Building a positive relationship with customers should be a priority for every business, especially if you’re competing with seasoned players in your industry. According to research, it only takes a tenth of a second to form a first impression, and longer exposures don’t necessarily alter the way a person or a place is initially perceived. This is why it’s so important to get it right the first time around since a customer’s first interaction with your business or brand can influence their future actions. A good first impression can result in more sales and referrals, and it can help to increase customer retention. Here are some surefire ways that your business can make a positive first impression on customers.
Keep Your Business Premises Clean and Orderly
A messy and chaotic store or shop will send prospective clients scurrying away since it gives the impression of negligence and incompetence. Having dirty restrooms and surfaces, a disorganized entryway, or general bad odor are a huge turn-off to customers. In fact, according to research, 93 percent of adults would not return to a retailer or shop if they encounter such issues or flaws.
To make a positive impression on clients, make it a point to have a clean and orderly business location at all times. A sanitary and inviting business environment can make customers feel welcome and at ease, so take the time to vacuum and mop the floors, wipe down surfaces, and clear areas of clutter and garbage every day. For a deep and thorough clean, consider hiring professional office equipment cleaning services every six months. Doing so minimizes the spread of infection and prolongs the life of computers and other equipment. After cleaning, use a diffuser to fill your indoor air with fresh and clean-smelling scents.
Play the Right Music
Whether you’re running a clothing store, a cafe, a bookstore, or any other type of retail shop, you’ll need to have the right type of music playing in the background. In a survey, it was found that 83 percent of American shoppers say that they like to hear in-store music playing while they browse, and nearly a third of customers stay in the store because of the music that’s being played. When deciding what tunes to play, don’t pick anything that’s too polarizing or niche, especially if the music doesn’t fit the image of your brand. Choose something that’s mid-tempo and upbeat– your best bet here would be pop, but try to steer clear of anything that’s too popular or overplayed. Songs like ‘Groove is in the Heart’ by Deee-Lite or ‘Little L’ by Jamiroquai are good examples of tunes to play in your shop.
Consider Work Uniforms for Your Staff
When a customer comes into your shop, they’ll want to be able to identify the people who can help them without having to ask around. Uniforms will make your staff instantly recognizable to clients, and this may help to increase your sales. Wearing a uniform may also boost your employees’ confidence as it can make them look professional and capable. Remind your staff to wear their uniform everyday, and let them wear nametags to create a more polished image for your shop or store.
New businesses should always make a good first impression on prospective clients to have more sales and create positive relationships and engagements. Follow these tips to create a positive impression on customers, and see how they help your business grow.