If you own a business, you must attract customers to shop for your products or services. One of the best ways to get new patrons is to make your store a welcoming environment for them. Read on 6 Ways to Create a Welcoming Environment for Your Business.
Cluttered, chaotic or closed-off storefronts aren’t likely to get new customers in your doors. It can also cause existing customers to check out the competition if they have a better appearance. Here are six ways to create a welcoming environment for your customers to enjoy.
6 Ways to Create a Welcoming Environment for Your Business
1. Display a Welcome Sign
It might seem cliche, but placing a personalized welcome sign at the entrance or lobby of your shop lets customers know you’re glad they’re visiting. A welcome sign also prevents your business from feeling too niche or closed off, giving them the confidence to explore your services without judgment.
There are several ways to do this. You can have a professionally made sign containing your logo, slogan and colors to give your shop a formal feel. Another option is to hand-make a sign using wood or poster board, paint and other materials. This can help your lobby area feel warm and inviting.
You could also get a chalkboard easel to write different welcome messages depending on the season, sales offerings and more. Use chalk or chalk markers to add a phrase and drawings that you can easily wipe off later. This is an excellent option for entryways and sidewalks outside of your business.
2. Provide an In-Person Greeting
A greeting from a friendly face can significantly impact how customers feel about your store. Whether a new client or returning customer, each shopper should feel like your business is where they belong.
For new clientele, this greeting is permission to shop around and ask questions if they need product information. Alternatively, returning customers have an opportunity to chat about new arrivals and socialize with a familiar face.
It’s important to train every employee to greet customers with kindness, regardless of how often they interact with them. For those that work in the front, assist them by providing welcoming phrases and questions to ask customers.
Some organizations even provide greeting scripts with beats to hit when welcoming someone inside. Ensure the greeting covers all you’d like the customer to know while keeping it brief enough that introverted guests don’t become overwhelmed.
3. Have an Open Space
You want your visitors to get sucked in by all the beautiful things your business offers. However, one way to be welcoming is by giving your clients room to breathe.
Having an open space at the front of your location lets customers get an overview of your business so they can settle in and decide which direction to go. This space also allows for more people to enter at once and prevents people from passing your business just because of an overcrowded entryway.
It’s also best to incorporate open areas where possible throughout the shop so customers can freely stroll without bumping into one another. If you need to renovate your space, consider adding outdoor elements so your patrons don’t feel trapped inside.
4. Keep Your Door Open
This method may seem odd, but it can make a difference in how customers perceive your business. Propping your door open shows shoppers you’re prepared to welcome everyone inside to explore your products and services.
You can likely see this method in shopping malls, where customers flow freely into and out of different stores. Any business can have that feel to it, welcoming many people who were maybe just passing by.
For outdoor stores, this is trickier. You want to stay safe at night and keep the weather out. However, sunny afternoons are a great time to get some fresh air and welcome new people into your business. Another option is automatic doors that open when someone comes close to them.
5. Choose a Welcoming Paint Color
Your business’ paint color also has an impact on your customer. Specific colors are scientifically more or less inviting than others. It depends on your business type, but different colors can make your customers feel at home.
For example, blue is a great color for most places to feel relaxed and welcoming to customers. Earth tones bring a little more fun and vibrance to a shop while still being calm and inviting. Light reds and maroons can add some edge to your business design, but it’s best to avoid angry, bright reds.
White is a good neutral choice, especially when complemented by blues, greens or yellows. Choosing the right color — or color combinations — can help your customers feel good while exploring your store.
6. Offer Discounts to New Customers
Another way to get new customers or clients to enjoy your business is to offer a discount to first-time purchasers. Even a 10% or 15% discount can encourage skeptical shoppers to check out what you have to offer. Having a deal shows new customers you value their patronage and want to welcome them into your product or service.
Some businesses even offer exchange options for first-timers, allowing a customer a period of time to switch out a product they’ve tried for another if they are not satisfied with their original purchase. When you show newcomers you care about their experience, you create a welcoming atmosphere all your customers notice.
Making Customers Feel Welcome
You want people to feel good about visiting your business and purchasing your products or services. You need to know how to create a welcoming environment for your business. The in-store experience changes how your consumers think about your brand. By having a welcoming environment, you can encourage customers to return time and time again.