They say that first impressions count, so as a small business owner, it’s vital that you think about the exterior of your business premises. Whether you operate a small retail store on the edge of town or you occupy a floor of an office block in the business district, you should take the same care and attention in improving the appearance of your business. Below, we’ve put together some simple strategies that can transform your look and help you wow your clients.
Invest in good signage
One of the simplest ways to make your business appear more professional and established is to invest in good-quality signage. Your company logo should be clearly visible on approach to your office or store, and you should also consider maps if you’re away from the main road. LED signage is great for businesses that stay open late, whereas metal signage can give off a corporate look and demonstrate that your company is professional and strong.
Give back to the planet
Look for ways that you can give back to the planet when designing the exterior of your business premises, planting trees, bushes, and flowers to brighten up space. You don’t need to be green-fingered or hire a gardener, either – head to your local garden center and spend £100 on some evergreens and pots, and you’re good to go. Remember to water them in the summer months and that’s your lot. Putting effort into your grounds and gardens can reflect positively on your brand – it serves as great content for social media and your website.
Target litter head-on
Most businesses suffer from litter problems, but it’s how they deal with them that really counts. Nobody wants to have to walk past crisp packets, cigarette ends, and drinks cartons on their morning commute, so hire a cleaner who can review the perimeter of your business and the surrounding areas and get rid of the rubbish. Ideally, you should install recycling bins so that customers, staff, and passersby can dispose of their rubbish safely and sustainably.
Let the professionals help
If you don’t have the time or the experience to maintain your property, fear not: companies offer facilities management services such as cleaning, security, and grounds maintenance that can seriously improve the appearance of your business. Give them a brief and let them work their magic. Some companies charge an hourly fee, so you can hire them for a few hours per month to get your place looking ship shape and shiny, without breaking the bank.
Keep parking bays fee
Finally, consider keeping some parking bays free for guests, so that they don’t have to worry about finding somewhere to park when they visit you. Adding CCTV and parking permits can help here; after all, you don’t want one of your valued prospects to have to park ten minutes away and get lost on their stroll to your office. Clearly signpost visitor parking and have policies in place to protect those spaces, such as number plate registration inside the office.
Did you find these useful? Let us know and check back soon for more tips and tricks.
