A recent study by Gartner shows that almost half of surveyed customers actually prefer to solve problems independently instead of reaching out for support.
But despite this preference, a staggering 49% of these self-help enthusiasts abandon their quest because the information is either lacking or simply doesn't meet their needs. Quite the paradox, isn't it?
If you want to build a knowledge base that optimizes your workflow and meets customer demands, you're in the right place. Here's what we'll cover:
A knowledge base is a comprehensive library with information about the company's product, service, or related topics. Its primary goal is to help customers find answers and tackle issues independently. It can be internal, external, technical, or designed for decision support.
Unlike a mere collection of FAQs, a knowledge base is a proactive tool. It's where you record past challenges or establish new company procedures. This results in streamlined access to information, ensuring team alignment and enhanced work productivity.
Why should companies prioritize having a thorough knowledge base? Knowledge bases help bridge the gap between knowledge management and customer support as companies begin to grow and scale.
Here are some benefits:
One cannot overlook the importance of having good customer service. According to NewVoiceMedia's 2018 “Serial Switchers” report, inadequate customer service rips businesses of over $75 billion annually.
To build a knowledge base for your brand in a way that doesn't contribute to these staggering numbers, watch out for these pitfalls:
Jumping headfirst into creating a knowledge base without a concrete vision or objectives is the most common mistake businesses make.
A survey by the Content Marketing Institute found that only 40% of B2B marketers have a documented content strategy. Without well-defined goals, it's all too easy for your knowledge-base efforts to become aimless and ineffective.
Solution: Start by setting clear, measurable goals for your knowledge base. For instance, instead of vaguely stating "We want to reduce support tickets," specify your objective: "We aim to reduce support tickets by 20% in the next quarter."
A hastily put-together knowledge base can do more harm than good. When a knowledge base lacks depth or has ambiguous difficult-to-comprehend content, it can leave customers lost and dissatisfied.
In fact, according to a report by PwC, 73% of consumers point to experience as an important factor in their purchasing decisions, and clarity of information is a significant part of that experience.
Solution: To create a valuable knowledge base, it's essential to go beyond surface-level information. Dedicate time to ensure each article is comprehensive, covering every aspect of an issue.
Customer bounce rate increases when your platform is too complex to navigate and users can't find what they need.
According to a study by HubSpot, 76% of consumers say the most important factor in a website's design is its ease of use. If your knowledge base is hard to navigate, you risk losing a significant portion of your users before they find what they need.
Solution: Make simplicity your ally. Use a clean layout, easy-to-read fonts, and clear categories.
Letting your knowledge base rust with outdated content means handing users a misleading map that takes them nowhere.
Research says, 68% of consumers feel more positive about a brand after consuming its content. Outdated or misleading content not only damages the image of your brand but also can negatively impact user trust.
Solution: The key to content management success is consistency. When introducing a new feature or product, make sure that all relevant content in your knowledge base is updated.
In the age of information at our fingertips, your brand and knowledge base should easily be available to customers.
70-80% of the links search users click on are organic, not paid. Neglecting search engine optimization can result in users wandering through your knowledge base, frustrated and without answers.
Solution: Improve search functionality for a user-friendly experience.
Ignoring user feedback is one of the worst mistakes a company could make.
A survey shows that over half of consumers say they’ll become repeat buyers after a personalized experience. Users are your frontline experts, providing valuable insights into what works and what doesn't.
Solution: Actively seek and embrace feedback. When a user reports an issue, promptly address it. If they suggest a valuable improvement, consider implementing it and giving them credit.
Your knowledge base isn't solely a one-person show. Neglecting to involve your team can result in gaps in knowledge sharing and may lead to outdated or inconsistent information.
According to data from Frost & Sullivan, a company’s collaboration index increases sales by 27% and improves customer satisfaction ratings by 41%.
Solution: Promote teamwork and collaboration. Communicate and collaborate with the development team to get the latest updates on the knowledge base.
Companies in the quest to please customers with content often overlook the basics, stumbling into common pitfalls and making mistakes. But with the insights from this article, you're well-prepared to steer clear of these pitfalls for creating a knowledge base that ensures the right support and service.
Here are some key takeaways:
If you're searching for a cost-effective solution to enhance your customer support capabilities, JustReply is a commendable option to consider. It's particularly well-suited for businesses in the early stages of growth, such as startups that have not yet reached Series A funding. With seamless integration with Slack, it's the perfect tool to keep your customers smiling.
