Posted on by Vinod Sharma JP FCPA FIPA MBA

It’s Bigger On The Outside – Faking Business Growth To Grow The Business

Making your business seem bigger than it actually is can go a long way in helping you to secure larger clients.

Appearing larger can help customers feel more secure when dealing with you and possibly give your voice or presence more authority. Exaggerating elements of your business regarding first impressions is easier than you might think, and many of the available strategies are cost-effective.

Put Extra Effort Into Your Website:
Your website is one of the first places potential customers will visit to size you up. The impression that your website makes on them can seriously influence how your company is perceived. A website with a dated design, difficult navigation or poorly written copy can instantly give a negative impression. Poor-quality websites suggest you’re a small, amateur company that doesn’t care about online presence. This can alienate an entire group of potential clients.

Work On Your Social Media Presence:
Developing an active and current social media presence can help a business connect with its customers and assist in making it appear more prominent and experienced. Social media sites increase the amount of information that can be found on a business and are usually far more engaging and cost-effective than traditional forms of advertising.

People generally assume that businesses with a lot of online material have been there for a long time. Businesses that have a lot of followers on social media can create a sense of age and experience, enhancing the image of the brand.

Invest In Your Promotional Materials:
Professionally designed business cards with consistent stationery and letterheads will give business credibility. For example, printing the details on cheques and envelopes rather than writing on them by hand are small and cost-effective options that can assist in building professional reliability.

Continuity over different marketing platforms also promotes a sense of brand unity. Using professionally designed images on all company material will demonstrate your reach and stability in the market.

Get A Virtual Office:
For businesses that cannot afford a full-time receptionist, setting up a virtual office can
have the same effect at a much cheaper cost. Having a virtual employee answer phone calls and manage customer service from an outside location means eliminating the costs of actual employment while giving the impression that the business is much bigger than it is.

Turning A Vehicle Into A Company Car:
Visiting clients is an essential element in specific industries, such as businesses within construction or maintenance. Pulling up in a company-branded car can build respect and show professionalism. However, check with an accountant about the tax treatment involved with company cars, if buying a company car is the right move for the business or what records may need to be kept for work-related expenses involving the car.

Assess The Location:
There are many external elements of a location that can affect your business. Look at the traffic in the area and work out how it can support or hinder you, as well as what services are in the area in which you choose to locate. Consider asking other businesses in your desired location for some advice on the best providers for services such as gas, electricity, water, phone
and internet. Access for both customers and employees is also a large factor when assessing
the location. Consider whether it is easy enough for clients to find and employees to travel to every day. Making your business accessible can allow you to obtain a wider pool of staff.

Remember your legal and environmental obligations when choosing a place to set up your business, and check with the local council for any planning and building restrictions if necessary. For example, consider how possible noise produced by your business would affect the local community. Before making any big decisions, consider seeking further legal or professional advice. This gives the added benefit of your brand getting noticed on the street.

Spreading The Word:
To get the attention of more prominent potential clients, it may be necessary to spread the word on some of the other big-name clients the business has had. Once a business has obtained a few large contracts, using them to help promote services and secure other clients can be extremely beneficial. Business owners can mention previous jobs in meetings or display work for other clients on their website, providing permission is given.


Disclaimer for External Distribution Purposes:

The information contained in this publication is for general information purposes only, professional advice should be obtained before acting on any information contained herein. The receiver of this document accepts that this publication may only be distributed for the purposes previously stipulated and agreed upon at subscription. Neither the publishers nor the distributors can accept any responsibility for loss occasioned to any person as a result of action taken or refrained from in consequence of the contents of this publication.

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