Stepping fresh into the business world? You certainly want to leave a worthwhile first impression because as they say, ‘the first impression is the last impression’. Creating a professional, reputable, and unfailing first impression is vital to the success of every business. This is necessary because as a survey from Edelman’s 2020 global trust shows that 62% of people assume that businesses put profit before people. It is important to break this belief in order for your company to thrive.
So, here’s what your firm can do to determine a first impression and lay the basis for reliable customer relationships:
1. Cultivate a strong brand identity
The first and most critical step is to develop an original brand to excite potential clients. This should be done based on a strong brand identity. This step is rather essential if you are writing a business plan, so pay special attention to it while you are at it, because ultimately the brand’s identity will influence and direct the marketing and sales and determine the success or drop of your venture.
2. Have a professional website and social media presence
Once you are ready with your brand identity, it’s time to build the brand online by setting base with a website and social media. Take your website as your 24/7 online representative. So, it’s vital to have a professional website that speaks for itself.
– Check out these tips to ensure your business website design attracts the right people:
-Minimize heavy graphics or video content that will slow down your site.
-Use the same color palette should as your other marketing materials, signage, business cards, letterhead, etc. Make sure it compliments your logo and represents your company well.
-Choose fonts that are easy to read. Limit fonts to 2-3 throughout the entire website.
-Use the navigation menu correctly – across the top so it’s easy to locate.
-Clearly explain the company’s aim, vision, and mission. Place these towards the top of the page.
3. Be an authority with content marketing (blog)
Content marketing, as we know it is the currency of online business.
Quality content is one of the most effective ways to show your authority and expertise to the ones that aren’t your customers, yet. With quality online content marketing, you can develop that trust with your client base, improve conversions and connect with your customers. Furthermore, customers now expect high-quality, consistent content from their favorite brands. Not forgetting to mention, many customer prospects will discover your business easily through good content.
For all the above-mentioned reasons, its crucial to take the time to build on a professional blog theme that embodies your brand and provides a home for your bright content.
4. Develop customer base with email marketing
Your work is on the go, when a new customer prospect finds your website through organic search or a recommendation, that is one new interaction. Now, it’s your duty to reach out and do the follow-up process – email is the way to do it right.
Keep in mind that a poor email design will weaken trust and credibility, leaving you back to square one. However, a strong and convincing layout will make a brilliant impression, giving new customers the confidence to share their email address with you. A smartly designed email template can help you continue make a positive impression with every touchpoint.
A decent email template should immediately communicate to the viewer these two things:
- This email came from a business that knows what it’s doing
- The brand it represents and its specifics
Use your signature color palette and include the company’s logo to reinforce brand identity. Share valuable information to build customer base.
Zainab Ujjaini
