I pay my mom’s utility bill… sweet lady, maybe a little crazy. She gets confused by her bill, and I don’t blame her. It’s hard to read. Black and white text randomly scattered on the page – what do I owe, when do I owe it, and what does this all mean?

I’ve been asking myself why her bill looks just like mine. Our interests, demographics, and usage information aren’t the same – why do we get the same boring bill? 

Just like technology, the world of transactional and statement billing is evolving.  A bill should be a great source of information that actually informs your customers.  I don’t want to just pay it; I want to understand what I’m paying for. Do you know who your customers are, or what they want? What are you doing to retain their business with you?

For a start, introduce digital color. Nothing says “look at me” more than some color on a page. How about a chart to show me my usage over the last few months – am I using more or less?  How does my usage compare to my neighbors?  Add a nice graphic or messaging with tips for reducing my usage, or saving money on my bill.

I think that’s something both mom and I can relate to.