One of the biggest keys to offering exceptional customer service today is understanding what the modern customer wants most: an effortless experience. When issues arise, they expect them to be resolved quickly, on the channel of their choosing, and with as few headaches as possible.

Because of this trend, many consumers are returning to small businesses to get the level of detailed, frictionless service they are after. Customer engagement center (CEC) technology, as well as self-service communities, can help you provide the kind of service that customers now demand, regardless of the size of your business.

Along with implementing the above tools, there are some additional ways you can “wow” your customers. Here are four to keep in mind:

1. Know your customer

Build your level of understanding so you know who the customer is, where they live, why they chose your business, and the information they’d need from you. Maintain that information in one place so everyone who needs it can find it.

2. Understand their preferences

Don’t oversell your customers or offer products and services that are out of their range or won’t interest them.

3. Build knowledge over time

A great example of this is how Netflix builds an understanding of the types of movies its subscribers prefer over time. Make a point to learn during every customer engagement something new about them that will help you offer great service going forward.

4. Do something cool

As you gather this information over time, use it to do something that will surprise and delight your customers. A simple gesture like a free gift on their birthday can go a long way to bring some “wow factor” to solid customer service.

Read more about how companies that lack a traditional call or contact center can still provide effortless customer service by downloading this free e-book.