What are the most common customer complaints in digital marketing?
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Digital marketing is a powerful way to reach and engage your target audience, but it also comes with its own challenges and pitfalls. You may have invested a lot of time, money, and effort into creating and executing your digital marketing strategy, but are you getting the results you want? And more importantly, are your customers happy and satisfied with your online presence and offerings? In this article, we will explore some of the most common customer complaints in digital marketing and how you can avoid or address them.
One of the first impressions your customers get of your brand is through your website. Your website should be attractive, functional, easy to navigate, and responsive to different devices and browsers. If your website is slow, cluttered, outdated, or confusing, you may lose your customers' interest and trust. You may also miss out on valuable conversions and sales opportunities. To prevent this, you should regularly test and optimize your website for speed, performance, security, and user experience. You should also follow the best practices of web design and usability, such as clear headings, consistent layout, intuitive navigation, and relevant content.
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Maliha Farooq Ismail
SG at American Business Council Pakistan, Certified Director, Amazon Published Writer, LinkedIn Top Voice, Warwick Business School, Cornell, Google x Reuters xHBL xABNAmro
UI/ UX has been the most recurring issues I have faced .. we tend to assume customers know and are able to nauvigate through even the most complex UI/ UX systems which might not be the case
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Naseer Jatt
CEO & Founder | RiNa Multimedia and Tenstar Resume Limited | Innovating Multimedia and Personal Branding for the Modern Age
As a leader in digital marketing, I’ve learned that clients often feel impatient for quick results and desire greater transparency in strategy and spending. They prefer personalized marketing approaches over generic ones and wish for more straightforward explanations of complex digital tools. Addressing these concerns with clear communication and customized strategies is key to ensuring client satisfaction and campaign success.
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Mehkan Ali Qasim
Head of Digital Transformation @ Interactive Research and Development | Agile Project Management
One thing i’ve found that the UI/UX is the most important thing to keep the user engaged on the website. I have seen companies with poor user experience and not understanding the value of having a proper website as per their business. I have reworked with many brands and company making them understand the value of ui/ux and journeys so that the actual message of company is delivered.
Another common complaint in digital marketing is that customers feel bombarded with generic and irrelevant messages and offers. Customers today expect more from brands than ever before. They want to feel valued, understood, and catered to. They want to receive personalized and relevant content and offers that match their needs, preferences, and behaviors. To achieve this, you need to segment your audience based on various criteria, such as demographics, location, interests, purchase history, and online behavior. You also need to use tools and techniques that allow you to tailor your content and offers to each segment, such as email marketing, remarketing, dynamic content, and landing pages.
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Hari Kumaran Raamalingam
Tech-Marketing Entrepreneur | Digital Marketing Specialist | Helping business to grow fast with Automation & Marketing.
Customers expect brands to treat them as individuals. They want messages and deals that match their needs and interests. To do this, you can group your audience based on things like where they live, what they like, and what they've bought. Then, use tools like email marketing and special web pages to customize what you show each group. For instance, if you sell sports gear, you can send emails about soccer shoes to people who have bought soccer balls. This way, customers feel understood and valued, and they're more likely to engage with your brand.
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Pratyush Giri
Technical & On Page SEO Consultant 🚀 || Meta & Google Ads Expert 🤑 || Building- Growth by Pratyush 🎯
Today's customers aren't just looking for generic messages and offers; they want to feel like you understand their unique needs. By segmenting your audience based on demographics, interests, and online behavior, you can tailor your content and offers to match their preferences. Techniques like email marketing, remarketing, and dynamic content allow you to deliver personalized experiences. By doing this, you can show your customers that you value their individuality and strengthen their connection to your brand.
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Stacy Sherman🎙️🎧 📘
Professional Speaker & Content Creator about Doing Customer Experience Right® via Heart & Science™ as competitive advantage ➤Trusted Advisor ➤ Linkedin Instructor ➤Author➤ "Best Podcast Host" W3 🏆 Winner + Producer
Personalization is essential to get and keep loyal customers. Data can be your best friend in this regard. When working at Verizon eCommerce team, we’d intentionally show online visitors (logged in) accessories for their specific phone model. Iphone users, for example, would see apple product recommendations, not Droid. Start simple and then use sophisticated tools and technology to advance your personalization initiatives.
Another source of frustration and dissatisfaction for customers is when they encounter inadequate or misleading information on your website or other digital channels. This can include inaccurate product descriptions, outdated prices, hidden fees, broken links, or false claims. These can damage your reputation, credibility, and trustworthiness, as well as lead to negative reviews, refunds, or legal issues. To avoid this, you should always provide accurate, complete, and transparent information on your website and other digital channels. You should also update your information regularly and promptly, and correct any errors or mistakes as soon as possible.
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Savvas Agathangelou
🚀 Co-Founder of The Luxury Playbook | 🎯Empowering Entrepreneurs, Investors & Innovators through data-backed articles & In-Person Workshops |🌐20.000+ Quality Monthly Readers
These days, users really get frustrated when they come across Inadequate or misleading information. Make sure your website paths don't end up with broken links or 404 pages. At the same time, cross-check the information you provide versus the actual product (if you sell products, for instance). People get mad when you oversell in marketing language but underdeliver in product quality; doing the opposite will possibly give you a surprise opportunity.
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Shree Kumar Pillai
Digital Marketer | Helping Entrepreneurs, Startups and Businesses Grow Digitally.!!
In the vast landscape of digital marketing, information is the currency of trust. When consumers encounter inadequate or misleading information, it can erode trust and leave a lasting impact on brand reputation. Misleading information may not only tarnish a brand's reputation but also lead to legal issues and regulatory consequences. Customer dissatisfaction due to inadequate or misleading information can quickly spread and harm a brand's reputation. Trust, once established, can lead to lasting customer relationships and long-term success in the digital landscape.
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Muhammad Shahzaib
Digital Marketing Strategist || Certified From Meta And Google || PPC Expert || Facebook Ads Expert
Misleading product descriptions, false claims, or insufficient information can lead to distrust and complaints. Honesty and transparency are crucial.
Another common complaint in digital marketing is that customers feel ignored, neglected, or mistreated by brands. Customers want to communicate with brands easily, quickly, and effectively. They want to receive timely and helpful responses to their queries, feedback, or complaints. They also want to be treated with respect, courtesy, and empathy. To meet these expectations, you should provide multiple and convenient channels for customer service and communication, such as phone, email, chat, social media, or chatbots. You should also train your staff or agents to handle customer interactions professionally, politely, and efficiently. You should also follow up with your customers and thank them for their business or feedback.
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Pratyush Giri
Technical & On Page SEO Consultant 🚀 || Meta & Google Ads Expert 🤑 || Building- Growth by Pratyush 🎯
Customers want to be heard and respected. Quick and effective communication is essential. Provide multiple channels for customer service, from email to social media, and ensure your staff is well-trained to handle inquiries professionally. Following up with customers and showing appreciation for their business fosters loyalty. Remember, a happy customer can be your best brand ambassador.
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Danica Tarin
Managing Vice President of Analytics | LinkedIn Top Artificial Intelligence (AI) Voice | Gartner, Accenture | AI/ML, GenAI
This is where GenAI's natural language capabilities can improve communication, such as answering customer questions via chatbot with empathy and personality. A recent article on HealthNews suggests that AI has the potential to be more empathetic than real doctors. This is because AI can be programmed to provide personalized care and support based on individual needs and preferences. This enhances customer service and reduces complaints. #AIchatbots #customerexperience #healthcareAI
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Urvee Nandha
Strategically Driving Digital Growth | Data-Driven Digital Marketing Expert | ROI-Focused Campaigns | Connecting Brands with Audiences
Customers seek acknowledgment and respect, making swift and efficient communication a vital element. It's crucial to offer a range of customer service channels, encompassing email and social media, along with well-trained staff capable of handling inquiries in a professional manner. Building and maintaining customer loyalty involves proactive follow-ups and expressing gratitude for their patronage. Keep in mind that a satisfied customer can evolve into your most effective brand advocate.
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Another common complaint in digital marketing is that customers feel annoyed or overwhelmed by spammy or intrusive marketing. Customers do not like to receive unsolicited, irrelevant, or excessive emails, calls, texts, or ads from brands. They also do not like to be interrupted or distracted by pop-ups, banners, or videos that interfere with their online experience. These can cause customers to unsubscribe, block, or report your marketing efforts, as well as lose interest and trust in your brand. To prevent this, you should respect your customers' privacy and preferences, and follow the rules and regulations of digital marketing, such as GDPR and CAN-SPAM. You should also use permission-based and opt-in marketing methods, and provide easy and clear ways for customers to opt-out or unsubscribe from your marketing communications.
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Isaac Lekgothoane
Marketing Manager l Digital Media | Expert Having Great Communication Skills | The TOP Person Hall of Famer
I personally get frustrated when my email or mobile phone is filled with these kind of intrusive marketing. How about a potential customer? Is it how you will like products to be marketed to you? Definitely No! Respect the customers peace of mind. Do your customer research as a marketer, tactically engage customers without invading their privacy and bombarding them with marketing messages. When you excessively push product emails or calls. Customers gets defensive, disengaged, lose trust in your product and what it has to offer. It is difficult to bounce back and win your customers again when they have blocked your calls and unsubscribed from your emails. You only have your self to blame as a marketer. Tread carefully.
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Shree Kumar Pillai
Digital Marketer | Helping Entrepreneurs, Startups and Businesses Grow Digitally.!!
The line between effective engagement and being labeled as spammy or intrusive is razor-thin. spammy or intrusive marketing can hinder digital success by alienating customers and damaging brand reputation. Brands that prioritize transparency, permission, relevance, and respect for customer choices can build lasting relationships, foster customer loyalty, and thrive in the digital landscape. Understanding and respecting this boundary is vital for building trust and lasting customer relationships. By creating marketing campaigns that are both engaging and respectful, you can strike the balance needed for digital marketing success.
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Roberto Oliveira
Chief Growth Officer @ Batch | Ex-Google | Innovation @ HEC Paris
My #1 learning in my career: add "people who bought your product" as a negative audience to your remarketing campaigns. I have seen countless campaigns without this audience and makes the brands look stupid (not to mention a waste of money) as it keeps trying to sell the product after it has been sold. Pro tip: if your customers can buy your products multiple times, you can also use a "bought the product in the last 7 days" audience (or X days, depending on your product sales cycle) so you take the foot off the pedal when the campaign has done its job.
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Siddharth Venkataraman
LinkedIn TOP Voice | 100+ workshops | 5 Brands | 10+ Awards | Digital Customer Experience | Brand Manager | TATA & CII - CX Awardee | Author | Keynote Speaker | Leadership | Marketing Leader
1. Ineffective reporting 2. Not mapping digital KPIs to business goals 3. One size fits all approach 4. Not understanding the client/ internal stakeholder's business properly 5. High costs and ROI
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Naina Agarwal
User Acquisition | Subscriber Growth | Digital Marketing | Product Marketing | App Marketing | Growth & Strategy | Analytics | eCommerce | OTT
In my experience, in digital marketing, two common customer complaints are regarding: Misleading Advertisements: Customers often feel deceived when the product or service they receive doesn’t match the promises made in ads. This discrepancy between expectation and reality can lead to frustration and mistrust. Spammy Communications: Excessive emails or messages, especially those with irrelevant content, can irritate customers. People dislike feeling bombarded with communications, particularly if they're not personalized or offer no value.
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Muhammad Shahzaib
Digital Marketing Strategist || Certified From Meta And Google || PPC Expert || Facebook Ads Expert
The impact of data privacy concerns, online security issues, and the need for companies to adapt to changing customer expectations in the digital age. Staying responsive and ethical is key to minimizing complaints.