THE DIVERGENCE OF MULTICHANNEL TO OMNICHANNEL MARKETING
As you start your business, are you aware on the approach you have been using to attract your consumers? Do you use an Omnichannel strategy or the multi-channel strategy? If you cannot identify the strategy you have been using to engage with your customers do not worry you are not alone. Many companies today are still confused when they come across these two terms as they seek for the best method they can apply as they pursue with their goal to engage with their customer.
To clear their thoughts on the difference of the two, let us define the difference between Omni channel to multichannel marketing.
MULTICHANNEL In the world of e-commerce, multichannel marketing is something retailers have been doing for a very long time, where in, they are selling using more than one channel such as, actual stores, catalogues, websites, retail stores, mail order, mobile and kiosks (a small open-fronted hut or cubicle from which newspapers, refreshments, tickets and others are sold.) The channels they have been using can be managed separately by using different advertising methods for promotions, demand forecasts and when price adjustment is taking place. Furthermore, multichannel is all about the consumers choice as they use the channel they prefer. In the most simplistic terms,� multichannel marketing is all about choice�
Multichannel is an important marketing technique for the simplest reason that you as a retailer should be where your consumers are. That could be pretty hard because they are everywhere. With this fact, there is no doubt that the customers of today are much in control when it comes to purchasing process than the retailers. This is all thanks to the available channels consumers can use as they look for more choices and whenever they want to get some information.
OMNICHANNEL In Omnichannel marketing, retailers allow their consumers to continue their seamless shopping experience simply by gathering all the necessary information that could help them identify customer’s wants and needs as they plan for their next move in engaging with their consumers. Aside from that, It also acknowledges the presence of mobile and social media, enabling customers not only for a quick switch between channels but by using the channels simultaneously. From the customer’s point of view, Omni channel is made with the same goal like any other strategy, for them to experience companies offer consistently but is already modified to reach their touch points or satisfaction.
Resources: http://www.optikal.com http://howeda.edublogs.org/