We have come across many inventions that revolutionised the world and affected people’s lives. For businesses and companies, one of the transformative inventions has been self-service IVRs. Undeniably, superior customer service entails attentive listening to customers’ complaints and issues and effectively resolving them. However, it might be challenging to address and resolve every piece of customer feedback or complaint.
This is where you need the help of automated phone menus called self-service interactive voice response. In this article, we will see what self-service IVR is and the 6 best business strategies for customer-centric self-service IVR.
Understanding Self-service IVR
Before delving into business strategies, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of what self-service IVR entails. As the name suggests, a self-service IVR solution is an automated phone menu that helps in interacting with customers and addressing their complaints. This highly advanced service solution can yield significant savings for the company. Furthermore, these systems offer convenient customer service, making them an excellent choice for businesses.
Types of Self-Service IVR Solutions
A multitude of self service IVR solutions are available to assist businesses. These solutions can be different based on many factors but they all serve one purpose; be IVR customer service. Among the wide range of options, here are the most common types.
- Traditional IVR: Don’t let the word “traditional” fool you. These IVR services implement voice prompts used to guide customers regarding their call. You would find this type of IVR with many companies as it is adaptable and can handle a load of inquiries.
- Digital IVR: This type of IVR leverages AI to process customer inquiries innovatively. It provides better customer interaction intuitively. It is an ideal option for those looking for IVR solutions that can deal with complex inquiries.
- Outbound IVR: This IVR solution facilitates interaction between companies and their customers via automated messages and notifications. Their implementation is highly used in reminder tasks and other communications.
- Visual IVR: This IVR utilizes graphical representations, primarily found on smartphones and websites. It typically aids users by providing visual guidance for navigating through customer feedback.
Advantages of Self-Service IVR
The discussion of IVR self-service solutions wouldn’t be complete without mentioning their appealing benefits. It has many benefits over traditional systems. Below are a few major advantages;
- 24/7 availability: With many customer services, they usually work 14 to 16 hours a day. This is due to manual labour and working time. But with digital IVRs, there is 24/7 availability. This will give customers access at any suitable time. Especially for customers in different time zones, this solution proves to be highly beneficial.
- Cost-saving: By adopting IVR solutions, businesses can save time and resources otherwise spent on manual tasks. Their capability to manage complex projects makes them a smart choice.
- Increase customer satisfaction: If customers know that there is a customer service solution, that will help them with any inquiries. Any information and answer will be readily available to them and can enhance their experience. With no complicated service, it will save them time as well as resources.
- Lower wait time: Many manual services involve wait times that can hinder workflow. With IVR solutions, you can expect to be directed immediately to the department that can solve your issue.
6 Business Strategies for Customer-Centric IVR Self-Service
Since IVR is optimized around customers, they should have their main functionalities being customer-centric a priority. This will enhance the customer experience as well as boost your company’s success. To achieve better achievement with IVR solutions, implement the following strategies.
Personalize the IVR Experience
Providing a personalized experience can elicit positive responses from users. This will ensure that customers feel safe and heard. Make sure to interact with them normally and have recollections of their previous experience. This will give the IVR an insight into the client’s needs and respond accordingly. You should also work alongside natural language processing which will give you a more personalized interaction.
Have an Easy-To-Use and Integrated IVR
There is no need for complexity in use and integration if you aim to work toward better customer satisfaction. A simple and understandable language is one step in assuring a better understanding of its working. Through this, a detailed guide or instruction regarding the client’s inquiries is expected. Make prioritising an easy-to-implement and user-friendly IVR your top goal.
Provide Alternative IVR Customer Service
There may be instances where an automated phone menu is insufficient to address clients’ inquiries. Some even would opt for options like live agents to interact with more than self-service IVR solutions. It should be easy to be directed to any available customer service options.
Inform customers about the time required to switch to their selected options. Some may even want to work with IVR options to reduce wait time. But, no matter what option they decide to interact with, there should be a seamless transition.
Implement Data Analytics
Analysis of any data will showcase what clients need to improve or enhance. Data about customer interaction with the company will be helpful to notice trends and patterns regarding strong and weak spots. Integrate options such as personalized experience and better voice recognition that are certain ways of achieving success.
Work With Visual Representations
The best way to interact and work with customers would be through visual representations. A self-service with a graphical representation will ensure a more personalized experience that is easy to use. Numerous companies employing visual IVR solutions have found it a potent contributor to their success.
Integrate Well With Other Tools
You will be faced with circumstances where you might need to transition from service to service. At this moment, your IVR solution should be accessible by any device and service necessary for your business. This will create a seamless interaction between customers and respective fields. A smooth transition between services and any tools will make sure the other strategies above are carried out.
Final Thoughts
All in all, these strategies assure that your self-service IVR is customer-centric. By doing so, an easy, personalized, and convenient user experience will be guaranteed. Being open-minded to what strategies and processes lead to enhanced experiences will put your business on a path to success.
A customer-centric IVR self-service approach brings numerous advantages. It ensures round-the-clock availability, enabling customers to access support at their convenience. By reducing the dependency on manual labour and streamlining complex inquiries, businesses can achieve significant cost savings. Moreover, a customer-centric IVR approach enhances customer satisfaction by providing readily available information and reducing wait times.
