A few years ago, a small bakery in Chicago struggled to keep up with online orders. Customers loved their pastries but hated the long ordering process. The owner finally added a one-click reorder button for frequent buyers, and sales soared by 40% within a month. That simple shortcut made the customer’s journey faster and smoother—and the bakery instantly became a favorite.

This story highlights an important truth: the best shortcuts don’t come from guesswork, but from understanding exactly what your customers want and simplifying it.

Step Into Your Customer’s Shoes

Think about your own frustrations as a customer. Have you ever abandoned a cart because the checkout process took too long? Or ignored an app because it felt clunky? Chances are, your clients feel the same. The first step in creating a shortcut is identifying these pain points. Surveys, quick interviews, or even monitoring customer behavior can reveal where delays or confusion happen.

Focus on Simplicity, Not Complexity

A shortcut isn’t about adding more features—it’s about removing friction. Amazon’s famous “1-Click Checkout” works because it eliminates unnecessary steps. Similarly, a gym might create a quick app feature allowing members to book classes with one tap instead of scrolling through multiple screens. The key is clarity and ease of use.

Make It Personal

Clients value shortcuts that feel tailor-made. A clothing brand, for instance, could add a “Buy Again” option for previously purchased items. Restaurants can let customers save their favorite meals for instant reordering. When shortcuts reflect customer habits, they shift from being convenient to being indispensable.

Test and Refine

What works for one group of customers may not work for another. Start small, release a shortcut, and gather feedback. Track whether people actually use it. If adoption is low, refine it. Shortcuts should evolve as customer needs change, ensuring they always deliver real value.

Essential Insights

Creating shortcuts your clients and customers truly want is about empathy, simplicity, and continuous improvement. When you remove barriers and save people time, you don’t just boost sales—you build loyalty. The best shortcut is the one that feels effortless and makes your business the obvious choice, every time.