The first impression your business gives out is vital when it comes to making a good first impression. If, in those seven seconds where an opinion is formed, you are showing potential customers the worst of your business, then chances are they will hold the impression as they enter your building, affecting your relationship from here on out.

So whether you have a retail outlet, a warehouse, an office building, or a coffee shop, making a good first impression starts with the external area of your building and needs to be maintained throughout.

Clean Pavements

Whether you are responsible for cleaning the pavements directly outside your premises or not should make a point to ensure this area is free from debris, rubbish, and spills at all times. Check your contract to see what, if any, you are responsible for maintaining and your responsibilities; if you have a car park or loading bay, then it can be worth booking a floor cleaner machine rental to help you keep this area free from dirt and spillages and the day to day use by vehicles. The same if you own any pathways outside, too. Have them cleaned properly to help bring them up to standard. Alternatively, a brush to clear away fallen leaves and rubbish can go a long way if you aren’t allowed to or are responsible for ensuring the pavements are clean.

Clear Signage

The last thing you want is for people not to be able to find you. If your location or address isn’t well signposted or unclear, then this can be off-putting for many people. No one wants to have to call to say they can’t find you and ask for directions, nor should they be put in this position, especially if you are a store relying on footfall. So make sure you use clear signage to direct people to your location, and they don’t have to guess they are in the right place.

Lighting

Both internal and external lighting is a must, especially for those dark nights or shorter days during the seasons. You want people to feel safe and secure visiting your location at all times, so this includes having good quality external lighting to ensure people can see where they are going upon entering and exiting the building and they can find the entrance clearly as it is lit up.

Welcome

Lastly, you want them to feel welcome once they have made it to your doors. Remember, you have seven seconds to make a good first impression; how they are greeted could fall into those first seven seconds or at least play a part in conforming to their initial thoughts about your company. Ensure customers and clients are properly welcomed, be it via members of staff on the shop floor or greeters at the doorway, by receptionists, security guards, or members of a car park team who monitor traffic and grant access. You want people to feel welcome and happy to be here, not put off by poor service before they set foot inside.

Conclusion

Making a good first impression means you need to look at how your clients first interact with your business location. This will set the tone for the relationship and affect many aspects of your business. Putting effort into ensuring your premises look good and people are happy to visit you will go a long way.