May 22, 2023

Educating consumers to embrace the smart home

We explore why now is the best time for consumers to invest in smart home technology and how we as brands can educate them on putting it together themselves.

Jess Hadleigh

Smart home technology is becoming increasingly popular among consumers, with more and more households wanting to invest in devices. With the COVID-19 pandemic driving people to spend more time at home, the demand for smart home technology is only expected to grow.

However, many consumers are still unsure about how to put together a smart home system and make the most of its benefits. In this blog, we will explore why now is the best time for consumers to invest in smart home technology and how we as brands can educate them on putting it together themselves.

According to a recent survey by Coldwell Banker, nearly half of real estate agents believe that smart home technology can increase the perceived value of a home by up to 10%. As more and more homebuyers look for properties with smart home technology, investing in a smart home system can be a smart financial decision.

Challenges of setting up a smart home system

Despite the many benefits of smart home technology, many consumers are still hesitant to invest in it due to the perceived difficulty of setting up a system. With so many different devices and platforms available, it can be overwhelming for consumers to figure out how to put together a smart home system that works for them.

Educating consumers on setting up a smart home system

When it comes to educating consumers, many brands opt for text-heavy solutions like blog posts and how-to-guides that are quick and easy to create, publish and distribute between platforms. While blogs and guides are certainly a great way to pass on information, it’s doesn’t exactly evoke a lot of engagement. At Beacon, we recommend educational campaigns for our clients.

Educational campaigns are powerful tools that have clear objectives and can effectively convey desired information while engaging customers. Here are some of our favorite initiatives for an educational campaign:

1. Gamified education experience:

By making the process of acquiring necessary information enjoyable and interactive, you increase the likelihood of effectively communicating the key benefits of your smart device or product. This approach allows customers to make informed decisions that align with their needs and preferences.

2. Online video tutorials:

Providing step-by-step video tutorials enables customers to learn about your product or service in a visually engaging and easy-to-follow manner. This format allows for a more immersive learning experience and can be accessed conveniently by your target audience.

3. Partnering with influencers:

Collaborating with influencers or industry experts can offer your members exclusive access to valuable insights and training. This not only enhances their skills and knowledge but also elevates the credibility and reputation of your brand within the industry.

4. Partnering with non-competing brands:

By joining forces with complementary brands that share your target audience, you can create educational campaigns that offer a holistic perspective. This collaboration allows for cross-promotion and enables customers to see how your products work seamlessly with other smart devices or related products.

5. Online workshops or social media lives:

Hosting online workshops or conducting live sessions on social media platforms provides an interactive platform for customers to learn and engage with your brand. These events can cover a range of topics related to your products or industry, fostering a sense of community and encouraging knowledge sharing.

6. Tips and Tricks content:

Sharing tips, tricks, and hacks related to your products or services not only educates your customers but also positions your brand as an authority in the industry. This type of content provides practical value and helps customers maximize their experience with your offerings.

7. Provide insights from industry experts or subject-matter experts within your company:

Leveraging the expertise of industry professionals or internal subject-matter experts allows you to offer valuable insights and perspectives to your customers. This can be done through blog posts, interviews, webinars, or podcasts, establishing your brand as a trusted source of information.