A company’s brand is more than just a symbol or a motto. The way customers see a brand is the way they see the company, and maintaining a sterling brand is essential to attracting new business as well as to get customers to buy from you again. Here are three ways to improve your brand image.
1 - Be Environmentally and Socially ConsciousBusinesses have to focus on more than pure profit to stay competitive. Socially and environmentally conscious companies attract more business. Consider how much companies like Wal-Mart, Starbucks, and General Electric invest in social and environmental causes. The reason why some people don’t mind paying an extra dollar or two for a cup of coffee is that they know the coffee beans were grown through environmentally sustainable farming. Being eco-friendly and doing your part to reduce carbon emissions is a great way to generate goodwill among environmentally concerned customers. Also, many eco-friendly initiatives can make your business more efficient and cost-effective. Energy efficient light bulbs, recycled packing materials, and paperless offices are just some of the ways you can save money and the environment at the same time.
Being socially conscious is also imperative. Today, companies can no longer ignore the communities they depend on to thrive. Supporting social causes such as charities and research foundations is not only the right thing to do, it can also attract business. Online retailers who carry seasonal items can and should donate excess and unsold merchandise to charitable causes: the resulting image boost will more than justify the effort. More and more consumers are choosing products based on environmental and social causes
2 - Be ResponsiveNobody likes waiting or being ignored, especially not paying customers. Be quick in answering customer inquiries and problems. A fast and effective resolution to customer concerns will prove that your company can resolve errors efficiently and will also show you care about the customer. Importantly, do not deny or try to cover up a mistake. Countless companies have had their names dragged through the mud because they have refused to acknowledge or solve a problem. Customers prefer a company that acknowledges its mistakes and strives to improve its service.
3 - Be ProactiveBe proactive in promoting your brand! The more people see your brand and your messaging, the more people will identify with it. Besides advertisements, there are many other ways to get your name out there. Writing guest posts on blogs, interviews, sponsoring events, and utilizing social media are great ways to increase brand recognition! By increasing exposure to your brand with positive messaging, you’re also reinforcing your brand image.
With the selection of online stores to buy from growing every day, the importance of brand image is becoming increasingly important. These tips will not only benefit your image, but attract more interest in your brand.
How long have you been in business?Longevity shows that management is committed to the company and can properly run their business. Most businesses fail within the first 5 years. It is a much safer bet if the business is 5+ years old.
Where are you located? (In proximity to my customers)
Due to today's Internet technology and real-time reporting, proximity of your fulfillment house to your customers is more important than the proximity of your fulfillment house to your location. For example, if all of your customers are in the Northeastern United States, then hiring a fulfillment company in California is not a good idea.
As a point of reference, 70% of the US population is located in the Southeast, Northeast and Midwest with California housing approximately another 16%. If your order distribution is spread evenly throughout the country then New York, Pennsylvania or Ohio are good choices to minimize shipping costs.
If most of your customers are in the East then New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania or Maryland are good choices.
Finally, if most of your customers are in the West then Nevada, California, or Utah are good choices.
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