms and checklistsEmployee schedulingTask managementPricingBasic: $29 per monthAdvanced: $49 per monthExpert: $99 per monthFree plan: Available17. Wave for financial managementWave is accounting software tailored for entrepreneurs, offering an array of features such as invoice, payment, and payroll management and receipt tracking.This software for small businesses alleviates the burden of manual bookkeeping by monitoring your expenditures, managing invoice distribution, producing financial summaries, and reconciling your books.One of Wave’s standout capabilities is the extensive customization options for invoices, allowing users to infuse their brand identity fully and leverage functionalities like recurring billing and autopay systems.Top featuresPayroll managementPayment processingInvoice creationPayment trackingPricingFeatures vary in price.Free features: Available18. Stampli for processing vendor invoicesAs your business grows, so will the number of invoices you need to process. Manual accounts payable processes aren’t easily scalable, meaning you can fall behind on paying suppliers as the number of invoices grows.Stampli’s AI-powered accounts payable automation streamlines invoice processing workflows by learning your workflows and automating tedious tasks like invoice data entry and approvals.With industry-leading customer service and no-code integration with accounting systems and ERP, Stampli can help you get ahead of your invoices so you can focus on your business.Top featuresInvoice data capture and codingCustomized approval routingSeamless ERP integrationCentralized communicationsPricingBy quoteFree trial: AvailableBenefits of using small business toolsSmall business tools enhance can efficiency, productivity, and overall success for entrepreneurs.Here are some key benefits of incorporating the best software for small businesses in your operations:Enhanced productivityProductivity tools like project management software and time-tracking apps help businesses keep projects on schedule and ensure that team members are working efficiently.This kind of small business software provides a clear overview of tasks and deadlines, making it easier to manage workloads and prioritize tasks.Improved efficiencyAutomation features in small business tools streamline repetitive tasks, allowing agents to focus on more strategic and creative aspects of their work.Project management tools help organize tasks and deadlines, reducing time spent on coordination and improving overall workflow.Competitive edgeSoftware for small businesses empower companies to compete with larger counterparts by providing access to sophisticated technologies and functionalities at an affordable cost.Staying technologically competitive enhances a business’s ability to attract customers, partners, and investors.Streamlining operationsSmall business tools are designed to automate and simplify various business processes, which can save time and reduce the likelihood of errors.Improving customer relationsCRM systems are invaluable for managing interactions with customers.They help businesses track customer information, sales opportunities, and service issues, leading to better customer service and increased customer satisfaction.Cost savingInvesting in quality software can lead to significant cost savings over time for small businesses.By automating tasks and enhancing efficiency, businesses can keep labor costs low.CollaborationMany small business tools offer collaboration features that enable team members to work well together, regardless of location.Businesses with remote employees or multiple locations particularly find this beneficial.ScalabilityAs a business grows, its needs change. Small business tools are often scalable, meaning they can grow with the business.This scalability ensures that businesses don’t have to switch tools as they expand, providing continuity and stability.Why choose LIKE.TG for small business customer support?For small businesses, every customer interaction is a chance to build success. Choosing the right customer support solution is paramount as you grow.LIKE.TG is a standout choice, offering a comprehensive and tailored approach to take care of the unique needs of small businesses.Following are some of the reasons LIKE.TG is the ideal small business software partner to elevate your customer support:User-friendly interface: LIKE.TG boasts an intuitive and user-friendly interface, ensuring that small business owners and their teams can quickly adapt and utilize its powerful features without a steep learning curve. The simplicity of navigation allows for efficient customer query resolution, making it an ideal choice for businesses of all sizes.Robust ticketing system: The heart of any customer support platform is its ticketing system, and LIKE.TG excels in this regard. The ticketing system organizes and prioritizes customer inquiries, streamlining the support process. Automated ticket assignment and tracking features ensure that no customer concern goes unnoticed, leading to timely and effective resolutions.Scalability: As small businesses grow, their customer support needs evolve. LIKE.TG is designed to scale with the business, accommodating increased customer interactions and team expansion.Affordability: LIKE.TG recognizes the budget constraints of small businesses and offers an affordable yet feature-rich solution. Small businesses can enjoy the benefits of a robust customer support platform without going broke. LIKE.TG’s pricing structure is transparent, allowing businesses to plan and scale without unexpected financial burdens.Efficient knowledge base management: Empower both customers and support agents with a comprehensive knowledge base. LIKE.TG enables businesses to create and manage a repository of articles, FAQs, and guides, reducing the volume of questions employees need to answer individually. A well-maintained knowledge base contributes to faster query resolutions, freeing up support agents to focus on more complex issues.Customization: Recognizing that each small business has its own set of requirements, LIKE.TG allows for extensive customization. Tailor the software tool to align with your specific support processes, ensuring a personalized and effective customer service approach.Robust reporting and analytics: LIKE.TG lets small businesses use robust reporting and analytics tools. Gain insights into customer interactions, ticket resolution times, and overall performance. Armed with these insights, you can make informed decisions, identify areas for improvement, and continually improve your customer support strategy.Utilize small business tools to elevate your businessEffective management of a small business hinges on the utilization of the right tools for your unique tasks.Whether it’s streamlining project management, managing finances, or boosting team collaboration, the small business tools mentioned in this post are worth considering for small businesses striving for growth and sustainability.By embracing these small business tools, entrepreneurs can navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and ultimately, pave the way for lasting success.Related articlesTop 10 Free Help Desk Software and Ticketing Systems in 202315 Best Issue Tracking Software Solutions for 202312 Best Knowledge Management Software Solutions in 2023

In the information age, understanding your customers has never been more critical.With an ever-increasing amount of data at their fingertips, businesses can no longer afford to make decisions based on hunches, since their competitors certainly are not.Customer intelligence (CI) is a powerful tool that can assist businesses in truly understanding their customer base’s needs, behaviors, and preferences.This article will dig into the concept of customer intelligence, its importance, its different types, and how to use it to drive your business forward. What is customer intelligence?Customer intelligence refers to collecting and analyzing information related to customer behavior, needs, and preferences to understand them better.It involves collecting data from various sources, such as transaction records, social media interactions, and customer feedback.This data is processed using analytical tools to provide actionable insights that form marketing strategies, product development, and customer service improvements.Types of data used in customer intelligence and use casesCustomer intelligence analyzes various data types that help businesses understand their customers better.Following is an overview of each type and strategies to utilize them.Transactional dataTransactional data is any information about the purchasing history of customers. This information includes:What they boughtWhen they boughtHow much they spentPreferred payment methodsUse case:Use transactional data to create loyalty programs or offer tailored discounts. Companies can also predict future buying behavior based on past transactions.Behavioral dataThis data tells how customers interact with your products, services, and websites. These include:Purchasing patternsBrowsing historyUsage frequencyUse case:Implement personalized recommendations based on past behavior.For example, an e-commerce site can suggest products like or related to those a customer has previously bought or viewed.Psychographic dataPsychographic data provides insight into customers’ needs and preferences, which helps businesses create more targeted marketing strategies.Some kinds of psychographic data include:LifestyleInterestsValuesAttitudesMotivationsPersonality traitsUse case:Craft marketing campaigns that resonate with specific psychographic segments.For instance, a company selling outdoor gear might target adventurous and nature-loving individuals by aligning its messaging with these values.Demographic dataDemographic data is any information about the personal and essential characteristics of customers.These characteristics include:AgeGenderIncomeEducationMarital statusOccupationLocationUse case:Tailor marketing messages and product offerings based on demographic segments.For instance, if a company sells skincare products, it might create different marketing campaigns targeting different age groups or genders.Attitudinal dataAttitudinal data provides information about customers’ sentiments on the company, its brand, its products and services, and its support team.Some kinds of attitudinal data include:Customers’ explicit opinionsCustomers’ perceptions about product or service qualitySatisfaction levelsUse case:Gather feedback through surveys, reviews, or social media interactions to understand customer sentiment.Utilize this data to improve products and services or tailor customer support experiences to address expectations.How to collect customer intelligence dataThe method used to collect customer intelligence data depends on the nature of the business, industry, and the specific information needed.Following are some common methods.Surveys and questionnairesEmploy online or offline surveys to gather valuable customer insight.Craft concise questions to extract specific feedback, preferences, and opinions, and ensure an efficient and user-friendly experience.Implement feedback forms strategically at various touchpoints, such as post-purchase, on your company website.Collecting immediate feedback allows for real-time adjustments and improves the customer experience.Social media listeningLeverage social media platforms to track and analyze customer sentiments, comments, and discussions.Use advanced tools to monitor brand mentions, identify trends, and promptly respond to customer feedback.Customer interaction historyExtract insights from the stored history of all customer interactions with support teams. Analyze common customer questions, issues, and feedback to address concerns and enhance customer satisfaction.Online reviews and ratings monitoringYou can also collect customer intelligence data by monitoring and analyzing online reviews and ratings on your company websites, industry review sites, and community forums.Use customer feedback to identify strengths and weaknesses, address concerns, and showcase positive experiences.Loyalty programs and data analysisAnalyze loyalty program data, such as repeat purchases, reward redemptions, and engagement levels.More than 83% of customers globally responded that being part of a loyalty program affects their choice in making repeat purchases from the same brand.Monitor the data to see if that’s true for your program.How to use customer intelligence analyticsBusinesses can use customer intelligence analytics to gain a deeper understanding of their customer base and tailor their products to them.Here are several ways that businesses can utilize customer intelligence analytics to drive success.To segment your customers and customize offeringsDelve into customer intelligence data to categorize your audience based on their actions, preferences, and demographic details.By doing so, you can customize marketing initiatives and create personalized interactions, leading to heightened satisfaction and more active engagement among customers.Anticipate customer actionsEmploy predictive analytics to forecast customers’ future actions and preferences. This forward-looking approach aids in:Identifying upcoming trendsPinpointing customer requirementsSpotting potential attritionEnabling preventative actions to be takenEnhance your products and servicesGain insight into customers’ likes and dislikes by examining their feedback and how different customers interact with the brands.These valuable revelations about customers’ preferences can help you improve your products and services to match customers’ expectations.Create and refine effective marketing strategiesEvaluate the effectiveness of your marketing tactics across various platforms.Pinpoint the mediums or campaigns that deliver the highest returns on investment and refine your marketing strategies to enhance efficiency and reduce expenditure.Boost customer retention and loyaltyDetermine the elements instrumental in retaining customers and nurturing their loyalty. Harness this information to design loyalty schemes or initiatives that resonate with your customers, cultivating enduring connections.Customer intelligence best practicesThe following are customer intelligence best practices that companies in a variety of sectors can apply.Develop a complete strategyDevelop a comprehensive plan to collect relevant data from various sources, identify the best tools and methods to analyze the data, and then schedule time to examine and discuss the results.By having a complete strategy for collecting, analyzing, and utilizing customer intelligence data, you can aid its adoption and benefits to your company.Collect customer dataGather information about your customers from different sources to help you understand their behaviors, preferences, and needs. Customer data can be collected from sources such as:Interactions with customer serviceSurveysSocial mediaPurchasing patterns and website usageBusinesses should not only gather valuable customer data but also ensure it’s used responsibly.Analyze customer intelligence dataIn analyzing customer intelligence data, businesses can gain deeper insights into their customers’ behaviors and preferences, leading to more personalized and effective strategies that drive customer satisfaction and business success.Utilize insights from customer intelligence analyticsProvide your organization with useful conclusions after the analysis stage.Dashboards and reports facilitate the revelation and exchange of customer intelligence insights.To inform future marketing and customer care initiatives, analytics findings should be discussed and solutions both implemented and tracked to test their efficacy.Build a customer-centric cultureMake sure your team always has the consumers at the center of everything they do.This involves prioritizing the needs and preferences of the consumers, or at least knowing how to make them feel you do.Businesses with happy customers yield greater profitability, attract more consumers, and improve customer satisfaction.For this reason, before executing actions that may affect customer experience, firms should evaluate customer intelligence.Privacy and complianceCustomers have very high expectations when it comes to how you secure their data. Prioritize ethical use of consumer information by following data protection standards and respecting customer privacy.This is crucial for preserving your reputation and building trust with clients. Mishandling data can harm your business on many fronts.How can customer intelligence benefit your business?Customer intelligence in a business can significantly impact various aspects of operations. Following are some key advantages.Increases customer loyaltyCustomers are more likely to stick with a brand that understands their needs and consistently meets or exceeds their expectations.Personalization of experiences based on customer intelligence and ensuring customer satisfaction leads to increased customer loyalty.Enhances customer experienceBy understanding customer desires and behaviors from customer intelligence data, businesses can tailor their marketing, services, and interactions to meet customers’ individual preferences, leading to personalized and satisfying experiences.Better customer serviceMetrics of customer intelligence data help highlight common support issues and customer pain points, enabling support teams to plan faster and more effective resolutions.Analytics results also help form training and development programs for customer service representatives to improve their skills and knowledge.Informed decision-makingInsights derived from data empower companies to make well-informed choices regarding their marketing tactics, product innovation, and the distribution of resources.Understand customers betterCustomer intelligence offers in-depth insight into customers’ interactions with a business, helping these businesses to know their clients better.This enables businesses to accurately forecast the motives driving their customers’ actions and purchasing decisions.For instance, by grasping why customers initiate calls, a company can better anticipate (and strategize to diminish) the calls received in a call center.Competitive advantageBusinesses that leverage customer intelligence platforms effectively gain a competitive edge.By staying aware of market trends and consumer preferences, companies can anticipate changes in the industry and adapt their strategies more rapidly than competitors.Increases sales and revenueBy understanding and predicting their customers, businesses can take advantage of and upsell, cross-sell, and promote repeat purchases.This leads to more sales opportunities and ultimately increased revenue.Embrace customer intelligence as a cornerstone of your strategyIn a commercial environment, possessing customer intelligence is not merely a benefit but essential.Grasping the subtle details of how customers act and what they prefer enables companies to lay the groundwork for ongoing expansion, enhanced customer contentment, and a distinct competitive advantage in the marketplace.Organize a live demo to experience how LIKE.TG can help your company enhance its customer intelligence. Start a free trial to experience its many capabilities. If you have any questions, feel free to contact the LIKE.TG support team.Did you find this article to be useful? How should we use customer intelligence analytics to collect and analyze customer data to improve customer service?Please feel free to leave comments in the space provided below with your thoughts and recommendations.Related articlesCustomer satisfaction survey questions in customer serviceWays to build and organize customer support team

The onset of the new year means the start of a new chapter! 2023 will always hold a special place in our memory due to the remarkable productivity of our LIKE.TG team.In dynamic environments that require flexibility, creativity, and a steadfast dedication to fulfilling customer needs, LIKE.TG remains a vital solution, constantly pushing the boundaries of what is expected from help desk ticketing software.In 2023, LIKE.TG continued to evolve, introducing new functionalities and enhancements to help organizations manage their customer support more efficiently while integrating more advanced features and adapting to the changing needs of businesses.From product enhancements to community engagement, this year has been marked by significant strides that have not only elevated the LIKE.TG experience but have also left a lasting impact on businesses relying on it.We’ve incorporated enhancements that align with our customers’ preferences, improved the level of our product by focusing on reinforced security and better performance, and implemented innovative functionalities within the LIKE.TG platform.Join us as we look back at all the changes to LIKE.TG in 2023, encompassing everything from the rollout of new updates to significant improvements.Artificial intelligenceTicket summarizationRephrasing toolMultilingual supportArticle summarizationSEO attribute suggester for KB articlesAI-suggested ticket responseTicketing systemMultilingual support for ticketsTicket approval moduleForward tickets featureTicket count widgetActivity moduleWorklog optionWebhook support to enhance functionalityAddition of custom activity typesSave activity filters as viewsAddition of email delivery logsKnowledge baseEnhanced search functionalityMultilingual supportAccess restrictions for knowledge base articlesSupport for bulk restoration of deleted articlesSupport for bulk permanent deletion of articlesMobile applicationIntroducing mobile appActivity moduleImproved UI for the switch account featureIntegrationsOneDrive integrationMicrosoft integrationAzure DevOps integrationJira integrationSlack integrationShopify integrationReports and analyticsAgent performance dashboardContact performance dashboardWorklog reportTicket conversation report Artificial intelligence (AI)In 2023, artificial intelligence(AI) continued to be a driving force across industries, with notable applications and advancements.AI is not just a buzzword; it’s a groundbreaking advancement that is enhancing efficiency and unlocking impressive possibilities.We incorporated AI into LIKE.TG as a strategic move to maintain our customers’ competitive edge given the rapid rise of artificial intelligence within the customer service industry.With AI seamlessly integrated into LIKE.TG, we’re welcoming a wave of efficiency, responsiveness, and intelligent assistance that redefines the way you manage customer inquiries and support requests.This integration of AI assist into LIKE.TG’s customer service software and knowledge base system represents our commitment to providing innovative and efficient solutions for modern customer support challenges.It’s a major step in creating a support ecosystem that combines the best of human expertise with the speed and accuracy of artificial intelligence.The following are some of the notable functionalities of AI in LIKE.TG:Ticket summarizationThis function streamlines agents’ workflow by offering brief overviews of customer interactions, which enhances productivity.It contains key information such as the purpose, sentiment, and a brief overview of the conversation.Rephrasing for error-free repliesUsing the rephrase or grammar-check tools, agents can craft responses to customers that are both professional and grammatically accurate.Multilingual supportThis functionality lets agents instantly translate content within LIKE.TG and communicate with customers in their preferred languages.Knowledge base article summarizationThe summary tool in the knowledge base presents users with short and to-the-point summaries of long articles to help them understand the content faster.SEO attribute suggester for knowledge base articlesThis tool is designed to boost the SEO effectiveness of your knowledge base articles.It uses AI to examine your article’s content and creates a search-engine-optimized title and meta description to increase your organic search traffic.AI-suggested ticket responseThis functionality provides pre-written responses or templates that are automatically suggested to customer service agents based on the content of customer queries.These suggestions aim to streamline response times, maintain consistency in communication, and improve overall efficiency.Ticketing system with seamless approval moduleIn the ever-evolving scope of customer support, staying ahead means continuously innovating and enhancing the tools that empower businesses to deliver quality service.To that end, we added features in ourticketing systemover the past year that elevate your support experience, streamline operations, and ensure that you provide unparalleled service to your customers.Some of the impressive updates and new features are:Multilingual support for ticketsIn the global business environment, the ability to provide customer support across multiple languages is essential for reaching a wider audience and ensuring customer satisfaction.We expanded the accessibility of LIKE.TG to a broader audience by incorporating additional languages, bringing the total number of supported languages to 26.This advancement allows customers to interact with LIKE.TG using the language they are most comfortable with.Ticket approvals moduleThe ticket approval functionality allows agents to generate requests for approval within the context of a ticket.Forward tickets to external usersThe ticket forwarding function lets customer service representatives forward help desk inquiries to other agents, customers, or third-party vendors.Ticket count widget in customer portalWe also added a new count widget to the ticket module within the customer portal to allow customers to view the total tickets, as well as the number of pending and resolved tickets.Activity module to enhance productivityThe activity module was developed to boost agents’ efficiency and enhance ticket resolution speed by dividing the steps needed to solve a problem into more manageable, smaller tasks.The following are the notable updates to the module:Worklog optionThe activity module has been updated to include the worklog functionality.Worklogs offer valuable information that can enhance the efficiency of time management, the distribution of resources, and the strategizing of project schedules.Webhook support to enhance functionalityActivity events are now incorporated into webhooks, allowing immediate data transfer from the activity module to third-party applications.Addition of custom activity typesUsers can add new, custom activity types in the admin module’s activity fields. The latest update enables users to add up to ten custom activity types.Save activity filters as viewsThis update allows users to save activity filters as views, like ticket filters, for improved organization and monitoring of activities.Addition of email delivery logsThe delivery logs functionality, previously included in the ticket module, has been included in the activity module.This functionality offers a comprehensive overview of all email interactions and a record of each activity.Knowledge base with multilanguage capabilitiesFor information management in businesses, a robust knowledge base serves as the fundamental building block for efficient customer support and seamless internal collaboration.At LIKE.TG, we believe that knowledge is a dynamic force that drives success.With this year’s new features and updates, our knowledge base softwarehelps you build more than just a repository of information, it helps you build an invaluable tool that empowers your business.Here are some of the major updates:Enhanced search functionalityWe enhanced the processing of search queries and the ranking of search results to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the search feature.Multilingual supportWe enhanced the communication and information sharing capabilities of the LIKE.TG knowledge base platform by introducing multilingual support.Additionally, knowledge base content can be created in various languages, promoting a more customized and accessible experience for users.Access restrictionsThe visibility of the knowledge base portal can be limited to specific users. Access can now be granted to all users or solely to logged-in users.Bulk restoration of deleted articlesWe rolled out a new bulk restoration feature, enabling the simultaneous revival of multiple deleted knowledge base articles.This innovation significantly cuts down on the time and effort required to recover numerous articles.Bulk permanent deletion of articlesThis new functionality allows users to permanently remove knowledge base articles in bulk, streamlining the process and cutting down the time and effort required to delete numerous articles simultaneously.Introducing the LIKE.TG mobile applicationWe have launched a mobile application integrated with the LIKE.TG platform. This announcement indicates that users can now access LIKE.TG services or features through a dedicated mobile application.This year, we reached a huge milestone for LIKE.TG’s convenience and connectivity: our brand-new mobile application!This application redefines the way you engage with LIKE.TG services on the go. It boasts a sleek and intuitive design, ensuring that every interaction feels natural and effortless.Navigating through the application is a visually pleasing experience, setting the stage for an enjoyable journey from the moment you launch it.Here are some of the app’s notable features:Activity module to boost user engagementThe activity module, once solely available on the web version of the agent portal, is now integrated into the LIKE.TG mobile application.With it, agents can track and manage their activities on the go, with the added convenience of receiving real-time notifications directly on their mobile devices.Improved user interface for the switch account featureThe user interface of the switch account function was improved, ensuring a smoother and more visually attractive user experience.New third-party integrationsEnhancing the efficiency of the support process is crucial, and incorporating external applications plays a significant role in this.LIKE.TG customer service software simplified the way support teams manage and engage with their tasks by introducing these new capabilities on top of the previous integrations:OneDrive integrationLIKE.TG added integration with OneDrive, allowing users to explore and attach files directly from OneDrive.Microsoft Teams integrationLIKE.TG implemented integration with Microsoft Teams, providing users with a streamlined and robust platform designed to enhance communication.Users can receive many essential LIKE.TG notifications through Teams, such as the creation of new tickets, ticket updates, notes added to tickets, and more.Azure DevOps integrationIncorporating Azure DevOps lets the support team and product engineers work together more effectively and remain up to date with the current progress of tasks.Jira integrationUsers are now able to generate Jira issues directly within BoldDesk. This new functionality supports the automatic association of Jira issues with corresponding tickets.Slack integrationLinking LIKE.TG with Slack allows users to get real-time alerts directly in their conversations and group spaces for any new or modified tickets, additional responses, or various activities happening on the LIKE.TG platform.Shopify integrationThe integration with Shopify has been upgraded to enable direct cancellation and refunding of orders through BoldDesk.Reports and analytics with advanced featuresAt LIKE.TG, we understand that reports and analytics continues to be the backbone of businesses, providing actionable insights that drive strategy and growth.As we made modifications to this feature, our goal was to empower organizations with the tools they required to extract meaningful insights and drive success.The future of data awaits, and with these advancements, businesses can navigate it with confidence, agility, and a clearer vision than ever before. Let’s dive into the latest major updates:Agent performance dashboardThe agent performance monitoring dashboard tracks and analyzes the output of individual agents and groups.The display includes visualized representations of data derived from ticket and message metrics, CSAT scores, cumulative time spent on tickets, and SLA performance statistics, all over a specified time period.Contact performance dashboardThis dashboard is useful for monitoring and examining customer-generated inquiries and updates.It presents visualizations derived from CSAT scores, ticket statistics, and SLA statistics for breached tickets over a specified period.Worklog reportA worklog report combines all recorded work entries from tickets into a single location.It allows for a complete overview of the work logged by agents, including both billable and non-billable time.Ticket conversation reportThe ticket conversation report is designed to monitor and evaluate interactions occurring within tickets.It delivers insight into the dialogues between customers and support representatives, presenting an effective method for reviewing these communications.The report showcases statistics, such as the number of:Unique ticketsContact updatesAgent updatesUnique agentsNew feedback portal: Share your thoughts and make a differenceAs a forward-thinking company, we are continuously seeking ways to enhance our service and ensure our clients are receiving fulfilling interactions.We unveiled a fresh feedback portal within LIKE.TG to simplify the process for you to share your insights and suggestions on how we can improve your experience with BoldDesk.LIKE.TG achievements and recognitionsLIKE.TG has expanded its global presence in 2023, reaching new markets and connecting with more businesses around the world.In our journey this year, we were able to achieve the following:LIKE.TG earned the Crozdesk’s Quality Choice Award and Happiest Users Award.LIKE.TG became SOC 2® Type 2 compliance certified.LIKE.TG was recognized as a high performer in the G2 Summer 2023 Grid® Report.LIKE.TG won a 2023 Rising Star Award from FinancesOnline.In addition to these accomplishments, LIKE.TG achieved top 5 ranking on Product Hunt.We were excited to announce that LIKE.TG made its debut on Product Hunt on December 11, 2023, and earned the remarkable fifth spot on its top products launching that day.This achievement is a testament to our commitment to excellence, innovation, and empowering businesses with cutting-edge solutions.What exciting plans do we have for 2024?As we turn the page on 2023, the future looks even more promising for BoldDesk.With a solid foundation of innovation, user-centric design, and a commitment to customer success, the platform is guaranteed to continue leading the way in revolutionizing customer support.We’re excited to continue pushing boundaries, innovating, and empowering businesses to deliver exceptional customer service in 2024 and beyond.Stay tuned as we pave the way for an even more exciting and impactful future with the following features for our upcoming releases:Live chat moduleInstant messaging integration with WhatsApp, Facebook, and X (Twitter)Custom reportsSumming up LIKE.TG in 2023LIKE.TG’s 2023 was a year of evolution, growth, and customer-centric advancements.We want to express our gratitude to the LIKE.TG community for its continuous support and engagement. Here’s to another year of bold strides, growth, and transformative excellence in customer support!The journey so far has been incredible, and we are excited about what the future holds.As you know, we’re always striving to improve, and your feedback is invaluable to us.Whether you’ve got a suggestion, encountered an issue, or simply want to share your thoughts, we want to hear from you.Your feedback is crucial in helping us understand what we’re doing well and where we can make improvements.Register a LIKE.TG account to start consistently delivering outstanding support to your customers.Reach out to our support team to arrange a live demo. Alternatively, you can begin a 15-day free trial.Related blogsLooking Back at LIKE.TG in 2022: A Year in ReviewRelease Announcement—March 2023 New FeaturesLIKE.TG Release Announcement: May 2023 New Features Update!LIKE.TG Release Announcement: July 2023 New Features Update!LIKE.TG Release Announcement: September 2023 New Features Update!LIKE.TG Release: November 2023 New Features Update!

LIKE.TG is excited to announce its official launch on Product Hunt. This is a great achievement for our team. It is a testament to our dedication and determination to develop the best customer support software, which we believe will revolutionize the way companies interact with their customers.In this article, we’ll share some insight about our preparation for the Product Hunt launch and what we learned. What is Product Hunt?Product Hunt (PH) is a community-driven platform for showcasing new software, apps, hardware, and anything tech related.Product Hunt helps with the following:Increase product visibilityAttract feedback from the communityGather insight on product featuresEstablish a user baseCreate excitement about a productA successful launch on Product Hunt can result in business growth, brand recognition, and partnerships through affiliate marketing. It’s a chance to showcase your work to a worldwide audience.Who we areSyncfusion is a software company that offers UI widgets for developers across various development platforms. We have over 30,000 customers, including most Fortune 500 companies.LIKE.TG is our cloud-based customer service software packed with features that help businesses effectively organize and manage all support requests and inquiries in a centralized platform.It can be used to automate repetitive tasks, manage support agents’ workflows, streamline collaboration, and improve other customer support operations.With LIKE.TG, support agents can efficiently address customer needs while ensuring smooth operations within their current tech infrastructure.LIKE.TG has the following features that enhance the customer service experience for both agents and customers:Ticketing system: Consolidates support requests to a single platform, routes them to the right agents, and enhances team collaboration.Knowledge base software: A centralized information hub that provides customers with the ability to help themselves. It can also be used internally to assist agents.Workflow automation: No-code automation lets you create a customized workflow for your support team and streamline repetitive manual tasks in the ticket life cycle with ease. It also supports the implementation of SLAs to set response and resolution time frames automatically.Task management: Review support tickets and related activities in a single platform.AI-enhanced assistance: Speeds up the resolution of support queries by summarizing tickets and helping compose responses.Reports and analytics: Integrated reports and dashboards deliver informative, up-to-date data that assists support teams in making well-informed choices for enhancing customer service.Why we built LIKE.TGThe journey to build LIKE.TG started when we at Syncfusion discovered a gap between advanced help desk software solutions that were expensive and simpler alternatives that were much more affordable.There was a need for help desk software that could cater to small- and medium-sized businesses looking for a comprehensive yet cost-effective solution for their growing support teams.In response, we developed LIKE.TG, an affordable and highly customizable help desk solution to help businesses of all sizes—from startups to medium-sized businesses, to large enterprises—provide outstanding customer service.LIKE.TG was first used by our internal IT support team. After we were highly satisfied with its performance and the usability of its features, we released LIKE.TG to the public.What did we accomplish?When we launched LIKE.TG on Product Hunt, we reached a significant achievement: LIKE.TG earned the fifth position for the Product of the Day on December 11, 2023.This success not only affirmed the dedication and effort of our team, but also highlighted the value and potential of LIKE.TG in the customer service SaaS market.In addition to being in the top five products of the day, our Product Hunt launch yielded 587 upvotes, 208 comments, and 721 followers.What we did to prepare for the Product Hunt launchHere are some ways we prepared for a successful Product Hunt launch:Created a concise product page and accounts for LIKE.TG team leadsThe purpose of LIKE.TG is succinctly communicated on our PH page.Several leaders of the LIKE.TG team created Product Hunt accounts so that they could directly connect with potential users and engage with Product Hunt’s vibrant community of technology enthusiasts.They can also answer customers’ comments easily.Offered a discountWe paired the Product Hunt launch with a promo code that gives users a 50% discount on all plans for the first year.This code is still up for grabs as a thank you for supporting us on Product Hunt: PH50.We also unveiled an SMB-friendly pricing plan that starts as low as $10 for 10 agents to help customers increase their productivity for less.Built a voter baseTo have a successful Product Hunt launch, we actively involved our current user community, plus colleagues and friends to support us.By nurturing a network of supporters, our goal was to obtain early votes that pushed our product to the front, increasing its visibility and credibility.Pre-launch outreach through social media and emailBy utilizing the influence of social media, we coordinated a campaign to create buzz for our PH debut.Customized posts, teasers, and countdowns on different platforms such as X, Facebook, and LinkedIn aimed to:Engage our desired audienceCapture the attention of active Product HuntersAnnounce our upcoming launchLead our customers to Product Hunt on launch dayLeveraging social media expanded the reach of our debut, going beyond the confines of the Product Hunt platform.Additionally, we sent emails to potential customers prior to the launch to notify them about the day of the PH Launch.Launch announcement videosWe appreciate the power of visual storytelling, and therefore invested in creating a compelling video that vividly demonstrated LIKE.TG’s features and benefits.This video served as a dynamic trailer for LIKE.TG, not only on PH but also across our social media channels and website.What you should expect after a successful launch on Product HuntGreater brand awareness and visibility: Launching on Product Hunt helps your brand gain exposure in the SaaS community, culminating in greater popularity with your target audience.New customers and partners: Active participation on PH offers an opportunity to turn Product Hunters from different communities within the platform into new customers. It also encourages partnerships and attracts investments.Valuable feedback from Product Hunters: The Product Hunt community offers valuable feedback, insights, suggestions, and analyses that can help you improve your product.Increased brand credibility: Earning a top position of in the Product of the Day or Product of the Week helps your brand gain recognition and establishes your business as a significant player in the SaaS industry.Triumph on the horizon: A successful Product Hunt launchLIKE.TG securing the fifth position on the Product of the Day on Product Hunt was a significant accomplishment.This recognition strengthened our belief that we are on the right path in building a product that effectively meets the help desk software needs of businesses and organizations worldwide.To learn more about LIKE.TG and its features, you can book a live demo or schedule a 15-day free trial. You can contact the LIKE.TG support team for more information.We hope this article will help you during your own Product Hunt launch, and we would love to hear about your experiences. Kindly share your reflections in the comments section below.Related articlesLIKE.TG Recognized as a High Performer in G2 Summer 2023 Grid® Report!LIKE.TG: 2023 Rising Star Award Winner!LIKE.TG Wins Crozdesk’s Quality Choice Award and Happiest Users Award!

Every organization’s success depends on the language used in customer service interactions, as each customer interaction represents the brand.Consistency in customer service can be achieved using exceptional customer service phrases.A survey by Khoros shows that 43% of consumers are more inclined to purchase a brand following a positive customer service experience.Even in the most straightforward support conversations, precise words and appropriate delivery methods can distinguish between a decent and outstanding customer experience.With the right customer service phrases, you can improve your interactions with customers, whether you’re a manager onboarding new staff, an experienced customer support representative, or a small business owner balancing several tasks.This blog covers customer service phrases to avoid using and ones that help you deliver a superior customer service experience. What are customer service phrases?Customer service phrases refer to verbal or written expressions used regularly by support agents to interact with customers.These phrases create rapport and ensure customer satisfaction by conveying a commitment to providing quality service and resolving any issues.These interactions might be over the phone, online, or in person.Excellent customer service phrasesHere are some excellent customer service phrases to use in your everyday interactions with customers:GreetingsIn customer service, it is expected to use a cordial and polite greeting to express warm hospitality and eagerness to provide support.This friendly customer service phrase can make customers feel welcome and inclined to discuss their issues.Inquiring about someone’s well-being provides a human touch and helps customers feel appreciated.A friendly greeting, even when customers are experiencing issues, establishes a positive tone for the conversation and fosters open communication.Some of the common customer service phrases you can use to greet clients include:1. “How are you doing today?”2. “Welcome! How may I assist you today?”3. “Good [morning/afternoon/evening]! What brings you in today?”4. “Nice to meet you. How can I help you?”5. “Thank you for calling [company]. This is [name]. How can I help you?”Pro tips for greeting phrasesStay positive: Regardless of the circumstances, maintain a positive attitude in your greeting. This can influence the customer’s mood and expression.Practice active listening: Once you’ve greeted the customer, pay attention to their response. Active listening helps you understand their needs better.Acknowledging the issueAcknowledge your customer’s frustration and be willing to work together to find a solution. This lets customers know that your team understands their situation.It also reassures them that their concerns are taken seriously and that your agents are committed to helping resolve any issues.The following are some example customer service phrases to acknowledge the issue:6. “I understand this must be [adjective]. Let’s work together to resolve it.”7. “Thanks for bringing this to our attention.”8. “I’m sorry you’re experiencing this issue. Let me help you with that.”Pro tips to acknowledge customer issuesPrompt response: Acknowledge the issue as soon as possible. Quick acknowledgments show attentiveness and care.Be specific: Acknowledge the particular problem or concern raised by the customer. This demonstrates that you’re listening and understand their issue.Don’t dismiss: Avoid dismissing any customer issue.Offering a solutionThe correct words can be your greatest ally while trying to solve a problem. They can ease stress, offer direction, and open the door to a resolution.Letting your customers know that you are eager to help them right away can set a positive tone for the call and make them feel confident that you will work to provide a satisfactory resolution.You can achieve this by telling customers that they have come to the right place, you are trustworthy, and you are ready to assist them in any way possible.Once you have resolved their issue, end the conversation with memorable customer service phrases like:9. “I’m here to assist you. What specifically can I do to help?”10. “I’m happy to help if you need additional support.”11. “Please reach out again.”12. “Here’s what I can do to help you resolve this issue.”13. “Excellent question. I’ll find out for you.”14. “Here is what we can do.”15. “I’ll keep you updated every step of the way.”16. “Your issues have been resolved. Can we assist you with anything else?”When used consistently, these customer service phrases can leave a lasting impression and encourage customers to return.Pro tips to use when offering a solutionCustomize solutions: Tailor solutions to the specific needs and circumstances of the customer. Avoid generic responses.Present options: Offer multiple solutions if possible. Giving choices empowers the customer and shows flexibility.Actively listen: Pay attention to customers’ needs and offer support accordingly, whether communicating through live chat, email, or phone.Asking a customer to wait or to be put on holdWhen needing to review an account or inquire about another resource, employees should use courteous customer services phrases to get permission before putting a customer on hold. Asking for their permission shows that you appreciate them.You can use the following customer service phrases:17. “Is it OK if I put you on hold briefly to confirm [information]?”18. “Great question! Please hold for a minute. I will find the answer for you.”19. “Thank you for holding. I now have the solution.”Pro tips for putting customers on holdSeek permission: Always ask for a customer’s permission before putting them on hold.Specify duration: You can provide the estimated time the customer must wait. For example, “Kindly give me one minute to confirm.”Power words for customer servicePower words such as are powerful and positive responses that show complete agreement and optimism to the customer.They inspire confidence in the customer and convey a sense of trustworthiness.These versatile customer service phrases affirm or show agreement with the customer, assuring you will take care of the issue and deliver a satisfactory resolution.Some of these power words/phrases include:20. “Absolutely”21. “Definitely”22. “Will”23. “I appreciate that.”24. “Surely”25. “Must”Pro tips for power words to usePersonalization words: Include words that personalize the interactions.Reassurance words: Incorporate words that reassure customers and build trust.Respectful language: Use respectful words and customer service phrases that show consideration and professionalism.Apologizing and showing empathyIt’s crucial to use language demonstrating that you are sorry for any inconvenience, costs, or mistakes you have made.Expressing concern is a solid approach that shows empathy. Sincere empathy is the key to delivering excellent customer service.Examples of customer service phrases you can use to apologize or empathize with customers include:26. “I’m sorry this happened. I appreciate your patience as we sort this out.”27. “Our apologies for letting you go through this.”28. “Is there a specific situation you’re dealing with?”Pro tips to show empathySincerity matters: A genuine apology is crucial. Express regret and take responsibility without making excuses or shifting blame.Use empathetic language: Acknowledge the situation’s impact on the person.Gathering and confirming informationChoosing the right word to fill a gap in your message can significantly affect the tone of your response, especially when dealing with an unhappy customer.This avoids misunderstandings and ensures both parties are on the same page before further discussion or actions to address the problem.Some of the best customer service phrases to keep things upbeat while gathering information include:29. “Let me find a solution for you. Please provide me with the following details.”30. “I understand how [adjective] that must be.”31. “Just to confirm, you’re saying [repeat the issue]. Is that correct?”32. “Let me make sure I understand the situation correctly. Please correct me if I’m wrong.”33. “I completely understand your situation.”34. “I would like to understand more about [issue].”35. “Kindly confirm if I have gotten this right.”36. “Would you please tell me more about that?Even when clients make strange requests, remain positive and demonstrate the value of their ideas by using expressions that convey you understand their viewpoint and may consider their suggestions later.Pro tips for collecting informationAvoid assumptions: Refrain from assuming details. Always confirm information, especially when It’s critical to the situation.Summarize: Periodically provide a summary of the discussion to ensure alignment. This keeps everyone on the same page throughout the conversation.Active listening: Focus on what the other person is saying. Listen attentively without interrupting to get all the information needed.Be curious: Show genuine interest in the information being shared. Curiosity prompts more comprehensive and detailed responses.Expressing gratitudeSupport agents use various customer service phrases to acknowledge and express gratitude for feedback, emphasizing their role in facilitating improvements.This reassures the customer that their input is vital and is being considered for positive changes.You can also show gratitude when someone is waiting for a resolution by acknowledging their patience while reassuring them that their concern is being addressed.Some of the customer service phrases to use to express gratitude include:37. “Thank you for bringing this to our attention. Your feedback helps us improve.”38. “I appreciate your patience while we work on this matter.”39. “We appreciate you bringing this to our attention.”40. “Thank you for being our esteemed client.”Pro tips for expressing gratitudeUse their name: Personalize your gratitude by addressing the person by name.Be timely: Express gratitude promptly. Don’t wait too long; timely acknowledgment makes it more meaningful.Follow up: Send a thank you message a few days later. It reinforces your appreciation and shows you haven’t forgotten their kindness.Closing the interactionAn agent can end an interaction with a customer in several ways. They can thank customers for their time, inquire if the customer requires further assistance, provide an open invitation for the customer to reach out again, or give the customer the exact time or date to expect a follow-up.This way, customers will feel heard and valued, and they will be more likely to return. Remember, people’s experiences with your brand become more valuable when they know you’re always happy to help.Support agents can choose any of the following customer service phrases to end a call:41. “Is there anything else I can assist you with today?”42. “Thank you for choosing us. Have a great day!”43. “You can expect an update from us by [date/time].”44. “If you’re ready, I will connect you to the [manager or specialist].”45. “Please let us know if there is anything else we can help with.”Pro tips to close the interactionYou will convey reliability and confidence by keeping your word and interacting with your client promptly.Customer service phrases to avoidA conversation can swiftly change after one or two hurtful words. Here are some customer service phrases to avoid.1. “That’s impossible.”There are situations in which a customer’s request cannot be fulfilled; it’s crucial to handle these situations with caution.Telling clients that something is impossible sends the wrong message: You are not eager to assist them.It’s a useless response. You must assist a customer in resolving any misunderstandings they have. Instead, say, “I sincerely apologize for this and wish we could find a solution for you.”2. “I can’t help you with that.”Understandably, there may be issues that a specific agent or your company cannot resolve. However, negatively stating it outright can bring the conversation to a standstill.It is inappropriate to dismiss their worries and tell them you cannot help. If there is no way to remedy the issue, your support team can still offer advice.Although sending a customer to a rival company is dangerous, it establishes your credibility as a knowledgeable and helpful resource.3. “Your call is important to us.”This phrase, often regarded as an automated message, is generated as an initial greeting when the customer waits.Although following up with customers is important, the sentiment loses meaning if callers feel their concerns aren’t adequately addressed.4. “I don’t know.”Saying “I don’t know” to a customer conveys a lack of interest in finding a solution and can result in a negative experience.As a brand representative, being the most qualified person is essential to assist the customer and maintain your credibility.Customers may not have time to wait for a solution, so it’s best to avoid saying, “I don’t know.” It’s better to find a solution quickly.Use other customer service phrases like, “Excellent question! I’ll find the solution for you as soon as possible” to show you will help.5. “Our apologies for any inconvenience this may cause.”This customer service phrase is commonly used to express regret when a situation might cause inconvenience to someone.The expression attempts to downplay the issue and offer an apology all at once.But be precise and direct rather than relying on a cliched, false phrase.Express your genuine regret and the steps you’re taking to address the situation.6. “Give me one second to look into that …”This phrase shows disregard for customer consent. Ask for a customer’s permission before making them wait for a response or resolution.Support teams should always have a plan for tackling an issue, and they should know how much time they need.7. “Unfortunately, I can’t do that for you.”Refusing to help consumers directly is not a wise strategy. Your clients will immediately cease doing business with you.According to a survey from Zippia,78% of customers bail out of a purchase due to a bad customer service experience.Customers depart when their discontent increases. Instead, focus on your limitations and consider solutions to lessen the impact.8. “I’m sorry you feel that way.”Customers can always tell when someone apologizes but isn’t sincere. A poor apology can potentially inflict more harm than no apology since an apology aims to mend a relationship.It’s crucial to pair it with genuine empathy and a willingness to address the underlying issue or concern. Otherwise, it might be perceived as dismissive or insincere.You can demonstrate your understanding of the customer’s problem by offering a solution.9. “Can I help you with anything else today?”Employees should use specific phrases while providing customer service but must use them at the right time.For instance, using the customer service phrase “Is there anything else I can help you with?” might seem like a clever idea, but if it’s used too early in the conversation, customers might feel like their issues are being hurried.To provide successful customer service, gauge the customer’s mood and respond appropriately to their needs.10. “I’m sorry. I didn’t recognize that request.”Understanding customers’ problems and emotions is essential to resolving their concerns. Don’t feel bad about not understanding. Active listening is the key to success.Rather than reacting hastily, make it your mission to fully comprehend what the other person is saying.Instead, invest your time understanding and properly addressing the customer’s concerns.11. “Thank you for the feedback.”Avoiding the customer service phrase “Thank you for the feedback” while still acknowledging and appreciating customer input requires a bit of creativity and response variation.Consider using insight instead of feedback to give your support encounters a more genuine, upbeat tone.12. “That’s not my job.”This customer service phrase gives your consumers the impression that they are being shuffled around from person to person and that you are unwilling to assist them with their inquiry.They won’t be content with either choice.Help the consumer even if the question is not within your area of expertise. Either seek the solution they need or put them in touch with a knowledgeable person.Alternatively, consider asking, “How can I help?” This exudes eagerness and a readiness to assist while giving the customer a sense of importance.13. “Don’t tell anyone I told you this.”This is an improper approach to win a customer’s trust. It’s a harmful practice. Discussing trade secrets will have damaging effects.You will appear unprofessional, dishonor your company, and harm your firm’s reputation.14. “You misheard me.”This statement implies that the consumer is at fault, even if they did misunderstand what you said.It’s important to refrain from blaming the customer directly for any miscommunication or issue.Remember that the customer isn’t as knowledgeable about the product or service as you are, which can make communication about the situation difficult for them.Say, “I apologize! Can I clarify it for you?” to rectify this.Use excellent customer service phrases to improve your interactionsWorking with customers can be demanding, particularly if you lack the resources and authorization necessary to assist them in finding a solution as soon as possible. Fortunately, you have the power to decide how to react.As you decide which customer service phrases to begin and end with, remember that delivering exceptional customer service requires precise words and appropriate delivery methods.Using the listed phrases, you can improve customer interactions and deliver superior customer service.Please schedule alive demoto see howLIKE.TGcreates a key component for outstanding customer service. Also, free to start afree trialto explore its many features.If you have any questions about the product or its capabilities, please contact theLIKE.TG support team.We’d love to hear what you resonated with after reading this blog. Feel free to share your insights, questions, ideas or experiences on customer service phrases, in the comment section below — Your thoughts count!Related articles50+ Customer Service Email Templates and Best Practices9 Great Alternatives to “Happy to Help”Customer Thank You Notes: Examples and Tips

Ever wondered why some companies seem to move forward easily while others struggle to keep up? Chances are that the leading companies have figured out how to implement cross-functional teamwork.Getting teams from different departments and areas of expertise working together is a real key to success.Imagine a business where the marketing guru, the tech wizard, and the customer service champion all sit at the same table, putting their minds together in pursuit of a common goal.New ideas emerge. Challenges get solved faster. The result is a level of creativity and innovation that just isn’t possible when people operate separately.In this blog, we will:Unravel the core principles of cross-functional team collaborationExplore the benefits and challenges associated with managing such teamsProvide examples and top strategies to set up and run cross functional teams within your organization What is a cross-functional team?A cross-functional team is composed of employees from different departments within a company. They work together on a specific project to achieve shared goals.These team members usually have the specific skill sets and expertise necessary to complete the project successfully.Organizations can either assemble a temporary cross-functional team to work on a particular project or form a permanent cross-functional team for all its projects of this nature.For instance, as companies undergo digital transformation, they might need to create a cross-functional team with IT specialists, data analysts, digital marketing experts, and representatives from key business units.The team’s goal would be to integrate digital technology smoothly into all areas of the business.The principles of cross-functional teamwork: The three CsA growing number of companies are recognizing the importance of grouping people with a variety of knowledge to reach a shared objective, leading them to foster greater cooperation across departments.For this cross-functional teamwork to thrive, it must be built upon three foundational elements known as the 3 Cs.CommunicationCommunication in cross-functional teams refers to the active exchange of information, ideas, and feedback among team members to ensure everyone is on the same page.Importance of communicationClear communication helps bridge the knowledge gaps that exist in cross functional teams, promotes transparency, minimizes misunderstandings, and creates a unified work environment.It also ensures that every team member understands the project’s objectives, their role, and those of their colleagues.How to improve communicationTo foster open communication among team members:Schedule regular team meetings to conduct check-insUse collaboration tools like Microsoft Teams or SlackEncourage team members to ask questions or offer feedbackCollaborationCollaboration is the act of team members working together towards a shared goal, leveraging their individual strengths and expertise.Importance of collaborationA recent study by Zippia revealed that 75% of employees rate workspace collaboration as being “very important.”Collaboration helps bring together diverse talents and perspectives, leading to innovative solutions and better decision-making. It also promotes a sense of unity that increases team spirit.How to improve collaborationTo help your team members collaborate better:Encourage an open and inclusive environmentConduct vigorous brainstorming sessions that yield comprehensive solutionsValue each team member’s contributionFoster a sense of shared responsibilityCoordinationCoordination involves organizing and harmonizing the efforts of cross-functional team members to ensure the project is running smoothly.Importance of coordinationWith diverse skills and responsibilities, coordination ensures that everyone is well-aligned with the project’s timelines and overall strategy.It helps prevent duplicated efforts, allows optimal utilization of resources, and aids in a smooth workflow.How to improve coordinationTo build a well-coordinated, cross-functional team:Designate a project managerSet up effective project management processesCreate a project timeline with clear, achievable targetsEstablish clear roles and responsibilitiesUtilize project management toolsTips for building successful cross-functional team collaborationHere are some tips you can consider for building and managing effective cross-functional team collaboration.Establish clear project goals and objectivesBefore bringing subject matter experts together in a cross-functional team, set clear project goals with defined deadlines and milestones.Communicate the purpose of bringing the team together and the expected outcome for all members. This will ensure the team is aligned around a common vision.Select the right team membersChoose individuals who have the necessary expertise and experience to contribute to the team’s objectives.Come up with a diverse team in terms of perspective and departmental background to enhance creativity and innovation.Choose a leaderAppoint a skilled leader who can assign roles to members, facilitate discussions, manage conflicts, and keep the team focused on its goals.The leader should be able to navigate the different departmental cultures and help the team find common ground.Define roles and responsibilitiesClearly outline each team member’s role and responsibilities to avoid clashing or repetition of tasks and ensure accountability.Additionally, ensure that roles are aligned with team members’ strengths and expertise.Foster open collaboration and communicationEncourage open communication and sharing of information across the cross-functional team.Use collaboration tools and platforms to facilitate communication, especially if the team is distributed geographically.Establish strong relationshipsCreate opportunities for team members to get to know each other on a personal level, such as through team-building activities or informal gatherings.Create an atmosphere of trust where members feel comfortable sharing ideas and providing honest feedback.Set up effective conflict resolution proceduresAnticipate and address conflicts early on by establishing clear processes for resolving disagreements.Encourage a culture of constructive feedback and problem-solving rather than blame.Schedule regular meetings and updatesHold regular meetings for the cross-functional team members to track progress, address challenges, and ensure that everyone is still on board and on the same page.Share updates and successes with stakeholders to maintain transparency and support.Measure the team’s performance over timeSelect the appropriate key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the team’s progress and success.Make adjustments to promote optimal performance and productivity.Hold team members accountable for their contributions but also celebrate achievements as a team.Cross functional teams examplesDifferent companies form different kinds of cross functional teams based on their business setup and the products they deliver.For example, companies that provide customer service software might formulate a cross-functional team to develop a new product.This team may comprise members from the development, product management, customer support, sales, and marketing departments.To ensure a project’s success, each department might be tasked with a given role, for instance:Product lead: Spearheads project execution and makes final decisions.Communications team: Maintains clear, consistent, and open dialogue with all stakeholders outside the team.Product development team: Ensures the technical feasibility and execution of the new product.Product management team: Provides insight into market needs and customer feedback.Customer support team:Contributes opinions on support materials that should be developed and where customers may need extra help.The sales team:Offers perspective on how the new feature can meet customer needs.The marketing team:Devises strategies to communicate the benefits of the product to the current and potential customer base.As the customer service software is utilized, the cross-functional team actively monitors and analyzes user feedback and performance metrics.The marketing team may run campaigns to educate customers about the new feature, while the sales team provides feedback from customers to the product team for further refinement.The customer support team assists customers in leveraging the new functionality and collects firsthand feedback, which is then funneled back to the development team to troubleshoot any issues and make additional enhancements.Through this cycle of feedback and improvement, the cross-functional team ensures that the customer service software consistently meets and exceeds customer expectations.Benefits of cross functional team leadershipAs organizations strive to navigate complex challenges and innovate at a rapid pace, fostering collaboration across various departments becomes a critical factor in achieving strategic goals.Cross functional teams are one key to a company’s success for the following reasons:Help align priorities and goalsBy working in cross-functional teams, members gain a better understanding of overall objectives, the contributions made by each department, and what is required to make those contributions.The team members can better align their efforts.Help build stronger relationshipsTeams that regularly collaborate build an understanding that can help ease the tension that sometimes exists between different groups and smooth over friction points in workflow processes.Yield innovative solutions and enhance problem-solving capabilitiesExposing teams to new perspectives and ways of thinking fuels creativity. Brainstorming and problem-solving together leads to innovative ideas that push businesses forward.Complex business challenges often require input from multiple departments, and cross-functional teams have the collective knowledge and experience to tackle issues that go beyond a single business function.Improve efficiency and productivityWhenever people with complementary abilities work together towards a common goal, the result is greater than the sum of its parts.Cross-functional collaboration can significantly boost team and work output and quality.Enhance communicationWhenever teams work together across disciplines, communication links are strengthened across the organization.This reduces redundancies and makes the flow of information more efficient.Enhance the ability to adapt to changing demandsCross-functional teams have a mix of skills and expertise that enable them to adjust faster to new priorities and challenges, without losing focus.Challenges of managing cross functional teams and how to overcome themWhen a team consists of individuals from various departments and areas of specialization, it’s inevitable that challenges will arise.Communication breakdowns and barriersThe lack of a common language and comprehension of the roles and contributions of different team members can make it hard for them to convey their thoughts clearly.This may result in confusion, misunderstandings, and even potential conflicts.Communication barriers can hinder collaboration, delay project timelines, and ultimately impact the overall success of the team’s objectives.How can you overcome this challenge?Establish clear communication protocolsEncourage open dialogueInvest in building strong interpersonal relationshipsFoster an environment of mutual respectEnsure that each team member’s voice is heard and valuedConflicting prioritiesIndividuals in collaborative teams often have their primary allegiances to their respective functional areas.This can lead to a tug-of-war over resources, timelines, key performance indicators, and project directions.For instance, the finance team could prioritize cost-cutting, which might conflict with the engineering team’s need for high-quality materials.This misalignment not only hinders decision-making and slows progress but can also foster an environment of misunderstanding and tension.How can you overcome this challenge?Balancing these competing priorities requires strong leadership, clear communication, and a well-articulated shared goal that aligns the team’s efforts towards the organization’s objectives.Lack of trust among team membersMistrust within cross-functional teams can undermine the collaborative synergy needed for these diverse groups to operate effectively.When team members harbor doubts about the reliability or competence of their colleagues from different departments, it results in:Hiccups in communicationA reluctance to share information or resourcesLimited innovationUnwillingness to take on additional work and effortIneffective decision-making processA disjointed approach to problem-solvingHow can you overcome this challenge?Choose team members with diverse perspectives and skills, but similar work ethics. Give them a chance to get to know each other in a setting less formal than a business meeting.For example, have the team go out for lunch together one day.Difficulties in defining responsibility and accountabilityThe blend of skills in collaborative teams can be both a strength and a weakness when it comes to determining clear lines of accountability.Each team member may have different supervisors set by their home department, which can lead to confusion over who is responsible for specific tasks or decisions.Without clearly defined roles and responsibilities, there can be an overlap of duties or, conversely, critical tasks may slip through the cracks as each member assumes someone else is accountable.Moreover, the shared leadership structure in cross-functional teams can dilute personal accountability, as team members may feel less individually responsible for outcomes in a group setting.How can you overcome this challenge?Establish a framework for accountability, including well-documented project plans with:Well-defined responsibilitiesRegular progress reviewsOpen communication channelsThis will ensure that all members are aligned and accountable for producing their portions of work in a timely manner.Use atask management toolto break down and schedule tasks, define milestones and deliverables, and ensure everyone stays on schedule throughout theproject life cycle.Miscommunication among team membersWhile team members bring specialized expertise, the differences in background knowledge can lead to misunderstandings, underutilization of skills, and disjointed efforts.The terminologies and procedures that are unique to each discipline further derail collaboration efforts and make communication and alignment difficult.Without a shared understanding, teams may struggle to integrate their efforts effectively, leading to redundant and erroneous work or missed opportunities for working together.The absence of a common knowledge-sharing platform can also hinder innovation, as team members may not be able to find information quickly and fully grasp the potential application of others’ insights.How can you overcome this challenge?Invest in collaborative tools like robustknowledge base softwareto give employees a place to find background information.Schedule regular cross-training sessions to bridge the information divide and familiarize team members with each other’s skill sets.Leverage the potential of cross-functional teams to unlock next-level successThere is a limit to what you can achieve alone, but when you work with others, there is no boundary to your success. Cross-functional teams are the engine that drives successful modern businesses.They break down barriers, bring together diverse talents and skills, speed up progress, and lead to better-rounded solutions.To successfully execute cross-functional teams, tools play a pivotal role, and this is where LIKE.TG shines.LIKE.TG enhances team collaboration and efficiency, providing knowledge base software to give your teams grounding and internal support software to organize tasks.Contact usto schedule alive demoto experience firsthand how LIKE.TG’s capabilities can help you get started with your cross-functional team. Or start afree trialto get instant access today.

Certainly, Freshdesk can prove beneficial for specific businesses, but it may not be suitable for everyone. The extensive list of features, while initially appealing, presents a major challenge, as most teams only utilize a handful of specialized capabilities, rendering the rest unnecessary.Stabilizing your customer service needs a better determination of the right help desk software for your company. This calls for understanding your needs and selecting the tools that align with them.This guide will briefly explore the top alternatives to Freshdesk, highlighting their key features, costs, and optimal use cases. Why should you look for Freshdesk Alternatives?Here are some of the reasons why consumers are looking for Freshdesk alternatives, as reviewed and updated from customer reviews, community forums, and other similar sources:Freshdesk’s sophisticated features are only accessible on higher-priced subscriptions, which may not be affordable for everyone.Some users find Freshdesk unintuitive, making it difficult to utilize efficiently.Freshdesk’s integration procedure might be tedious and time-consuming.Many customers have voiced fear that Freshdesk’s functionality may be overwhelming.These reasons make it a significant motivator for customers to seek alternatives to Freshdesk vs Zendesk.Top Freshdesk Alternatives for 2024In our list, many customer service software offers free plans or trials, allowing you to test their features and determine the best fit.Now, let’s dive into the 10 best Freshdesk alternatives and explore their key features and target audiences:1. LIKE.TGWe will, of course, toot our own horn first. LIKE.TG is a perfect help desk software alternative for Freshdesk. This is mainly because LIKE.TG is a modern, sophisticated help desk software that streamlines customer service through excellent customer support tools and self-service features.LIKE.TG includes features like:AI Copilot for customer supportRobust ticketing softwareKnowledge base softwareEfficient help desk automationExtensive help desk customizationCustomer satisfaction surveyMultilingual help deskMobile help desk appIntegrationA user-friendlycustomer portalTask managementInsightfulreports and analyticsTop-notchsecurityBenefits of LIKE.TGBetter usability: LIKE.TG’s user interface is easily accessible for all its users.Unlimited agent pricing: Saves business costs by allowing unlimited agents rather than paying per agent.Free migration: LIKE.TG enables users to transfer from other customer service help desks free of charge.Best multibranding and customization support: Suitable for any business since it offers customizable customer support that users can customize according to their needs. Users can also navigate through the customer service portal to see areas they seek assistance.Emails to ticket conversion: Uses a ticketing system that enables users to track, monitor, and convert emails to tickets from customers to agents.Better customer satisfaction: Works under appropriate SLA’s thus running with the aim of satisfying customers’ needs.Multilingual help desk: Offers a multilingual help desk that bridges language barrier and enhances communication.Enhanced multilingual AI: Provides an AI feature that summarizes ticket conversion and KB articles, translates text into multiple languages, and helps in creation of SEO content articles.Efficient integration: With LIKE.TG’s integration function, users can connect their preferred tools and apps to streamline workflow, clear up clogged data, and boost productivity.Robust automation: LIKE.TG has a robust automation feature which helps in routing repetitive tasks, reducing manual effort, and increasing agent productivity.Integrated mobile help desk app: Offers an up-to-date intuitive mobile customer service app that allows users to work from any location.To know more about LIKE.TG features, refer to this video:LIKE.TG pricingLIKE.TG is a friendly help desk that saves costs for every user. Startups can enjoy free access to LIKE.TG for a full year at no cost.LIKE.TG also offers two pricing styles as follows:Agent-Based plans:Scale: $25 for 3 agents/monthGrowth: $50 for 3 agents/monthEnterprise: $75 for 3 agents/monthUnlimited Agents plans:Essential: $799 per monthPro: $1499 per monthBusiness: Contact us Number of agents: 103100Save with LIKE.TG* agent/month billed annually agent/month billed annually$240/yearScale $25 for 3 agents Additional agents at $15/moGrowth$15 for 1 agent$2,592/yearGrowth $50 for 3 agents Additional agents at $32/moPro$49 for 1 agent$4,548/yearEnterprise $75 for 3 agents Additional agents at $48/moEnterprise$79 for 1 agentTo reach out, don’t hesitate to contact the LIKE.TG support team. You can also start a 15 day free trial or arrange for a live demo.2. HubSpot Service HubHubSpot Service Hub is a cloud-based customer platform for growing businesses. It provides a suite of tools for inbound marketing, sales, and customer service with the goal of helping businesses attract, engage, and delight customers.ProsAll in one platform for marketing, sales, and customer support.Has free CRM.Easy to use.ConsNeed to pay for additional users.PricingPricing starts at $20 per month.3. IntercomIntercom is an alternative that excels in self-service support. It enables businesses to communicate and engage with their customers in real-time.It also allows businesses to have conversations with their customers at different stages of the customer journey, including customer onboarding, support, sales, and marketing.ProsSetting up Intercom takes less time.Has a robust knowledge base.Easily integrates with your website.ConsLacks in reporting and knowledge base customization compared to other options.PricingPricing starts at $99 per month.4. ZendeskZendesk is a robust customer support software suitable for enterprise companies. It is a customer service and engagement platform that provides various tools and software solutions to help businesses manage customer support, interactions, and relationships.It offers a range of features designed to streamline and enhance customer service operations.ProsServes many customization options.Has extensive and powerful reporting and analytics.Robust integration with third-party apps.Supports multiple languages.ConsQuite expensive for small businesses.PricingPricing starts at $19 per user per month.5. Salesforce Service CloudSalesforce Service Cloud is an ideal alternative for teams using Salesforce CRM. Salesforce Service Cloud seamlessly integrates with other Salesforce products to provide a better customer experience.ProsOffers extensive customization options.Easy to set up.Offers free 30-day trial.Allows integrations with over 1,000 other platforms.ConsHas no chat surveys.A bit expensive with no free plan.PricingPricing starts at$25 per user per month.6. Zoho DeskZoho Desk is a better choice for sales-focused teams. It is designed to help businesses manage and streamline their customer service operations.Zoho Desk provides a centralized platform for handling customer queries, support tickets, and other related activities. Moreover, integrating Zoho Desk with your customer service can streamline your customer service operations.ProsOffers a free plan.Provides automation on all plans.Has multiple integrations.Can be accessed on mobile (offers a mobile app).ConsCustomization can be less flexible compared to other platforms.PricingPricing starts at $18 per user per month.7. HappyFoxHappyFox is a suitable choice for teams seeking project management features. It is designed to help businesses efficiently manage and resolve customer inquiries, support tickets, and other types of requests.HappyFox provides a centralized system for tracking and organizing customer interactions, allowing businesses to streamline their support processes and enhance customer satisfaction.ProsSupports live chat.Conducts progressive surveys.Offers case management feature.ConsSome users feel the email management capabilities are insufficient.PricingPricing starts at $29 per user per month.8. Help ScoutHelp Scout is a perfect alternative for growing teams. It provides meaningful tools to enhance the user experience for customers and your team.ProsOffers an interface for tracking emails and replies.Robust tagging system.Comprehensive workflow automation feature.ConsCustomization options for the knowledge base are limited.PricingPricing starts at $20 per user per month.9. KayakoKayako is a customer service software platform that enables businesses to effectively manage and support their customers.It provides a suite of tools and features designed to streamline customer support processes and enhance the overall customer experience.ProsProvides a robust ticketing system.Has multiple departments/groups.User-friendly interface.Has an SLA Management.ConsPricing varies, and ticketing is slow.PricingContact Kayako.10. LiveAgentLiveAgent is an excellent choice for live chat support. It provides best features that increases customer support online.ProsReliable ticket management feature.Has insightful reports and analytics.Supports self-service.Has a back-end tools that make it easy to get new accounts.ConsNew features require extra pay.Complex mobile apps.PricingPricing starts at $15 per month per user.Considerations for selecting the right help deskWhile selecting the best customer service software, you need to consider different issues. The following are some of the factors to consider:Your company’s needs: First, learn what features you need. Secondly, do extensive research on the features the customer service software you want provides.Cost and pricing plans: Learn about monthly and yearly pricing plans evaluating them with your pricing plan.Customer reviews: Check on official sites and learn as you got customers’ reviews about the help desk software.Scalability: Choose a customer service software that can adapt and grow with your company. Start with a starter pack, and if it favors your growth, upgrade to growth packages or enterprise packages.Productivity: Investigate the software’s productivity. The main question you should answer is, can the software help your customer service in handling your daily routine tasks?Integration: Select a customer service software that you can integrate its features with your customer service to simplify your agents’ workload.Support: Select a customer service software that can support you 24/7.Table summary of the 10 alternatives to FreshdeskThe following is a comprehensive table summary of the top 10 Freshdesk competitors.NameFeaturesPricing planLIKE.TGAI in customer supportRobust ticketing softwareKnowledge base softwareEfficient help desk automationExtensive help desk customizationCustomer satisfaction surveyMultilingual help deskMobile help desk appIntegrationA user-friendlycustomer portalTask managementInsightfulreports and analyticsTop-notchsecurityStarting at $25 for 3 agents/month.HubSpot Service hubSimple ticketingTeam mail and shared inboxReporting dashboardIntegration with sales and marketing hubStarting at $20/month/user.IntercomCustomizable messengerAutomated messagesIn-app chatTeam inboxStarting at $99/month/user.ZendeskOmnichannel SupportCustomizable DashboardsAnalyticsAI ChatbotsStarting at $19/month/user.Salesforce Service cloudAI-powered serviceCase managementIntegration with SalesforceCRMStarting at $25/month/user.Zoho DeskMultichannel supportCustomizable workflowsAI-powered chatbotsIntegrationsStarting at $18/month/user.HappyfoxTicketing systemKnowledge base creationHelp desk reportsTask management systemStarting at $29/user per month.Help scoutCollaborationCustom workflowsAutomationReportingStarting at $20/month/user.KayakoMultichannel supportCustomizable chatbotsLive chatSocial media monitoringContact Kayako.LiveAgentChat routingFile transferSocial media integrationMultilingual supportStarting at $15/month/user.Choosing the best Freshdesk alternatives!While choosing a customer service software, you need to have a clear view of the best functionalities and features, pros, cons, and pricing.In summary, the listed Freshdesk alternatives provide a range of features and pricing options to meet your company’s unique needs. By exploring these alternatives, you can find the right customer service solution that aligns with your business goals and ensures excellent customer support.If you’re looking to provide your team with a comprehensive customer service software solution that is user-friendly, affordable and provides a range of cloud-based help desk features, LIKE.TG help desk is the way to go.

Customers are increasingly drawn to companies that can quickly and effectively handle their issues or queries. In a world where time is of the essence and patience wears thin, the speed at which a business responds to its clients can make or break its reputation.Therefore, businesses need to evaluate their support team’s ability to handle its workload efficiently. One way to do this is to measure the average handle time.In this blog, we will discuss what average handle time is, how to calculate it, and tips to reduce it. What does average handle time mean?Average handle time (AHT) is a metric used in customer service departments that measures the average time it takes for a support agent to handle customer issues or resolve tickets.It takes into account all the time spent on an issue, not just the time spent actively talking to customers. It includes the time customers are on hold and the time agents spend working on the issue outside of support calls.A lower AHT indicates a knowledgeable and well-prepared staff capable of promptly addressing customer issues, while a higher AHT indicates the need for additional training to close knowledge gaps or, at worst, deficiencies in the product.AHT is employed to assess the effectiveness and productivity of customer support agents and the overall success of a customer service team.What is a goodaverage handle time?A good AHT varies depending on the company, customer interaction methods, the complexity of issues to be resolved, the products or services offered, and the company’s perception of a satisfactory customer experience.Other factors that determine a good AHT includes:The size of the businessThe unique challenges of the industryThe business’s customer service strategyHow to calculate average handle timeAHT is determined for each communication channel offered by a business due to the complexity and interaction dynamics involved in delivering support.For example, the AHT for phone support is calculated as follows:In the previous equation, the:Total talk time refers to the combined durations of the agent actively conversing with the customer in a call.Total hold time is the total time a customer is placed on hold across all conversations regarding the issue.Total after-call work time is the total time agents spend on tasks associated with a call, such as updating records or documentation.Total calls handled is the number of customer support calls, encompassing both incoming and outgoing calls.The following table lists the AHT formulas for other communication channels:Communication channelAHT formulaEmailAHT = Total time from issue start to resolution / Total number of emailsLive ChatAHT = Total time from chat start to issue resolution / Total number of chatsAHT exampleIf a support agent had 5 phone calls from customers and spent a total of 20 minutes talking to them, put them on hold for a total of 5 minutes, and took a total of 5 minutes to follow up, then the average handle time would be:(20 minutes + 5 minutes + 5 minutes) / 5 calls = 6 minutes per call7 Tips to reduce average handle timeEvery client wishes for the issue they present to the support agents for resolution to be handled in the shortest time possible.The following are some ways a company can reduce its average handle time to improve the customer experience:Enhance access to informationThis involves ensuring that your agents have easy access to all the information they need to resolve a customer’s issue.Providing quick and easy access to comprehensive information can be done with the help of:Knowledge basesContact management systemsCustomer historiesProduct detailsThese reduce the time agents spend searching for relevant data during customer interactions, leading to a shorter AHT.Monitor each support agent’s performanceThis average handle time tip involves carefully keeping track of each support agents AHT to know how fast and efficient they are at providing necessary responses and resolutions to customers.Support agent performance can be monitored using the following the metrics:Hold timeTalk timeNumber of transfersNumber of missed callsBy watching each support agent’s performance, you can identify and address their weaknesses to improve their AHT.Train your support agents frequentlyRegular training sessions keep your support agents up to date with the latest product or service information and support techniques, leading to a reduction in AHT as they are able address issues accurately and promptly.Invest in efficient support toolsProvide agents with advanced and user-friendly support tools, such as:Internal help desk service software: Enhances customer interactions by providing a comprehensive platform for addressing queries and resolving issues. It often includes a ticketing system, knowledge base, automation features, and customization options, enabling businesses to offer prompt and efficient support.Contact management software: Helps businesses manage customer relationships by providing instant access to relevant customer data so that agents can tailor interactions to customer needs, preferences, and expectations.Omnichannel communication: Integrates communication channels like email and social media into a unified system. This enables consistent and seamless communication, allowing businesses to engage with customers on their preferred platforms and in their preferred languages to maintain a cohesive experience.With the aid of these tools, agents can effortlessly manage customer interactions, which improves efficiency in the resolution process and lowers AHT.Implement self-service optionsImplementing self-service options can effectively reduce average handling time by allowing customers to handle simple issues on their own.This can be done by providing the following resources to handle common and repetitive customer queries:Frequently asked questions (FAQs)Community forumKnowledge baseAccording to Higher Logic, 77% of customers have a more favorable perception of organizations that provide self-service options to assist customers seeking support.By encouraging self-help, routine questions can be resolved without customers needing to interact with an agent, resulting in a decrease in AHT as support agents can focus on more complex issues.Utilize workflow automationWith the right help desk software, you can automate repetitive tasks and workflow processes, expediting issue resolution and allowing agents to focus on more intricate aspects of customer interactions.Automation can be used in several different forms:Canned responses: For frequently asked customer questions, canned responses can be used to allow customer support agents to respond quickly and consistently, reducing time spent on each customer interaction.Follow-up actions: Certain follow-up tasks, such as sending updates, email notifications, reminders, and alerts to customers can be automated by defining a service-level agreement (SLA) and enforcing it with your customer support software. This keeps agents from missing support deadlines, decreases overall handle time, and allows agents to focus on the next customer.Provide proactive assistanceCompanies can improve service efficiency and customer satisfaction by being proactive in customer support.This involves anticipating needs and resolving issues before they become larger problems. By addressing potential issues ahead of time, the number of inquiries decreases and issues are resolved quicker. This leads to decreased AHT and increased customer loyalty and trust.Why is average handling time important?When a company strives for an excellent AHT, it enjoys the following outcomes:Increased customer satisfactionCustomers appreciate having their issues resolved in a timely manner. In Time To Win: The Consumer Patience Study, customer experience expert Jay Baer found that 62% of customers feel disappointed when a business responds slower than they expect.Therefore, extending waiting periods and rushing customer interactions just to reduce AHT are likely to result in customer dissatisfaction, potentially leading customers to consider switching to a competitor.A well-managed average handling time is crucial. It demonstrates to customers that their satisfaction is at the heart of the company’s customer service ethos, setting the stage for a successful, long-term customer relationship.Improved customer service team efficiencyAHT helps determine how efficiently customer inquiries are handled by the support team. A lower AHT indicates that agents are resolving issues quickly, leading to more customers being served in less time.By monitoring AHT, companies can identify opportunities to streamline processes and offer better support agent training. This can lead to cost savings for the organization.Better allocation of resourcesUnderstanding AHT can assist in the allocation of resources, management of the workforce, and the creation of appropriate customer support schedules.Observing AHT and its contributing factors ensure that the correct number of agents is present at all times, avoiding the issue of excessive or insufficient staff. Such measures directly influence service levels and operational expenses.Improved customer experienceImproving the quality of customer interactions is a crucial aspect of reducing average handling time for businesses.According to Salesforce, 89% of customer are willing to make another purchase after a positive customer service experience.When customers consistently have positive experiences, they are more likely to become loyal to the brand and may even recommend the company to others.Therefore, it is important to minimize hold time, reduce post-call work time, and resolve issues quickly. All of these lower AHT and result in an enhanced customer experience.Accurate evaluation of agent performanceAHT is just one tool that businesses can use to evaluate the promptness and effectiveness of their support agents in resolving inquiries.AHT can be determined for the entire team or an individual agent. It serves as a useful starting point for defining future training goals and identifying areas for improvement.Combine quality with speed to reduce average handle timeTo improve customer service, organizations need to measure AHT because it provides critical insight into support efficiency, customer satisfaction, and business performance.Optimizing average handle time supports operational objectives and a commitment to excellent service.To provide better customer service and improve the customerexperience, use LIKE.TG. For a live demonstration or to discover the benefits LIKE.TG can offer your support team, start a free trial. Please contactthe LIKE.TG support team if you have any questions.Related articles10 Key Customer Satisfaction Metrics to Measure in 202410 Important Customer Service KPIs to Track9 Effective Metrics to Measure Customer Loyalty