Everyone knows that first impressions count. Especially in business, first impressions can make or break your brand and set the tone for your business relationships and success. A bad business impression can drive away potential clients or customers and put your business in a bad light, which might end up being hard to recover from.
Whether you’re a new business owner or have been in business for years, here are a few things you can do to ensure your business is making the right first impression and attracting your ideal clients or customers.
Make sure your website is user friendly
For many businesses, a website is the first interaction between the customer and brand. It’s the place where customers are able to find information about your products or services, your mission and brand values. Many business owners assume that their websites are similar to online business cards, but a website is much more than that. As a business, your website should showcase your expertise, and potential customers should be confident about what your business is able to offer them without even speaking to a customer service representative.
Additionally, many business owners solely focus on a website that looks great visually but forget about the technical functionalities that can negatively impact the experience for visitors. For example, visitors should be able to easily find information, understand your processes and know who to contact if they need to speak to someone for additional information.
Your website should essentially be user friendly. A website that is difficult to navigate or loads extremely slowly can easily put off potential customers, which in the long run can become costly.
Stand out on social media
Social media has created a great opportunity for businesses to connect with both existing and potential customers. Businesses can make a good first impression on social media by not only talking about their products, services or accomplishments, but also by building an authentic relationship with their followers. For example, taking social media followers behind the scenes of day-to-day processes and showcasing and celebrating employees. People want to buy from real people so, as a business owner, don’t be afraid to show the human side of your business.
Provide great customer service
Another way businesses can make a great first impression and stand out from competitors is by offering great customer service. How quickly and efficiently are customers’ needs addressed and met? For some businesses the customer service team or department is the first point of contact with a customer – make sure you leave a lasting first impression by providing outstanding customer service.
Your potential customers or clients will be able to tell whether you’re a good fit for them by the first impression and interaction they have with your business.
Create a good office environment
If you regularly have clients visiting your office or business premises, you can create a good first impression by creating a welcoming atmosphere and office environment. Your office space says a lot about your company, what you represent and stand for as a business. So take a step back and look around you. Have you created a space you’re proud of? Or is there some room for improvement?
Additionally, the office environment very much influences how your staff feel and perform at work. Making sure you have a safe and tidy office space is not only important for your customers but for your employees as well.
Join local business awards
Finally, if you want to make a good first impression and forever ‘wow’ your customers, consider joining local business awards. Winning business awards is an excellent way to stand out amongst your competitors, demonstrate your talents and enhance your business reputation. It is also a great way to recognise and celebrate your team’s exceptional hard work, while highlighting your commercial credentials.
Making a good first impression with your business does not happen overnight. The most important thing is to be clear about what you want your business to stand for and how you present your business, even when you think customers are not watching.
Do you want to make a good first impression but don’t know how or where to start? We can help you do just that. Send us an email at news@allthingsbusiness.co.uk or give us a call on 01604 267677 to get started!
