You’ve put a lot of time and energy into starting your small business. It’s quite a feat to build something from scratch, but the hard work isn’t over yet.
At the beginning, especially if funds were tight, using a personal email address and phone number to conduct initial business was understandable. As was not yet having business cards or a website. But now that you’ve established a market presence, it’s time to focus on boosting your image of professionalism.
If you want to preserve – and expand – your market presence, it’s essential to use branding strategies to polish up the look and feel of your business. Remember the cliché about only getting one chance to make a first impression? It sure resonates for small business owners. Here are 5 ways to help make your small business look more professional.
5 Ways Your Small Business Will Look More Professional
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Create a memorable logo
A key way to communicate to the world who you are as a business is with a memorable logo. The right logo will concisely convey everything about your brand identity while differentiating yourself from the competition. It also acts as a symbol of commitment to your customers or clients and has the potential to inspire trust among them.
For small business owners and freelancers, there are numerous logo-making options available today which allow you to create your own professional-looking logo without having to shell out money for a designer. One of them is the Wix Logo Maker. Just remember that your logo is the face of your business, so make it a unique one.
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Have – and give out – business cards
While word of mouth is a reliable way to get referrals and repeat customers, business cards add a touch of professionalism. Not only do they show others that you are someone who takes your work and business seriously, they are also an excellent promotional tool to use to incorporate and spread your brand logo. The more people who see your name and logo, the more brand awareness and recognition you create, which, in turn, brings in more business. There are many DIY options available to create your own business cards, including with the aforementioned Wix Logo-Maker tool. With this specific tool, the business cards you make can be delivered all over the world. Check out here some tips for business cards.
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Build a business website
It may seem like a no-brainer, but, today, if you have a business, no matter its size, you’re most likely going to have an online presence. After all, it’s easier and faster to reach a large target audience and to increase brand awareness online. While it doesn’t have to be fancy, your website should look professional and feature quality content that contains key information about your business. This may include why you matter to your target audience, product or service descriptions, hours of operation, contact details and how or where to purchase your products or services.
Even for those on a tight budget or who lack coding and design skills, there are many accessible ways to create a professional-looking website on your own. For instance, Wix.com offers an intuitive platform that enables you to design your own website. It also provides other options to help grow your online presence.
4. Get a personalized domain
Once you have a website, a good way to stake your claim on the internet is by getting your own domain name. A personalized domain helps your target audience find you more easily online. This is because the domain is basically your online address that appears in the web browser. So, having your own domain name will be easier for clients or customers to remember and contact you. Having your own domain also makes your site look more professional. Many services, like Wix, offer opportunities to buy and create personalized domain names. Just be sure to keep the domain name simple
5. Set up a business email account
At the beginning, your Gmail address may have worked for sending work-related emails. But now that you’re an established professional, having a business email address, especially one that matches your domain name, is always preferred. After all, consistent branding throughout your online communication is key to gaining and sustaining recognition. Many email providers and online platforms offer add-on business email services that are affordable and worth considering.
Key Takeaways
Tending to your business’s overall image will make it easier for you to attract and retain investors, partners and customers. After all, the more professional your business looks, the more people in your industry will take it seriously. Plus, in today’s era of social media and digital connectivity, why not provide your target audience with as many opportunities to find and reach you online as possible? Having your logo featured on your own business cards, business emails and website –that has your matching domain name –will not only boost your level of professionalism but also your sales!
