Customers don’t just buy products; they buy experiences.
And those experiences stretch across channels like social media, chat, email, phone, and maybe an in-store visit. Your customers are not concerned about how many tools you use.
What they care about is this: ” Do you know who I am, what I need, and can you help me without making me start over every time?”
The answer lies in an omnichannel customer engagement strategy.
In this blog, we will walk you through the companies that are implementing this strategy and how you can implement it, too.
What is Omnichannel Engagement?
Omnichannel engagement refers to the strategy that combines customer interactions across different digital and physical communication channels. This tactic is designed to offer a more consistent and personalized experience.
To summarize, omnichannel customer engagement is all about breaking silos between different departments and leveraging data insights to deliver better support, sales, and experience across all channels.
Why Does Omnichannel Engagement Matter?
An omnichannel engagement is paramount for any business. The following statistics prove that:
- Companies with omnichannel customer engagement strategies retain around 89% customers However, companies with weak omnichannel strategies only retain around 33% of their clients.
- 76% of customers expect consistent experiences across all channels and departments.
- Omnichannel personalization can help companies increase revenue by 5% to 15% across the full customer base.
- A study on 46000 shoppers showed that 73% omnichannel customers use multiple channels during their shopping journey.
Omnichannel vs. Multichannel – The Key Difference
Both terms, multichannel and omnichannel engagement, are spoken interchangeably.
However, there is a huge difference between the Omnichannel and Multichannel engagement considers every customer interaction across different channels as separate. Conversely, omnichannel engagement integrates all touchpoints into a single experience.
| Criteria | Multichannel | Omnichannel |
|---|---|---|
| Channel Coordination | Disconnected | Connected and integrated |
| Data Sharing | Minimal | Centralized and synced |
| Customer Experience | Inconsistent | Consistent and cohesive experience |
| Insights | Fragmented | Valuable insights from unified data |
| Communication | Reactive | Proactive and personalized |
| Customer Interaction | Separate and unlinked | Continuous and seamless across all channels |
| Technology Integration | Limited integration with tools | Full integration with CRMs and other tools |
Real-Life Example
In a multichannel scenario, Sarah discovers your product on Instagram and adds it to her cart on the website, but doesn’t complete the purchase. Later, she reaches out to customer support via chat, where she receives a discount but still doesn’t buy. When she calls the support team two days later, they have no record of her previous interactions. Hence, she had to repeat the required information.
In contrast, with omnichannel engagement, Sarah’s entire history, from the Instagram ad to the chat and phone call, is available. It allowed customer service to provide a convenient and personalized experience.
Benefits of Omnichannel Customer Engagement
Customer engagement is not limited to being available on different channels. Rather, it’s more about connecting all touchpoints to deliver a phenomenal experience.
Here are some of the key benefits of omnichannel engagement:
1. Consistent Brand Experience
One of the premier advantages of omnichannel customer engagement is the capability to deliver a consistent customer experience. No matter what communication channel is, your customers should get the same service, brand tone, and experience. This unified approach builds a sense of familiarity that your customers deeply appreciate.
2. Amplified Customer Retention
By responding to real-time concerns or queries, your business can gain more loyal customers. They value it when your brand remembers every interaction and takes prompt action upon them. It strengthens their connection with your brand and multiplies repeat business transactions. Simultaneously, this omnichannel engagement can enhance your retention rate as well.
3. Higher Conversion Rates Across Touchpoints
Your omnichannel engagement strategy must provide a smooth transition to customers across multiple channels. Even if customers start their journey on social media and contact support via call, their data must be unified so your staff can deliver the best technology solution. These integrations lead to zero client frustrations, exceed customer expectations, and increase conversions.
4. Valuable Customer Insights
With this strategy, your business can monitor every interaction of the customer throughout every stage of the customer’s buying journey. You can even gather data from these interactions and gain valuable insights. These insights allow your business to fine-tune your strategy to address customer queries, forecast customer behaviour, and deliver a more personalized experience.
Building an Omnichannel Engagement Strategy
You need a crystal clear plan for successfully creating an omnichannel engagement strategy. We have come up with a tried-and-tested steps to help you build a lucrative omnichannel customer engagement strategy.
1. Understand Customer Needs
First, you need to get a grasp of customer needs. Start by gathering insights from all touchpoints, like surveys, feedback, or available data in your system. Once you have the required client data, you can identify pain points, preferences, and customer expectations. It will help you tailor your customer experience across all channels.
2. Map Customer Journeys
After the first step, try to create customer journey maps for different customer personas. This step is crucial to understanding how and when your brand interacts with the customer. By identifying all customer journey stages (awareness, consideration, purchase, and post-purchase), you can plan and implement a smooth experience.
3. Selection and Integration of Channels
Meet your customers where they spend most of their time. Whether it is snapchat, email, Instagram, Facebook, or in-store, choose the effective communication channel and prioritize it. However, do not ignore integration. Every channel must work together, so if a customer switches channels, the system will still remember the client’s preferences.
- Amazon is a stellar example of integration. Email, chatbot, and even voice assistants like Alexa are integrated. Therefore, you can even ask Alexa about the order you placed on Amazon.
4. Personalize Interactions
Personalized interactions make an emotional appeal to your clients and make them feel valued. You can always utilize purchase history, preferences, and detailed interactions to tailor your messages. Undeniably, this step will increase customer satisfaction, brand loyalty, and reduce churn.
Rely on AI to level up personalization. For instance, auto generate emails that can recommend products based on the client’s past purchase to deliver a relevant customer experience. This proactive communication will garner favorable outputs for your business.
5. Consistent Communication
A customer orders a product and makes an inquiry about the delivery status. The seller reaches out via WhatsApp and informs, “It will arrive in 6-8 days”. Then, the client calls customer support and gets the answer that it might that 10-12 days due to high demand. By the end of the day, the client gets another email that he will receive the order in 4 days.
What went wrong in this example?
- The timeframes were not consistent across different channels.
- The customer received conflicting information, which led to more confusion.
No matter whether it is email, chat, social media, or a phone call, your communication with the client should be cohesive. It must reflect the same brand tone and message. This step will assist your business in engaging customers and multiplying their experience.
6. Data Analysis and Optimization
Data analysis is a bull’s eye for building a successful omnichannel strategy.
Make sure you track customer interactions across all channels, identify future trends, and address the gaps in the customer journey. By ticking these boxes, your business gets the foresight to evolve as per the market trend.
How to Prioritise Channels Based on Customer Signals?
Your customers leave small hints every day. You only need to notice them and match each hint with the right channel so you can support them across their entire customer journey. Let us see how:
1. Identify Where Your Customers Already Spend Their Time
Start by checking the platforms your customers use most during the day. It can be WhatsApp, email or social media. Then observe which channel brings the fastest response. When you align your outreach with their comfort zone, conversations feel natural. You also reduce friction because customers do not need to switch multiple platforms. It makes omnichannel engagement easier for both sides.
2. Map Customer Intent to the Right Channel
Look closely at the customer’s intent. A simple question works well through chat. A detailed concern is better handled on a call because it offers clarity. And when you match intent with the channel, you avoid confusion and save time. It also improves satisfaction because the customer reaches the right support level faster. This keeps the entire experience smooth and purpose-driven.
3. Use Behavioral Signals to Trigger the Right Touchpoint
Pay attention to actions like page revisits, long browsing sessions or cart activity. These signals show interest or hesitation. You can step in with a helpful message or a relevant suggestion. One important detail about omnichannel engagement: the timing matters a lot because it makes your outreach feel helpful and not forceful. And when you read these signals well, every touchpoint feels timely and meaningful to the customer.
4.Balance Automation With Human Assistance
Automation works well for FAQs and quick updates. Yet there can be some situations where empathy and a real conversation is needed. You can allow bots to greet customers and collect basic details. But when it comes to handling sensitive or complex issues, let your team take charge. This approach saves time while still delivering care. It also ensures customers never feel ignored or stuck with a bot when they need human support.
5. Consider Cost-to-Serve Across Channels
Every channel carries a different operational cost. Chat options are often cheaper and faster. Calls or video conversations require more time and support effort. When you understand these cost differences, it becomes easier to plan how each channel should be used. You can then keep your service efficient without compromising on the seamless customer experience. It also helps you allocate resources more wisely.
Track channel performance every month because customer behavior changes. A channel that works well today may not work the same way in a few weeks. Regular checks help you stay aligned with customer habits.
Real-World Examples of Omnichannel Engagement Done Right
The cut-throat competition demands that businesses deliver excellent experiences across a series of touchpoints. Omnichannel experience empowers businesses to generate more satisfactory outputs of their investments. Here’s how some of the top brands are doing it right now:
1. Sephora
Sephora is winning at omnichannel engagement strategy by delivering effortless integration between its digital and physical platforms. It means shoppers can explore products via their mobile app, purchase items online, or utilize in-store tablets to access relevant details.
Additionally, Sephora’s “Buy Online, Pick Up In Store” (BOPIS) feature allows customers to check the availability of products online and pick them up in-store at their convenience. This feature offers a unified and smooth shopping experience across both channels.
2. Nike
Nike’s omni-channel approach unites its stores, the Nike app, and the website for delivering a personal experience. This global giant measures activity on the Nike app and rewards them with tailored product offers, workouts tracked on their app, and pre-launch limited supply releases. Moreover, they also empower clients with their innovative app to reserve products for in-store trials and pick-ups.
3. Walgreens
This American drug pharmacy delivers an ultimate omnichannel experience by integrating digital services with brick-and-mortar offerings. Shoppers can use an application to check special discounts, file prescriptions, and schedule appointments for in-store services like vaccinations and flu shots.
Combining the in-store services with the mobile app makes it easy for customers to stay connected. With personalized health information and special offers promoted on the app, Walgreens ensures customers feel more valued.
How You Can Improve Omnichannel Engagement Using CallHippo?
If you want every customer conversation to feel connected and effortless, CallHippo, a powerful omnichannel communication platform gives you the tools to make that possible.
1. Combining Virtual Phone Systems With SMS for Seamless Communication
CallHippo lets you pair calls and SMS in one place so your team never loses context. A customer might start with a call. Then they may want a quick SMS follow up. Now you can handle both these things without switching tools. It keeps the experience clean because customers get information in the format they prefer. It also helps your team respond faster and stay organised.
2. Call Routing, IVR, and Automated Text Responses
You can guide customers to the right person with the smart call routing feature. It reduces the wait time and confusion for the customers. An IVR (Interactive Voice Response) helps customers choose what they need in a few simple steps. Then, automated text responses can share confirmations or basic information. This blend of voice and text creates smoother journeys because customers get help without repeating themselves. It also reduces the load on your team.
3. Integrating Voice & Text With CRM and Support Platforms
CallHippo connects your calls and messages with your CRM or helpdesk. This means your team always sees customer details before responding. It saves time because no one has to search for past interactions. The system updates records on its own, so you avoid errors. And when every conversation gets logged, you also build stronger insights. Plus, it helps you understand patterns and improve future engagement.
With CallHippo!
- 1Smarter Workflows
- 2Faster Teams
- 3Every detail in one view
- 4Instant context

4. Personalizing Customer Journeys With Voice and Text Workflows
You can build simple workflows that trigger voice calls or SMS based on customer actions. A follow up can be sent right after someone fills out a form. A reminder can be delivered when a customer misses your call. These small touches show that you are paying attention. And most importantly, the customers feel valued by this. This approach keeps your team consistent because the system handles the repetitive work. And then your agents can stay focused on conversations that truly matter.
5. Using AI to Enhance Voice and SMS Interactions
AI helps your team understand customer intent and respond better. It can analyse calls and highlight common issues, and also help create quick text responses for routine questions. This support improves accuracy because agents get suggestions in real time. And with that, the speed also improves because AI handles the heavy work.
Now here is where CallHippo takes it a step further. With CallHippo’s AI Voice Agent, you can automate conversations without losing the human touch. It stays consistent, follows your instructions and adapts to customer tone. This also helps improve customer satisfaction because responses feel timely, natural and well-guided.
- Sets the right tone for every reply.
- Keeps conversations steady and natural.
- Reduces back-and-forth for your team.
- Improves how customers feel during calls.
Emerging Trends in Omnichannel Engagement
Customer expectations are changing fast, and these new trends are shaping how brands stay connected across each touchpoint. Let’s have a look at some emerging trends:
1. AI-Powered Personalization and Predictive Engagement
AI now very well helps brands understand what customers need before they even ask. It studies past actions and predicts what the next best action should be. This leads to timely messages and relevant recommendations. Customers feel understood because the experience adapts to their behaviour. In addition to this, it also helps teams plan better since AI reduces the guesswork. And as customer data improves, the predictions get sharper.
2. Conversational AI and Intelligent Virtual Assistants
Virtual assistants are becoming smarter and more human. They can answer common questions, handle simple tasks, and guide customers through quick steps. This reduces wait time and frees your team for the tougher issues. The best part here is that these assistants learn from every interaction. They keep improving their responses so conversations feel less robotic and more natural over time.
3. Voice Commerce and Smart Assistant Integrations
More customers now use voice commands to search, shop, and manage tasks. This shift is creating new opportunities for brands. You can let customers place orders or get support through smart speakers. It makes the entire journey hand-free and quick. And as voice recognition gets better, these interactions will feel even smoother. This trend is growing because people enjoy the convenience.
4. IoT-Driven Customer Experiences
Connected devices are opening new ways to support customers. A product can send alerts when it needs attention and also trigger service messages on its own. This leads to proactive support because the system talks before the customer does. It improves overall satisfaction since issues are solved early. And as more devices become smart, these automated experiences will only expand.
Wrapping Up
It can be stated that omnichannel engagement isn’t just a trend; it’s the never-ending expectation.
Omnichannel engagement is more about showing up for your customers wherever they are, whenever they need you, and doing so in a way that makes them feel remembered and valued. Also, it’s not just about being everywhere—it’s about being connected everywhere.
So, if you want to get ahead of the competition with an omnichannel strategy, then ControlHippo can be your trusted partner. Our omnichannel customer engagement platform empowers your business to integrate different channels, unify conversations, and elevate engagement like never before.
FAQs
1. What channels are typically used in omnichannel customer engagement?
Omnichannel engagement majorly utilizes a combination of channels such as social media, email, support, mobile app, in-store, and SMS to deliver a personalized customer experience.
2. How does omnichannel engagement impact customer service teams?
Omnichannel engagement assists customer service representatives by giving a 360-degree view of all customer interactions. It enables highly personalized responses, reduces repeated queries, and multiplies your team’s productivity.
3. Is omnichannel customer engagement suitable for small businesses?
Yes, omnichannel customer engagement is suitable for any business regardless of its size. Especially, small businesses can provide personalized services across low-cost communication channels such as email, social media, and chat.
4. What are the four pillars of omnichannel?
The four pillars of omnichannel are:
- Customer data
- Channel integration
- Consistent messaging, and
- Personalized experiences
You start by understanding your customer data. Then you connect all your channels so nothing feels disconnected. After that, you keep your brand message uniform everywhere. Finally, you personalize every touchpoint so the journey feels smooth and relevant.
5. What are the challenges of omnichannel?
The biggest challenges in omnichannel engagement are managing data from different sources and keeping all channels connected. Another challenge is maintaining consistent communication across every touchpoint. Teams can also struggle with outdated systems that do not sync well. And finally, delivering personalized experiences becomes tough when customer information is incomplete or scattered.

Subscribe to our newsletter & never miss our latest news and promotions.

