Make Your Business Welcoming to Customers

Have you ever walked into an office or small business environment and immediately felt uncomfortable? You just wanted to conduct your business as quickly as possible and get out of there. You don’t want that to be the impression your customers have of your office. Instead, you want it to be a place they want to come to and spend time, especially since it often means they will spend more money.

First Impressions Count

Begin by looking at the reception or waiting area. It should be inviting and help the customer relax, especially if they must wait for long. Comfortable seating is a must. Choose fabrics that are warm and soft with plenty of cushioning and support. End tables with lamps for soft lighting and reading material encourage people to relax. Have a water machine and even a coffee maker in the waiting area.

Consider who will spend time in this area. Will customers bring their children in? Think about adding a play area or at least a few toys and books to keep the little ones entertained. Many areas include a television to keep people entertained while they wait. If you choose to have music, try to replace elevator music with something more interesting.

Welcome Back

Once you are ready to see your customers and welcome them back to your office, you want the good impressions to continue. If you like to work in a cluttered environment, try to pick up before allowing guests into your office. Clutter and chaos can make people feel more stressed and may even cause them to worry about how organized you are with their information.

The need for comfortable seating continues in your office. At the same time, it should appear formal. You want to maintain a professional atmosphere while providing a warm welcome to everyone who comes into your office.

It’s All in the Details

Don’t forget about the details of your office. This includes the style lamps you choose, artwork on the wall, draperies and other items you use for décor. To ensure that you create the right atmosphere, you need to think about the types of clients who will be visiting and what your goal is when meeting with them.

Are you trying to solve a problem? Then, you want a soothing environment. Want them to make a purchase? A stimulating office would be appropriate. The age, gender and other demographic information should also be considered. What a senior citizen finds relaxing will differ from a Millennial. This will impact your color scheme and many other aspects of your design.

Make your office a place customers want to come, a place where they feel welcome and comfortable. Make sure your décor conveys the message you want to send. If you want your small business to thrive with loyal customers who tell their friends about you, don’t overlook any aspect of customer service, including a welcoming environment.

Author: Joyce Morse is an author who writes on a variety of topics, including small business and marketing.