They say you should never judge a book by its cover. But it is hard to look past a really bad cover, right?
If you are trying to attract clients to your business, the fact of the matter is, that it needs to look good! That is why good design is essential for any business premises.
Not only does it have to be welcoming and inviting for your customers, but it also needs to function well, have a great flow and meet any industry regulations.
Trying to tick all of those boxes can be really overwhelming for business owners both new and experienced.
So, let’s look into the importance of good design, how you can set the right tone, and how you can attract the right customers and encourage their loyalty.
The Importance Of Well Designed Business Premises
Did you know that interior design can actually improve the way that you do business?
It stands to reason that well-designed business premises will attract more customers and allow your team to be more productive. Combined, those things make it easier to be a success.
When looking at the design of your business premises it is important to consider two areas – your customer-facing space and the area where your staff will work. You should approach the design of these two areas in different ways.
Customer-Facing Space: Your first focus should be to give customers the right perception of your business. If things are looking a little rundown then customers may associate your business with a sub-par product or food that isn’t up to scratch. This will be a snap decision they make when they walk in. They might decide that before even giving your business a go. However, if your space is light, bright, airy, welcoming, and with a good flow, they will get the right perception immediately.
Working Space: A poorly designed space can make it harder for your team to get their jobs done. This decreases morale, increases sick days and basically generates negative energy in your space. This negativity can then spill out onto the shop floor, impacting your trade. On the flip side, a well-designed space will create a comfortable atmosphere that encourages efficiency, productivity and positive morale.
So, how can you create this perfect design?
Set The Right Tone
The atmosphere is a huge element of your business success. If customers do not get the right feel when they walk through your doors then they might just turn around and walk back out again.
Think about the kind of people you want to attract to your business and what they might want. Will it be trendy, modern, traditional, child-friendly, or out there and quirky? Knowing who you are presenting your business to will help you to set the right tone.
Once you know that information, you can then start to think about functionality and flow. If people don’t have somewhere comfortable to sit, or if Mums can’t manoeuvre prams in a child-friendly space then it will impact negatively on the atmosphere you are trying to create.
Attract Customers And Encourage Loyalty
Obviously, the right tone and functionality are going to be the first steps in attracting the kind of customers you want to your business. But it is not the only thing to consider.
Customers are attracted to businesses with great offerings. They are not going to visit a cafe with terrible coffee, so a quality coffee machine and beans are a must. Likewise, they aren’t going to visit a store where they can’t see the stock, so attractive display cases are essential.
Think about practicality and what you would look for if you were shopping or eating in the same environment. If you can consistently deliver great service, in a practical and enjoyable way, you will not only attract customers to your business but earn their loyalty too.