{"id":1696,"date":"2022-04-03T23:37:25","date_gmt":"2022-04-03T23:37:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/emplifistg.wpenginepowered.com\/resource\/customer-self-service\/"},"modified":"2025-11-14T20:40:30","modified_gmt":"2025-11-14T20:40:30","slug":"customer-self-service","status":"publish","type":"resource_posts","link":"https:\/\/emplifi.io\/resources\/blog\/customer-self-service\/","title":{"rendered":"Customer self-service: The benefits and best practices you must know"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":1697,"parent":3412,"menu_order":0,"template":"page-templates\/resource-blog.php","resource_topics_tax":[54,62],"resource_types_tax":[48],"resource_industries_tax":[],"resource_visibility_tax":[],"class_list":["post-1696","resource_posts","type-resource_posts","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","resource_topics_tax-ai-automation","resource_topics_tax-customer-care","resource_types_tax-blogs"],"acf":{"page_cta_group":{"show_section":true,"use_global_cta":true,"section_subhead":"","section_headline":"","section_text_left":"","section_text_right":"","section_button":""},"awards_group":{"show_section":true,"use_global_awards_text":true,"section_subhead":"","section_headline":"","section_text":"","use_global_awards":true,"awards":false},"resource_description":"Most consumers today want the ability to find answers to their own questions as opposed to contacting your customer care team every time. A strong customer self-service experience is essential today. So, what should that look like?","hero_headline":"Customer self-service: The benefits and best practices you must know","content_builder":[{"acf_fc_layout":"wysiwyg","wysiwyg_background_color":"white","wysiwyg":"<p>When customers have a question, they don\u2019t always want or need to contact a customer service representative. They often prefer to help themselves. In fact, according to a recent Emplifi report, <a title=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/go.emplifi.io\/consumer-expectations-customer-service.html\">75% of consumers<\/a> today find it important to have access to a fully self-service customer care option so they can find answers themselves.<\/p>\n<p>This is a desire your brand can address by providing easy digital self-service options through its website, social media, or other channels.<\/p>\n<p>There are a variety of self-service tools and approaches available, from self-service portals to <a title=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/emplifi.io\/product\/customer-service-chatbot\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">AI-powered chatbots<\/a>. As more and more customers come to expect self-service options, they\u2019re becoming a necessity in the customer service toolbox \u2013 and, if done well, can differentiate your brand with a high-quality <a title=\"\" href=\"#Entry-3TT19BivEpcVxXcyyuepI7\">customer experience<\/a> (CX).<\/p>\n<p>So, what do brands need to know about customer self-service in 2022? Keep reading to learn more.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a title=\"\" href=\"#what-is-customer-self-service\">What is customer self-service <\/a><\/li>\n<li><a title=\"\" href=\"#benefits-of-customer-self-service\">Benefits of customer self-service <\/a><\/li>\n<li><a title=\"\" href=\"#common-customer-self-service-channels\">Common self-service channels <\/a><\/li>\n<li><a title=\"\" href=\"#how-to-provide-customer-self-service\">How to provide customer self-service <\/a><\/li>\n<li><a title=\"\" href=\"#best-practices-for-customer-self-service\">Best practices in customer self-service<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a title=\"\" href=\"#how-to-let-self-service-customers-know-you-value-them\">How to let self-service customers know you value them<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&lt;div id=&#8221;what-is-customer-self-service&#8221;&gt;&lt;\/div&gt;<\/p>\n<h2>What is customer self-service?<\/h2>\n<p>Customer self-service is a DIY option, enabling customers to find answers to their own questions and access useful information about a brand\u2019s products and services to resolve their own challenges without having to interact with a customer service representative.<\/p>\n<p>Customers may turn to self-service at multiple points along their <a title=\"\" href=\"#Entry-7M1lsfgB2Qrji675YodlpO\">customer journey<\/a>. For example:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Pre-purchase<\/strong> to research products, learn about features, and compare options before making a purchase decision.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Post-purchase<\/strong> to answer questions about a product they\u2019ve bought, troubleshoot issues, or return an item they don\u2019t want.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Self-service doesn\u2019t eliminate the role of customer support agents altogether. Some issues will always require a higher level of service that only agents can provide. However, an effective self-service strategy can reduce the number of situations that require an agent and empower customers to solve many problems on their own.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/emplifi.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Customer_Self-Service_Definition.svg\" alt=\"Customer Self-Service Definition\" data-original=\"https:\/\/images.ctfassets.net\/cpumif18y1gd\/6IUNrgfETfqEtN2o6Qp06j\/863d6793154ad3b982c6302d09ae545e\/Customer_Self-Service_Definition.svg\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&lt;div id=&#8221;benefits-of-customer-self-service&#8221;&gt;&lt;\/div&gt;<\/p>\n<h2>3 key benefits of customer self-service<\/h2>\n<p><a title=\"\" href=\"#Entry-5wS99mfgH09wEx5xqIl40b\">Customer experience statistics<\/a> continually show the importance of providing seamless, successful experiences across the customer journey. With <a title=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/go.emplifi.io\/consumer-expectations-customer-service.html\">the majority of consumers today<\/a> finding it important to have a fully self-serve customer service option available to them, here are other key benefits of having strong self-service options available to customers.<\/p>\n<h3>1. Speed and convenience<\/h3>\n<p>24\/7 customer service availability and quick responses to messages are the <a title=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/go.emplifi.io\/consumer-expectations-customer-service.html\">top experiences that make consumers feel positively toward brands<\/a>, according to a recent Emplifi report. The quicker and more effortless a self-service experience is, the more satisfied customers will be.<\/p>\n<h3>2. Builds loyalty<\/h3>\n<p>By offering self-service options, brands can empower customers and provide the speedy, convenient experiences they want. Self-service enables customers to find help around the clock, whenever and wherever they need it. Such experiences not only make customers more satisfied with their purchases, but also build customer loyalty by showing that you value their time and understand their needs.<\/p>\n<h3>3. Reduces routine customer queries<\/h3>\n<p>Customer self-service can improve your bottom line in various ways. By offering a self-service channel, the volume of routine queries going to customer service teams is reduced, freeing up service representatives to focus on solving more difficult challenges for customers. As a result, the overall cost of providing high-quality service is reduced, even as your customer base grows. In addition, self-service can increase net sales revenue by reducing the rate of product returns and refunds.<\/p>\n<p>In short, customer self-service can result in significant savings, revenue gains, and increased customer loyalty and retention. It\u2019s a vital part of any plan to turn customer support and care into a competitive advantage for your business.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/emplifi.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Emplifi_Stat_75_percent_of_consumers_find_it_important_to_have_a_fully_self-service_customer_care_option.svg\" alt=\"Emplifi Customer Experience Statistics - 75 percent of consumers find it important to have a fully self-service customer care option\" data-original=\"https:\/\/images.ctfassets.net\/cpumif18y1gd\/7D7UNOtM4cj3ZF2r7SPOHG\/3aec4a50df50a475f5b5bd9e70278ea6\/Emplifi_Stat_75_percent_of_consumers_find_it_important_to_have_a_fully_self-service_customer_care_option.svg\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&lt;div id=&#8221;common-customer-self-service-channels&#8221;&gt;&lt;\/div&gt;<\/p>\n<h2>Common customer self-service channels<\/h2>\n<p>You can provide self-service through virtually any online channel that supports interactions between you and your customers. Whether through the use of knowledge bases or automated via the use <a title=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/emplifi.io\/product\/customer-service-chatbot\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">AI-powered chatbots<\/a>, here is where brands can deliver easy digital customer self-service experiences:<\/p>\n<h3>Brand and product websites<\/h3>\n<p>Your website is the first place many customers will search for answers to their questions. Websites can provide various resources and routes to self-service. These can include a self-service portal, a knowledge base, or automated live chat.<\/p>\n<h3>Mobile apps<\/h3>\n<p>A branded mobile app can provide access to customer-oriented resources and options similar to those on your website. This is especially useful for providing convenient self-service to on-the-go customers.<\/p>\n<h3>Social media<\/h3>\n<p>More and more, people use social media to seek help with their product questions or issues, before and after purchase. Brands can make such interactions easier by integrating self-service chatbots into their social platforms.<\/p>\n<h3>Messaging<\/h3>\n<p>For users who prefer to communicate by text message, self-service chatbots can be integrated with SMS systems and <a title=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/go.emplifi.io\/messaging-customer-experience\">instant messaging apps<\/a>, such as Facebook Messenger.<\/p>\n<p>&lt;div id=&#8221;how-to-provide-customer-self-service&#8221;&gt;&lt;\/div&gt;<\/p>\n<h2>How can you provide self-service to your customers?<\/h2>\n<p>Customer self-service can take different forms, using a wide range of tools and platforms. Here are some of the most important approaches to consider.<\/p>\n<h3>Customer self-service portals<\/h3>\n<p>A self-service portal or help center is an online hub catering to customer self-service needs, accessible via a website or mobile app. Such a portal provides a central location where customers can go to find helpful resources, perform tasks for themselves, and submit support tickets for issues they can\u2019t solve on their own.<\/p>\n<h3>Knowledge bases<\/h3>\n<p>A knowledge base is a collection of free online resources such as how-to articles, FAQs, user guides, video tutorials, and technical documentation. Some of this content will provide quick answers to customer questions, while some offers more in-depth guidance and training.<\/p>\n<h3>Community forums<\/h3>\n<p>A community forum provides an online space where customers can post their questions or challenges and offer advice to each other. Users can also search the forum\u2019s history to find previous posts or discussions relevant to their needs.<\/p>\n<h3>Automated live chat<\/h3>\n<p>Using live chat, chatbots and virtual assistants can respond to customer questions and help solve problems in real time. An advanced AI-powered chatbot can understand conversations in context, answer a wide variety of queries, and escalate especially difficult issues to a live agent. Such conversational tools can bring an even higher level of speed and convenience to the self-service experience.<\/p>\n<h3>Customer self-service software<\/h3>\n<p>Various software products can help you deploy everything from customer service portals to knowledge bases and chatbots. A customer service experience platform, in particular, can provide powerful tools to raise the level of self-service you provide.<\/p>\n<p>For example, <a title=\"\" href=\"#Entry-3OOYVf3rsEgznORCuP3qyG\">Emplifi Service Cloud<\/a> improves self-service through AI chatbots, digital self-serve options, and a knowledge management system that integrates a wide range of online resources. Its suite of advanced tools also enables agents to provide faster, higher-quality support through AI and automation.<\/p>\n<p>&lt;div id=&#8221;best-practices-for-customer-self-service&#8221;&gt;&lt;\/div&gt;<\/p>\n<h2>5 best practices for customer self-service<\/h2>\n<p>How can you ensure a great self-service experience? Let\u2019s look at some of the practices that can lead you to success. For more tips and practical advice, check out our article with 7 examples of customer self-service.<\/p>\n<h3>Personalization<\/h3>\n<p>Personalized experiences make self-service faster, more effective, and more satisfying for your customers. For example, you could deliver content and chatbot interactions tailored to the profiles of customers logged in to your portal. You can also personalize the experiences of website visitors based on browsing behavior and location.<\/p>\n<h3>High-quality experiences across channels<\/h3>\n<p>Customers may seek support not only through your website, but also via your app, social media platforms, SMS, or third-party messaging services. By offering consistent, seamless self-service on all of these channels, you can reach customers where they are and improve the quality of their experiences.<\/p>\n<h3>Up-to-date knowledge bases<\/h3>\n<p>Inaccurate or incomplete information can quickly frustrate customers. Make sure to keep the content in your knowledge base up to date with new product releases and other changes\u2014and keep adding fresh content as you learn more about the questions your customers tend to have.<\/p>\n<h3>Guided conversations<\/h3>\n<p>When customers interact with a chatbot, more guided interactions can make their choices easier and help them find answers sooner. For example, a bot could narrow down the topic and advance the conversation more quickly by letting the customer select from a menu of options.<\/p>\n<h3>Intelligent escalation to human agents<\/h3>\n<p>Even the best chatbots struggle to resolve some customer questions. Your self-service chatbot needs to recognize such issues and escalate them to a customer service agent as quickly as possible. Agents, in turn, need background information that helps them understand the context and provide seamless service to customers.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/emplifi.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Escalation_quote.svg\" alt=\"Escalation\" data-original=\"https:\/\/images.ctfassets.net\/cpumif18y1gd\/1hjZ8S1VNwEVzd6AJubAjs\/236123459097a2fc82f50ec87940f17c\/Escalation_quote.svg\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&lt;div id=&#8221;how-to-let-self-service-customers-know-you-value-them&#8221;&gt;&lt;\/div&gt;<\/p>\n<h2>How to let self-service customers know you value them<\/h2>\n<p>Follow the best practices we\u2019ve outlined in this article to make the customer experiences as effortless as possible and to show your customers how much you value them. Anticipate their questions and demonstrate you understand their problems. Prove you value their time by reducing any barriers standing in their way and by providing multiple paths for them to find the tools and resources they need.<\/p>\n<p>You can further demonstrate your care for customers after self-service interactions by asking for their feedback. A post-support questionnaire or survey not only shows customers that you value their opinions, but can also provide valuable insights to help you improve the self-service experience.<\/p>\n<p>Self-service may mean helping customers solve problems on their own\u2014but it doesn\u2019t mean leaving them to fend for themselves. Assistance from a live service agent should always be a short chat, call, or email away. And while building out your self-service options, find ways to use technology to make your customer service teams more effective as well.<\/p>\n<p>As part of our Service Cloud, Emplifi offers powerful, AI-driven digital self-service solutions to help customers quickly and easily get the answers they need. <a title=\"\" href=\"#Entry-1Y7ixjKVoCVDuupTqJaWBN\">Book a demo today<\/a> to speak with an Emplifi expert and learn more.<\/p>\n<style>\n.emplifi-article-renderer h2, .emplifi-article-renderer h3, .emplifi-article-renderer h4, .emplifi-article-renderer hr {<br \/>margin: 3rem 0 1.2rem 0;<br \/>}<br \/>.emplifi-article-renderer__article-body img {<br \/>    margin: 4rem 0;<br \/>width: 100%;<br \/>}<br \/><\/style>\n"}],"sidebar_type":"sticky","sidebar_builder":[{"acf_fc_layout":"table_of_contents","title":"TABLE OF CONTENTS","type":"automatic","links":false}],"resource_feed_group":{"show_section":true,"section_subhead":"","section_headline":"Insights from Emplifi","section_text":"<p>Explore our latest blogs and comprehensive guides designed to help you master customer experience strategies and drive growth.<\/p>\n","feed_type":"resources","use_recent_resources":true,"topic_filter":62,"resources":false,"custom_links":false},"remove_gtm":false,"custom_card_title":"","hero_hide_subhead":false,"left_sidebar_add_cta":false,"faqs_group":{"show_section":false,"section_subhead":"","section_headline":"","section_text":"","faqs":false,"disclaimer_text":"","add_additional_sections":false,"additional_faq_sections":false},"hero_read_time":"15"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/emplifi.io\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/resource_posts\/1696","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/emplifi.io\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/resource_posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/emplifi.io\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/resource_posts"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/emplifi.io\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/resource_posts\/3412"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/emplifi.io\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1697"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/emplifi.io\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1696"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"resource_topics_tax","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/emplifi.io\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/resource_topics_tax?post=1696"},{"taxonomy":"resource_types_tax","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/emplifi.io\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/resource_types_tax?post=1696"},{"taxonomy":"resource_industries_tax","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/emplifi.io\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/resource_industries_tax?post=1696"},{"taxonomy":"resource_visibility_tax","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/emplifi.io\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/resource_visibility_tax?post=1696"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}