Branding: Why First Impressions Really Matter

A company’s first impression made by the customer is typically their last. When an individual is exposed to your business brand, their opinion will be immediately formed, and if it isn’t a good one, it could be difficult to change. When you’re ready to implement a brand and allow it to be perceived by your targeted audience, you want to ensure that you’ve put enough thought and effort into its planning. The following tips can help make it a success.

Have a Clear Picture of Your Value

No matter what industry your business may be in, you know that your customers can make or break your success. That’s why it’s important to stay connected and in touch whether it’s to resolve an issue or provide them with useful news. A business can win their customer’s over with a first impression. Determining what you’re about and what you aim to do is critical when it comes to your brand. It makes it easier to deliver a pitch to your customer fan base when it comes straight from the heart. If you have no idea what your brand represents or where you want to go with it, your audience isn’t going to put their trust in you. This type of attitude may even send them scurrying toward the competition. When you’re posting to the about page, newsletters or updates to your website, make sure that you’re offering detailed and helpful information.

Engage Your Audience

Your company website and social media outlets are handy resources for reaching your customers and allowing them to form a great first impression. However, you want to do your best to make this engaging and heartfelt. Matt Chais, Marketing Director for MIG.cc, a live event marketing company, states “There is a reason why creatives still work, by providing a stunning video for your website or upcoming corporate event, it creates excitement and very long lasting impression that your company is doing more to motivate than the competition.”

When done professionally and by a company that has the latest production expertise and technology, you’re sure to come across as a more trusted individual than if you would do this as a novice. Once you have the right team of experts who can help you, you want to take the time to connect with your audience. This means responding to any inquiries in a timely and humble manner. With this type of attitude, your clientele will find it easier to connect. They may also find the information that you’re willing to impart as valuable.

Go that Extra Mile and Beyond

Thank you cards, promotional coupons and emails are special touches that allow a business owner to make a good first impression on their customers. If a new customer subscribes to your email list, that could be a signal that you’ve done something right to make a good first impression. You should then think up fun and unique ways to thank them for visiting your site and encourage them to become a loyal customer. If they make a purchase, send them a thank you card and include a special discount to be used on their next purchase. If they have yet to buy anything, you can provide them with a promotional code for first time buyers. Regular emails notifying them of certain specials or when new products have arrived can help you stay connected. It’s also a way for you to show that you’re a savvy business owner that stays current with the recent trends. Newsletters can provide detailed information on a business industry, but you need to update this information on a regular basis. Business owners who allow their websites to collect dust without changing them will give a wrong first impression.

Easy to Navigate

If you want to leave a lasting impression and keep a loyal following, you’ll want to make your website easy to navigate. Spend time on its design before you allow the public to use it. You also want to spend money on the latest technological advances that make it simple for your audience to order products and purchase the items in a secure financial setting.