- XENA Insider
- Posts
- Get Inside Your Customers’ Heads (Ethically!)
Get Inside Your Customers’ Heads (Ethically!)

Hey there,

You know that warm feeling when someone gives you a gift that’s just you? That’s what your customers crave when they shop for customized gifts. It all comes down to using customer data to get personal in a way that feels genuine. Done right, it’s like having a coffee chat with every buyer, knowing exactly what they love. This can turn casual shoppers into loyal fans, and it’s easier than you might think. Let’s walk through how to make personalization your brand’s secret sauce—stick with me for some practical ideas.
Collecting the Right Data Without Creeping Out Your Customers

Alright, let’s start with the basics: you need data to personalize, but nobody likes feeling spied on. Focus on collecting info that’s useful and feels natural. Start with purchase history—what products do they buy, and when? Add in browsing behavior, like what they linger on or add to their cart. You can also ask for preferences directly—say, a quick quiz at checkout about their favorite colors or gift occasions. The benefit? You’ll know exactly what to recommend, like suggesting a custom mug for a coffee lover’s birthday.
Next, keep it ethical. Be upfront about why you’re collecting data—maybe a pop-up that says, “Help us make your shopping experience awesome!” Store data securely and comply with privacy laws like GDPR. When customers trust you, they’re more likely to share. This sets you up to create experiences that feel personal, not pushy, and can boost repeat purchases by 20%. For customized gift brands, that’s gold.
Using Tech to Make Personalization Feel Like Magic

So, you’ve got the data—now what? This is where tech steps in to make personalization scalable. CRM platforms like HubSpot or Klaviyo let you segment customers based on their behavior, like “frequent buyers of personalized jewelry” or “last purchased for a wedding.” From there, you can send tailored emails—like a discount on custom engraving for someone who browsed it. AI-driven tools, like Xena Intelligence’s Brandvoice and Xenalytics, take it further by predicting what customers want before they even search. That’s how you get those “how did they know?” moments that drive sales.
Don’t sleep on dynamic website content either. Use platforms like Shopify Plus to show personalized product suggestions based on past purchases or searches. For example, if someone bought a custom baby blanket, your site could highlight matching bibs next time they visit. This kind of tech can lift conversion rates by 15% for gift brands. The best part? You don’t need to be a tech wizard—most tools are plug-and-play, so you can focus on delighting customers.
Emerging Brands Killing It with Personalization

Some US customized gift brands are already nailing hyper-personalization, and they’re worth watching. These five up-and-comers, all making waves, show how data-driven strategies can create unforgettable customer experiences. From AI-powered recommendations to clever use of customer preferences, they’re turning data into loyalty. Here’s how they’re doing it:
Gleam Gifts: This brand uses AI to analyze purchase history and suggest custom gift bundles, increasing average order value by 25%.
Etch & Ember: By integrating customer quizzes into their checkout, they tailor engraving options, driving a 30% uptick in repeat purchases.
Personal Touch Co.: Their CRM segments buyers by occasion, sending timely reminders for anniversaries, which boosted retention by 20%.
Crafted Keepsakes: Dynamic website content shows personalized product combos based on browsing data, lifting conversions by 18%.
Your Takeaway: Personalization Builds Trust, Not Just Sales
Here’s the big idea: hyper-personalization isn’t just about pushing products—it’s about building trust. When a customer feels like you get them, they’re not just buying a custom necklace; they’re buying into your brand. That trust turns into loyalty, and loyalty means repeat buyers who spread the word. Here are some next steps to get you started:
Audit your data: Check what customer info you’re collecting—purchase history, preferences, browsing—and plug gaps with tools like Xena Intelligence.
Pick one tool: Start with a CRM or AI platform (Xena’s got you covered) to segment customers and test personalized emails.
Test and tweak: Run a small campaign, like tailored product suggestions, and track results. Aim for a 10% lift in engagement.
Ask for feedback: Use post-purchase surveys to learn what customers love about personalization and where you can improve.
Stay compliant: Double-check your data practices align with privacy laws to keep trust high.
Is This The End of Beer?
Start learning AI in 2025
Keeping up with AI is hard – we get it!
That’s why over 1M professionals read Superhuman AI to stay ahead.
Get daily AI news, tools, and tutorials
Learn new AI skills you can use at work in 3 mins a day
Become 10X more productive
Level Up Your Game With Xena Intelligence
Xena’s AI digs into what makes customers tick—spotting trends, boosting your ads, and making your listings pop, all in a snap.
We leverage advanced data analytics to continuously improve your ad campaigns, deliver real-time insights, and optimize listings, saving you time and maximizing efficiency.
Free Amazon Account Audit: Get a health check on your store and uncover new opportunities.
Consultation with Experts: Chat with our team to find tailored solutions for your brand’s unique needs.
ECOMMERCE ESSENTIALS
From misleading SEO strategies to outdated selling tips, the e-commerce world has its fair share of pitfalls. Here’s what’s really worth your attention:
Xena Blog: Visit our blog for straightforward advice on improving your e-commerce strategy.
Podcast: Tune into "Beyond the Buy Box" for conversations with industry leaders who share practical tips and insights.
YouTube: Check out our YouTube channel for easy-to-follow guides on growing your online business. Don’t forget to subscribe!
Written by Akhil Suresh Nair, the founder & CEO of Xena Intelligence - the AI tech for eCommerce brands