First impressions are everything. And by definition, you only get one shot to make it memorable, and quick! A psychological study suggests that first impressions are often made in under one second. Even if brief, a first interaction with a customer can have the power to win you sales, repeat business, and valuable word-of-mouth marketing—all fundamental to the success of a small business. These impressions can be made even before you physically interact with a shopper, so it is important to formulate a strategy that will make your small business stand out from the start.
Ready to impress? Here are a few tips to help your business put its best foot forward, leaving first-time consumers with that “I’ll be back” feeling.
Know Your Audience: One of the easiest and most effective ways to leave a lasting impression is to simply make someone feel special. Do your research beforehand to determine the types of customers you’d like to target, their preferences, and their shopping habits. This will allow you to take a more tailored approach to your interactions, products, and marketing materials, making consumers feel comfortable and cared for from the onset.
Make Quality Contact: It may seem obvious, but ensuring you make quality connections with your customer is an important step in making an impression that sticks. Seemingly small gestures, such as introducing yourself as the business owner, making eye contact, extending a friendly handshake, or paying a compliment, can combine to create a personal-feeling first impression.
Send Snail Mail: Run an online business or just can’t interact with your consumers face-to-face? Surprise them the old-fashioned way—with an eye-catching postcard that doubles as décor. Postcards can be a great, cost-effective way to advertise your services. The more well-designed and custom they appear, the better the chances of your business sticking around on bulletin boards and refrigerators as a reminder of your services. Get a jump start on your summer marketing efforts by customizing a set of business postcards. We can help!
Leave Your Mark: Ensure you stay top-of-mind by offering your consumer something tangible to remember your business by. Business cards are a convenient way to express your brand’s creativity and spread the word about your business, serving as an impressive first impression when designed in a premium, professional way. Stylite Media has a variety of creative design options as well as the ability to upload your own artwork, ensuring your cards reflect the individuality and style of your small business.
With these tips, you can feel confident your business will make a great impression on any new customer that comes your way. Remember that whether it’s marketing materials or a handshake, every first impression can make a difference for your business, so make sure to make it memorable.
