Over the last 3 years, Harris County has seen a 3.4% growth in incoming investment, and has now made number one as the fastest growing economy in Texas. The City of Katy currently sits astride two of the counties that made the top 10 in the list, since Fort Bend was also identified as a region that had benefited from an increase in business development. As well as providing support for new businesses, economic growth brings greater competition and this makes it even more important for new firms to stand out from their rivals in order to gain custom. As more employees return to work in the office, in-person meetings with clients are back in the diary, and clean and inviting premises can help to make a good first impression. At the same time, with increasing online sales, making the most of social media marketing to create a strong online presence is just as important for commercial businesses.
Inviting Physical Premises
Since Texas allowed businesses to open up to 100% capacity last month, cities throughout the state have seen more employees returning to the office than elsewhere in the country. For many firms, this also means an increase in face-to-face meetings, but, after months working from home, it is likely that their premises will need cleaning and refurbishing in order to make a good first impression on clients. More important than installing designer furniture is decluttering and cleaning. While ensuring premises are clean and hygienic has become a priority, in addition to wiping down highly visible surfaces in communal spaces, a thorough clean from floor to ceiling will create a brighter and more luminous space. As well as making an office more aesthetically pleasing, the removal of dirt and dust from ceilings will help to maintain fire resistance and freshen the air by removing pollutants.
A Strong Digital Presence
While many professional firms are returning to the office, commercial businesses are increasingly trading online. It has been estimated that by 2023 e-commerce will constitute 22% of retail sales. To stand out from an ever increasing number of online businesses, a strong online presence is essential for retail enterprises. Browsing social media is often the first time customers come across a new business and sharing up to date information and engaging posts can help to build a brand’s reputation. While local organizations offer marketing advice and opportunities to make connections at networking events, they can also help companies to stand out online through digital advertising. With enhanced directory listings and prominent banner ads, businesses not only make a better first impression but are also more likely to reach their target audience.
Making a good first impression has always helped businesses to stand out from the competition. As more offices welcome the return of employees, professional businesses will need to ensure their physical premises are clean, comfortable and inviting to visiting clients. In contrast, online retailers will be more focused on creating a strong digital presence which will help them to target and attract more customers.