With so many businesses popping up, it is difficult to stand out.
A new online company has a lot to prove, as it always going to compete against more established competition.
Customers are wary about scams and fraudulent websites and dubious shopping with new companies. Because of that, many will just stick to what they know and trust.
Your trustworthy and legitimate startup image is critical in persuading your potential customers to part with cash.
Here’s how to give customers peace of mind, and make your business look bigger and professional than it actually is …
Create a professional website and email address
Your website is the face of your business, even if doesn’t drive direct sales.
You can be sure, that Millennials will look up your company online before deciding to buy from you.
Building a website has never been cheaper and easier.
Take the time to look at your competition as well, to see if they are doing anything stand-out that you can replicate.
A professional website will also make your email address look the part, i.e ‘hello@yourbusinessnamehere.com’ or some variation, instead of ‘yourbusinessnamehere@hotmail.com’.
Make your business premises/shop stylish
A stylish and well-designed storefront can set the tone for your brand and entice potential customers to enter your establishment. Here are some tips to help you make your business premises or shop front stylish:
1. Define your brand identity (is it modern and minimalistic, classic and elegant, or quirky and eclectic?)
2. Invest in high-quality, well-designed signage that clearly displays your business name and logo.
3. Lighting: use both natural and artificial lighting to create a welcoming and inviting atmosphere. Invest in perspex screens so you can let some natural light in.
4. Exterior paint and materials: choose a color scheme for your exterior that resonates with your brand and appeals to your target audience.
5. Regularly clean windows, touching up paint, and ensuring signage and lighting are in good working order.
6. Offer free parking spaces for customers/clients. As electric cars become more popular, you have to think about functional utilities.
Have a virtual office address (if you don’t have an office/shop)
Technological progress and remote working arrangements means, that a brick-and-mortar office is not always an essential requirement for modern business. There is no pressing need to hire an office space.
As a small internet company, you can easily work from home or a local co-working space, but it doesn’t always look professional, when potential customers or clients check your location and find a residential area, indicating your home address 🤦🏻♀️
This can not only be unprofessional but also dangerous to list your home address online for everyone to see.
A virtual office enables businesses to have many of the benefits of a physical office, but without any actual space or desks, saving you tons of money along the way.
You can buy a virtual address, which gives you a legitimate office address and forwards your work mail to your home address.
Registered PO address means, that if customers check your address on a website or Google maps, it shows a centrally located office block, which is a good way to make your business look professional.
Virtual office address services are not only limited to startups and small businesses. Many corporate giants use virtual offices to establish a presence in new locations all over the world to either test new markets or enhance their corporate identity.
Incorporate your business
Limited company formation can make your business look bigger, more credible, and trusted.
If you are freelancer doing business with larger companies, you may find many potential clients and agencies will only do business with individuals who operate as limited companies.
The main advantage of running your business as a limited company is that you are likely to pay less tax than a sole trader.
Accountants usually recommend registering as a limited company, when your earnings rise above £60K a year.
Best to always seek advice from a qualified accountant before making definite plans to change your business structure.
Have a business phone number
A landline phone number that is either handled by a virtual assistant or directed to your mobile phone, will not just make you look like a pro, but it can also help you cut down on the time spent answering administrative phone calls.
Offering a free phone 0800 number makes it even more convenient for your customers to phone you, as they know they are not charged for the call.
Modern customers expect to reach your business around the clock. With the help of a virtual landline, you’ve got an inexpensive solution to meet their needs.
Maintain an active social media presence
Maintain active social media profiles and engage with your audience regularly.
Make sure that you set up a business page and that you are also active on LinkedIn as an employer.
Millennials and Gen Z check their potential employers’ social media accounts for several reasons:
1. Understand company culture and values
2. Insights and reputation
3. Diversity and inclusion practices
4. Recruitment and job opportunities
Maintaining an authentic, transparent, and engaging social media presence can help companies appeal to this generation and demonstrate their commitment to values, culture, and employee well-being.
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