Big Appearance, Small Budget

The days are gone where good old mom and pop stores run our county’s economy. Now, many people put their trust, and subsequently their money, into huge corporations mostly because big businesses make customers more confident in them. The reasoning behind this logic is partly driven by the conclusion that, the bigger the corporation, the more successful they appear. If someone at some point was able to take an idea and grow it into a big business, people assume that they are doing something right—probably even better than their small business counterparts. Big business also gives the aura of security. The more people involved, the more employees, the more money that pass though its doors, the more eyes, so to speak, that are making sure that everything is done in the customer’s best interest. Let’s face it, we have been there, walking past the little business because it is owned and operated out of someone’s house. That is why there is some advantage in making your small business look big.

First, get a good logo. Many first impressions are biased off of logos. A good logo should convey what your business does and your business values while remaining simple and easily recognizable. Most small businesses may not have a lot of extra money, but spending a little more on a great design by a professional is worth the extra cost in the long run.

Another thing to consider spending extra on is having a professional website made. Website design and programming is one of those things where you get what you pay for. Almost everyone looks up a new or new-to-them business on the Internet before spending their money with a particular company. Your business’s website reflects on what your company is about and the quality of service one can expect. Don’t show your business’s smallness through weak design and give the wrong impression of unprofessionalism right in the beginning of a relationship with a potential customer. Make sure it has a solid, clean design that is easy to navigate. The better the website, the more professional it looks, the more professional your own business will appear.

Appearances should not stop on the web. Every business should invest in professional looking materials. Everything from letterheads, to business cards and even return address labels should be printed with your business’s name or in the very least, the business logo. Consider using full color and gloss finishes for a truly professional touch and make sure to stay away from neon-colored fliers.

To be a small business may seem like a disadvantage in today’s market, but appearances and opinions can often be changed with a few well-spent dollars. To look professional get the expertise of other professionals; have a high-quality website, logo, and business materials designed and produced by professionals. With a few simple changes, your small business can seem like a big business and in return, help drum up some big business for you.