Enhancing Your Brand Image: Advice For Small Business Owners
Updated 1/10/24
With over 90% of consumers checking online reviews before buying or contacting an organization, today's business owners must understand the impact of building an outstanding reputation and maintaining a positive brand image.
And, this isn't about marketing or public relations for just a show. It's about working on the back-end of your business model to ensure that what you say and do internally gets communicated externally, as well. This is a core component of creating a digital marketing strategy, as well.
So how do you enhance your brand image as a small business? Assuming you're not trying to recover from a major PR nightmare or scandal, here are three key areas to concentrate on while you build your brand.
Focus on improving customer service and support
One of the most significant steps you can take to improve performance and ensure you attract rave reviews is to prioritize customer service and support. Consumers today judge brands on quality and value, but they also rate service and customer experience.
Online shoppers want to ask questions or find answers quickly, order without stress, and receive deliveries without delays. Diners want to enjoy a delicious meal accompanied by excellent service. Unfortunately, poor communication or lackluster interactions taint the overall consumer experience regardless of your product or service's quality.
If you're looking to improve your customer service and attract rave reviews, one of the best things you can do is get a US phone number. Having a US phone number will give your customers the ability to reach you quickly and easily, which is essential for providing great customer service.
As a business owner, make it your mission to provide responsive customer support and a stress-free, pleasant, memorable experience for your clients, guests, or buyers.
Adopt eco-friendly ways of working
More and more consumers want to buy from brands that support environmental causes and make an effort to reduce their carbon footprint. Adopting eco-friendly ways of working enables you to contribute to the planet positively, improve your brand image, and make your business more appealing to prospective customers.
There are various ways and levels to "going green." Examples include:
Reducing energy consumption by looking for foam insulation contractors.
Using energy-efficient technology and reducing waste.
Promoting eco-friendly commuting.
Using sustainable ingredients and materials.
Looking for ways to reduce emissions by switching to electric or hybrid cars and utilizing innovative logistics. Moreover, consider incorporating sustainable technology into your operations, such as iOS or Android's top route optimization software, to reduce carbon emissions from transportation and delivery.
Promoting your brand values
Did you know that over 70% of people prefer to buy from brands that align with their values? So your business' identity is about more than a logo, a name, and a motto or tagline. It's also about telling customers about your company culture and ethos and identifying and promoting core values.
Use your website, email communications, business blog, and social media platforms to tell clients what your brand stands for and update them on news of your supporting programs or initiatives. Your website should act as a showcase for your company beyond just selling your products or services.
Feature some of your work in the community, solicit testimonials from community partners, and invite your audience to join you in the work.
If you donate to charities, for example, or plant trees for every purchase, talk to your customers about your commitments and encourage them to get involved.
If you're looking for ways to prioritize corporate social responsibility, ask your employees and customers for ideas, organizations, or projects that align with your values.
Customers want value for money and good quality products and services, but they also want to buy from brands they respect and admire.