Design for engagement in digital omni-channel: From funnel to loop

In the information-loaded digital age, the modern customer interacts with businesses through a multitude of channels, including websites, social media, physical stores, mobile apps, in-person and more. As a result, customer engagement has become increasingly complex and fragmented, and the traditional linear marketing funnel approach is no longer sufficient to meet the needs of modern customers. Instead, businesses must embrace a continuous loop of engagement and interaction across channels, known as the omni-channel approach, to create seamless and personalised customer engagement. This paper explores this shift in customer engagement strategies from a linear funnel approach to a continuous loop of interaction in an omni-channel environment. It provides a platform to share insights and best practices in designing engaging and seamless customer journeys that span multiple touch points. The scope of the paper includes, but is not limited to, such topics as customer experience, omni-channel marketing, loyalty programmes, emerging technologies, user behaviour and centralised data platforms. The paper takes a multidisciplinary approach, drawing on such fields as digital marketing, design, psychology and technology, in the context of experience design strategy, to provide a comprehensive understanding of engagement design in an omni-channel context. It also addresses the challenges and opportunities presented by the emerging subscription model as a new loyalty strategy and how it fits into the loop of engagement design. The paper contributes to the development of a holistic approach to engagement design that prioritises the customer’s needs, preferences and behaviours, and recognises the importance of continuous and personalised interactions across channels. By sharing knowledge and insights, this paper can help create meaningful and long-lasting relationships with customers and achieve sustainable engagement in a rapidly changing digital ecosystem.