Discovering Untapped Potential; TikTok for Business

In the UK, more time is spent on TikTok every day than on all the other Social Media platforms combined.

In today’s digital age, where social media platforms reign supreme in shaping consumer behaviour and driving business success, TikTok is a force to consider seriously. While many businesses may still perceive TikTok as a platform primarily for entertainment and viral dance challenges, the reality is that it has evolved into a dynamic ecosystem offering unparalleled opportunities for businesses across various industries. Tapping into TikTok in 2024 could be a game-changer for those in the Mobility Healthcare Industry. 

Let’s delve into why.

1 Revolutionising Search Engines:

TikTok isn’t just another social media platform; it’s becoming one of the most popular search engines globally. Users flock to TikTok not only for entertainment but also to discover fresh content, explore interests, and find solutions to their problems. For businesses in the mobility healthcare industry, having a presence on TikTok can significantly enhance your visibility and reach among potential customers.

2 Simplicity at its Core:

TikTok thrives on simplicity, unlike some platforms that require elaborate setups or technical skills. If you have a smartphone and can generate creative ideas while staying attuned to current trends, you’re already equipped to create compelling content that resonates with TikTok’s audience.

3 Captivating Engagement Opportunities:

With users spending an average of 41 minutes daily on TikTok, the platform offers unparalleled opportunities for businesses to captivate audiences with their creativity. Whether showcasing innovative mobility solutions or sharing user testimonials, TikTok provides a platform for companies to engage with consumers meaningfully.

4 Appealing to All Ages:

Contrary to popular belief, TikTok’s appeal extends far beyond the younger demographic. With over a third of its UK users over 30, businesses in the mobility healthcare industry have a unique opportunity to engage with a diverse range of age groups on TikTok.

5 Proven Conversion Power:

The influence of TikTok on consumers’ purchasing decisions cannot be underestimated. In the past year alone, 52% of TikTok users have bought a product because they saw it on the platform. For businesses in the Mobility Healthcare Industry, this statistic underscores the platform’s potential as a powerful tool for driving conversions and sales.

6 Video for Victory:

TikTok’s emphasis on short, visually engaging video content aligns perfectly with today’s consumer preferences. Whether demonstrating the functionality of a new mobility device or sharing user success stories, businesses can leverage TikTok’s unique format to create compelling narratives that resonate with their target audience.

7 Real Connections Matter:

TikTok isn’t just about broadcasting content; it’s about fostering genuine connections with your audience. By creating personalised and interactive experiences, businesses in the Mobility Healthcare Industry can build trust and loyalty among their followers, ultimately translating into stronger brand affinity and customer retention.

8 Power Packed Features:

TikTok offers a range of features tailored to meet businesses’ needs, from product showcases to sales drives and campaign measurements. With intuitive tools, you can streamline your marketing efforts and maximise your impact on the platform.

In conclusion, TikTok represents a goldmine of untapped potential for businesses in the Mobility Healthcare Industry. By leveraging its expansive reach, engaging content formats, and powerful conversion capabilities, companies can elevate their brand presence, drive sales, and forge meaningful connections with their target audience. As we venture into 2024, now is the time for Mobility Healthcare businesses to embrace TikTok and unlock a world of possibilities for growth and success.

How to go about using TikTok for Business

Understanding Your Audience

Creating content that appeals to the TikTok demographic and understanding their sense of humour, interests, and behaviours is essential.

Take it Slow

Instead of jumping into paid marketing campaigns on TikTok, take time to explore and understand its organic content landscape.

Authenticity is Key

One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to marketing. This platform resonates with content that is real, relatable and fun. TikTok uplifts creators who build trust and connect with their audience organically.

Harnessing TikTok Ad Features

TikTok presents many ad options, including In-feed ads, Branded Takeovers, TopView, Branded Hashtag Challenges, and Branded Effects. Knowing which suits your business objectives and marketing strategy can drastically boost your campaign’s impact.

Monitor, Evaluate and Adjust

Keep your hands on the pulse of your analytics. Understand what’s working and equally what’s not. Continuously fine-tuning your strategy will help keep your TikTok marketing on track. Remember, each social media platform is different, and constant learning and adaptability are crucial to success!

TikTok Ad Accelerator Course

Bringing Brick-and-Mortar Retailers into the Online Arena: A Survival Guide

In the age of digital dominance, brick-and-mortar retailers have faced an unprecedented challenge. Once the cornerstone of shopping experiences, physical stores compete against the vastness and convenience of the online marketplace. However, all is not lost. With strategic adaptation and a focused online presence, brick-and-mortar retailers can survive and thrive in their local areas, retaining and acquiring customers.

Mobility all started with a walking stick, or so the saying goes. Brick-and-mortar shops, once bustling hubs of commerce and community, faced a new reality with the advent of the Internet. With access to endless information and options, customers began shifting their purchasing habits online. The convenience and seemingly infinite choice offered by e-commerce platforms lured them away from physical stores.

Then came the unexpected blow of the COVID-19 pandemic, which accelerated this trend, leaving many traditional retailers reeling. Suddenly, the once vibrant high streets and out-of-town shops struggled to survive in the face of lockdowns and restrictions.

While enjoying the convenience of online shopping, customers began to miss the tangible experience of browsing through physical stores. The lack of choices in brick-and-mortar establishments left them disappointed and disconnected. Once a significant factor in consumer behaviour, brand loyalty took a back seat to immediacy and availability.

But hope is on the horizon, especially for mobility retailers and other brick-and-mortar businesses. It’s time to fight back and reclaim lost ground online.

The key lies in leveraging the unique strengths of physical stores while embracing the opportunities presented by the digital world. Here are some strategies to consider:

  1. Harness the Power of Expertise: Brick-and-mortar retailers often boast a wealth of knowledge and expertise in their respective fields. This expertise can be a powerful tool for engaging customers online. Whether through informative blog posts, how-to videos, or live Q&A sessions, sharing valuable insights can help establish your store as a trusted authority in your niche.
  2. Create an Online Presence: Establishing a solid online presence is essential for reaching customers beyond your local area. This includes having a user-friendly website, active social media profiles, and an e-commerce platform for online sales. Ensure your online presence reflects your brick-and-mortar store’s unique personality and offerings.
  3. Capture Customer Data: One of the biggest challenges for brick-and-mortar retailers is capturing customer data for follow-up communication. Implementing email sign-up forms, loyalty programs, or even in-store surveys can help you gather valuable contact information from online visitors and in-store customers.
  4. Personalise the Experience: Personalise the online shopping experience using your customer data. Send targeted email campaigns, offer personalised recommendations based on past purchases, and meaningfully engage with customers on social media. You can foster stronger relationships and encourage repeat business by making customers feel valued and understood.
  5. Provide Seamless Omnichannel Experiences: Strive to create a seamless customer experience across online and offline channels. Allow customers to research products online and seamlessly transition to purchasing in-store. Offer options like click-and-collect or in-store pickup to cater to varying preferences.
  6. Focus on Customer Service: Finally, always appreciate the power of exceptional customer service. Make it easy for customers to contact you with questions or concerns online or offline. Respond promptly to inquiries, address any issues or complaints with care, and go above and beyond to exceed customer expectations.

In conclusion, while the rise of online shopping has posed significant challenges for brick-and-mortar retailers, it has also opened up new opportunities for growth and innovation. Brick-and-mortar retailers can compete effectively in their local areas and beyond by embracing digital marketing strategies, leveraging their expertise, and prioritising customer engagement. With the right approach, they can retain their existing customer base and attract new customers in an increasingly competitive landscape.

To discuss your digital marketing strategy, contact Mike at info@mgretailconsulting.co.uk or tel 07480801256.

Take the Growth Accelerator Survey

AI For Small Business The Game Changer

There is a lot of chatter about AI, and I wanted to discuss the elephant in the room. Does it apply to me and my business? The answer is a resounding yes because it’s as fundamental as the Internet and the mobile phone.

This is an extract from Bill Gates’s blog.

“I knew I had seen the most significant technological advance since the graphical user interface.

This inspired me to think about everything AI can achieve in the next five to 10 years.

The development of AI is as fundamental as the creation of the microprocessor, the personal computer, the Internet, and the mobile phone. It will change the way people work, learn, travel, get health care, and communicate with each other. Entire industries will reorient around it. Businesses will distinguish themselves by how well they use it.” To read more of this blog, click here.

The ongoing digitisation wave and the ever-increasing use of AI technology are revolutionising various industries. In particular, the mobility and healthcare sectors are currently at a critical juncture of transformation, with AI being an indispensable component. Incorporating AI is a strategic advantage and necessary for small enterprises operating in these sectors.

1. Enhanced Customer Experience

AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants are the frontline soldiers of digital customer care. For businesses in the mobility and healthcare realm, this implies instant responses to queries, real-time troubleshooting, and 24/7 support. It’s not just about convenience but also about providing a seamless experience to patients and customers.

2. Predictive Maintenance in Mobility Devices

In mobility aids, like wheelchairs and scooters, downtime can significantly hinder a user’s quality of life. With predictive algorithms, AI can preemptively alert businesses about potential device failures. By analysing usage patterns and wear-and-tear data, AI can forecast when a device might malfunction, enabling timely maintenance and ensuring the end users aren’t stranded.

3. Personalised Healthcare Solutions

One size rarely fits all, especially in healthcare. AI algorithms can assess individual health records, monitor patient progress, and suggest bespoke treatment plans or mobility solutions. This personal touch can make all the difference in a patient’s recovery journey or enhance mobility.

4. Efficient Inventory Management

Keeping a tab on inventory is critical, especially when dealing with healthcare products or mobility aids. AI can help predict demand, monitor stock levels, and even automate reordering processes. This efficiency level can prevent potential stock-outs, ensuring patients and customers can always access the necessary products.

5. Data-Driven Decision-Making

Small businesses often need more resources to conduct large-scale market research. Enter AI. AI can provide insights into market trends and customer preferences by analysing customer reviews, feedback, and purchasing patterns. For the mobility and healthcare sectors, this means understanding the evolving needs of their demographic and making informed product or service modifications.

Let’s explore practical examples of how AI is utilised in retail and manufacturing, especially in the mobility and healthcare industries.

AI isn’t just about futuristic concepts or advanced labs; it’s a pragmatic tool reshaping industries. The retail and manufacturing sectors, crucial elements of the mobility and healthcare ecosystem, are a testament to this evolution. Through concrete examples, let’s explore how these sectors harness AI for transformative results.

1. Enhanced Customer Experience: Virtual Try-Ons

Eyewear retailers, especially those selling assistive eyeglasses, use AI-powered virtual try-ons. Customers can upload their photos and virtually “wear” different glasses, getting real-time feedback on fit, aesthetics, and even lens clarity tailored to their prescription.

2. Predictive Maintenance in Mobility Devices: Smart Factories

Factories producing mobility aids now incorporate AI-driven sensors into their assembly lines. These sensors detect anomalies in real-time during production, ensuring that any faulty device part is identified and corrected before reaching the end user. This ensures product quality and minimises the risk of device malfunctions post-purchase.

3. Personalised Healthcare Solutions: AI-Powered Recommendations

Some online pharmacies or health tech platforms use AI algorithms to analyse customer purchase histories and health data, offering personalised supplement or medication recommendations. This can be particularly helpful for those with chronic conditions or specific mobility challenges.

4. Efficient Inventory Management: Smart Shelves

Brick-and-mortar stores selling healthcare products or mobility solutions have begun adopting ‘smart shelves’. These AI-powered shelves detect when stock is running low and automatically reorder necessary items. This ensures that customers always find what they need in-store.

5. Data-Driven Decision Making: AI in Quality Control

Manufacturers of prosthetics or orthopaedic aids use AI-driven quality control systems. These systems scan each product, comparing it to a ‘perfect model’. Any discrepancies, be it a millimetre size or a slight variation in shape, are detected instantly, ensuring each product meets the desired standard.

Conclusion:

Crafting an Effective AI Strategy with Real-World Insights

While the AI landscape might seem vast and overwhelming, the key is to harness its power in ways that resonate with your business model and customer needs. By studying these practical examples:

Identify Relevant Use-Cases: Not every AI application might suit your needs. Choose what aligns with your business goals.

Collaborate: Consider partnering with tech companies or AI experts who can guide your implementation journey.

Customer-Centricity: Whether in retail or manufacturing, always keep the end customer in focus. After all, AI should enhance their experience, not complicate it.

In the transformative world of mobility and healthcare, AI emerges as a technological marvel and a practical tool driving business success.

Crafting an Effective AI Implementation Plan

While the advantages of AI integration are manifold, small businesses must approach adoption with a strategic mindset. Here are some suggestions:

Start Small: You don’t need a large-scale overhaul from the outset. Start with a singular AI application, gauge its impact, and expand.

Invest in Training: Implementing AI tools isn’t enough. Your team needs to know how to use them effectively. Consider periodic training sessions or workshops.

Stay Updated: The world of AI is fast-evolving. Make it a point to stay abreast of the latest advancements and integrate them when beneficial.

Prioritise Data Privacy: With excellent data power comes great responsibility. Ensure that your AI tools comply with privacy regulations, especially in the sensitive healthcare domain.

AI is not a futuristic concept for small businesses in the mobility and healthcare sectors—it’s the present. Embracing it can redefine customer experience, operational efficiency, and business growth. Embrace it not out of novelty but of the need to innovate, serve better, and grow. AI emerges as a game-changer in a world where personalisation and promptness are paramount.

To learn more about how AI can add value to your business, email info@mgretailconsulting.co.uk.

The Power of Customer-Centricity

The Benefits for Your Business

In today’s fast-paced business landscape, thriving organisations often place the customer at the centre of their operations. Being customer-centric is more than just a trendy phrase—it’s a paradigm shift in how businesses approach their markets, products, and services. But why is it so crucial, and what tangible benefits can businesses expect? Let’s delve in.

  1. Boosted Customer Loyalty

Customers gravitate towards businesses that understand their needs and values in a world of choices. Customer-centric businesses tend to have more loyal customers by building solid and lasting relationships. This loyalty not only means repeated sales but also reduces the cost of acquiring new customers.

  1. Enhanced Reputation and Brand Image

Even in the digital age, word of mouth remains one of the most influential marketing tools. When businesses prioritise exceptional customer experiences, satisfied customers naturally become brand ambassadors. They’re likelier to leave positive reviews, recommend the business to friends and family, and engage with the brand on social media.

  1. Higher Revenue Streams

A study by Deloitte and Touche found that customer-centric companies were 60% more profitable than those not focused on the customer. By understanding and anticipating customer needs, businesses can offer tailored products and services that meet and exceed expectations. This often translates to customers willing to pay a premium for better experiences.

  1. Improved Product and Service Development

Being tuned into the voice of the customer enables businesses to create products and services that truly resonate with their audience. Feedback loops, surveys, and other data-driven methods ensure that the business is always on the cutting edge of what the market demands.

  1. Efficient Marketing and Reduced Costs

With a deep understanding of customer personas and preferences, businesses can tailor their marketing efforts more precisely. This clarity increases the effectiveness of marketing campaigns and can lead to reduced marketing costs and less waste.

  1. Empowered Employees

When the entire organisation, from top to bottom, aligns with a customer-centric vision, employees often feel a stronger connection to the company’s mission. They understand their role in ensuring customer satisfaction and are more motivated to deliver exceptional service. This, in turn, leads to increased employee satisfaction and reduced turnover.

  1. Long-Term Growth and Sustainability

While short-term gains can be alluring, the longevity of a business often depends on its ability to foster lasting relationships with its customers. A customer-centric approach, by nature, is geared towards long-term sustainability. As businesses evolve and adapt to changing customer needs, they ensure continued relevance in the market.

Conclusion

While becoming a customer-centric business might require time and effort, the benefits are undeniable. In the long run, it’s an investment that pays off manifold, ensuring businesses survive and thrive in a competitive marketplace.

Embracing a customer-centric approach is more than just good business—it’s the cornerstone of modern, successful enterprises. So, as you chart the future of your business, remember to place the customer at the heart of all you do.

To see how customer-centric your business is, take the two-minute quiz and get a full report.

How Customer-Concentric Is Your Business

The Rise of the Experience Economy

Introduction: 

In today’s dynamic marketplace, businesses continuously seek innovative ways to attract and retain customers. One such approach that has gained significant traction is the concept of the experience economy. Coined by Joseph Pine and James Gilmore in their groundbreaking article in 1998, the experience economy emphasises the shift from a traditional good and services-based economy to one focused on delivering memorable customer experiences. In this article, we will explore the experience economy and its potential benefits for the hospitality and retail sectors in the UK. Additionally, we will discuss the impact of Covid-19 on these sectors and the changes businesses have made to adapt to the new normal.

“Experiences are inherently personal,existing only in the mind of an individual who has been engaged on an emotional physical intellectual or even spiritual level”

Welcome to the Experience Economy by Joseph Pine and James Gilmore 1998

Understanding the Experience Economy 

The experience economy revolves around customers seeking more than just products or services—they crave engaging and immersive experiences that leave a lasting impression. This shift in consumer behaviour presents a golden opportunity for businesses in the hospitality and retail sectors to differentiate themselves and build long-term customer loyalty.

 

Benefits for the Hospitality Sector 

Enhancing Customer Service: 

In the experience economy, customer service takes centre stage. Hospitality businesses prioritising personalised and exceptional customer experiences stand to gain a competitive edge. By investing in well-trained staff, seamless check-in processes, and anticipating guests’ needs, hotels and restaurants can create memorable experiences that drive customer loyalty.

Increasing Perceived Value: 

Customers are willing to pay a premium for experiences beyond the primary offerings. Hospitality businesses can enhance their perceived value and command higher prices by curating unique and immersive experiences, such as themed stays, guided tours, or chef-led cooking classes. This shift from price-based competition to value-based differentiation strengthens the industry’s profitability.

Fostering Customer Loyalty: 

Building customer loyalty is crucial in the hospitality sector. Businesses can cultivate long-term customer relationships by offering personalised experiences, tailored recommendations, and rewards programs. Loyal customers become brand advocates and have a higher lifetime value, making them invaluable assets to the business.

Advantages for the Retail Sector  

Creating Engaging In-Store Experiences: 

In the age of e-commerce, brick-and-mortar retailers face the challenge of attracting customers to physical stores. By transforming their spaces into experiential environments, retailers can offer unique and immersive experiences that are not replicable online. Interactive displays, product demonstrations, and engaging events create a sense of excitement and draw customers in, driving foot traffic and increasing sales.

Personalisation and Customisation: 

The experience economy places a strong emphasis on personalised offerings. Retailers can leverage customer data and emerging technologies to offer personalised recommendations, exclusive promotions, and customised products or services. By tailoring experiences to individual preferences, retailers can deepen customer engagement and foster brand loyalty.

Omnichannel Integration: 

The experience economy blurs the boundaries between online and offline channels. Retailers can leverage the power of digital technologies to create a seamless and integrated shopping experience. From online ordering with in-store pickup to immersive virtual reality experiences, embracing omnichannel strategies enables retailers to cater to customers’ evolving preferences and expectations.

The Covid-19 Effect and Adaptation 

The Covid-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the hospitality and retail sectors, forcing businesses to adapt to new realities. While the pandemic brought challenges, it accelerated specific trends aligned with the experience economy.

Shift to Contactless Experiences: 

The need for social distancing and hygiene measures prompted businesses to adopt contactless solutions. From mobile check-ins to digital menus and contactless payments, these adaptations prioritise customer safety while offering seamless and efficient experiences.

Embracing E-commerce and Delivery Services: 

The closure of physical stores during lockdowns accelerated the adoption of e-commerce and delivery services in the retail sector.

Retailers click here to learn more about using tech to help

Conclusion: 

The experience economy has emerged as a transformative concept for the hospitality and retail sectors in the UK. By shifting their focus from mere products and services to creating immersive and memorable experiences, businesses in these sectors can differentiate themselves, increase customer loyalty, and drive profitability. Through personalised customer service, enhanced perceived value, and a focus on fostering long-term relationships, the hospitality industry can thrive in the experience economy. Likewise, the retail sector can leverage engaging in-store experiences, personalisation, and omnichannel integration to attract customers and create lasting impressions.

The Covid-19 pandemic has undoubtedly presented challenges to these sectors but has also accelerated specific trends aligned with the experience economy. Businesses have adapted by implementing contactless experiences, embracing e-commerce, and enhancing delivery services to cater to changing customer preferences and ensure safety.

As the UK hospitality and retail sectors continue to recover and rebuild, incorporating the principles of the experience economy will be vital. By understanding the importance of delivering exceptional customer experiences, businesses can unlock new opportunities, foster loyalty, and thrive in a competitive landscape. Combining a well-executed experience economy strategy and the agility to adapt to evolving consumer needs will position businesses in the hospitality and retail sectors for long-term success. One thing that we take away from the misery of the pandemic years is that life is too short not to spend our time well.

Restauranteurs click here to learn more about using tech to help

Have you had a mini business service?

Many of you may drive a car and have it serviced regularly as per the manufacturer’s recommendation. And the reason you do that is to ensure that it remains reliable and works when you want it to.

Why is it then that things can go unchecked when it comes to our business, break down, and we don’t notice?
Or perhaps the set-up was wrong in the first place, and it’s never worked to full efficiency.

Your digital footprint and the way in which customers interact online will be the difference for many businesses.
Most customers start their search online when looking for products, services and solutions to a problem.

Before 2020, most searches were done using Google, and the volumes of searches grew massively throughout the year.

This is why today, more than ever before, is it important that your business is well represented on the internet. And that you have a system in place to focus on the key activities that drive your business.

The Mini Business Service will give you an overview of your digital footprint and how customers find you. It will also make some recommendations.

HOW IT WORKS
To help you get customers regularly and retain them best is by following a system, that works.

Getting the most out of any system needs all the right components to be in place doing their job.

The Mini Business Service will give you an unbiased overview of your digital footprint and how customers currently find you online. It will highlight opportunities available to most small businesses before spending on ads.

1 We first need to understand what your gap is.
You may want to have more regular customers and be able to anticipate customer flow better.


2 Then we take a look at your current marketing and marketing assets
You may have a website and Facebook that give you an online presence but no vehicle for information gathering.

3 Fix your marketing – your business promotion may have relied on word of mouth and some local advertising that has grown your business considerably. However, it would be best if you had a regular marketing plan that works in the background.

4 Knowing the score – here, we measure what works best and the results so that they may be repeated again and again. Also, we help you to look at an evergreen campaign and promotional ones.

If you have a small business and haven’t taken the time to take a look under the bonnet of your sales engine, then perhaps you should take a look at the Mini Business Service.

To take a closer look at your sales engine contact info@mgretailconsulting.co.uk or tel 01256 213020.

For more information click here