Are you torn between using long-form or short-form videos for your small business marketing campaign? Well, you are not alone. Despite 89% of consumers wanting to see more brand videos, there is no one-size-fits-all answer about the ideal video length.

However, this should not deter you from creating an effective video strategy. In 2023, people watched an average of 17 videos per day, highlighting the influence of video content in today’s digital landscape.

Both short-form and long-form videos offer unique advantages and come with their set of challenges. Join me as I uncover the benefits and limitations of each video format to help you make informed marketing decisions.

What are Short-Form Videos?

Short videos typically range from 30 seconds to less than 10 minutes long. They are popular on social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube.

Short-form videos deliver brief yet engaging messages that quickly capture the viewer’s attention. Here are some popular types of short-form video content.

TikTok Challenges

Instagram Reels

Snapchat Stories

YouTube Shorts

Twitter Video Ads

Benefits of Short-Form Videos

A previously cited report shows that 39% of marketers find short-form videos, ranging from 30-60 seconds long, more successful. The same study reports that 44% of customers prefer watching a short video to learn about a brand’s offerings.

So, it is evident that short-form videos have their benefits. Let’s take a closer look at some of them.

Attention-Grabbing 

Short-form videos capture attention quickly, making them ideal for the fast-scrolling nature of social media platforms. Your audience is more likely to watch them in their entirety compared to longer content.

Cost-Effective Production 

Creating short-form videos requires less time and resources compared to longer videos. As a small business owner with a limited budget, using short-form videos can be cost-effective. 

Increased Engagement

Short-form videos engage viewers due to their crisp and concise nature. This results in more likes, comments, and shares that boost your content’s visibility and increase brand awareness. 

Integrating short-form videos into your influencer marketing campaigns can further amplify your reach to new and diverse audiences. 

Highly Shareable

Short videos are highly shareable. This makes it more likely for your viewers to share them, increasing their virality. 

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There are multiple benefits of adding video to your website including increased engagement, improved SEO, and enhanced user experience.

Limitations of Short-Form Videos

While short-form videos offer many advantages in content marketing, they also present some challenges.

Limited Message Depth

Due to their brief duration, short-form videos may struggle to convey complex or detailed messages. Longer videos might be more suitable if you need to communicate intricate information.

Competition for Attention

Standing out on platforms flooded with short-form video content can be challenging. You must create content that stands out to avoid becoming lost in the sea of other videos.

Shorter Lifespan 

Short videos may lose their relevance with time. They can quickly get buried in users’ feeds, leading to a shorter visibility and engagement period than longer, evergreen content. 

This means you must consistently create short-form videos to maintain audience interest over time.

Limited SEO Impact

Short-form videos may be more challenging to optimize for search engines than longer, more keyword-rich content. This can affect the discoverability of your content outside the social media scene.

What are Long-Form Videos?

Long-form videos are typically longer, ranging from a few minutes to several hours. They extend beyond a few minutes to several hours, providing ample time for in-depth topic exploration and detailed content. 

These videos are particularly suitable for educational content, product demonstrations, and narrative-driven storytelling. Long-form videos are common on platforms like YouTube and Vimeo. Common types of long-form video content include:

YouTube Series

Webinars

Educational Tutorials and Courses:

Behind-the-Scenes Content 

Interviews and Conversations

Advantages of Long-Form Videos

Long-form video content is the fastest-growing segment, with videos above 30 minutes experiencing tremendous growth over the years. Let’s explore some of the benefits behind this growth.

Establishes Expertise and Credibility

Long-form videos allow you to provide in-depth information about various subjects, establishing your brand as an authority. Potential customers will likely trust and rely on your insights when you consistently deliver valuable content.

Builds Strong Audience Connections 

The more your audience watches your videos, the more they become familiar with your content and brand. This consistent engagement promotes trust and loyalty, helping you create deeper connections with your audience.

Provide SEO Optimization Opportunities

Long-form videos keep your audience engaged for a longer duration than short ones. This signals search engines that your content provides value, resulting in higher rankings and increased visibility. 

Besides, these videos provide opportunities to optimize for relevant keywords. This Attrock guide offers more insights into the value of SEO for your small business. 

They Are Sustainable

Unlike short videos, well-produced and valuable long-form videos have an extended shelf life. They can continue to attract views and engagement over an extended period, contributing to a sustainable content strategy.

Instagram reels are also a part of short videos and you can get benefits from this platform by integrating it with your website. You can learn how to embed Instagram Reels on websites and get extra benefits from your Reels.

Drawbacks of Long-Form Videos

Despite their benefits, long-form videos also have certain limitations, including:

Attention Span Challenges

Between distractions, juggling tasks, and information overload, user attention span quickly diminishes. Viewers may lose interest and disengage from your long video before its conclusion.

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Complex Production Process

Creating high-quality long-form videos requires more resources, including time, equipment, and skilled personnel. This can be disadvantageous, especially for small businesses with limited budgets.

Platform Limitations

Some social media platforms and video hosting sites may limit video length, making it challenging to distribute long-form video content. You may then be forced to repurpose your content to suit various platforms. 

Short-Form or Long-Form Videos: Which Are Better?

Now that you know the benefits and limitations of each format, which one should you choose? Short-form or long-form videos?

Well, it all boils down to considering several factors, such as: 

Content Objectives

What do you want to achieve from your video marketing campaign? Short-form videos are highly effective for quick brand exposure and generating buzz. Long-form videos, on the other hand, contribute to a more in-depth understanding of the brand.

Target Audience Preferences

Audiences with short attention spans likely prefer short-form videos, while long-form videos appeal to those seeking a more immersive experience.

Similarly, short-form videos may appeal more to younger audiences, while older demographics may prefer the depth of long-form content.

Platform Dynamics

Various platforms support different content formats. Short-form videos are well-suited for platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat. On the other hand, platforms like YouTube and Vimeo are better for hosting longer videos.

Industry Type

Short-form videos would be ideal if your industry thrives on trends, entertainment, and quick messages. However, long-form videos are effective for industries requiring in-depth explanations or educational content.

Bottom Line 

Ultimately, choosing short-form or long-form videos depends on your business’s specific needs and goals. Since both formats have advantages and limitations, making a choice may prove difficult. 

However, it doesn’t have to be an uphill task. The key lies in recognizing when to incorporate each video format into your marketing strategy. Understanding your audience and its needs allows you to combine both formats strategically, maximizing the benefits of each. 

Continuously analyze performance metrics and adapt your video marketing strategy accordingly to ensure optimal engagement and conversion rates.

Twitter is among the biggest social media platforms that focus on micro-blogging. People of varying areas or expertise use the platform to post daily.

Whether you own a brand or want to be an independent creator, garnering an audience on Twitter is crucial.

But that task is not easy; it requires much work and a lot of luck. You can quickly succeed by using a site to buy Twitter followers.

We will cover how to purchase Twitter followers, what to consider, and the benefits of that purchase.

How To Buy Twitter Followers?

Buying Twitter followers is extremely easy, and your job is to find a reputable provider to buy real followers from.

There are a lot of Twitter growth service providers with different strengths and weaknesses. Utilizing one or the other might provide better or worse success.

For that reason, we compiled a list of the best places to buy Twitter followers so you can know which providers are safe and provide high-quality followers.

5 Best Sites to Buy Twitter Followers

Reviewed, tried and tested. You can buy followers with confidence from these sites with the highest-quality real, followers.

Rating: 9.7/10

UseViral is the ultimate choice when purchasing Twitter followers, owing to its unparalleled reputation for delivering high-quality results and fostering genuine social growth.

On this site, you can also buy TikTok followers.

What sets UseViral apart is its steadfast commitment to providing authentic and engaged followers.

Unlike many platforms offering fake Twitter followers, UseViral ensures that the followers you receive are users with real Twitter accounts. 

Having real followers means your content is more likely to be seen, engaged with, and shared by an actual audience.

UseViral’s track record of success speaks volumes about its effectiveness. Countless satisfied customers have witnessed remarkable increases in their follower count, engagement rates, and overall online presence after using UseViral’s Twitter growth services. 

Features

Real and Active Followers – UseViral offers genuine and active Twitter followers to boost your credibility.

High-Quality Profiles – The followers provided by UseViral have complete profiles, enhancing authenticity.

Targeted Followers – You can choose followers based on your niche and interests.

Quality Assurance – The platform ensures followers match your target audience.

Pros

Access to a Diverse Audience –  Reach followers from various demographics and interests.

Higher Likelihood of Virality –  More followers can increase the chance of viral tweets.

Improved Follower Engagement –  Acquired followers may engage more actively.

Known for helping users buy real instagram followers authentically.

Recommended as one of the best places to buy x followers (formally Twitter).

Cons

If people detect that you bought followers, it can damage your reputation.

In the Media

Useviral has been featured in: Business-Review, WashingtonCityPaper, Santa Cruz Sentinel, and Chicoer.

Pricing

UseViral offers package options, such as 1,000 Twitter followers for $31.5 and a packet of 5,000 followers for $145.95.

For more info, visit UseViral.com.

Rating: 9.5/10

SidesMedia is a compelling choice for purchasing Twitter followers and is a close second option due to its customer-oriented approach and solid commitment to quality. 

One standout feature that sets SidesMedia apart is its refund policy. This policy demonstrates their confidence in delivering genuine and high-quality Twitter followers.

Customers unsatisfied with the provided followers can request a refund, ensuring a risk-free investment.

Moreover, SidesMedia’s dedication to customer satisfaction is commendable. 

Their always-available customer service team is ready to promptly address inquiries, concerns, or issues. 

A robust refund policy and good customer support make SidesMedia a trustworthy platform for those seeking to boost their Twitter following. 

Features

Interactive Followers – Gain followers more likely to engage with your content.

Niche Relevance – Choose followers who have interests aligned with your content.

Improved Social Proof – Higher follower count enhances your profile’s credibility.

Algorithm-Friendly – SidesmMedia’s approach aligns with Twitter’s algorithm.

Pros

Strengthened Online Presence –  Boost your Twitter following in your industry or niche.

Improved Content Validation –  Higher follower count validates your content.

Opportunity for Thought Leadership –  Build authority with a larger audience.

Cons

Some of the bought followers might lack genuine interest in your content.

Pricing

You can purchase 2,500 Twitter followers from SidesMedia at $100.00, and they also provide a larger package of 10,000 followers for $350.00.

For more info, visit SidesMedia to buy Twitter followers

Rating: 9.3/10

With a focus on genuine Twitter growth and personalized strategies, Growthoid is a reliable choice for enhancing your Twitter presence.

One of the standout qualities of Growthoid is its commitment to organic and authentic growth. Unlike many social media growth services that offer fake followers, Growthoid emphasizes real, engaged Twitter users who are genuinely interested in your content. 

Growthoid’s personalized approach is another remarkable feature. The platform takes the time to understand your niche, target audience, and content style. 

By attracting followers who are genuinely interested in your niche, Growthoid ensures that your Twitter account gains relevant and valuable connections.

Features

Customizable Delivery Speed – Adjust the pace at which followers are added; they also have the option for instant delivery.

No Risk of Suspension – Growthoid’s method adheres to Twitter’s terms of service.

Long-Term Benefits – Acquired genuine followers can lead to sustained engagement.

Enhanced Visibility – Higher follower count increases your Twitter views.

Pros

Broader Product/Service Awareness –  More users can understand your offerings.

Greater Event Visibility –  Promote events to a larger and more diverse audience.

Increased Social Influence –  More high quality followers can amplify your influence.

Cons

Users may express skepticism or criticize your choice to buy followers openly.

Pricing

For those seeking to boost their Twitter presence, Growthoid offers 2500 followers for $74.50 and a more extensive package of 15,000 followers priced at $399.50.

Rating: 9.2/10

Twesocial offers a comprehensive solution for individuals and businesses aiming to enhance their Twitter presence and is a great site to buy Twitter followers from.

Twesocial’s team of experts understands the intricacies of Twitter’s ecosystem. 

Their hands-on approach involves helping you throughout the process to ensure you get the best chance at success on Twitter. They ensure that you receive help and guidance even after purchasing the service.

With Twesocial’s extensive experience, you can trust that your Twitter profile is in capable hands. 

Whether you’re an influencer, a brand, or an individual seeking to boost your Twitter presence, Twesocial’s commitment to authentic engagement and organic Twitter growth makes it a standout choice in Twitter follower acquisition.

Features

Improved Brand Perception – More followers can positively impact your brand’s image.

Suitable for All Users – Twesocial caters to various needs from individuals to businesses.

Active Engagement – Gain organic followers more likely to like, retweet, and reply.

Competitive Advantage – Stand out in your niche with a substantial follower count.

Pros

Opportunity for Brand Partnerships –  More new followers can attract business partnerships.

Improved Trend Participation –  Engage in trending topics with a larger audience.

Access to Niche Communities –  Connect with like-minded users in your niche.

Cons

Depending solely on purchased followers could suppress your efforts to foster authentic interactions and connections.

Pricing

Get started with Twesocial’s Twitter follower packages and their affordable prices, such as 500 followers for $16.50 or the more extensive option of 5,000 followers available for $145.5.

Rating: 9.1/10

Although last on our list TokUpgrade is still better than all the sites we didn’t mention but only tried. One of its remarkable attributes is its support for multiple languages, catering to a global user base. 

Moreover, TokUpgrade’s geocentric approach sets it apart. They understand that targeted followers are more valuable, and their ability to provide followers from specific geographical regions allows users to tailor their follower base according to their content and audience. 

TokUpgrade’s understanding of the Twitter algorithm is another strong point. They recognize that follower growth is most effective when aligned with the platform’s algorithmic principles. 

Features

Customizable Packages – Select the number of followers that suits your growth goals.

Gradual Delivery – Followers are delivered gradually to mimic organic growth.

No Password Required – You don’t need to share your Twitter password to get followers; they only need your Twitter handle.

Instant Activation – Experience rapid activation of your order.

Pros

Increased Content Engagement –  Reach more users with your content.

Streamlined Marketing Efforts –  Reach a larger target audience with campaigns.

Higher Perceived Value –  Gain recognition and perceived value among followers.

Cons

Customer support can be hard to reach and may take hours.

Pricing

TokUpgrade’s affordable options include 1,000 Twitter followers for $31.50 and a comprehensive package of 10,000 followers for $279.50.

Why Should You Buy Twitter Followers?

Twitter’s full potential as a popular social media platform is impossible without followers.

Without followers, you can’t get feedback, and your Tweets can’t reach the screens of millions of users.

Here are some advantages to purchasing Twitter followers:

Time Efficiency

Organically building a substantial follower base requires extensive effort, including consistent engagement, content creation, and networking. By buying followers, you skip this time-consuming phase and instantly boost your follower count.

A larger follower base fosters quicker engagement with your tweets. 

Organic growth often requires time for your content to reach a wider audience, whereas purchased followers can immediately interact with your tweets, saving time waiting for engagement.

Increased followers lead to amplified visibility, making your tweets and profile more discoverable. Buying Twitter followers reduces the need for proactive outreach to attract attention, thus saving time spent on outreach campaigns.

Enhanced Professionalism

Purchasing organic Twitter followers can significantly enhance your professionalism by projecting a sense of authority and credibility.

A larger follower count suggests that your content and ideas are valued by a substantial audience, positioning you as a reputable figure within your industry.

As a professional, a robust Twitter following can provide opportunities to share insights and industry news and engage in meaningful conversations. 

Your tweets are more likely to be taken seriously and shared among a wider audience, amplifying your reach and impact.

Networking Opportunites

Buying real Twitter followers can significantly contribute to creating networking opportunities by expanding the reach of your profile and increasing your visibility within the platform’s ecosystem. 

With a larger follower base, your tweets are exposed to a broader audience, including potential industry peers, collaborators, and thought leaders. 

As your tweets gain more retweets, likes, and comments, they are more likely to appear in users’ feeds and attract attention.

The chances that big corporations contact you for partnerships will increase, and you can profit from these deals.

Attention-Grabbing

Attention-grabbing is a critical advantage gained by purchasing Twitter followers. A substantial follower count instantly distinguishes your profile and content in a sea of online voices. 

As users scroll through their feeds, more followers make your tweets stand out, increasing the likelihood of them pausing to read, engage, and share.

This visibility not only extends to your current followers but also attracts new, organically interested users who perceive your account as a valuable source of information.

Your tweets gain immediate prominence with purchased followers, reinforcing your brand’s visibility and message.

What To Look For When Buying Twitter Followers?

Certain aspects of sites that provide cheap Twitter followers are more important than others. We compiled the following factors you need to consider when choosing which site to buy followers from:

Long-Term Value And Support

When considering the purchase of genuine Twitter followers, assessing the long-term value they bring to your account is paramount. 

While an immediate boost in follower count may be enticing, focusing on the enduring impact these followers will have on your account’s growth and engagement is essential.

Long-term value extends beyond mere numbers; it involves followers who actively interact with your content, share your tweets, and contribute to meaningful discussions. 

Quality followers enhance your credibility and establish a foundation to help you in the long run.

Good Retention Rate

Retention rates are a crucial factor to consider when purchasing targeted Twitter followers. While an immediate boost in follower count is enticing, the value lies in followers who remain engaged over time. 

High retention rates signify that the acquired followers are genuinely interested in your content, increasing the likelihood of continued interactions, retweets, and meaningful engagement.

Choosing a service focused on retention ensures that your follower count doesn’t experience a sudden drop shortly after the purchase. 

Accounts with low-quality followers might result in a temporary spike followed by a rapid decline as those followers unfollow due to lack of interest.

Extensive Customization Options

A platform that offers customization allows you to dictate the pace at which followers are added, aligning with your content release schedule and organic growth patterns. 

Customization extends beyond just the rate of growth. It encompasses the ability to specify the type of followers you want to attract, such as those interested in your niche or from particular geographic locations. 

This targeted approach enhances your follower base’s relevance and engagement potential, as these followers are more likely to interact with your content and contribute to meaningful conversations. 

Organic Delivery & Support

Unlike rapid and sudden spikes in follower count, organic growth focuses on gradual and natural increases, mirroring how genuine accounts accumulate followers over time. 

This approach is crucial for maintaining the authenticity of your account and avoiding suspicion from other users and Twitter’s algorithms.

Organic delivery ensures that the followers are added to your account in a way that doesn’t raise red flags. 

Instead of an instantaneous surge, the followers are introduced gradually, simulating how real users engage with your content and follow your account. 

Wrapping it up 

Twitter remains a significant platform for individuals and brands alike. A substantial follower base on Twitter is essential to establishing influence, credibility, and engagement. 

By carefully considering organic Twitter growth service providers, adhering to organic growth principles, and weighing the advantages and potential drawbacks, individuals and businesses can leverage purchased followers to enhance their social media presence. 

When coupled with genuine engagement and valuable content, this method contributes to a holistic strategy that fosters meaningful connections, amplifies visibility, and drives success on Twitter.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Can I choose the location of the followers I buy?

Yes, many reputable service providers offer the option to choose the location of the followers you buy. 

This feature allows you to target followers from specific geographic regions, ensuring that your follower base aligns with your content’s target audience and niche. 

By selecting followers from particular locations, you can enhance your Twitter account’s relevance and engagement potential, as these followers are more likely to be interested in your content and interact with your tweets. 

What is the best site to buy Twitter (X) followers?

The best site to buy Twitter followers in 2024 is UseViral.com from our independent review and audit, they prove real and high quality followers for your profile, followed by SidesMedia and then Growthoid.

Do purchased followers have profile pictures and bios?

When you purchase followers from reputable service providers, they typically provide followers with profile pictures and bios. 

Profile pictures and bios add realism to the followers, making them seem like real Twitter users. 

Having followers with profile pictures and bios enhances your Twitter account’s overall credibility and authenticity, making it more appealing to existing and potential followers.

Do I need to provide my Twitter password to buy followers?

No, you need not provide your Twitter password when purchasing followers from reputable service providers. 

Trusted platforms operate without requiring your password to deliver followers to your account. 

This practice ensures that your personal information remains protected and that you can safely enhance your follower count without risk to your account’s integrity. 

Will other users be able to tell that my Twitter followers are purchased?

Other users won’t be able to tell that your real Twitter followers are purchased if you buy from reputable, high-quality service providers. 

Reputable platforms offer real and authentic-looking followers with profile pictures, bios, and engagement patterns resembling genuine accounts. 

This attention to detail helps blend the purchased followers seamlessly into your existing follower base.

About The Author: Antonio Lane Lorenzo is a tech entrepreneur who is passionate about marketing. He has helped hundreds of companies succeed on social media networks.

The world of business is a never-ending hustle. It can be hard for small businesses (SMBs) to keep up with established giants that have a lot of resources. Don’t worry, though—a revolution is on the way! SaaS, or software as a service, is revolutionizing the market by providing SMBs with technologies they previously couldn’t have afforded.

SaaS isn’t only a fancy phrase; it’s a ground-breaking leveling technology paradigm. Consider accessing strong capabilities such as customer relationship management (CRM) and project planning software, which were previously exclusive to large organizational chart makers. SMBs may easily manage customer interactions, optimize operations, and successfully cooperate with the help of SaaS services.

This article delves deeply into the revolutionary potential of SaaS for SMBs. We’ll look at how it affects cooperation, scalability, and creativity in addition to expenses. In the end, we’ll demonstrate how a strategic SaaS strategy opens the door to small enterprises’ long-term success in the fast-paced world of today. SaaS may be your secret weapon for growth, regardless of your company’s size—it can help bootstrapped startups as well as established local businesses. Let’s look into how!

Part 1: Leveling the Playing Field – SaaS’s Cost BenefitsIt used to be very expensive for small businesses to get software.

The initial investment in tool licenses, followed by regular maintenance costs, might put a serious dent in their budget. Unlike large companies with strong resources, SMBs were kept out of the game by this heavy price tag. 

SaaS employs a subscription model, which reverses the script.

Companies pay a fixed monthly price instead of a large upfront expense. For SMBs, this makes strong software significantly more realistic. Consider technology’s democratizing effect. Previously reserved for large companies, products like CRM, accounting software, or project management systems may now be used even in the smallest companies.

Imagine the possibilities!

With an easy-to-use SaaS CRM, a neighborhood bakery can handle client connections Within their means, they may monitor sales and even offer customized birthday promos. Without sacrificing budget, a strong project management system can help a freelancing designer wow customers and simplify productivity. SaaS gives SMBs access to the same potent tools used by industry giants, therefore enabling them to compete on a more equal playing field.

More on SaaS’s cost advantages:

Lower starting expenses:

Not exorbitant license costs. By allowing SMBs to invest in necessary business tools, SaaS helps them to liberate money for other purposes like marketing or hiring.

Predictable budgeting:

Unlike the variable expenses of conventional software purchases, monthly subscription prices are transparent and consistent. SaaS removes shocks from budgets!

No maintenance:

Software upgrades and maintenance fall to SaaS companies. This releases SMB resources for main company operations like customer service and marketing. Goodbye, IT hassles!

Scalability:

As company requirements change, SaaS subscriptions may be simply expanded or contracted. This lets SMBs stay away from underused licenses or costly software updates. Their strategy might change depending on the size of their team—growing or shrinking.

SMBs may greatly increase their financial situation by adopting SaaS’s cost advantages. This enables them to commit to other areas for long-term success and expansion. At last, they can concentrate on what is important: managing their company and reaching their objectives!

Part 2: Scaling with Agility: The Value of On-Demand SolutionsSoftware used to be a massive, inflexible beast.

The era where AI tools are becoming increasingly flexible, scalable, and on-demand is rapidly replacing the old paradigm of inflexible software solutions. Take, for example, the ChatPDF tool, which provides complimentary AI-powered interactions with PDFs, documents, and presentations. Furthermore, it enables users to promptly read, analyze, summarize, and translate PDFs across multiple languages.

Traditional methods required purchasing and installing sophisticated software on each machine. This long, costly procedure sometimes calls for IT experts who can easily be hired by using an IT support test. While scaling down resulted in wasted licences, scaling up necessitated large improvements.

On-demand solutions from SaaS flip the script.  

Living in the cloud, the software is available from any gadget with an internet connection. This removes difficult installs and lets companies easily grow their software use. Hiring a new team member? Just add yet another user to your SaaS subscription.

See the possibilities!  

A growing marketing organization may easily add fresh staff members to their system of marketing automation. There are no compatibility problems or hassle with program installations to handle. A seasonal firm like a landscaping company may simply cut its accounting software subscription in slower winter months to help with expenses by using a Klaviyo alternative.

SaaS provides agility advantages that release the potential for expansion:

The ability for remote work:

Employees utilizing SaaS may access critical corporate tools from anywhere with an internet connection. This encourages geographically scattered teams and a more flexible workspace. draw outstanding talent from anywhere! Using tools like slack org chart might help you to keep your team’s workspace organized

Simplified scaling refers to:

Users with a SaaS subscription may be added or removed quickly and simply. As their company grows, SMBs might change, and have a need to find a CTO to help them scale their technology infrastructure and oversee their technical operations.

Automotive updates:

SaaS companies automatically manage security fixes and software upgrades. This guarantees SMBs are always running the most recent and safest version of the program, therefore removing the need for possible security flaws and hand updates.

Embracing SaaS’s on-demand character helps SMBs to become agile and scalable. This enables businesses to run effectively with remote workers, adjust to shifting market circumstances, and concentrate on essential business operations rather than IT problems. At last, they can free themselves from the IT difficulties and concentrate on what really counts: the expansion of their company!

Part 3: Accepting Innovation – Slaying the CurveIt has always been difficult to keep software up-to-date.

New features can call for costly updates, and obsolete software could expose companies to security concerns. Often lacking the means to continuously upgrade its software, SMBs fell behind bigger businesses.

With automatic updates, SaaS turns the script around.  

New features, bug fixes, and security patches abound in SaaS companies’ continually updated software. All pages users get these updates immediately, which guarantees SMBs are always using the most recent and safest version.

Imagine the possibilities!  

The most recent tax rules automatically included in a SaaS accounting system help a small accounting business. Without any human involvement, an e-commerce business gains the most recent capabilities for handling online payments and deliveries.

SaaS has numerous advantages related to innovation:

continuous development:

SaaS companies are always developing fresh features for their systems. This helps SMBs to profit from the most recent developments without costly renovations.

Improved safety

Automatic updates guarantee SMBs always apply the most recent security fixes, therefore shielding their company from online attacks.

Pay attention to fundamental business:

Eliminating the requirement to handle software upgrades allows SMBs to concentrate their efforts on key company operations like customer service, innovation, and collecting customer feedback.

SaaS maintains SMBs at the forefront. They may use the most recent security and features free from the responsibility of running conventional programs. This helps them to keep ahead of the curve in the hectic corporate climate of today and compete successfully.

Part 4: Collaboration Made Easy: Promoting Teamwork and ProductivityCollaboration has always presented difficulties.  

Many times built data silos by on-site software, this makes team performance challenging. Different iterations of papers confused people, and communication remained jumbled.

With real-time teamwork, SaaS changes the script.  

SaaS apps built on clouds let many users access and change data at once. This gets rid of version control problems and promotes flawless cooperation.

Consider the opportunities!  

Working on a new campaign, a marketing team collaboratively uses cloud-based task management software. Updates guarantee everyone’s on-target by reflecting right away for everybody. Through a centralised SaaS CRM, a sales force easily distributes client data. This simplifies sales and enhances communication. Additionally, while evaluating SaaS tools, consider marketing goals as a factor for improving your company’s online presence. For instance, choosing a SaaS provider that helps with SEO and content marketing can ensure that your tools are well-supported with link building and keyword research, enhancing your team’s access to reliable, widely-used solutions.

SaaS has several advantages for teamwork:

Instantaneous changes:

Everyone notices changes right away, clearing uncertainty and lost time running many versions.

Enhanced dialogue:

By allowing teams to instantly exchange data and communicate, SaaS improves communication.

Greater output:

Excellent teamwork simplifies processes and increases team output.

Using SaaS’s collaborative elements will help SMBs enable their staff to operate more successfully. Improved communication, higher production, and finally greater business results follow from this.

Part 5: Building a Successful SaaS Strategy: The Road to Success

Unquestionably, SaaS has advantages; nevertheless, to maximise these benefits a strategic approach is absolutely essential. SMEs may create a successful SaaS plan as follows:

Identify needs.

Examining company demands carefully helps one to choose the best SaaS solutions. Investigate many possibilities and weigh features, cost, and integrations.

Be open to trials:

Use free samples and demonstrations to guarantee fit with current systems and user-friendliness. Test-drive many choices not too shy before making a purchase.

Giving staff members training and assistance will help to create a culture of user acceptance by means of new SaaS products. Provide easily accessible help lines and well defined documentation.

adopt an integrative perspective:

For a complete process, think about including many SaaS products. Many systems provide connectors or APIs to simplify procedures.

Regular assessment:

Review SaaS subscriptions often to be sure they fit changing company requirements. As your company expands, do not hesitate to change strategies or investigate fresh ideas.

There is an abundance of success tales!  

Once a small company uses a set of integrated SaaS products, it achieves notable efficiency. Strategic SaaS use’s scalability and accessibility to help a company flourish.

What’s the takeaway? SaaS enables SMBs to be global competitors. Using a strategic strategy will help them to achieve long- term success and unleash many advantages. SaaS is not just a choice in the ever-changing corporate scene of today; it’s the secret to releasing expansion and attaining long-term success for startups.

In summary

Small firms find SaaS to be a game-changer since the corporate environment is always changing. SaaS lets SMBs compete on a level playing field by removing upfront expenses, growing easily, and granting access to modern capabilities. From encouraging flawless teamwork to leading the innovation curve to offer better lead generation, SaaS has clear advantages. Small companies may open a road towards long-term success by using a systematic approach to SaaS deployment. SaaS is the future of enabling SMBs to flourish in the fast-paced environment of today, not just a technical trend.

As a marketer, I understand how today’s marketing campaigns face fierce competition. With so much content and ads competing for eyeballs, creating campaigns that stand out is no easy task. 

That’s where strategies like tagging come in. 

It helps you categorize and optimize your marketing efforts. It also helps your campaigns cut through the noise and reach the right audience.

To help you out, I’ve compiled nine ways brands use a tagging strategy to create an impactful marketing campaign. 

Let’s get to it. 

How Brands Use a Tagging Strategy

Tagging involves using keywords or labels to categorize and organize content, products, or customer data. You attach tags to specific items or information to make searching, sorting, and analyzing data easier. 

There are various types of tags, including meta tags, analytics tags, image tags, hashtags, blog tags, and more. 

So, how do brands use a tagging strategy to make their marketing campaigns stand out?

Improve Social Media Engagement

With over 5 billion users, social media provides an easy way to connect with your audience, build relationships, and promote your offerings.

Use a tagging strategy to boost social media interactions. Consistently use hashtags that align with current trends and topics. This encourages people to interact with your content and boosts content visibility.

You can also use tags to monitor brand mentions of your products or your industry. This allows you to engage with your audience promptly.

Consider virtual social media assistants to streamline your tagging strategy. These AI-driven tools can suggest relevant hashtags, track mentions, and automate responses. Implementing them can save time and resources while ensuring consistent engagement across your socials.

Build a Personal Brand on LinkedIn

LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional networking platform, with over 1 billion members across 200 nations. It offers excellent opportunities for individuals and businesses to build and nurture their brands.

However, simply creating a professional profile isn’t enough to build a personal brand on LinkedIn. 

Use various tags to increase your visibility, establish thought leadership, showcase expertise, and attract the right connections. For instance, use skill tags to showcase your expertise and industry tags to attract connections and opportunities within your industry. Use certification tags to help showcase your expertise and credibility to potential employers or clients. 

Facilitate Customer Segmentation and Personalization

Personalization matters—more so in today’s data-driven world. In fact, 65% of consumers expect your brand to adapt to their changing preferences and needs.

To meet this expectation, consider using a tagging strategy.

Segment your customers based on shared characteristics, such as demographics, interests, purchase history, cart abandonment, and behavior.

Here’s a summary of the steps to customer segmentation.

With your customer segments ready, use tags to tailor your marketing messages and offerings to specific segments. Imagine sending targeted email campaigns based on what your customers need. That’s the power of segmentation and tagging in action!

Enhance SEO and Content Discoverability

Tagging content can have a profound impact on search engine optimization (SEO) and content discoverability. When users search for specific topics or products, well-tagged content is more likely to appear in search results, driving organic traffic to your website. 

Additionally, tags can help you analyze the most popular topics with your readers. Then, the results of this analysis can help you adjust your content strategies accordingly.

And get this— certain AI tools can help analyze your content and suggest relevant tags and keywords. Using these tools in addition to a tagging strategy can help optimize your SEO strategies and boost content discoverability.

Partner with the Right Influencers

Influencer marketing has become a go-to marketing approach for modern brands. Recent stats show that 85% of marketers and business owners believe influencer marketing is an effective marketing strategy. 

But how do you find the perfect influencer for your campaign? 

Utilize tags to identify influencers who are relevant to your niche. Beyond this, find influencers who align with your brand values and target audience.

Additionally, look for influencers who use hashtags that are relevant to your campaigns. For instance, fashion influencer Chiara Ferragni uses #adv (advertising) and #ghd (good hair day) hashtags in this campaign.

Monitor industry-specific hashtags and mentions to discover influential voices and build profitable relationships with them. 

Track Hashtag Performance

Tracking your hashtag performance helps you understand your campaigns’ engagement, reach, and effectiveness.

To achieve this goal, assign special hashtags to each marketing project. This helps you see which hashtags generate the most engagement and reach, enabling you to refine your tagging strategy. 

Here’s an example of a hashtag performance report for the #SuperBowl2024.

This curated list of hashtag generators by Attrock discusses the top tools for your consideration. You can analyze each and choose the one that best fits your needs.

Categorize Content Accordingly 

The human attention span is shrinking. The last thing you want is for your audience to have difficulty in finding or navigating your content, get frustrated, and bounce.

Untagged content can be difficult to navigate and manage. As any marketer knows, content is important in digital marketing campaigns. 

To categorize your content, identify the main categories by topics, themes, campaigns, target audiences, or product lines. Then, assign relevant tags based on the categories you’ve identified. After that, implement a consistent tagging strategy for existing and new content. 

Organizing your content using tags can also help streamline your content management workflow. Most importantly, readers can easily find the content they’re looking for, thereby boosting overall user experience, engagement, and conversions.

Boost Your Email Marketing Strategy

Email marketing remains a powerful marketing tool in today’s digital world. It’s also another area where brands use a tagging strategy to directly reach their target audience.

Use tags to segment your email list and personalize your marketing messages. Then, you can send targeted emails based on factors like purchase history, interests, and demographics. 

Personalization can significantly improve open rates, CTRs, and overall engagement and conversion rates. It’s a simple yet impactful strategy to make your email marketing strategy more effective.  

Plus, you can use tags to track how well your emails perform with each group. This helps you understand what content resonates best with your audience and provides insight on how to improve your emails going forward.

Enhance Analytics and Reporting

Every marketer appreciates the immense value of data. For brands using tagging strategies, tags are powerful tools for gathering valuable data. 

Analyze how users interact with your tagged content. See which tags generate the most clicks, shares, conversions, and other forms of engagement. Gain insight into audience preferences and campaign effectiveness.

This granular data about your marketing efforts allow you to make data-driven decisions, allocate resources effectively, and refine your marketing strategies.

Final Thoughts 

There isn’t a single correct way for brands to use a tagging strategy in marketing. You can use a tagging strategy however you see fit. However, the bottom line is that this strategy offers you a simple yet powerful way to create attention-grabbing and unique marketing campaigns. 

Fortunately, tagging strategies are useful across various marketing initiatives, from social media and email marketing to SEO and more. 

So, if you’re ready to elevate your marketing campaign, build a strong brand presence, and stand out among the competition, consider employing effective tagging strategies today.

Content marketing is a dynamic field that evolves rapidly, and staying ahead requires significant effort. You’ll need to set strategic benchmarks to measure success, helping you improve wherever necessary.

Whether you’re a seasoned marketer or just starting, these benchmarks will help define your successes and failures. From there, you can optimize your strategies and achieve the desired results.

Metrics like tracking website traffic and enhancing brand awareness are part of the puzzle, as they provide clarity and direction. This article will explore ten essential content marketing benchmarks that will guide you through the complexities of digital marketing.

Quick Takeaways

Setting benchmarks and using metrics you want to reach gives clear insight into content performance.

Measuring total visits, unique visitors, and page views helps gauge content performance.

Focusing on average time on page, pages per session, and social interactions helps you create content that resonates with your audience.

Monitoring conversion rates, number of leads, and cost per lead helps you determine how much it costs to turn visitors into potential customers.

1) Website Traffic

Your website traffic is the number of visitors landing on your site. Tracking website traffic is crucial because it shows how well your content attracts and retains audience interest.

Key metrics include:

Total Visits: The overall number of times people visit your site
Unique Visitors: The count of distinct individuals visiting your site, eliminating duplicates
Page Views: The total number of pages viewed by all visitors

Analyzing these metrics helps you gauge your content’s performance. High traffic and page views indicate popular, engaging content while tracking unique visitors, enabling you to understand your site’s reach.

Use these insights to refine your content strategy and improve audience engagement.

2) Engagement Metrics

Engagement metrics measure how actively visitors interact with your content, reflecting its effectiveness and appeal. These metrics are essential because they show whether your audience finds your content valuable and engaging.

Image Source

Aspects to focus on include:

Average Time on Page: How long visitors spend on a page, indicating interest
Pages per Session: The number of pages a visitor views in one session, showing navigation and content appeal
Social Shares and Likes: How often your content is shared and liked on social media, reflecting its reach and popularity
Comments and Interactions: The level of visitor interaction, such as comments and discussions

To improve engagement, create high-quality, relevant content that resonates with your audience. Use compelling headlines, visuals, and interactive elements to keep visitors interested and encourage them to engage more deeply.

3) Lead Generation

Generating leads through content marketing is essential for turning interested visitors into potential customers. Effective lead generation drives business growth and increases revenue.

Metrics to track include:

Conversion Rate: The percentage of visitors who take a desired action, such as filling out a form or subscribing to a newsletter
Number of Leads: The total count of potential customers generated from your content
Cost per Lead: The expense incurred to acquire each lead, helping you assess cost-effectiveness

Enhancing lead generation involves creating valuable content that addresses your audience’s needs and offers solutions. Use clear calls-to-action (CTAs), optimize landing pages, and offer incentives like eBooks or free trials to encourage visitors to share their information.

4) SEO Performance

Over 50% of online shoppers use Google to discover new products or brands. As a result, SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is vital for content marketing success as it improves your content’s visibility on search engines, driving organic traffic to your site.

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Monitor metrics like:

Organic Traffic: The number of visitors coming from search engines, indicating your content’s reach
Keyword Rankings: How well your content ranks for specific search terms, reflecting its relevance and effectiveness
Backlinks: The number and quality of external links pointing to your content, enhancing its authority

Using relevant keywords, offering value, and ensuring your site is user-friendly can improve your site in search engines’ eyes. Regularly update your content, build backlinks, and use metadata effectively to improve your SEO performance.

5) Email Marketing

Email marketing plays a crucial role in content strategy, allowing direct communication with your audience and driving engagement. However, 72% of marketers don’t track the return they’re gaining through this channel.

Make sure you track:

Open Rate: The percentage of recipients who open your email, indicating its appeal
Click-Through Rate (CTR): The percentage of recipients who click on links within your email, showing content effectiveness
Unsubscribe Rate: The rate at which recipients opt out of your email list, reflecting content relevance

Your email campaigns should include attention-grabbing subject lines, provide valuable and relevant content, and feature clear CTAs.

Personalize your emails to resonate with your audience and use visually appealing designs to keep them engaged. Regularly analyze these metrics to refine your strategy and improve results.

6) Return on Investment (ROI)

Understanding the financial impact of content marketing is essential to gauge its effectiveness and justify the investment.

Consider:

Revenue Generated: The total income directly attributed to your content marketing efforts
Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC): The expense incurred to acquire a new customer through content marketing
Customer Lifetime Value (CLV): The total revenue a business can expect from a single customer account over time

Use data analytics to target the right audience and personalize content for the best results. Optimize your marketing funnel to convert leads efficiently, and continuously track and adjust your strategies based on performance metrics.

7) Content Production

Content production involves creating and publishing materials like articles, videos, and infographics to engage your audience.

Ensure you track:

Content Published: The number of pieces you create and release
Content Calendar Adherence: How well your team sticks to the planned publishing schedule
Content Quality Score: An assessment of content based on factors like readability, depth, and engagement

Consistent and high-quality content output is crucial for building trust and authority with your audience. A well-planned content calendar ensures regular posting while focusing on quality, which attracts and retains readers and drives better results for your content marketing strategy.

8) Audience Growth

Measuring your audience’s expansion helps you understand your content’s reach and impact.

Consider your:

Social Media Followers: The number of people following your brand on social media platforms
Email Subscribers: The count of individuals subscribing to your email list
Community Engagement: The level of interaction and participation in your online communities

Creating shareable content, engaging with followers on social media, and offering incentives for email subscriptions can help you reach your benchmarks. You’ll want to foster a sense of community by encouraging discussions, responding to comments, and hosting interactive events.

9) Brand Awareness

Content marketing is crucial in building brand awareness by making your brand more recognizable and memorable to your audience.

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Track metrics like:

Brand Mentions: The number of times people mention your brand online, revealing your visibility
Sentiment Analysis: Assessing the tone of these mentions to understand public perception of your brand

Consistently producing relevant content that resonates with your audience can build brand awareness. You’ll also want to utilize social media, guest posts, and influencer partnerships to broaden your reach.

Actively promoting your brand and maintaining a positive presence helps boost brand awareness, too.

10) Benchmark Comparisons

Using benchmarks to compare performance helps you understand how your content marketing efforts stack up against industry standards.

Look at metrics like:

Industry Averages: Comparing your metrics, like engagement rates and conversion rates, to typical figures within your industry
Competitor Analysis: Evaluating your competitors’ performance to identify strengths and weaknesses

Leverage benchmark comparisons to uncover areas for improvement and set realistic goals. Regularly reviewing these comparisons ensures your content marketing remains competitive and effective.

Take Your Content Marketing to the Next Level

Utilizing content marketing benchmarks is essential for driving success. Steps like tracking website traffic and engagement metrics, measuring ROI, and conducting benchmark comparisons offer critical insights into your performance, helping you achieve better results.

Integrate these benchmarks into your strategy today to enhance your content marketing performance and drive sustainable growth. Marketing Insider Group can create the engaging content you need to stay relevant to your audience with our Content Builder Services. Contact us to learn more or book a consultation with our team.

The main difference between poor and good customer service boils down to a single factor: empathy.

When customers are upset or frustrated, being empathetic changes how they feel about your brand. It shows you get where they’re coming from, calming them and making them more likely to give your company another chance.

The good news is that being empathetic isn’t that complicated.

To start, you can use customer service empathy statements to show customers you care. This lays the groundwork to help you better understand their concerns and proves you’re paying attention.

What is an empathy statement?

Empathy statements are words or phrases used in customer service interactions to communicate your understanding and validation of a customer’s feelings—essentially, to empathize with them.

Adding these statements to your customer service scripts is a great way to acknowledge the customer’s emotions, thereby building loyalty and improving customer satisfaction.

Ways to show empathy in customer service

Here are more empathetic call and chat support tips to build meaningful customer relationships:

Be approachable: Make your tone of voice, body language, and demeanor empathetic. And smile—a lot. This shows the customer you’re listening and keen to help.Active listening: Let the customer speak without interruption. Use verbal and non-verbal cues (think: nodding, paraphrasing their statements) to show you understand their concerns.Respond respectfully: Use positive and empathetic language during the conversation (“I’ll help you throughout the process to resolve your query”). Offer practical solutions or take genuine action to help.Validate their feelings: Allow angry and frustrated customers to vent and get it all out. Then validate their experiences, assuring them their issues are important. Even if you disagree with their perspective, don’t downplay their feelings.Take responsibility: Acknowledge mistakes and shortcomings on the company’s part, and apologize sincerely for the frustration or inconvenience caused. Take proactive steps to rectify the situation and stop similar issues from happening in the future.Why use empathy statements in customer service?

The simple answer is to show customers your company prioritizes their well-being over profits.

Here’s how customer service empathy statements make this happen:

Build rapport and establish trust

Trust is the foundation of long-term customer relationships, and empathetic agents earn the customers’ trust faster by making them feel heard and establishing positive sentiment. In turn, they become more willing to trust your intentions and accept support.

De-escalate tense situations

Customers expect prompt action from the company to address their concerns. Empathetic statements give them this reassurance and calm them, effectively de-escalating or diffusing potentially volatile situations.

This approach facilitates constructive dialogue and problem-solving, lowering the risks of negative publicity on social media platforms and customer churn.

Enhance customer satisfaction

89% of consumers prefer buying from brands that understand their needs and show care. Empathy statements are a solid step in meeting these expectations, helping you level with a customer’s emotions.

Customers feel valued and supported, even in challenging situations, which makes them more likely to leave the interaction feeling satisfied and positive about your brand. This approach can be particularly beneficial when you are developing a business plan or looking to start a business, as customer satisfaction is a key component of long-term success.

Create a positive customer service experience

Empathetic customer conversations pave the way for positive customer experiences, making customers feel valued and supported. What’s more, these positive experiences extend beyond individual interactions and shape a customer’s overall (positive) brand awareness and perceptions.

23 Essential empathy statements for every customer service interaction

Now that we’ve established why empathy is important, let’s review some key customer service empathy statements. Use the following phrases to convey you’re sympathetic to a customer’s issue:

When you want to acknowledge customer concerns

1. “I understand your frustration, (Customer Name).”

This statement acknowledges the customer’s frustration and validates their emotions.

2. “I appreciate you bringing it to our attention. Rest assured, I’ve made a note of your complaint and am looking into this right away.”

This phrase expresses gratitude and shows you’ve been listening actively to what they have to say.

3. “I’m sorry you’ve been experiencing this issue, (Customer Name).”

Apologizing is important for two reasons. Firstly, it recognizes the customer’s discomfort or inconvenience. Secondly, it shows you care for the customer’s brand experience.

4. “I can see why this is upsetting. We’ll work on resolving it together.”

This empathy statement validates and respects the customer’s emotions, and then promises a solution.

5. “I appreciate your patience as we work through this together.”

This is another great way to acknowledge customer concerns while asking them to be patient as you work on resolving them.

When you want to offer support and assistance

6. “Please allow me to assist you in this. “

The statement is respectful and offers direct support, showing your willingness to ease the customer’s challenges.

7. “We’re committed to making this right for you.”

Use this statement to reassure the customer of ongoing support and convey that your company is genuinely committed to helping them resolve their issue.

8. “I’m here to assist you until we find a solution.”

Similar to the above, this empathy phrase shows you want to make things right for the customer.

9. “Rest assured, we’ll work together to find a solution, (Customer Name).”

By emphasizing collaboration, this statement recognizes the customer as a partner in problem-solving and involves them in the resolution process.

10. “Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need further assistance.”

This is a great way to end an interaction after you’ve helped the customer with an issue, assuring ongoing support.

When you want to express understanding

11. “I’ve experienced a similar situation before, and I understand where you’re coming from.”

Sharing personal experiences is a great way to show empathy. When you relate to their situation, the customer feels they’re not alone in their struggles.

12. “It sounds like you’re feeling (emotion), and I want to help you.”

This phrase states you understand the customer’s perspective and that you‘re willing to support them emotionally.

13. “I want you to know that we genuinely care about your experience.”

This is another effective statement to validate the customer’s feelings, show empathy, and acknowledge their experience.

When you want to apologize sincerely

14. “We’re sorry for the trouble you encountered, (Customer Name). Rest assured, we’re taking this seriously at (Company Name).”

This statement expresses empathy for the difficulties the customer has faced and acknowledges your company’s responsibility for addressing them.

15. “Firstly, I want to apologize for the inconvenience this has caused you.”

Use this to show you understand the impact of the issue on the customer and express regret for their frustrations.

16. “I’m genuinely sorry for the frustration you’re facing, (Customer Name).”

In addition to expressing genuine empathy, this phrase voices a sincere desire to alleviate the customer’s problem.

17. “I apologize to hear you’re going through this.”

Just like the previous statement, use this to empathize with the customer.

When you want to reassure customers

18. “Rest assured, I’m going to do everything I can to resolve this.”

This reassuring phrase gives the customer confidence their issue will be addressed and resolved promptly.

19. “Thank you for letting us know. We’ll work quickly to find a solution for you.“

Showing a sense of urgency in resolving issues is a crucial aspect of empathetic customer service. You recognize the importance of the customer’s time and ensure their needs are being prioritized.

20. “You’re a valued customer at (Company Name), and your satisfaction is my top priority.”

Use this customer service empathy statement to reassure the customer their well-being and satisfaction are important to you.

When you want to empathize with specific situations

21. “Billing errors are understandably stressful. We’ll get this sorted right away.”

Use this to acknowledge billing errors and reassure the customer the issue will be addressed on a priority.

22. “I know waiting for a resolution can be inconvenient. I’m here to assist you in any way I can.”

The statement works for two reasons. One, it acknowledges the customer’s wait empathetically. And two, it respectably offers support and assistance.

23. “I understand how frustrating dealing with technical issues can be. I thank you for your patience.”

This statement acknowledges the challenges associated with technical issues. Use it to show you understand the customer and that they’re not alone in that situation.

Real-world examples of prime customer service empathy statements

Here are a few real-life examples showing how customer service empathy statements work, each highlighting the crucial elements of good customer service:

Address the root cause

In December 2015, Airbnb faced accusations of racial profiling and discrimination. Instead of ignoring the problem, Airbnb took action: The CEO sent the following email to all clients, addressing the issue:

Apology email from Airbnb CEO to customers

Moreover, Airbnb implemented a new policy to combat discrimination and conducted an audit. It also launched an inclusion campaign to promote diversity and equality.

Actively listen

Zappos makes it a point to listen to its customers’ concerns and feedback actively. Reps engage in genuine conversations with customers, taking the time to understand their needs and preferences, whether it’s finding the right shoe size or resolving a shipping issue. Things like these helps companies grow and gain more customers.

Here’s how Founder Nick Swinmurn described his company’s empathetic customer service to Harvard Business Review:

Clipping from Harvard Business Review article interviewing Zappos founder.

Take ownership

Amazon is renowned for being a customer-centric organization, where reps are empowered to take ownership of customer problems. If a customer is dissatisfied with a purchase, Amazon staff members take responsibility for resolving the issue promptly, whether it’s offering a refund, exchange, or finding an alternative solution.

Twitter screenshot of Amazon answering a customer complaint.

Be flexible

Adobe is another great example of flexible and empathetic customer service. When users encounter issues, Adobe reps are quick to help. They guide users to articles in the help center or connect them with experts for 1:1 support.

Twitter screenshot of Adobe answering a customer complaint

Follow through

After a guest’s son left his beloved stuffed giraffe behind, Ritz-Carlton Hotels went above and beyond. Not only did the staff locate the toy, but they also sent a package containing the giraffe, along with goodies and a binder. This binder humorously documented the giraffe’s extended stay, acknowledging a little white lie the guest had told their son.

Takeaway thoughts

Here’s the thing: Customer decisions are often emotional rather than logical, making empathy a powerful tool to strengthen customer connections. Even if the perfect solution isn’t always possible, using empathy statements in customer service builds strong bonds with clients.

If you’re looking to maintain a human touch in your customer service interactions, check out

HelpCrunch customer service tool. It’s designed to streamline agency operations across emails, chatbots, and mobile apps. By leveraging empathy statements through the platform, you can build rapport with clients, boosting loyalty and lifetime value.

US Internet providers must now display clear pricing and product information. HP Ink controversy continues to stain the company’s reputation with consumers. Is the EU’s competition legislation working? Early numbers seem to show it might be. And there’s a 10 million dollar bet that Elon Musk is wrong about AI.

All this and more on the “all bets are off” edition of Hashtag Trending. I’m your host, Jim Love. Let’s get into it.

New regulations from the Federal Communications Commission have taken effect yesterday, mandating that all broadband internet service providers clearly display labels detailing the prices, speeds, data caps and other key information about their service plans.

The rules are aimed at helping consumers make more informed choices by requiring ISPs to disclose this data in a simple, standardized format akin to nutrition labels on food products.

In addition to fees charged, the labels must also now list any monthly data caps or overage fees, upfront costs like equipment rental fees, a provider’s customer service contact information, and any other plan limitations like throttling policies.

Despite this progress, consumer advocacy group Next Century Cities   continued to push for even more information, saying that these broadband “nutrition labels” often overstate the real-world speeds customers can expect or obscures caps and fees.

Speaking to the FCC last month, one group urged that in addition to maximum speeds, the labels should show the average speeds users actually experience, as estimates of “typical” speeds are frequently overly optimistic.

While comprehensive, some experts warn the amount of required disclosures could overburden smaller ISPs with limited resources compared to industry giants. For now, only providers with more than 100,000 subscribers must comply and smaller providers have been given an additional year to comply.

The FCC is still gathering feedback on whether to mandate the display of promotional pricing periods and expiration dates, as well as taxes and fees beyond the base rate.

Next Century Cities is further advocating for a streamlined complaint process to report issues like digital discrimination in broadband deployment to the commission.

With the labeling rules now in place, the hope is that customers will be better equipped to comparison shop for broadband and avoid being misled about the true costs and capabilities of different internet packages.

Sources include: ArsTechica, Engadget, and BroadbandBreakfast

Of all of the emails I get about stories, the HP printer issue is near the top of the list. People write me, with their frustrations. And it turns out, they take these to the courts as well.

Printer owners are pushing back against HP Inc. in an ongoing class action lawsuit over firmware updates that allegedly disabled their devices from using third-party ink cartridges.

In a filing this week in an Illinois court, the plaintiffs accused HP of using software changes to monopolize the replacement ink market and “take advantage of customers’ sunk costs” in HP printers.

The consumers claim that despite never agreeing to only use HP-branded ink, recent firmware updates prevented their printers from accepting more affordable third-party cartridges.

They allege HP violated several anti-competitive statutes through this “tying scheme” accomplished via unauthorized software changes solely aimed at blocking rival ink suppliers.

The plaintiffs are seeking damages covering the cost of now-useless non-HP cartridges, as well as an injunction forcing HP to undo the firmware lockout.

For its part, HP insists it went to “great lengths” to inform buyers that its printers are designed to exclusively use HP cartridges containing security chips.

The company says the updates represent legitimate “dynamic security” measures to combat counterfeit ink, and that it does not conceal or block remanufactured cartridges reusing official HP chips.

HP also argues the plaintiffs cannot claim overcharge damages from the manufacturer under federal antitrust laws when they purchased through intermediaries.

As printer makers increasingly push subscription models, the controversy highlights long-standing tensions over the high costs of proprietary ink replacements versus third-party alternatives.

The bitter legal battle seems primed to further antagonize HP’s customer base over what critics condemn as anti-competitive practices designed to sustain lucrative ink sales.

Sources include: The Register

We’ve done a number of stories on legisltation and regulation from the EU that is aimed at increasing customer choice and promoting real competition. Is it working? In one case it seems to have had an impact.

It turns out that some alternative web browsers are reporting an uplift in user interest and downloads in the European Union following the recent enforcement of a new digital regulation called the Digital Markets Act or DMA.

The landmark rules, which took effect last month, require dominant tech gatekeepers like Apple and Google to present mobile users with choice screens displaying alternative browsers and other core apps.

The goal is to shake up competition against pre-installed defaults and make users more aware of their options beyond Safari on iOS or Chrome on Android.

While it’s still very early days, several smaller browser makers have already shared positive metrics pointing to increased attention from EU users.

Norway’s Opera says new user growth was up 63% from February to late March, while fellow Norwegian browser Vivaldi reports a 36.7% jump in EU downloads, rising to nearly 70% in the eight countries where it appears on Apple’s choice screen.

The privacy-focused Brave browser also cited a doubling of daily iOS installs in the EU compared to pre-choice screen levels.

And little-known Cyprus-based rival Aloha claimed to have seen 250% growth in new users as it jumped from the 4th to 2nd biggest EU market.

However, not all alternative browsers are seeing clear gains yet. Veteran players like Mozilla’s Firefox, DuckDuckGo and Ecosia say it’s too early to accurately assess the DMA’s impact as choice screen rollouts are still ongoing, although some claim that these browsers are purposely holding back from reporting success because they want to keep the pressure on to make the choices even more clear and easier to adopt.

For example, the are complaints that Apple’s iOS implementation in particular has significant design flaws hampering users’ ability to make meaningful choices about switching browsers.

The European Commission has open investigations into suspected cases of improper compliance by the tech giants, including Apple’s choice screen methodology.

With this continued pressure from the largest alternative browsers, and given the EUs track record, it is likely they will be monitoring closely to ensure dominant gatekeepers are genuinely opening their platforms to greater competition and consumer choice as intended.

Sources include: TechCrunch

Some tech industry CEOs are putting their money where their skepticism is when it comes to Elon Musk’s ambitious predictions about artificial intelligence surpassing human intelligence in the next few years.

During a recent interview, the billionaire claimed AI will likely exceed the cognitive capabilities of any single human by the end of 2024, with AI as a whole outstripping the combined intelligence of all humans within just five years.

But those bold forecasts are being met with raised eyebrows and big bets from some AI experts who view Musk’s timeline as wildly unrealistic.

Gary Marcus, CEO of machine learning startup Geometric Intelligence, publicly offered up $1 million to anyone, including Musk, who can prove him wrong.

That prompted Damion Hankejh, CEO of ingk.com, to raise the stakes even further, saying he’d cover a $10 million wager against Musk’s AI predictions coming true.

Marcus said Musk has not responded to the million-dollar challenges yet, but added the Tesla CEO has previously ignored Marcus’ smaller $100,000 bet that artificial general intelligence was not actually imminent, as Musk claimed.

For Marcus, the bets are about more than just money. He wants to spark a public discussion with Musk about what artificial intelligence can realistically achieve in the near-term versus the almost utopian promises that have become common from tech leaders.

Marcus argues many in the industry have a track record of making scientifically implausible claims and missing self-imposed deadlines, pointing to the ongoing challenges with self-driving cars as one example.

While large language models have made rapid advances, Marcus contends the notion they could exceed human-level general intelligence within just a couple of years is fanciful, estimating that milestone may still be decades away.

As CEOs literally gamble over contrasting AI outlooks, the high-stakes bets underscore an intensifying debate over whether too much hype is obscuring the real state and timeline of artificial intelligence development.

I don’t know. Just this once and only once. I’m putting my money on Elon being right.

As always, love to hear what you might think.

And that’s our show for today…

Thanks for those who’ve written in with comments including the person who wrote me about their trials and tribulations HP printers and ink purchases.

Keep it coming.  And don’t forget, you can find us on YouTube now. If you check us out there, please give us a like or even a subscribe as we try to build and audience there as well.

I’m your host Jim Love, have a Fantastic Friday.

Vidyard, a popular video messaging company, has recently announced its entry into the virtual digital avatar market and secured new funding of $15M from Export Development Canada (EDC), BMO Capital Partners, and existing investors Battery Ventures, Bessemer Venture Partners, and iNovia Capital. This brings the company’s total funding to $90.7M.

According to Gartner Research, AI avatars using generative AI technology will support 70% of digital and marketing communications by 2025, up from less than 5% in 2022. The AI avatar market is valued at USD 14.34B in 2022 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 47.1% from 2023 to 2030. The growth is driven by increased demand for remote collaboration tools, customer preferences for video content in corporate communications,  hybrid work environments, and advancements in video streaming technology.

Jonathan Lister, Chief Operating Officer at Vidyard says “the increasing demand for authentic and personalized characters for online interactions by companies from various industries is opening up a future where AI-powered video communications can become the cornerstone of productive connections between sellers and buyers.”

Vidyard’s advantage over leading AI video and avatar providers, such as Synthesia, HeyGen, and Tavus, is that its products are embedded in a sales workflow, making it easy to create personalized videos and send them to buyers all within the sales ecosystem. Market leaders like Microsoft, Marketo, and Hubspot are already using Vidyard.

Hubspot’s VP of Platform Ecosystem, Scott Brinker, who has been testing Vidyard’s AI Avatar platform, says that “Virtual avatars will address a lot of critical pain points for HubSpot users, including the stage fright associated with traditional video recording, the massive amount of time it takes to get them ‘right,’ the difficulty of finding the right place and time to do it, and the fact that it’s rarely their top priority.”

In a recent customer survey by GTM Partners, Vidyard found that when video was added, sales funnel performance increased by 85%, four to five times more meetings were booked. In addition, two to four times more sales-qualified opportunities were generated. This resulted in a 25% increase in close rates.

According to Gartner, AI’s capability to help sellers engage more effectively with prospects and customers and to do so at scale by automating labor-intensive tasks is one of the most valuable contributions to using AI in sales.  As communications continue to shift in customer preferences, virtual avatars are making it extremely easy for sales and marketers to get messages out highly personalized and improve customer and buyer interactions.

Kelvin Beachum, a National Football Athlete of the Arizona Cardinals, has found Vidyard’s virtual avatar technology useful. He says “AI technology is just beginning to crack the surface of its capabilities. For me, time is money. As an organization, we are always trying to be efficient with our time to accomplish as much as possible at a high level. Using AI for efficiency allows for a high-velocity workflow of my daily operations, and I am excited to continue implementing it.”

Lister says “B2B buying and selling is fundamentally broken. Buyers want timely and relevant information and automation that helps simplify their complex buying journey. While the sellers struggle to build meaningful relationships, communicate with an ever-increasing number of stakeholders, and deliver high-quality insights given the limitations of current sales technology.”

As this market continues to unfold, there is a need to keep a vigilant eye on deep fakes and the increasing risks of video communication. Stanford has released guidelines on digital communication ethics to help mitigate deep fake risks.