First impressions count for a lot in business. While they might not necessarily be enough to secure a converted sale, they will put prospective clients on the right path. Conversely, a poor user response could end your hopes of a sale before you’ve even started. You cannot afford to let it happen.
Now is the time to invest in building a better brand image for your home-based business. Here are 10 ways to do it in style.
1. Get A Virtual Address
Operating from your home address can bring a wide range of benefits for your business. Nonetheless, you must not forget that some consumers are still hesitant to use them. Securing a virtual office address is an ideal solution. It gives you the impression of working from a big building in a prestigious location.
If you need to meet clients in person, you can always take them to a nearby restaurant and say the “office” is being cleaned.
2. Master Social Media
A large percentage of customer interactions now begin online. Most will follow your brand’s social media pages before making a decision on whether to make a purchase. Therefore, a comprehensive social media marketing strategy is necessary. Only then can you achieve consistent results.
Besides, if your social media game looks unprofessional, leads will assume that your services will follow suit.
3. Utilize Others
If you already have a following of customers, they can become a very good asset. The power of recommendation is huge, and new leads will be heavily influenced by what other customers have to say. Securing more verified customer reviews can set a positive tone. Don’t ignore it for a second.
Likewise, social media influencers can deliver stunning results by promoting your business. Especially if they share a similar target market to yours.
4. Invest In SEO
Search engine traffic is still the greatest way to attract people to your business. Moreover, the users that land on your site in this way are actively in the ‘ready to purchase’ mode. Professional SEO services will soon fire you up the rankings. This is something that all home-based businesses should try.
A combination of organic, local, and voice search techniques will work wonders. More traffic should result in more sales.
5. Use A Receptionist
When leads contact your business via phone, a dropped call or answering machine may deter them. Answering services for small businesses deliver professionalism without distracting you. This way, you’ll maintain a good brand image while also staying productive to drive the company on.
Meanwhile, your home telephony systems should be of the highest standard. Where possible, VoIP is an ideal solution.
6. Create An App
Given that mobile browsing is now more popular than desktop browsing, your web design should be mobile-friendly. However, you can set a far better first impression by launching an App. Clients will associate this with trust and professionalism. Besides, your logo will be on their screens at all times.
Furthermore, this delivers the opportunity to send notifications directly to their pockets. In turn, you can promote products, special offers, and more.
7. Make A Blog
In the world of modern marketing, content is king. A successful blog can showcase the benefits of your business and establish your place as an authoritative voice in the field. As well as providing insight into products, you can cement your brand image. When it resonates with clients, sales will soon follow.
If written content isn’t your thing, producing a podcast or YouTube videos can be equally useful. You’ll reach more people and create a stunning impression
8. Show Responsibility
Being responsible in business will impress clients. So, this is the perfect time to go green with eco-friendly updates. Likewise, supporting worthy causes and playing an active role in political issues can transform the company. Once again, it promotes a sense of trust and likability for clients new and old.
As well as outside issues, you should take accountability for security. When consumers can see that their data and sensitive info is safe, it’s one less hurdle to consider.
9. Use Better Delivery Services
There is a clear need for speed in the current market. Teaming up with fast delivery services for SMEs is one of the best things you can do. The knowledge that orders are fulfilled quickly and efficiently is great news for you. Crucially, it will keep clients happy after they’ve made that first transaction.
As a home-based firm, it’s likely that a lot of stock will be kept off-site. So, a delivery firm that can handle the warehouse loading is ideal too.
10. Give Something Extra
Customers want to feel valued. And they want to feel that they are getting value for money too. You could organize a promotional day in which you provide free mugs and promo gifts. Or you could simply offer new users a small discount on their first purchase. The special deals can inspire confidence.
Time offers are particularly useful as they encourage users to make a decision far sooner. In turn, this can make the path to conversion far quicker.
Timed offers are very useful
Bonus Tip: Invest In Yourself
Finally, you must remember that clients aren’t only interested in the company and the products. They want to buy from people they like. You are the brand’s biggest USP. Investing in your appearance, communication skills, and body language is key. It could make the difference in many situations.
As well as influencing client reactions, it is a step that will inspire better results from your employees and contractors. Perfect.
Conclusion
Creating a great first impression is an assignment that requires a lot of effort. Only a 360° coverage will ensure that all potential customers respond in style. One last thing to remember, though, is that only the views of your target market matter. If outside audiences aren’t interested, that really doesn’t matter.
When you implement the steps above, creating a great first impression should come fairly naturally. The future of your home business never looked better.