Starting a small business has never been easier. Thanks to the power of the internet, the vast array of tools available and detailed advice available for every facet of running a company, someone could dive right in and begin a startup within a matter of days.
If you were to use this method, it could lead to a multitude of issues. Not only can you lack time to iron out the finer details, but you will naturally forget certain elements that every successful business requires.
The result: your new startup develops an unprofessional look. Keep in mind that you only have one shot at making a first impression, and this sloppy appearance could cause you to lose out on a substantial amount of sales.
This is why you must clean up your business and cultivate a professional appearance. To do that, here are five steps every startup should take on the path to a positive public perception.
1. Create a website
You cannot rely on a Facebook page or Twitter profile as the central point of your company’s online presence. You need a dedicated website. Not only can you include all business details in one convenient place, but it also presents an opportunity for your brand to be found by more people with effective SEO implementation.
When setting up a website, you don’t have to go for an overly elaborate or expensive design. Yet you also want to avoid creating a site with a free domain name, as this does the opposite of reflecting a professional appearance.
2. Get a dedicated phone number
Can you opt to communicate with customers via only email and social media? Yes, but it’s something you want to try and avoid. These are effective methods for communicating, there’s no doubt about that, but they shouldn’t be all on their own. They need to be supported by other communication methods – such as having a phone number.
When setting up a phone line, you must go with a dedicated business number. Think about it: if you keep your private phone number, it can be easy to accidentally answer a call from a customer with an informal “What’s up?” or “Hello” – neither of which instill a feeling of professionalism.
To avoid any embarrassing moments, and to also ensure your time is spent better elsewhere, it makes sense to go with a virtual telephone service. As seen with Virtual Reception https://www.virtualreception.com.au, you can allow an external company to take care of all calls for you in a professional, efficient manner.
3. Produce a high-quality logo
A logo says a great amount about your business. They act as a point of identification, the symbol which customers, partners, and even rivals use to recognize your brand.
Because of this, you need to pay particular attention to your logo. If you only spend a couple of minutes putting together an amateur-looking design, this will fail to paint your company in a positive light. The good news is, if you are not a natural at design, the internet features an array of talented agencies and freelancers who can concoct an eye-catching, memorable logo.
If you devise a well-designed logo, this helps to convey that your business is trustworthy and professional.
4. Use professional photos
Similarly, with the previous point, the photos used to represent your business can also play a big part in how others perceive your business.
Images are an excellent way to introduce your products to potential customers. As a result, they need to be clear, realistic, and professionally shot. You want to place your products in the best light possible. Whether you have the budget to hire a local photographer or plan to use your smartphone, there are various options to snap high-quality photos. Once those images are taken you can use a background removal service to remove and edit a bulk amount of product images at once. Having high-quality photos will allow you to highlight your product’s full potential encouraging consumer purchases. Simply arm yourself with a product photography guide, and you have all the necessary tools to get the job done.
Along with photos, also consider going the extra mile by creating video content.
5. Order business cards
Now you don’t have to go to the same obsessive level as Patrick Bateman, but you should take the time to craft a business card that embodies your brand. These cards remain a fantastic way to market your business with word-of-mouth. The more professional they look, the more likely people will take your business seriously.
Fortunately, professionally printed business cards are a relatively inexpensive purchase. Many platforms also provide you with all the tools to devise a high-quality design within minutes.
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