We recently read an great article on strategies for emotional branding, and decided to synthesize some of the key information about why branding for an emotional connection is important as well as key statistics about emotionally engaged customers.
Most think that customers make buying decisions with a rational approach, analyzing details like features and financials. Not true. Over 50% of an experience is based on emotions. Emotions shape the attitudes that drive decisions and behavior. And, they impact behavior far more than technical or functional factors.
All buyers are influenced by their emotions. They just may not realize it. How customers care about your products/services may be unconscious, but these unconscious feelings can have a very concrete impact on your business. Emotional connections can determine the strength and length of a customer relationship. They drive passion, loyalty and advocacy.
Most organizations are much better at the material side, and the impact is clear. A recent Forrester Research survey revealed that 89% of consumers felt no personal connection to the brands they buy. Without that emotional bond, customers can be easily swayed to try a competitor’s product.
Now is the time to pursue a strategy focused on the human side of service—and to make a conscious choice to strengthen these emotional connections.