The customer experience is evolving in the automotive industry with the rise of self-service options like Carvana - making it even more critical for automotive dealerships to pay special attention to the customer journey and work to create a memorable experience. Auto dealerships that are in search of new ways to upgrade the customer experience may find the right fit on this list of Top 5 Customer Experience Strategies in the Automotive Industry created by boostCX.
Best Strategies for Customer Experience Management in Automotive
Providing customers with a memorable experience requires a strategic approach and customer experience management (CXM) tools can help you achieve your goals. In the automotive industry, effective CXM translates to real-world benefits. Modern customers expect personalized experiences and smooth transitions between the online research phase and in-person dealership visits. Research has shown that companies with stronger omnichannel engagement retain more customers compared to those with weaker strategies. Prioritizing the customer experience builds the trust needed for both initial sales and long-term service loyalty.
Here are five key strategies automotive businesses may want to consider:
1. Employ Hyper-Personalization
Generic marketing messages and service reminders will not tip the scales. Automotive businesses need to leverage customer data - including vehicle information, service history, past interactions, and stated preferences - to tailor every aspect of the customer journey. Businesses can send service reminders based on actual vehicle data or driving patterns, suggest relevant accessories for specific models, or provide personalized upgrade offers and financing options when the time is right. This level of personalization shows that you understand the individual customer and their automotive needs.
2. Engage with Customers on Multiple Channels
Today's car shoppers and service department customers interact across multiple channels - online research, configuring cars on apps, asking questions via live chat, calling the service department, and visiting the dealership in person. An effective strategy ensures a seamless and consistent omnichannel experience, allowing customers to switch between channels without losing context or having to repeat information. For example - starting a finance application online should transition smoothly to an in-person appointment, just as service questions asked via chat should be accessible to live agents on the phone.
3. Analyze Real-Time Customer Feedback
Don't wait weeks to learn from a customer's experience. Ask customers right after key interactions like a vehicle purchase, test drive, or service appointment for their feedback. The experience will be fresh in their mind and the responses will be organic. Employ short surveys via SMS or email immediately following these events, and actively monitor online review sites and social media for valuable feedback. Analysis of the feedback in real-time allows dealerships to quickly address any negative experiences and identify positive trends or areas that need improvement at your business.
4. Employ Digital Showrooms and Enhanced Online Tools
Most customers research vehicles online before ever setting foot in a dealership. Dealerships can enhance their digital experience with tools like high-quality virtual vehicle tours, interactive 3D configurators allowing them to build their dream car, online trade-in estimators, and transparent pricing information. While full Virtual Reality (VR) experiences continue to develop, comprehensive digital tools that provide convenient and detailed information are essential for engaging modern car shoppers and streamlining their car-buying experience.
5. Use AI and Technology to Analyze Customer Interactions
Leverage the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other technologies to gain more information from customer interactions. AI tools can analyze call recordings, chat transcripts, and open-ended survey feedback to identify customer feelings, common questions, and emerging issues faster than manual review of customer feedback. This technology can also help predict customer needs in the future that can include potential service requirements or the customer’s likelihood to purchase, enabling more proactive and personalized engagement strategies.
READ MORE: Top 5 Customer Experience Trends in Automotive
Implementing these Top 5 Customer Experience Strategies in the Automotive Industry is important to navigating the expectations of today's consumers. By focusing on hyper-personalization, omnichannel engagement, real-time analysis of feedback, innovative digital tools, and leveraging AI for deeper insights, automotive dealerships and manufacturers can build stronger relationships, create long-term loyalty, and drive long-term growth.