15 Apr 2024
Yogand Yoga Studio in Bristol. The image shows people practising yoga

Power up the senses: A multi-sensory customer experience at a yoga studio

How much thought do you give to the five senses when designing a great customer experience?

Do you consider sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste?

Each sense offers countless opportunities to engage and delight customers.

In a previous blog post, we shared ten top tips for creating outstanding customer experiences, inspired by Matt Watkinson’s bestseller The Ten Principles Behind Great Customer Experiences. Here’s a quick recap:

  1. Reflect the customer’s identity
  2. Satisfy the customer’s objectives
  3. Leave nothing to chance
  4. Set and then meet expectations
  5. Make it easy
  6. Remove stress
  7. Power up the senses
  8. Engage on a social level
  9. Put the customer in control
  10. Consider the emotions

I often reflect on how these principles shape my personal experiences as a customer. And “power up the senses” is the one that resonates most.

Most days, I practise at Yoganand Studio in Bristol. They apply these principles beautifully, but it’s their commitment to a multi-sensory experience that keeps me coming back.

Let’s delve into how they power up each of the five senses to create an unforgettable customer experience.

Sight: A visual haven

First impressions start with sight. The visual appeal of a brand sets the tone for the entire experience, and Yoganand excels at it. Their social media and signage exude sophistication and serenity.

Stepping into the studio, sleek black walls wrap you in a cocoon of calm, shutting out distractions. Instead of feeling enclosed, the space fosters a deep sense of presence.

The studio itself is a visual delight, neatly aligned black mats, vibrant yellow blankets, and cobalt blue bolsters. Candles flicker throughout the room, while projector lights scatter starry skies across the walls and ceilings.

Sound: melodies that move you

At Yoganand, music isn’t just background noise, it’s a carefully curated part of the experience. Each playlist syncs seamlessly with the flow of the class, tempos rising and falling in tune with movement.

Music has the power to shape thoughts, emotions, and behaviour. Here, it lifts energy when needed and calms anxiety when necessary.

Breath is the heartbeat of yoga, and the collective rhythm of Ujjayi breath from 20 yogis creates a wave-like pulse in the room. Teachers guide the breathing, building a shared energy that deepens the experience.

Smell: scents of serenity

Of all the senses, smell is the most evocative, it unlocks memories and emotions instantly.

Studio owner Jade has always understood its importance. Even in her early classes held in church halls, she carried aromatic sprays to infuse the space with soothing scents.

Today, incense and room sprays fill the studio with familiar aromas. As I descend the stairs, the scent greets me like an old friend, signalling it’s time to unwind.

Touch: the comfort of connection

Touch is the most intimate of the senses, and Yoganand incorporates it thoughtfully. Instructors always ask for consent before offering hands-on adjustments, ensuring everyone feels safe and comfortable.

Some classes end with a blissful head massage during Shavasana, a final treat before transitioning back into daily life.

Touch is present throughout yoga practice, feeling the mat beneath our feet, sensing our muscles engage, and grounding ourselves in the moment. Tuning into these sensations offers a powerful way to silence the mind and connect with the body

Taste: a rewarding finish

And finally, let’s talk about ‘taste’. Because a ‘dynamic flow’ on a Saturday morning really gets your taste buds going! And luckily, right above the studio, the brilliant Juice Jar offers delicious and healthy smoothies and juices, and yummy toasties and Acai Bowls. It’s the ideal way to round off the experience.

Creating a multi-sensory customer experience

Yoganand’s ability to power up the senses is at the heart of their customer experience. By engaging sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste, they craft an immersive experience that lingers in the memory.

This sensory focus goes beyond expectations, it fosters loyalty and transforms routine visits into extraordinary moments.

If you want to elevate your customer experience, consider how each of the five senses plays a role in your business. By crafting a multi-sensory journey, you can create deeper connections, touch hearts and minds, and turn everyday interactions into unforgettable experiences.

Need help putting these principles into practice? Let’s talk about how we can support you in delivering exceptional customer experiences.

Talk to us, explore our website, read our blog, and follow us on LinkedIn to learn more and discover ways to grow a more successful business.