The Importance of First Impressions
A positive first impression is one of the key factors to building a lasting relationship with your customers. It may be a cliché, but “you only have one chance to make a first impression.” So, how can you get the best impact with minimal cost or effort? It is easier than you may think.
- Neat and Clean is Key – Making your retail space or other customer-facing area neat and clean is one of the most affordable ways to make a good first impression. It doesn’t cost much to keep any area clean. A little sweeping, dusting and wiping down can make a big difference.
- A Friendly Hello – Make sure you, or another staff member, is around to give customers a friendly hello. It is a simple gesture, but it is something that will be remembered long after the fact. Just make sure the hello is genuinely friendly and not forced or fake.
- Good Lighting – Any customer-facing space needs good light. While you may rely on skylights or windows to provide light in the form of sunlight, what will you do on a cloudy day or if you decide to stay open late? Make sure you invest in good bulbs that provide favorable light.
- Branded Materials – When customers walk in the door, they should know where they are. Consider branded rugs, posters or other items that have your company’s name and logo. Building brand awareness isn’t that difficult and may only require a few simple elements. Consider items a customer can take with them, as it will give your brand lasting exposure.
Making a good first impression is vital because you only get to do it one time. Now and then, walk in your front door and look around. Take in the big picture from the customers’ perspective. You might be surprised by exactly what you see and decide that now is the time to make a few changes.
