Keeping customers engaged can be challenging. With the rise of online shopping, brick-and-mortar retailers need to find innovative ways to enhance the in-store experience and drive foot traffic. One effective solution is the use of digital kiosks, which offer a range of benefits for both customers and retailers. A recent study has found that 74% of shoppers prefer stores with interactive kiosks, demonstrating a strong appetite for this technology. However, simply installing kiosks is not enough to ensure their success. Retailers must also focus on strategies to keep customers engaged with these interactive tools. Here are some tips to help retailers maximize the potential of in-store digital kiosks:
Promote awareness
Make sure customers are aware of the kiosks and their capabilities. Use signage, in-store announcements, and social media to promote the availability of kiosks and encourage customers to use them.
- Signage: Use eye-catching signage near the kiosks to grab customers’ attention and inform them of the kiosk’s purpose and benefits.
- In-store announcements: Make regular announcements over the store’s PA system to remind customers of the kiosks and encourage their use.
- Social media promotion: Share posts on social media platforms highlighting the availability of kiosks in-store and the unique features they offer.
Provide valuable content
56% of shoppers use kiosks to research products, leading to more informed purchase decisions. Ensure that the content available on the kiosks is relevant and valuable to customers. This could include product information, reviews, tutorials, and interactive features that enhance the shopping experience.
- Product information: Offer detailed information about products available in-store, including specifications, features, and pricing.
- Reviews and ratings: Incorporate customer reviews and ratings to help shoppers make more informed purchasing decisions.
- Tutorials and demos: Provide instructional videos or interactive demos to showcase how products work and demonstrate their benefits.
Offer incentives
Encourage customers to use the kiosks by offering incentives such as discounts, special offers, or loyalty rewards for using the kiosk to make a purchase or gather information.
- Discounts and special offers: Provide exclusive discounts or special offers to customers who use the kiosks to make purchases.
- Loyalty rewards: Reward customers with loyalty points or rewards for using the kiosks, encouraging repeat visits and purchases.
Optimize usability
Make sure the kiosk interface is intuitive and user-friendly. Customers should be able to navigate the kiosk easily and quickly find the information they need. Regularly gather feedback from customers to identify any usability issues and make improvements accordingly.
- Intuitive interface: Design the kiosk interface with simplicity and ease of use in mind, minimizing the number of steps required to access information or complete transactions.
- Quick navigation: Ensure that customers can quickly find the information they need without having to navigate through multiple menus or screens.
Personalize the experience
90% of shoppers feel more positively about a brand after participating in a personalized shopping experience. Use data analytics and customer insights to personalize the experience for each user. This could include offering personalized product recommendations, tailored promotions, or customized content based on past purchase history or browsing behavior.
- Data analytics: Use data analytics to analyze customer behavior and preferences, allowing for personalized recommendations and promotions.
- Customer segmentation: Segment customers based on demographics, purchase history, or browsing behavior to tailor the kiosk experience to their specific interests and needs.
Keep content fresh
Regularly update the content available on the kiosks to keep it fresh and engaging. This could involve showcasing new products, highlighting seasonal promotions, or featuring user-generated content such as customer reviews or social media posts.
- Regular updates: Schedule regular updates to the kiosk content to feature new products, promotions, or seasonal offerings.
- User-generated content: Incorporate user-generated content such as customer reviews, testimonials, or social media posts to add authenticity and relevance to the kiosk experience.
Offer assistance
Provide customers with the option to request assistance from a sales associate directly from the kiosk. This could be in the form of a live chat feature or a button to call for assistance. Offering personalized assistance can help address any questions or concerns customers may have and increase their confidence in making a purchase.
- Live chat support: Provide customers with the option to initiate a live chat session with a sales associate directly from the kiosk interface for real-time assistance.
- Call for assistance button: Include a prominent button on the kiosk interface that customers can press to request assistance from nearby staff members if needed.
By implementing these strategies, retailers can effectively keep customers engaged with in-store digital kiosks and enhance the overall shopping experience. With the potential to increase engagement, improve product discovery, reduce wait times, offer personalized experiences, and drive sales, digital kiosks have become a valuable tool for retailers looking to stay competitive in today’s evolving retail landscape.
