The stats are based on a survey of hundreds of senior digital marketing decision-makers at consumer-facing SMB companies in the US and Canada.

Chicago and Toronto (MarTech Advisor): While the news is filled with e-commerce and retail concerns over how to best engage with customers to increase conversion and to create loyalty, Maropost’s inaugural industry survey has identified a large gap in the importance marketers place on managing customers, and the strategies and technology most use to connect and engage with customers. The stats are based on a survey of hundreds of senior digital marketing decision-makers at consumer-facing SMB companies in the US and Canada.

Findings also show that while most marketers list the ability to capture all customer signals across multiple touchpoints as the most valuable customer engagement initiative, only 4% have a true single customer view, despite two-thirds of respondents reporting that they do. And 82% use more than one platform to manage their email marketing, customer engagement and commerce/storefront.

Other key findings include:

• 95% of marketers agree customer expectations are increasing
• Only 37% of marketers say they effectively create an omnichannel customer experience
• Lack of knowledge and training is the #1 challenge keeping marketers from achieving their customer engagement goals
• The cost and timeline for implementation is a market-wide issue, with 79% of respondents reporting implementation taking three months or longer
• Time is money: The longer the implementation the lower a marketer’s satisfaction with the process
• Only 20% see their customer engagement platform provider(s) as a strategic partner

“Being able to effectively reach customers across all channels is key to increasing attention, stickiness, loyalty and conversion,” said Ross Andrew Paquette, Maropost founder and CEO. “This research reveals that most marketers deal with complicated platforms that slow them down, impede their growth and are difficult to use. Marketers need a solution that promises much quicker time-to-value and a single view of their customer across all channels.”Marketing News:

The average consumer typically used two touchpoints when buying an item 18 years ago. Today, consumers use a variety of touchpoints, stressing the need to move beyond email marketing alone. In addition, while omnichannel marketing strategies can increase revenue, poor or nonexistent omnichannel experiences can result in a 10% decrease in revenue.