Building up your business can be one of the great challenges of your life. As an entrepreneur, you’re on you own with limited funds. You’ll likely be facing stiff competition, so that every competitive advantage you can get is import. One of the simplest and most effective ways to do this is building customer confidence in your business. This starts with always maintaining a professional appearance. Here are five ways to manage this.
Have a Dedicated Phone Line
Avoid using your personal cell phone for business. There’s always a chance this could lead to confusion and an embarrassing response. While you might have a separate business cell if you need it, you should a dedicated phone number where customers and partners can always reach you 24/7. If a standard phone line doesn’t appeal to you, you can find digital solutions like voice-over-IP (VoIP) that provide better quality and cheaper long-distance costs. Some are actually free.
Get a Domain Name
You need a website. People will expect to find it in these days when people shop for goods and services over their smartphones. Americans spend 34 hours per month browsing from their phones. You don’t want some company with a similar name stealing your web presence. Set up your website with an explanation of you company’s mission, products, or services, and always be sure to include accurate, updated contact information.
Visual Branding
Building market recognition is important. If you want to look professional, you should develop an eye-catching logo and color scheme, and use them consistently in your advertising, communications, and all printed literature, including business cards. A bright smile and an attractive, professional business card is an old but effective sales technique, so be sure to keep a good supply in your office and in your pocket.
Always Use High-Quality Photos
Be certain that the photos you use in all of your marketing efforts are high-def and give the customer a clear idea of what you’re offering. Use multiple photos where one won’t do. Blurry, shadowy, or cut-off photos are unprofessional and will create doubt in the customer. Good, quality images, on the other hand, will make selling much easier.
Professional Premises
Your physical premises need to be clean, orderly, well-lit, and well-organized inside and out to provide customers the best experience. One over-looked aspect of this is clear, clean windows. You might even think about upgrading t larger or more stylish windows designs. Check with a local window company like Gilkey Windows. Sparkling clean windows will create a better and more professional atmosphere, and more efficient ones can save you money on heating costs.
Professionalism also comes down to the conduct of yourself and your employees. But the appearance of a highly professional operation is what will draw customers to you.
