Posted by Jess Saba on Sun, Jul 05, 2009 @ 03:46 PM
Entrances That Attract
The entrance to your business should captivate your customer and welcome them to your establishment.
The way you choose to present your business from the outside offers insight into what customers can expect from you as a service provider. The first glance customers have of your business can have a lasting impact on the way your brand is viewed.
Here are a few ways you can improve your facade to demonstrate your values as a business:
Pick up trash- In New York City every store has an employee with a broom and dustpan picking up debris and keeping the sidewalk outside the entrance clean.
When picking up trash feel free to venture beyond your property line and help out your neighbor. Not only does a clean walkway welcome cutomers into your business but it send the message that you care about your community and neighborhood.
Landscape well- Landscaping may illustrate your attention to detail, your free spirt or your businesses level of creativity.
Improve the appearance of the walkway to your business entrance by planting tall grasses, bushes, wildflowers and mosses. Window boxes, hanging plants and ground planters are a great way to add character and charm. While bricks, stones and pebbles can be used to lead a customer to your door.
Example: A restaurant that plants herbs in window boxes sends the message that they value the freshest ingredients.
Or:
A business that offers several comfortable benches for public use sends the message that anyone is welcome to rest and relax outside the storefront and that community interaction is valued.
Remove clutter- Make sure there are no unnecessary objects in front of or against your building or in your parking lot that may make a customer feel that you are unorganized.
When choosing the way you would like to be viewed superficially, think about the essence of the company and how you can portray those values through initial appearances