Why Understanding your Client Journey will Attract more of the Right Clients

Why Understanding your Client Journey will Attract more of the Right Clients

November 21, 2022

Or listen on :

Why Understanding your Client Journey will Attract more of the Right Clients

November 21, 2022

Why Understanding your Client Journey will Attract more of the Right Clients
Melitta Campbell, Business Coach for Women - LinkedInMelitta Campbell, Business Coach for Women - Pinterest

Show Notes

What was the last purchase you made? Maybe a chocolate bar you grabbed (on impulse!) or a new pair of walking shoes. Perhaps it was a more expensive item like home insurance or an online course. Whatever the product, you took a series of decisions before handing over your cash.

A client journey maps out these decisions. The ones a customer takes from finding you, to making a purchase, and after the sale. It describes a client’s experience as he or she considers, buys and uses your products or services. The journey details all the touch points a prospective customer has with your business. And summarises what happens at each one of these.

It may sound like a lot of work. But once you understand the stages of your client journey, you can design your brand experience accordingly. This way, you can provide your clients with exactly what they need at each step. As a result, the right clients will move effortlessly closer, and closer to your business. Falling deeper in love with your brand and the value you provide as they do so.

In short, mapping out your client journey helps you attract more of the right clients. And it primes them to buy from you. This saves you time and money and increases your levels of success.

Since your Client Journey Map highlights the activities that add most value to your business. Those that appeal directly to your ideal customers. It also enables you to focus on these activities and experience better returns on your investments.

Sounds good? Let me show you how you can start mapping your client journey.

Mapping out your client journey helps you attract more of the right clients. And it primes them to buy from you. This saves you time and money and increases your levels of success. Here's how to create your Client Journey Map..."

How to Start Mapping your Client Journey

Although client journeys can vary both in length and complexity, they usually include six main stages.

You want to consider what questions and expectations your prospective client has at each one. Then you can focus on providing the right information and delivering the best experience.

Consider what clients need to know in order to move to the next stage. How do you want them to think and feel? What do they need to do to take that next step? What can you do to encourage the right outcomes?

Keep in mind that at the earliest stages, you want to focus on mass market communication methods. At this point, your prospect is far from ready to make a decision to buy. Don’t waste time or resources where this doesn’t have a positive financial impact on your business.

The Six Stages of a Client Journey

1. Unaware

Your potential client has a problem, but they are not yet aware of it. At this stage, if they come into contact with your business, your brand could just pique their interest. But since they are not yet aware of its significance, this is likely to be fleeting.

2. Awareness

At this stage, clients know they have a problem to solve or a question to answer. They will scour the internet for educational content to help them. They will seek out companies with the knowledge and experience to deliver potential solutions.

3. Consideration

A comparison phase where clients are researching the different ways they can solve their problem, which of these feels most viable, and who provides what. They are evaluating which solution is best and who they could work well with. They want to know the results different services offer and the practicalities of that offer.

4. Decision

By this stage, clients often have a short list of providers they would like to work with. It’s time for relationship-building and for more personalised attention. Customers are likely to consider a vendor’s values and approach to solving their problem. Does it match their own values and desires? If the fit feels right, the client will make the investment and work can start.

5. Retention

Your goal is to create an exceptional brand experience for your client. Therefore, the client journey doesn’t end with a purchase. It continues long into the relationship. For this post-sales stage, retention is about keeping your client happy for as long as possible. How can you add value after your initial service? How can you increase the lifetime value of a customer? Don’t forget that it’s always easier and less costly to keep an existing client, than to build new relationships.

6. Advocacy

Advocacy is the final stage of the journey. You want enthusiastic customers to become active supporters. And to recommend you to new clients.

Client Journey Example

Here’s an example of how the client journey works. One that I think we can all relate to – having a sore tummy.

At the unaware stage, you have a slight pain in your stomach, a niggle perhaps. But you don’t pay it much attention.

The pain doesn’t seem to be going away. So, you make a doctor’s appointment. This is the awareness stage. You realise you have a problem, but you don't know what exactly that is.

The doctor tells you that you have got an ulcer. Now you need to discuss which resolution is best for you. You have reached the consideration stage.

The doctor informs you that you have three main options. Change your lifestyle and nutrition. Have an operation. Or manage the condition with medication. You think: ‘Which one would be right for me?’.

After a period of reflection, you make a decision. I’m going for medication; I'm going to be on it for a while and see what happens. And you take that next step on your journey.

The retention and advocacy stages come later. When your ulcer has healed and not only stay with your doctor, but recommend her to your friends and family.

How to use Your Client Journey to Attract More Clients

Now you know what a client journey is and how important it can be for your business growth and success. See Part Two of this article to learn how exactly you can use the client journey within your business.

One Step to More Dream Clients

This article is based on one of the modules within the Dream Clients Blueprint programme. If you are finding this information helpful, the programme could be just what you need next. It provides you with a straight-forward path to more clients, more income and an impact you feel proud of.

Through a mix of online videos and workbooks, and weekly live coaching, I'll guide you in building your dream business one step at a time.

> Learn more about the Dream Clients Blueprint here

Download the Client Journey Map Template

To help you create your client journey map click here to download your one-page template.

Do you have a client journey map for your business? If not, what will be your first step in the journey? Let me know in the comments below.

You May Also Enjoy...

The One Thing Standing Between You and Your Next Client

How to Productively Work from Home

The 8 Marketing Myths Limiting Your Business Success

How to Market Your Small Business

How to build a strong network from scratch

Why Understanding your Client Journey will Attract more of the Right Clients

6 Steps to More Dream Clients

Get the exact steps to building a PROFITABLE and MEANINGFUL business that lasts!

Get your eBook Now!
6 Steps to More Dream Clients

Get the exact steps to building a PROFITABLE and MEANINGFUL business that lasts!

Get your eBook Now!

Blog

Latest Posts

Borrow My Mentors this International Women's Day

Write, Reflect and Ignite your business by adopting a simple journalling practice. Just 10 minutes a day could make a big difference to your wellbeing and success.

Read more >

Ignite your Business with Journalling

Write, Reflect and Ignite your business by adopting a simple journalling practice. Just 10 minutes a day could make a big difference to your wellbeing and success.

Read more >

Overcoming Fears and Finding Your Niche: A Guide to Success

Choosing a niche can be daunting, but with the right mindset and understanding, you can overcome these fears and unlock the tremendous potential that lies within your specialised area.

Read more >

Podcast

More Episodes

Improving Your Online Visibility - Traffic plus Conversion

Discover practical strategies for boosting your online visibility, increasing traffic to your website, and converting visitors into loyal clients.

Listen to Podcast >

How I got Booked on the TEDx Stage

If you're aiming for a TEDx talk or want to boost your public speaking, you'll find practical tips and inspiration here.

Listen to Podcast >

Refirement Not Retirement

Discover innovative ways to embrace a new chapter of life, with inspiring stories, expert insights, and practical tips for discovering passions, pursuing new opportunities, and fostering a sense of purpose.

Listen to Podcast >

Feeling lost, confused or overwhelmed
when it comes to growing your service business?

Take the quiz to determine your next best steps (It takes only 3-minutes).

Let's get started →