In business, your reputation is everything. When a company’s reputation is damaged, everything from its site traffic, to its quality of leads generated, to its sales numbers can take a significant hit. For better or worse, perception is just as important as reality in the minds of customers. Given that fact, startups have to ensure that they make a good first impression with customers in order to legitimize their brand. Otherwise, they could face an uphill battle from the very start. Thankfully, any of these five methods can help establish your brand as a legitimate player in your industry. Check them out here:
Get Social
Does your business have a Facebook page yet? How about Twitter? Instagram? WhatsApp? Modern businesses need to have a strong social media presence if they want customers to trust them. Indeed, many consumers interact with brands through their social media channels long before they make a purchase. As such, it’s imperative that your social media pages are up-to-date and that you respond to customer queries and concerns posed there.
Make the News
Obviously, not all press is good press. You don’t want your business featuring in the news because of mistakes you’ve made. However, business owners shouldn’t be afraid of journalists. Accepting an interview with a local journalist is a great way to boost your personal and professional profile. Plus, many people trust content in newspapers, magazines, and on local TV stations. Don’t pass up the opportunity for positive press.
Secure a Loan
It’s no secret that money talks. Given that fact, startups that are able to get a loan can gain access to funds that they otherwise might’ve missed out on. A little extra capital can go a long way toward cementing a place in your industry.
Traditional Advertising
Are there many benefits to digital marketing? Absolutely. Still, there’s something to be said for traditional advertising methods. Ads placed on billboards, on local radio or TV stations, or even on barricades (like those made by OTW Safety) at local events can give your business quality, localized exposure. There’s something powerful about a tangible advertisement that can be reassuring to new customers.
Solicit Reviews
Customer reviews hold a ton of weight and can influence business viability in significant ways. Because of this, it’s especially important for new companies to hit it off with their first customers. A few negative reviews early on could be enough to sink a company. Conversely, a few positive reviews can give your business the spark it needs to hit the ground running. So don’t be afraid to ask happy customers to write about their experiences on social media or third-party platforms.
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