Over 80% of CXOs are building omnichannel & connected customer experience to soar high this festive season

With a resounding 80% of CXOs honing their focus on building omnichannel experiences to soar high this festive season, it's evident they are well-prepared to harness the incredible opportunities that lie ahead.

As the festive season beckons, CXOs are orchestrating a diverse array of marketing strategies. These encompass influencer marketing, social media promotions, email and WhatsApp campaigns, alluring festive offers, and strategic brand collaborations. The common thread among these initiatives is the commitment to providing customers with a seamless journey from initial discovery to the final purchase.

Cultural traditions wield a considerable influence, shaping consumer choices and impacting spending decisions for 39% of survey respondents. In India, where culture and cricket fervor are intertwined, the World Cup isn't merely a sporting event; it's a cultural phenomenon dictating consumer behavior and preferences.

For 37% of CXOs, enticing offers and discounts serve as the driving force behind consumer spending. Discounts effectively leverage price sensitivity, creating a sense of urgency, enhancing perceived value, and providing a competitive edge.

Personalization emerges as the star of the show, with 64.33% of CXOs giving it a top spot in their marketing strategies. This personalized approach involves aligning marketing efforts with consumer preferences and harnessing data to craft tailored messages and offers, ultimately leading to heightened customer engagement.

An impressive 86% of businesses are making significant investments in creating a holistic customer journey, recognizing the pivotal role of delivering a positive customer experience during the festive season.

Technology integration is another critical component, with 84% of businesses seamlessly merging their customer platforms with Martech. This integration not only enhances operational efficiency but also fortifies marketing strategies.

Furthermore, to foster connected customer conversations, 81.33% of businesses are leveraging multiple communication channels. The overarching goal is to maintain a consistent brand presence across all customer touchpoints, ensuring a unified approach.

Udit Agarwal, VP & Global Head of Marketing at Exotel, applauds the dynamic spirit of the Indian CXOs, stating, "It's not merely about readiness; it's about innovation and placing the customer at the core of strategies, especially in the lead-up to the festive fervor." He adds, "At Exotel, our 'Like a Friend' philosophy deeply resonates with the aspirations of CXOs. We're not just a platform; we're a trusted ally, guiding businesses to enhance their sales narratives through pioneering customer engagement blueprints. As we stand here, Exotel is not just ready but deeply committed to being that friend, leading CXOs to festive triumphs."

However, the path to festive success is not without its challenges. Intense competition, faced by 30.33% of CXOs, underscores the need for innovative, standout strategies. Another substantial challenge takes the form of limited marketing budgets, voiced by 26.33%. This necessitates the judicious allocation of resources, demonstrating a keen focus on efficiency.

According to a report by Axis My India, a consumer data intelligence company’s India Consumer Sentiment Index (CSI) report, 23% of shoppers plan to shop more during this year's festive season compared to the previous year, indicating a boost in consumer spending during this period. This positive trend aligns with consumers' expectations to spend higher amounts during the festive season. And it's clear that CXOs are prepared to innovate, adapt, and prioritize customer-centric approaches, setting the stage for outstanding sales and memorable customer experiences.

Methodology

Exotel received responses from 300 marketers in an online survey conducted in September 2023. CXOs, VP Marketing, and Chief Customer Experience Officers from mid to large organizations across Tech, BFSI, E-commerce, Telecom, and Automotive verticals responded to this survey.