The Unsung Hero of Customer Experience: Why Good Operations Matter

Discover the overlooked powerhouse behind every successful customer experience: Operations. In this blog, we'll touch on real-life examples and data-driven insights to reveal why seamless operations are not just a back-end concern but the front line of customer delight. If you're a CEO or a decision-maker, you can't afford to let this crucial aspect slip through the cracks. Learn how to make operations your brand's secret weapon for customer retention and satisfaction.

Deb Stevenson

9/1/20233 min read

Introduction

We've all been there—you unbox this absolutely gorgeous product, and you're thrilled about it. But let's be honest, the journey to get there? Bumpy, to say the least. From delivery delays to radio silence from the brand, it's a bit of a mood killer. As a consumer, I love design details—like the minimalist elegance of a Her9 supplement jar or Everlane's commitment to ethical fabric—but if your experience and interaction with those brands isn’t smooth, it's hard to stay excited, right?

When Poor Operations Ruin a Perfect Product

Recently, I ordered from a sustainable brand that seemed to nail it on all fronts: ethical sourcing, product quality, you name it. But their operations left much to be desired. My order confirmation was ambiguous, wrapped in a complicated funnel/upsell, making it unclear whether my order was successful. Tracking was slow & confusing, and customer service seemed just as lost as I was. We got there in the end, but the missteps along the way tainted the experience.

sitting man holding sad balloon
sitting man holding sad balloon

Why Operations Matter

For me, it's not about having my parcel teleported to my doorstep instantly. It's the ease, communication, and expectation management that counts. Let’s talk about a brand that gets it right—I love how Holland & Barrett keeps me in the loop every step of the way. From order confirmation to delivery updates, they make the process seamless. It's the full package—no pun intended!

The Human Touch

Operations aren't just about moving products; it's also about making connections. Take Etsy, for example. One of my favourite things about shopping from an independent is those cute little thank-you notes from shop owners that make me feel like I'm part of something bigger. Or Tropic Skincare, with their little printed note from CEO Suzanne Ma—that sprinkle of gratitude; it just makes you feel valued.

a thank you note sitting on top of a table next to a pair of glasses
a thank you note sitting on top of a table next to a pair of glasses

The Data-Driven Approach

Now, let's talk data. The brands that really get it are the ones that use data to make our lives easier—not just to upsell, like how my favourite supplement brand times my delivery just when I'm about to run out. It's like they read my mind!

Data-Driven approach is something I'm super passionate about. There's a tonne of blogs to come on this, so watch this space, but the key point here is to use your data to make your customers life easier!

To sum up...

Operations are like the stagehands in a play. You might not see them, but you'd definitely notice if they weren't there. It's not just about the product itself—be it as beautiful as a Reformation dress or as effective as Wild's eco-friendly deodorant. It's the seamless magic that happens behind the scenes that counts.

CEOs, you've got a lot on your plate, but don't let operations be an afterthought and take the attention away from the beauty of your product. What good is an amazing product if it's stuck in a web of operational mishaps?

person in black shirt and blue denim jeans standing on black exercise equipment
person in black shirt and blue denim jeans standing on black exercise equipment

Ready for a Deeper Dive?

If you’re serious about boosting your customer experience through flawless operations but feel a bit lost, let’s sit down and talk it out. From identifying your unique pain points to developing a foolproof strategy, I’m here to guide you. After all, your operations should be a reason customers stay, not why they leave.

Curious about what transformational insights you can gain from a single consultation?

Click here to schedule a 1-on-1 consultation with me, and let's turn your operational weak points into your strongest assets.

Right beside you,