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Unit 1.4

Digital Consumer Behavior and Customer Journey

Digital Marketing Course

Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

  • βœ… Define the modern digital customer journey and its non-linear nature.
  • βœ… Identify and describe the five key stages: Awareness, Consideration, Conversion, Loyalty, and Advocacy.
  • βœ… Map specific digital marketing channels to each stage of the journey.
  • βœ… Analyze a real-world customer journey in a local context.

The Empowered Digital Consumer ⚑

The internet has fundamentally changed how consumers make decisions.

Traditional Consumer

  • Linear path to purchase
  • Limited information sources
  • Relied on brand messaging
  • Passive recipient of ads

Digital Consumer

  • Complex, non-linear path
  • Access to vast information
  • Relies on reviews & peers
  • Active researcher & creator

What is the Digital Customer Journey? πŸ—ΊοΈ

Definition: The digital customer journey is a model describing the full lifecycle of a consumer's interactions with a brand across various digital touchpoints, from initial awareness to loyal advocacy.

Key Idea: It's not a simple funnel anymore. It's a complex, looping journey where consumers can jump between stages.

The 5 Stages of the Journey

A common framework helps us map marketing activities to consumer needs.

  1. Awareness

    Discovering a need and potential solutions.

  2. Consideration

    Actively researching and comparing options.

  3. Conversion

    Making the decision to purchase.

  4. Loyalty

    Becoming a repeat customer.

  5. Advocacy

    Recommending the brand to others.

Stage 1

Awareness: "I have a problem or need."

🎯 Goal

Introduce your brand as a potential solution when a consumer first identifies a need.

Be present where your audience discovers new things.

πŸ“Š Key Channels

  • Social Media (e.g., Instagram Reels, Facebook Ads)
  • Display Advertising
  • Content Marketing (Blog posts, videos)
  • Influencer Marketing

Stage 2

Consideration: "What are my options?" πŸ”

🎯 Goal

Provide detailed information to help consumers evaluate your solution against competitors.

Be the most helpful and credible source of information.

πŸ“Š Key Channels

  • Search Engines (SEO & SEM)
  • Review Sites (e.g., TripAdvisor, Google Reviews)
  • Comparison Websites
  • In-depth Content (Guides, Webinars, Case Studies)

Stage 3

Conversion: "Let's do this!" πŸ›’

🎯 Goal

Make the purchase process as simple, secure, and seamless as possible.

Remove all friction from the transaction.

πŸ“Š Key Channels

  • Your Website / E-commerce Store (e.g., Daraz, Sastodeal)
  • Retargeting Ads
  • Email Marketing (e.g., Abandoned Cart Reminders)
  • Clear Call-to-Actions (CTAs)

Stage 4

Loyalty: "I made a good choice." 😊

🎯 Goal

Nurture the post-purchase relationship to encourage repeat business and build affinity.

Turn a one-time buyer into a long-term fan.

πŸ“Š Key Channels

  • Email Newsletters (with exclusive offers)
  • Social Media Engagement (Community building)
  • Loyalty Programs (e.g., CG Digital Loyalty Points)
  • Excellent Customer Support

Stage 5

Advocacy: "You should try this!" πŸ“£

🎯 Goal

Empower happy customers to become brand ambassadors and generate word-of-mouth marketing.

This is the most trusted and valuable form of marketing.

πŸ“Š Key Channels

  • Social Media Sharing (User-Generated Content)
  • Online Reviews & Testimonials
  • Referral Programs ("Refer a friend")
  • Affiliate Programs

Journey in Action: A Nepali Example

Scenario: A student in Kathmandu wants to order a custom cake for a birthday.

  • Awareness: Sees a friend's Instagram story featuring a beautiful cake from "Kathmandu Cakes".
  • Consideration: Searches "best custom cakes in Kathmandu". Reads Google reviews and compares Facebook page photo albums of 3 different bakeries.
  • Conversion: Places an order via Kathmandu Cakes' website, paying with eSewa.
  • Loyalty: Receives a thank you message on Viber with a 10% discount on their next order.
  • Advocacy: Posts a picture of the cake on their own Instagram, tagging @KathmanduCakes and writing "Best birthday cake ever!".

Key Takeaways ⚑

  • The modern customer journey is a complex, multi-touchpoint, and non-linear process.
  • The 5-stage model (Awareness, Consideration, Conversion, Loyalty, Advocacy) provides a vital framework for your strategy.
  • Different digital channels and tactics are required to effectively engage consumers at each stage.
  • The ultimate goal is not just a single sale, but to create loyal advocates who drive new business.

Thank You!

Any questions?


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