When it comes to running a business, the competition is fierce. The increasing dominance of e-commerce also means that physical businesses face even greater competition and a challenge to get people through the door. 

To bring those customers in, you’re going to need to pull out all the stops. Making that all-important first impression will help you bring in customers, who could recommend you to their friends and family.

So how can you wow those customers and make sure they keep coming back? Here are 10 ways to make a great first impression on your customers.

1. Impress with your signage

Never underestimate the power of good signage. Not only does a good sign catch the eye, but it can give a little insight into what your store is all about. 

Signage can be fun, classy, striking and even digital – there are a lot of different signs you can choose from. A sign that commands attention is sure to make people stop to look a little longer and hopefully find out what’s inside.

2. Make your business’s exterior more appealing

Signage is just one part of your business’s exterior. You also need to think about the other elements of your exterior to make that right first impression. Everything should be kept clean and clear while having some welcoming elements like A-board signs, plants and other elements can make your space look more appealing and beautiful.

Remember the practical elements too. Is it easy for people to enter your space? Do you have parking? Working with concrete specialists at https://www.keflatwork.com/commercial-concrete-services/ can help make your premises more accessible, ready to welcome in your customers. Pay attention to all of the small details – they could be the things people notice the most.

3. Have someone there to greet your customers

It doesn’t have to take much to make a customer feel welcome. Basic greetings like a friendly hello, asking how someone’s day is and saying goodbye as they leave will all help make a customer feel at ease and welcome. You don’t want to crowd them, but having someone nearby as they enter, or placing a desk near the front entrance, can make it easier to engage with customers and create a great first impression.

4. Launch a big advertising campaign

Whether you’re a new business or an existing business looking to drum up some new interest, a big advertising campaign could be just what you need to spread the word. But you don’t need a big budget to launch a big advertising campaign today. Social media is a great place to advertise on a limited budget, but you can also benefit from free and low-budget advertising ideas. 

One way you can spread the word easily is to team up with other businesses in your community. Putting up posters and flyers can be a good way to get people’s attention, and it can help you get to know some other local business owners too. You never know when a simple introduction could lead to a valuable partnership!

However, Thomas Ligor does make an excellent point. And that is that your sales and marketing work together. Meaning that your sales force must be onboard, updated and just as pump-up as your advertising campaign. First, they need to know what you are advertising, is it specials or a highlighted product? Do they understand it? Do they believe it is? If any one of these are not ticked off, then the whole exercise falls flat and you can kiss sales and good impressions you are working hard on goodbye. 

5. Pull off a big stunt 

Publicity stunts are another way to command attention, especially in areas where there is a lot of foot traffic. You can get inspiration from some successful publicity stunts that have made a huge impact.

Pulling off a stunt requires a fantastic creative idea, but if you can get your heads together to think of something great, you could help people form a positive first impression, and even make a splash online too.

6. Give your guests an in-store treat

A little welcome treat could be the perfect sweetener for customers coming in through your door. Baked goods are always a winner, while you could present a little swag bag with some free merchandise too. This can be an excellent way to build up your reputation, and help people remember you once they leave your business.

A free gift bag for the first 100 through the door can be a great initiative to get people to visit, or you could put a discount coupon in the local paper or on social media to help bring people in. These are small gestures, but they can make a big difference to how people see your business. 

7. Provide them with excellent customer service

If you want to make the right impression on your customers, then you need to demonstrate excellent customer service. There are a lot of great ways to provide amazing customer service, which can really make a difference to someone’s experience. Being polite, helpful and smiling can make someone’s day, even if you don’t realize it.

Providing excellent in-store customer service can actually have an impact online, even if you don’t sell online. People leave reviews for all kinds of businesses online from stores to restaurants, salons and even gas stations! These reviews can make a big difference to your business when people research locations in your local community, so always show great customer service and address any poor reviews (if you can) to rectify any issues.

8. Do something great for the community

People love businesses that are a part of the community. It makes things more personal and gives people a reason to support their local economy. Giving back to the community will make your business more socially responsible, and helps put your business in a good light too. It could even bring some new customers your way! If you’re a startup looking to stand out, you can make the right first impression by introducing community-based initiatives from the very beginning.

There are a lot of great ways to support the local community. From holding fundraisers to providing internships and making regular donations, there are a lot of ways to show that your business cares. 

9. Give them a reason to come back

It’s not only first impressions that matter. You want customers to come back again and again to help you develop customer loyalty, and also develop some familiarity with your business. So how can you encourage customers to come back? Some simple ideas include:

• Loyalty schemes
• A discount on their next visit
• Special events for existing customers
• Provide exclusive news and promotions in email communications
• Hold giveaways 
• Refer-a-friend offers

Think of the things that would encourage you to make a return visit if you were engaging with a business for the first time. Developing trust with your customers is important, and you can keep offering new deals and services to keep things interesting and encourage repeat visits.

10. Make your space an experience worth visiting

Is your space one that provides an experience? Thinking outside the box could help you turn your business into a destination that people choose to visit for the experience, as well as the primary function. You can create in-store experiences by providing interactive elements, in-store demonstrations and events, photo opportunities and a lot more. Do some research by checking out other popular stores, restaurants, etc. – you’ll be surprised at the creative ideas that people are bringing into their businesses.

Providing a worthwhile and positive experience is a must for any business. Word travels fast these days thanks to the internet, so you’ll want to make sure that your business gives customers what they want, and does it in a way that exceeds their expectations. With a lot of great ideas for making the right first impression, it’s time to put the work in and build those lasting relationships with your customers.