It’s easy to offer the excuse that your business doesn’t look attractive to customers because you don’t have a sizeable budget. Of course, a healthier marketing budget can equate to a more professional look and extensive customer reach, but remember, most big businesses were once small. Any company can create an attractive image; it just takes time and effort. Here’s how:
Location, Location, Location!
If you’re operating out of a home office because it makes economic sense, then you risk losing potential customers who won’t view you as “professional.” However, you can address that by considering other options, such as a virtual office. A virtual office provides you with a premium address that will look great on your business card or email signature, as well as call and mail forwarding with a virtual receptionist at your disposal to project a more professional image. Your customers will be none the wiser, giving you a competitive advantage without the expense and hassle associated with a traditional rental office.
Make Media Relationships
When you’re getting your business off the ground, some of the first contacts you should make are in the media. It’s challenging to get anything for free in the business world, so if you’re able to create an attractive news angle for your business, pitch it to a media outlet and build connections wherever possible. Many great business ideas can make compelling stories, particularly those with a socially conscious angle. Once you’ve established the initial contact, you have a higher chance of establishing yourself as a thought leader and gaining exceptional exposure.
Hire a Web Developer
If you’re looking for a point of difference as well as a better business image, then it’s time to get online. Believe it or not, around 60% of small businesses don’t have a website – offering you the opportunity to buck the trend. While you can create one yourself, you can get better coverage in your community and further afield by hiring the best web agency you can find within your budget. They can focus on building your online brand, creating marketing campaigns and helping you to rank better in search engine results.
Don’t Forget the Finer Details
Whether you’re a one-man-band or you have a few staff, it’s easy to forget to fine-tune your new business so that it appears professional. Cultivating a professional image requires a focus on smaller details such as an attractive logo, a business email address and other items that you might overlook as you’re finding your feet.
A business email address which ends with the free email provider’s name (such as @gmail.com) does not instill any faith in your customers, nor does it look secure or professional. By spending as little as $5 per month, you can secure a custom business email address.
Don’t Underestimate Email
With a significant number of daily social media users, it’s easy to assume that email has seen its day. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth. If you utilize email service providers such as MailChimp, you can captivate your audience, attract new customers, and create a better image for your business. Take the time to work out what your email goals would be, then set about creating email campaigns to appeal to your target market.
Any business can create a great image. While it won’t happen overnight, it will happen if you work diligently on your branding. Create connections, focus on your marketing and call in the experts when necessary. You’ll find you’ll get that great image you’d been looking for in no time.
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