Editor’s Note: Here at Dispatches, we are always looking for ways to help our readers do things. For some of our readers, that means helping navigate the working world, for others, it means assisting in the ever challenging question,“what’s for dinner?” For still others, it means figuring out how to balance family life with everything else. In an effort to aid in all of these endeavors, we have collaborated on this article written specifically for our readers.
There is no such thing as a straightforward fairytale, particularly for a business. It can become a journey to a kingdom of financial freedom and happiness, but it takes a lot of hard work to get there.
One of the most important lessons that any business person can learn is that the customers and clients come first. They hold the key to making your business dreams a reality, so you should be willing to do anything that will increase the level of response.
Make First Impressions Count
We’re all guilty of judging books by their cover. It is vital that you grab your customer’s attention from the very beginning. Otherwise, you’ll have lost your chance of gaining a customer or client before you’ve even started.
Most people use the internet to research a company, even hyper local businesses like a small law firm or a hair salon. Make sure that you’re not falling for common website mistakes Consider creating social media channels and at least a business Facebook page at the same time. You could also consider if funds allow, launching an App.
Every element from color schemes to typography and choice of images is crucial to helping customers and clients remember your brand. It will require some work, but if you do this at the beginning you’ll reap the rewards long-term (J & A Creative can help with branding).
Make Shopping Comfortable
If you have a store front, this is important, Put yourself in their shoes. Don’t emulate Cinderella’s step sisters and try to squeeze everything into one space or force a fit when it just won’t work.
From a customer’s perspective, the whole shopping experience should be fun, simple and exciting. An organized shop floor or webstore will provide a solid platform. Meanwhile, an advanced credit card reader that embraces modern tech can go a long way to making sure customers can pay you with what’s in their wallet. More importantly, new technology will often encourage greater trust from the user too, think of how much more confident you are in a business that asks for your ID to match your credit card or that uses a chip reader.
Make Stronger Links
If you want the customers to buy into your business, you need to go the extra mile. A consumer who feels appreciated will be far more likely to come back. Promotional marketing materials are a great way to gain those positive reactions. Promotional materials are also another form of business advertising.
Materials aside, good communication should be at the heart of any business. Customers need to feel connected to your company and if applicable upgrading your support systems should be a priority. Responding to customer concerns builds goodwill and will help you craft a positive brand word of mouth, something money can’t buy.
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