It takes just a couple of seconds after walking through the door for us to form an opinion of a new place. This time is crucial for businesses such as shops and hospitality venues to make a positive impression and draw in and retain customers. Here are some top suggestions to impress those visiting your establishment and ensure that they are happy to return.
Make sure everywhere is clean and well maintained
One of the first actions we naturally take when stepping through the door is to glance around. If everything is clean and well ordered, this will reassure the customer that the premises are well looked after and they will take it as a sign of a good business.
The premises should be branded with the company colour scheme and logo to reassure visitors that they are in the right place. Make sure that the decor is in good condition, with no chipped paintwork or worn flooring.
Pay attention to ambient scent
Research shows that the less obvious elements that make up the general ambience of a place are just as important as the things we can see. For example, our sense of smell is one of the most neglected senses, but it is incredibly powerful.
Unlike sight, touch, or hearing, our olfactory senses are linked directly to the amygdala and hippocampus regions of the brain, which are involved in processing emotional memories. This means that smells have an ability unique among the senses to trigger memories that evoke strong emotions and responses.
If your premises currently have lingering bad odors or you simply want to create a pleasant fragrance to welcome customers, consider installing a room scent diffuser machine. This will help raise awareness of your business by linking it to that particular scent in your customer’s minds, and also help to create a positive ambience.
If you are not sure which scent might be most appropriate for your business, consider whether you want to use it to influence customer behaviour or to create a particular mood. For example, if you sell sportswear you will want to choose a fresh and energizing scent such as citrus.
If you sell luxury designer goods you might choose a richer and more complex fragrance. Food stores often choose to replicate the aromatic smell of freshly baked goods with a diffuser to get customers’ attention flowing in the right direction.
Have a user-friendly layout
Wherever possible, be inclusive and user friendly in the design and layout of your premises. This includes providing step-free access and clearance for wheelchairs and pushchairs if you can. In larger buildings, prominent wayfinding signs should be displayed near the entrance so that customers can easily navigate their way to what they need.
If you run a retail store, aim for an uncluttered layout that subtly directs visitors to merchandising displays and your best selling products. The check out should be designed to avoid long queues, with plenty of staff and self-service options in larger stores.
