Being perceived as professional and trustworthy by outsiders is a common challenge for startups. Fortunately, nowadays it’s much easier to invest in products and services to make sure potential clients see past your size. There is no reason for you to look small – even if you are. Here are 10 tips that can help your startup look bigger and more professional:
- Branded email address – Since email is a primary communication tool today, your email address must represent you professionally. A dedicated business email is a vital component to shaping how your business is perceived, so it is not just a branding tactic, but it’s conveying a sense of security and credibility to your potential customers. In addition, startups may appear bigger if they have multiple email addresses for different segments of the business, leaving the impression of a multi-departmental organization.
- Website makeover – Web presence is essential in today’s digital age and the website is a reflection of the business itself. Nowadays websites are an inexpensive and easy marketing tool that will improve your visibility so investment in it is crucial. The site should be well-organized, easy to navigate, and mobile-friendly, coupled with a modern design and high-quality content. The key is to provide site visitors an overall experience that engages them enough to want to do business with you.
- Create/grow your presence in social networks – Maintaining a consistent online presence through social networks is a must, if you want to grow your business and brand. Setting up accounts is the easy part, but as a startup thriving in a socially-connected world, it is important that you also engage and interact with customers. Instead of investing money, you need to invest time in building connections. If you’re doing it right, social media will lead to real relationship building.
- Develop a visual identity – Visual identity is highly effective in the digital environment. The visual manifestation of the brand will increase brand recognition and memorability, and therefore it is recommendable to invest in professional design. A one-of-a-kind logo, original name, or creative business cards will sure take the business to another level. Making sure your company looks like being worth a million dollars will more likely get people to perceive you as worth a million dollars.
- Top quality business card – Your business card is a communication tool; as a business with high quality products, you also wanna have a good quality business card. A business card is tangible, a brand element you leave behind. It shows professionalism and it demonstrates that you care. Cards are paper handshakes that instantly give whoever you meet everything they need to know in order to do business with you. And if the card makes a great impression it is likely to be shown to other people, reaching an even broader audience.
- Network, network, network – Professional networking is a necessary ongoing strategy for startup entrepreneurs, as informal networks and communities have proven to be far more important for entrepreneurial success. Communication and strong presence in the entrepreneurial ecosystem will lead to new partners, new clients and opportunities, but most of all, exposure of your brand. Networking is about making genuine connections so get your name out there and be seen and heard.
- Give away promotional materials – Promotional materials are low-cost marketing method which are quite successful in driving customers. Especially gift items, as they create brand recognition in an instant, provide greater exposure and create a sense of association with the business. Pick a useful but also unique sample which leaves a broader impact on the customers.
- Rent a space in a business environment – Many new businesses start from the garage or the local coffee shop. But this may not be a suitable environment if your startup is growing and you want to bring more people on board or meet with clients. There is an opportunity to join a co-working space, as they offer collaboration and synergy, have all-inclusive facilities and vibrant networking events, or more Regus-style professional and traditional office setting.
- ‘Yes, we can!’ attitude – The startup ride is like a roller coaster. One day, you are on top of the world, and the next day you might have the rug pulled from under you. Since life does not always go the way you planned it, it is imperative to keep an optimistic and forward-looking attitude, as attitude impacts everything. It directs your thoughts, your energy and most of all, the actions you take.
- Virtual assistant – A freelance virtual assistant is a startup’s secret weapon. Not only they save you time and money, but they are also an affordable and experienced investment in the growth of your company. They can help with bookkeeping, social media, design, web development, email management, marketing administration and so much more. It’s a simple way to look big and busy.
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