Tag: gaming

  • The Importance Of Shopper Entertainment In 2022

    The Importance Of Shopper Entertainment In 2022

    The advent of social media channels such as Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube gave rise to modern marketing and the ability to reach more customers, convert them and retain them. The purpose of shoppertainment is to demonstrate, market, and sell products online using live video streaming. A consumer’s everyday life and eCommerce are combined to create Shoppertainment, and web-based events deliver an engaging and informative experience much like their in-person alternatives before the pandemic.

    Since eCommerce is no longer purely price-driven, shopper entertainment is essential. Customer experience, loyalty, and trust play a significant role in making customers willing to try new brands.  A website’s ability to engage users remains a challenge. With the help of live video shopping, you can utilize the entertainment tactic to attract and retain customers. Therefore, social shopping increases the likelihood that customers will add items to their shopping cart.  The proliferation of social media has enabled more people to be “influencers.” As a result, brands have taken advantage of this opportunity. Companies have created strategies to capitalize on this trend.

    Shoppertainment – what makes your products more shoppable and entertaining for customers? We will dive into the evolution of the market to help you understand how to turn your target audience into loyal customers:

    Livestreaming eCommerce –

    Rapid growth is occurring in the eCommerce industry. According to Statista, 2.14 billion people are likely to make digital purchases in 2021. There are a lot of online shoppers! It has been a boon for eCommerce, despite the 20/20 pandemic having halted in many industries. Online buying behaviour is clearly changing as evidenced by these statistics. They still buy to solve problems, raise their status quo, remain on top of trends, achieve social validation, be happy, and ease their stress, but how they buy online has changed drastically. There has been a lack of that “not-so-human touch” in the online shopping experience for both buyers and sellers. Online interactions are as important as those with offline customers. On the contrary, you must do your best to make the purchasing process as simple as possible.

    Both the seller and the customer benefit from live commerce. Video entertainment shopping, also known as live commerce, allows sellers in India to communicate with their customers as they sit in the US, UK, Taiwan, New Zealand, or anywhere else in the world. The experience is similar to in-store shopping.

    The online sellers prepare their scripts for a meeting, greeting, and communicating with their online customers using lights and a cinematic approach. Using video, photo, and audio, sellers are able to showcase their products live and that too in all forms of multimedia.

    As a live broadcast e-commerce phenomenon, it is a huge hit in China. Live eCommerce in China is expected to reach $409 billion in transaction value in 2022, according to reports. 

    The fact that live eCommerce works are largely responsible for its success. In addition to being interactive, video marketing sells more than other types of marketing. The content of live streaming is very entertaining, resulting in shoppers preferring it over other options. Influencers hold a more authoritative position with their target audiences, which is why brands seek their endorsement through influencers.

    Particularly in China, Livestream eCommerce is very popular because it is entertaining and interactive and provides the seller with a chance to interact with their buyers and give them live answers. This, in turn, greatly benefits the seller’s business since the buyers can make a quick decision about whether the product is suitable for them.

    The gamification revolution is here –

    In many cases, online shopping consists of adding items to your cart, paying for the items, and waiting for your parcel to arrive. Although it is convenient, it is a tedious process.  Besides having plenty to offer, shopping malls and outlets also provide a fun experience. While e-commerce may offer more items, it’s not enjoyable. The future of online shopping is still far from being achieved.”

    As part of shoppertainment, gamification helps solve this problem by entertaining audiences and persuading them to become paying customers. Making nongame concepts like online shopping more engaging and interactive is achieved by introducing game mechanics and elements. Rewards for engagement can be earned in the form of vouchers, discounts, and points, so users are even more motivated to continue participating. Gamification generates customer engagement by capturing their attention and keeping them engaged. Also, it influences the customer’s intent to repurchase while helping them focus on the buying process.

    To make sure you are ready for this content-centric strategy, consider the following:

    1. Customer interaction should be enhanced by shoppertainment that is appropriate for the brand positioning. Don’t just do something for the sake of doing it.
    2. Engaging your audience requires relevant content. It was discovered that consumers in different countries had different preferences for live-streaming (length and format of execution, content quality, host friendliness, etc.) which all affected conversion rates.
    3. Be sure to track the results of your marketing investments to ensure ROI. Content should be adapted as data is collected with the goal of consistently improving conversions.
    4. To ensure the brand closes the loop, brands must strike an appropriate balance between entertainment and sales. The purpose of entertainment content is not to sell retail products. Rather, it should build brand recognition.

    As part of omnichannel marketing, in-game advertising is also a popular tool brands are turning to. This concept would be ideal for “shoppertainment”, as it offers key benefits to advertisers.

    By leveraging the power of in-game advertising, brands can form deeper connections with their consumers.  Engaging and interacting with prospects is easier than ever before with this platform. Advertisements integrated directly into the gameplay of some of the world’s most popular games enable brands to promote their products seamlessly. In addition to using in-game coupons with real value, brands can also use in-game coupons to drive sales.

    All brands recognize the importance of creating engaging, consistent, and entertaining customer experiences. As a marketer, it’s not too late to start integrating “Shoppertainment” into your marketing strategy if you haven’t already done so.

    Interested in enhancing your e-commerce strategy? Let us help! Check out our eCommerce services here, or get in touch with our team here.

  • Can Game based Entertainment Can Shape Ecommerce Sales?

    Can Game based Entertainment Can Shape Ecommerce Sales?

    As one of the hottest trends in eCommerce, gamification marketing targets businesses looking to improve customer engagement and boost sales. A great way to gain an advantage in eCommerce is to implement gamification marketing. The goal of gamification in eCommerce is to increase user engagement and revenue. Online merchants create an environment that is favorable for their customers by using gaming techniques. Having fun while browsing a website will increase the likelihood of users placing an order.
    Using a game element is not enough. Your aim shouldn’t be to fit it into your marketing program. Each game has unique dynamics and attributes.
    A combination of strategic planning and determination will lead to future success in each game, when you choose the right mechanisms, you can expect long-term positive outcomes.
    The gamification of strategies will still work even after a user has completed all stages of a game. The instructions must be clear and precise for consumers. Make sure the rules are written clearly in an understandable language and avoid describing the game in too much detail.  Through a challenge, you motivate your audience to participate. Games are always about achieving greater results faster or better, right?  It can be their own challenge or competing with others. As you offer coupons, discounts, or products, you’re building trust, so ensure that you deliver. Gamification requires this step. Make the game more appealing to your target audience by offering better rewards for higher scores.
    Gain Customer Engagement and Increase Sales –
    In a survey, 60% of consumers said if they played the game with the brand, they were more likely to buy the product.  People of all ages find gaming enjoyable, whether they are old or young. The type of content created this way caters to Gen Z – easily consuming, visually appealing, and very engaging. A retailer’s brand can be enhanced through gamification marketing tools, it’s also a game-based mechanism where customers can win prizes by collecting points, stamps, and other rewards. if they are applied correctly, by increasing customer loyalty.
    It is a system that is advocated by Bonito, one of the most prominent Polish bookstores. Points are awarded based on the number of purchases. Discounts increase with subsequent purchases.

     

    Brand Awareness and Customer Relationship –
    Game integration is about creating a more enjoyable and engaging relationship between you and your customers. Through these interactions, a positive attitude toward the brand is ensured and future benefits are gained. Loyalty Programmes, Friendly Competitions, Personalised Content, Fun Boarding, Leader boards, these   Gamification techniques can be used for several purposes to build relationships with a target audience.
    Email marketing Consent through Games –
    With most marketing campaigns, data forms the backbone of the marketing strategy. Your future campaigns will be more successful if you gather more information about your clients and target audience.  Businesses are prohibited from sending messages without the consent of clients because of anti-spam policies and GDPR regulations. By gamifying a game, users can access different features such as leader boards, progress saves, and level unlocks consumer will provide their information. It can be used to track user behavior, motivators, and demographics. Gamification on your website and in-app is a great way to encourage customers into leaving their e-mail addresses. It’s an extremely vital factor when designing campaigns to build lists.
    How to gamify your eCommerce store
    • Quizzes – Ecommerce stores can make use of quizzes to raise product awareness. Organize them in an easy-to-understand manner. Links to your website’s product purchasing pages or reward programs can be provided through QUIZ related to your products and brands. This quiz may be designed to test your customer’s intellect, or it may be a company quiz, theme-based quiz, or some other custom quiz.

    The world’s largest cosmetic retailer, Sephora, offers quizzes to help shoppers select the right products.

    • Loyalty Program – It is no longer surprising that even the world’s most renowned brands, including Reebok, IKEA, PetSmart, and Kohl, offer consumer loyalty programs. To increase repeat orders, one must be able to attract them easily. When a buyer has a favorable experience, they will return for future purchases. You increase customer satisfaction when you reward them simply for spending money. To entice them back, you can take several other measures.
    • Spin-a-Wheel – A major part of the gaming industry is spinning-the-wheel games, and a growing number of companies are offering spinning games with discounts, free shipping, and prizes.  Depending on the season (Holi, Diwali, or Christmas), you can even introduce a once-in-a-month spin with greater rewards than you can directly mail to the registered users. It is just a matter of spinning the wheel and gaining their benefit. Consumers find spin the wheel to be relatively simple and easy to implement.
    • Referrals and Milestones – By using your referral system, you can entice buyers to your eCommerce store and encourage them to make purchases. Your program will have more value if your customers have fun with it. Customers are more likely to stay engaged with a referral program that feels like a game if it makes them feel like they’re getting something in return. a concept that has been used very effectively by the fashion brand, Guilt. Both referrers and their invitees receive a $25 gift card upon signing up.
    Why not get started now?
    Following that you have seen the potential of gamification marketing and its implementation into numerous marketing campaigns, you have a better understanding of its application. Make sure you know your recipients and put a plan in place before you act. Being unique can have both positive and negative effects since you stand out from the crowd. The brand’s personalized experience must be integrated into other marketing strategies and lead to repeat business. The right kind of Gamification will help you take your eCommerce strategy to the next level. Through this process, businesses are able to build deeper customer relationships, increase engagement, and drive loyalty. Games are an exciting and engaging way to motivate your audience, no matter if they’re your employees, customers, or students. Gamification is easy to use, especially with gamification tools available on the market.
    Interested in discussing your project? Let’s talk! And get a Gamification strategy that aligns with your business goals and keeps you current with an interactive mobile solution.
    To learn more, e-mail us at contact@blaash.io. Talk to our experts about how mobile games can be integrated into your mobile apps to drive engagement and increase sales.
  • The Simplest Ways to Retain B2B Customers

    The Simplest Ways to Retain B2B Customers

    A B2B customer retention strategy strives to maintain long-term relationships with your existing customers. In today’s dynamic market where customers’ preferences and needs are constantly changing, relationship marketing becomes an essential strategic tool for companies. When your business is growing, you probably focus on acquiring clients. By providing quality service, communicating effectively, rewarding loyal customers, and offering innovative products and services to build lasting customer relationships. You need new buyers to satisfy your constant product and pricing changes. Gaining new customers will lead to growth.

    Customer retention increases the sales opportunities, your product or service will benefit from limiting the number of people who leave your business within a short period, thereby retaining their loyalty and extending the relationship.

    Customer loyalty is very important, 5% of an increase in customer retention will create more than a 25% increase in profitability, says Frederick Reichheld of Bain and Company. Even though you won’t be able to keep all customers, take all the steps you can to make sure you do. To do so, you need to have a solid strategy for customer retention. (Our experts can help you)

    Make Your Onboarding Program Engaging –

    New customers frequently get neglected for far too long after signing on the bottom line, which is one of the most common mistakes we see. You should consider implementing an onboarding program that provides a representation of your brand’s value and customer service. Providing a customer with a clear roadmap is like onboarding. This leads to a good customer experience and allows your business to collect information early on about a customer.  To onboard and guide customers through the sales process, you need to hire the right people for your customer-facing team, creating welcome emails explaining how your organization works, reinforcing the benefits of cooperation with you, and demonstrating how clients can begin to use your products and services is a simple way to get customers started. Give your subscribers something they will love in an onboarding email such as videos, discounts, freebies, and Engaging quizzes.

     

    Improve customer satisfaction by personalizing the experience –

    Often, B2B companies deal directly with their customers, so they must provide an exceptional level of customer service. By personalizing recommendations and services, customers are not only looking for treatment like a person, but also a brand that values humanity. Using this solution, you can simplify processes such as updating product catalogs, handling payments and managing warehouse distribution.

    High-quality products and services alone will not develop a deep bond between a brand and its customers. The brand must demonstrate a genuine concern for the customer. Creating and sharing enduring content can be a great way for brands to provide customers with this type of support.  It is an excellent example of this to look at Canva’s Design School. Implement a strategy like this by identifying and communicating on the channels your audience prefers. If their attention is on email or Snapchat, that’s what matters. Be sure to personalize every message as well. Embrace that channel and encourage customers to contact you directly. Whenever you communicate, ensure that it sounds as if it comes from a human.

    Loyalty rewards for customers –

    Customer loyalty, which has repeatedly demonstrated itself to your business, deserves appreciation. 80% of your sales can be generated by them. Therefore, it makes sense to recognize and reward them.

    Build a loyalty platform with clear consumer benefits, and layer in customer-generated content to help build a community. With a great voice of the customer (VOC) strategy–including questions and answers, ratings and reviews, and visual content–your customers will feel right at home consuming and adding their own voice to your community.” –  Eric Taylor • Director of Product Management, TurnTo Networks

    Among the numerous programs offered by Reebok is VIP experiences, training and wellness, partner rewards, and more. These programs may cost Reebok less than a gift-based rewards plan. Customers who purchase products and services a second time spend 70% more than those who buy them for the first time. Customers are more likely to spend more when they have developed a sense of trust in their preferred brand over time. Having satisfied customers will likely lead to more sales and more referrals. Customers who are loyal will not only keep returning but will also spread brand awareness through word-of-mouth marketing.

    A customer loyalty program is a wonderful way to encourage your consumers to stay loyal to your brand. Customer engagement is one of the best ways to reap rewards from your service.

    Clients who have remained with you for an extended period may qualify for a free or reduced subscription. Try offering an exclusive preview of a new product or service to loyal customers and discount the price. On the other hand, send your most loyal customers personalized gifts or rewards, such as hampers or gift certificates. (Learn more about this)

    Attend to complaints and apologize when mistakes are made –

    Poor customer service causes 89% of consumers to do business with a competitor. Online complaints about poor customer experiences were ignored by 79% of consumers.  Every complaint you receive, there are other customers who encountered the same issue but did nothing about it. Take complaints seriously. They provide valuable information. There should be clear information about where to complain, how to complain, complaints should be handled promptly, the customer should be invited to complain, and the company should pledge to resolve the complaints.

    Managing complaints, finding root causes, and fixing them should be carried out by someone in the organization.   It is important that policies and processes for handling complaints are disclosed to customers and employees, that employee training on handling complaints be provided, and that both customers and employees feel empowered to resolve complaints, as well as that complaints data be collected and analysed, and that technology be integrated to support complaints-handling and generate useful management reports.

    In business, mistakes cannot be avoided no matter how hard you try. If you do not respond appropriately to a mistake, you could lose your valuable customers whether it was a data breach, an outage, a billing error, or something else.

    Are you using the right customer retention strategy?

    Retaining B2B customers is possible in many ways. However, not every strategy will work every time. But if you keep the customer’s needs in mind, they’ll be happy to purchase from you whenever possible. Interested in getting ahead of the competition?

    Customer retention programs improve customer lifetime value, reduce costs, and build long-term relationships. By using Blaash.io strategies, you can gain a clearer understanding of your target audience, find topics and keywords based on their interests, and tailor your content accordingly. Talk to us right away!

  • Games are drivers for Sustainable Consumer Behaviour

    Games are drivers for Sustainable Consumer Behaviour