Is It Time to Rethink Your Customer Experience and Update Your Customer Journey?

Hello and welcome to this weeks episode of The Australian Small Business Show.In this episode we’re diving into the customer journey and why it’s time for small business owners to refresh and rethink how we attract, convert and retain customers in 2026. We unpack the difference between the buyer’s journey and the customer experience journey, and why both deserve intentional planning rather than being left to chance. From awareness right through to advocacy, we explore how we can be more strategic instead of simply chasing new leads and hoping for the best.We talk about how the role of websites is changing, how AI is influencing buyer behaviour, and why trust is becoming more important than ever. With shorter attention spans and more noise in the market, we discuss how to create a seamless, low friction experience that helps customers move from consideration to decision quickly. We also share a real life example of how something as simple as an easy payment process or a well placed QR code for reviews can make a huge difference in the overall journey.Importantly, we explore the often overlooked parts of the journey including repeat business, referrals, reviews and even offboarding customers well. We discuss why systems are critical if you want to consistently nurture relationships, encourage advocacy and handle feedback, both positive and negative, with confidence. If you have not reviewed your customer journey recently, this episode will prompt you to step back and look at the full picture from first touchpoint to long term loyalty.Connect with Us: If you're an Australian Small Business Owner, we'd love to connect with you on socials. You can give our Facebook Page a like here: https://www.facebook.com/theaustraliansmallbusinessshow Or follow us on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/aussmallbizshow/We’d love to hear from you! Subscribe to The Australian Small Business Show newsletter by visiting our website here: https://www.theaustraliansmallbusinessshow.com.au/Disclaimer: The information shared on The Australian Small Business Show is general in nature and does not constitute professional advice, legal or otherwise. We recommend consulting with your advisors on your specific circumstances.Mentioned in this episode:Invitation to Join Kristy-Lee for this Free Webinar?Are you across the Fair Work changes that take effect on 1 July? Join Kristy-Lee for this free webinar to discover exactly what's changing and what you need to do about it, so you don't end up in hot water with Fair Work (even if you only have 5 staff and one of them is your sister-in-law). Free live webinar for Australian small business owners Tuesday 23rd June | 12pm AEST | Online via Zoom https://www.peoplepoweredbusiness.com.au/webinar