Improving Your Business Perception
Perception is key! How you choose to present your business can set a lasting impression on the people who encounter it. Many individuals won’t give you the time of day if your business doesn’t appear to look professional and on par with other businesses in your industry. Have you given some thought as to how people perceive your business? Whether you’re just starting your business or feel that your branding could use some work, here are some tips to help push you in the right direction.
1) Get a professional email address. Even something as simple as having a professional email address like [email protected] instead of [email protected] raises the bar. To do this, purchase your domain name first, then if you LOVE Google products like me, just use a service like G Suite to continue managing your email.
2) Invest in a website makeover. For many of your customers, your website will be their first contact with your business. If your website looks sketch or is non-existent then potential customers may assume that you don’t take your business seriously and that you are not professional. Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with creating your website by yourself, but if it looks like it was created by someone who was inexperienced with web design, then it may be time to hire a professional.
3) Invest in a professional logo. Yes, you can use a website like Fiverr for low pricing, but always remember that you often get what you pay for.
4) Get a business phone line to separate your business phone calls from your personal phone calls. You don’t necessarily need to get a whole new phone line to do this (unless you find a good deal). There are many alternatives like VoIP, Google Voice or Skype. Google Voice is free and there are even options that allow you to customize your phone number. By maintaining a separate number, you can worry less about mixing up a personal and business call. You can also maintain a separate voicemail message for your business.
5) Use an email signature and fill it out with as much relevant contact information as possible. Make sure that you include your social media handles, phone numbers and other forms of contact. Also include a confidentiality notice to show that you mean business.
6) Get testimonials from your past clients. Testimonials will speak to your credibility. If you sell products, encourage clients to leave you positive reviews on your website or on sites like Yelp and your Facebook business page. Can they send you a video testimonial? even better!
7) Prove Your Value! Blog or share some of your knowledge on social media! Many of my clients look at me sideways when I recommend blogging, but it only takes a post once a week or even a month to help showcase your knowledge and get your voice out there. Sharing some of your knowledge or successes on social media platforms can also help in building awareness about your expertise.
8) Show visitors who you are. Who exactly are you? What is your brand all about? Whether you choose to believe it or not, your About page is like a virtual handshake with potential customers. Tell your story and include a picture of you and your team.
Perception plays a central part in a business’s profitability. By failing to analyze how your customers perceive your business and brand, you lose the opportunity to validate whether the techniques that you are using are working. Need help in improving the perception of your business? Contact me today and let’s schedule a free consultation!