In the world of business, image is everything. Big brands know this, so they are willing to spend as much as is necessary on image building and reputation management. As a small business owner on a much tighter budget, you might be wondering if it’s possible to do much for your image without lots of funds. Well, it is and we’ll show you how in this article.
Show Gratitude
Exchanging gifts with friends and loved ones helps foster closeness and loyalty even if that gift is a hug of appreciation. Get one of those in the morning and you’ll be in the best of moods for the rest of the day. Businesses can foster loyalty in their customers by sending a simple thank you message with products. It doesn’t have to be fancy, but a thoughtful message can go a long way. This works for about any kind of business. Even if you’re a wedding planner who doesn’t get repeat customers, you could get referrals.
Add Personality
If there’s anything your business can take from personal image building, it’s adding personality. Contrary to what some people think, branding is more than your brand colours and logo. It’s about what customers and potential customers think, say and feel about you. Like an individual, a business should have a personality and a unique appeal. Your goal should be making your business memorable to anyone who comes in contact with it in any way.
Handle Crises Well
No business is immune from crises, but what matters is handling every problem professionally. Protect your business by getting public liability insurance, so when the trouble comes, you’ll be able to focus on treating the aggrieved party well, knowing that your insurance can shield you against claims. Whether it’s a member of the public getting injured on your property or your business causing damage to a customer’s property, handling the situation properly can ensure minimal damage to your reputation.
Get a website
Whether you’re an online business or an offline one, people need to be able to find you online. Consider a prospect who is trying to make a decision whether to use your service or not. Perhaps they heard about you and decide to run a Google search. You could lose all credibility if they’re unable to find you online.
Use Social Media
One of the best reasons you should take advantage of social media is that it’s free, even though it can open you up to hundreds or even thousands of prospects. Instagram, Twitter and Facebook remain hot spaces for businesses to thrive and can serve as extremely useful extensions of your website, helping to drive traffic there. Remember that consistency is key when you’re using social media, so you cannot show up today only to disappear tomorrow. Also, it’s a good idea to start with one platform and focus your energy there.
Don’t wait till tomorrow, start today to build the professional image your business deserves.