Digital self-service can encompass a wide range of functions. In general, it refers to specific processes in a digital environment that users can initiate independently. This capability is built into many personal accounts. For example, patient portal development always considers the function of self-scheduling appointments with a doctor.
Why Self-Service Portals Are So Important For Modern Businesses
The first and most important advantage that a business receives from such offices is savings. Time, money, nerves of management and employees are all reserves of the company. The less the human factor affects some processes, the better for the business.
The second advantage is increased sales. A properly developed and configured self-service portal is like a perfect salesperson. Based on the customer’s purchasing or ordering experience, it can recommend similar or additional products and services, and if needed, pull necessary information from the database. The most prominent example of such a service is Netflix. This platform has become a model and a demonstrative example of how self-service should work.
The third advantage is the improvement in customer service quality. Every company has complex customers or clients who can take up a lot of time from employees before completing the desired action. When such a customer chooses, orders, and pays for a service themselves, it becomes easier for everyone.
There are businesses that absolutely need such portals. Without them, development and reaching an international level are simply impossible.
Which Businesses Need A Self-Service Portal?
Each of us uses such self-service portals every day, simplifying our lives. We are already accustomed to making purchases in online stores. We choose the product ourselves, read all the information about it, make the purchase, and order delivery to a specific address. We do not even interact with company employees at all.
What other businesses should at least partially transition to self-service processes:
- Food delivery orders – systems that have already completely eliminated the human factor in the order process.
- restaurants and hotels should provide their customers with the ability to reserve a table or room at any time without the involvement of administrators;
- ticket purchases—this includes not only tickets for transportation, but also for theater, cinema, exhibitions, and entertainment events.
- payment for insurance policies, education—the management of companies that provide services in the insurance and education sectors will only benefit if their clients and students choose their products themselves and pay for them.
It may seem that all companies in this list already use such portals. However, in most cases, we book tickets or hotel rooms through special services and aggregators. It seems like everyone wins: it’s convenient for customers, the service earns a commission, and the company boosts sales. But very often, customers want to place orders on the company’s own website, especially if they have had a negative experience with third-party services. Those restaurants, hotels, museums, and many other companies that take care of this in a timely manner will be in the most advantageous position.
The manufacturers and wholesale sellers who provided B2B sector customers with the ability to independently place their orders yesterday are doing well today. In conclusion, which businesses definitely need a client portal? Any business!
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