Customer experience (CX) is the sum of all interactions and perceptions a customer has with your brand, from the first marketing touchpoint to post-purchase service and support. It’s shaped by three key elements:
- product quality
- ease of doing business
- human or digital interactions
In today’s digital marketplace, CX is a key competitive differentiator that drives customer loyalty and brand growth.
How does customer service relate to customer experience?
Customer service is a vital component of CX, focused on resolving issues and supporting customers when they need help. CX encompasses the broader journey, including marketing, sales interactions, onboarding, and ongoing communication.
How is brand experience different from customer experience?
Brand experience and customer experience are related concepts but cover engagement with different audiences. Brand experience is the overall perception and emotional connection a person has with your brand, including non-customers. Customer experience refers specifically to those who engage with your brand as buyers or users.
What are the impacts of positive vs. negative customer experience (CX)?
The quality of customer experience (CX) directly and indirectly impacts business outcomes. Great (CX) builds loyalty, increases lifetime value, and encourages advocacy. Poor CX drives customer churn, generates negative word-of-mouth, and can significantly harm revenue.
How can companies improve customer experience (CX)?
To effectively improve CX, companies must continuously measure customer satisfaction at each journey touchpoint, use conversation analytics to identify friction, and implement process improvements that boost convenience, personalization, and speed. Agents should be empowered with real-time insights and comprehensive customer histories.
How do you measure CX effectively?
Measuring CX effectively requires a mix of direct feedback and indirect measures:
- Direct feedback: CSAT, NPS, Customer Effort Score
- Indirect measures: Sentiment analysis, churn rate, first contact resolution rates
Analyzing unsolicited feedback from conversations using AI provides a clearer, more representative picture.