Case Study: How Zappos Created a Customer-Centric Approach to Digital Marketing

Priya Bawa

She has started her career as a Content Writer and writes on blogs related to career.

Source: SAFALTA.COM

Zappos is a pioneer. When it comes to starting a firm, they do not follow conventional wisdom.
They don't employ like most brands, they don't address culture the same way most brands do, and they approach profit delivery differently than others. They've done a number of new things that customers enjoy, and they've surpassed Amazon as the most customer-centric internet corporation. Therefore, what's the narrative behind their meteoric climb to become the world's most beloved e-commerce business, and what is their key to providing a brand powered by customer experience? If it results in a fantastic consumer experience, do so because we believe that in the long run, tiny acts that keep the client in mind will pay short rewards. Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh Boost your Skills by learning: Digital Marketing

Table of Content:
1) Zappos.com Information:

2) Customer Service Strategy- Theoretical Foundations:
3) Zappos's Expansion:
4) Zappos' Marketing Strategy:

Zappos.com Information:


Zappos.com is an online shoe and clothing store that was founded in 1999. Zappos is the world's largest online shoe retailer, offering the greatest merchandise and selection available. It was bought by Amazon.com in a complete stock deal valued at around $1.2 billion in July 2009. Zappos continues to function as a free company, with its brand and ethos intact. Shoes account for 80% of Zappos sales, with 50,000 options including well-known brands, hard-to-find sizes, American-made, and vegan shoes. Repeat customers account for about 75% of its revenue. In 2004, Zappos Couture, a high-end shoe brand, was founded.
 
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Customer Service Strategy- Theoretical Foundations:

"Customer is King" is a timeless and worldwide business motto! In the corporate universe, the client is like the atom's nucleus at a micro level and the core of the solar system at a macro level. In essence, every business revolves around the client. Having said that, not all firms value and practice customer-centricity to the same level. A solid approach to customer service is not just nice to have, but it also makes excellent commercial sense if there is adequate data to back it up. Let us investigate the significance of having a competent customer service plan.

Before acquiring a product or service, a consumer goes through various phases in the customer journey (refer above diagram). As in a funnel, the quantity of clients progressing to the next stage decreases with each phase (refer above diagram). To take a consumer from awareness to purchase, a firm must use its marketing money wisely. The Cost of Customer Acquisition is the average amount spent to acquire a new client (CoCA). Businesses try to keep this figure as low as feasible. Furthermore, after a client has purchased a product or service, corporations want them to be loyal and return.

The Customer Lifetime Value is the total amount spent by a client on the company's products/services (CLTV). The Customer Lifetime Value is the total amount spent by a client on the company's products/services (CLTV). This figure should ideally be high. Consider all of the labor necessary to cultivate a mango tree from the ground up. But, once it begins to bear fruit, you want it to continue reaping the advantages every year. Investing in strong customer service improves the customer experience, which enhances customer loyalty and CLTV, resulting in a higher topline and bottom line. Zappos has taken several steps to offer the greatest customer service possible; a few noteworthy ones are highlighted here.
 
Zappos's Expansion:

Within a few years of its start, Zappos has grown to become one of the world's largest shoe retailers, providing shoes in a variety of styles and sizes. "The [footwear] industry was in astonishment when they found out the numbers Zappos is doing and how popular they are," said Miles Olson, an independent sales agent for Simple Shoes and UGG Australia.
Several observers predicted that Zappos' move to discontinue competitive pricing would result in a reduction in sales. They believed that buyers would be hesitant to pay a premium only for customer service, especially when purchasing branded items.
 
Zappos' Marketing Strategy:

Zappos has built its whole business around its digital empire. Zappos has a significant social media presence. They rank toward the top of big brand marketing in areas such as customer service and social networking. They set a high standard for social engagement and consumer engagement.

Segmentation of the Market:
The firm has focused only on e-commerce, competing with companies that value outstanding customer service. They set the standard for the entire globe to strive towards in terms of customer service. And it is at the heart of their marketing approach.

Content Promotion:
Zappos showcases worldwide trends through high-end content, which has proven to be an appealing premise for the brand name. Zappos' most innovative content marketing efforts include its digital magazine, "Zappos Now," which is available on iPad. Readers may examine fashion suggestions, participate in cooperative troupes, and learn how to "work it" effectively.

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Video Promotion:
Zappos.com is an online video producer in the e-commerce business. Internet video has proven to be an extremely powerful e-commerce platform. Year over year, online video viewing has increased by 50%. Zappos.com has thorough product videos, analysis, how-to videos, and much more. Zappos' YouTube channel has about 5,932 subscribers and 5,426,442 views. It is a location where consumers may find entertaining and useful films.
Zappos.com is a 1999-founded online shoe and clothes retailer. Zappos is the world's largest online shoe shop, with the most products and choices. In July 2009, Amazon.com purchased it in an all-stock transaction valued at around $1.2 billion. Zappos operates as a free firm, with its brand and values intact. With 50,000 selections even well brands, hard-to-find sizes, American-made, and vegan shoes, shoes account for 80% of Zappos sales. Repeat clients contribute for over 75% of the company's revenue. Zappos Couture, a high-end shoe company, was created in 2004.

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What is Zappos' approach to digital marketing?

Zappos was a pioneer in the use of social media to advertise and social e-commerce. It has assumed the role of leader. Their social media strategy is centred on their corporate website and the major social media networks, which include Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, YouTube, and Google +.

Why is Zappos so focused on its customers?

The agents never utilise scripts and never try to upsell. In reality, the only thing that matters to Zappos is that the consumer is satisfied - no matter what. "We are not an ordinary firm, we do not provide average service, and we do not want our employees to be typical."

What is Zappos' strategy?

An Organization in Evolution Teams are enabled to work fast and in the best interests of their customers by decentralizing our structure. In summary, Zappos aims to build a system that allows every team to not only think like a tiny, self-sufficient firm, but also behave like one.

What is it about Zappos that makes them so successful?

Zappos' raison d'être may be summed up in a single mission: provide WOW service to every customer. In fact, it is the company's most well-known product; selling shoes ranks in second. The firm offers clients 24-hour telephone help and would rather invest in developing this service than advertising it.

How does Zappos create long-lasting customer relationships?

While many firms spend heavily in chatbots and artificial intelligence, Zappos encourages individual engagement with consumers in order to make them feel heard and understood. Phone calls are crucial for the organisation in developing long-term relationships with clients.

What distinguishes Zappos?

While the firm has a strong customer-centric messaging, its most important asset is its entertaining and inventive corporate culture. Zappos' mission is to "provide pleasure via the four Cs: commerce, customer service, company culture, and community."

What is the rationale behind the customer-centric marketing strategy?

A customer-centric strategy invites customers to express their desires for your future product or service. These useful consumer insights will aid your company's growth by satisfying the current demands of your target audience and fostering more trust between your brand and its loyal consumers.

What are Zappos' four Cs?

This idea inspired Zappos to provide pleasure through the four Cs: commerce, customer service, company culture, and community. As Zappos continues to develop and expand, we want to make sure the four C's are always at the forefront of our business processes.

Who is Zappos's ideal customer?

Zappos' primary market is internet consumers. They search for shoe enthusiasts, particularly on Facebook.

What is Zappos' client segment?

The audience for zappos.com is 32.54% male and 67.46% female.