Building a business from the ground up is a challenge because you can’t control how people perceive your enterprise. You’re often operating out of your bedroom or a cheap rental unit – and that can affect first impressions of your service.
Good news, though: there are some dead simple ways you can make your enterprise look ultra professional that transform how your clients view you.
Buy A Domain Name
Let’s start with the simplest method: buying a domain name. Getting a domain name that actually serves your business can be a challenge if you stick with the generic name the website builder gives you. A good option for you is to use a website builder that offers free domain to make it less of a hustle. What you want is an URL that reflects your brand, not something that makes it look ad-hoc. Once you create something personalised, it changes the dynamic entirely. Customers suddenly get the impression that you’re the real deal (and they’re not taking chances with their money).
Improve Your Foyer
Is there a place where you regularly meet customers to sell products or discuss deals? If so, you’ll want to focus the lion’s share of your budget on improving this space.
For instance, you’ll often see new brands installing beautiful reception desks and engineered wood flooring to create a fine first impression. The moment customers see quality furnishings, they become more confident of your ability to provide good services. It tells you that many people have come before them and that you’ve provided a decent service.
Buy A Business Email
You can technically use your personal email when setting up a business, but it doesn’t look very professional. Ideally, what you want is a business email that allows you to conduct your professional correspondence separately. A real business email is critical, for instance, if you plan on conducting email marketing.
Get A PO Box
You don’t actually need a physical premises to have a professional address. You just need a PO box.
The way this works is so simple. All you do is go to a company that sells PO boxes to companies and then rent one yourself. Customers and service providers send all their mail to this official-sounding city center address, and then forward anything you want to see in-person onto you. It’s cheap and effective. Sometimes, you can even pick up your mail in-person to cut costs further.
Get Business Cards Printed
Getting a bunch of business cards printed out is a bit of a no-brainer. Once you have these, you always have something to hand that you can give people to call you.
Flesh Out Your “About” Page
So many startups these days don’t bother with “about” pages at all. But that actually hurts them. When customers come across a new brand, they want to find out more about the people behind it. Learning about their stories and finding out more about them as individuals can help to generate trust and a personal connection. it personalizes the experience in a positive way that generates a lasting impression. Don’t be afraid to write something quite long on your about page – perhaps up to 1,000 words depending on your industry.
