Most of us know that we shouldn’t judge a book by its cover; however, first impressions are still very important. This is particularly true for business owners! With so many different options available, you can’t underestimate the importance that a good first impression can have on your customers.
Depending on the type of business that you are running, your potential customers will find you through an internet ad, social media, or marketing campaigns. But in any case, most of them will probably want to contact you before making a purchase or hiring your services. It’s normal for people to want to ask questions or clear doubts before they spend their hard-earned money.
If your business can’t create a good impression on these potential customers, you risk losing them to your competition. And if this becomes a regular occurence, your bottom line and profits could suffer the consequences. Imagine being a potential customer who is looking to purchase items or hire a new service. You do your research online in order to choose the best option, or maybe an advertisement campaign catches your eye. Perhaps, a good friend recommends a business that they think is great.
So, you decide to go on their website in order to learn more about their products. You are pleasantly surprised when you discover that they have a website that is full of useful information. But you still want to ask some more questions, so you make a mental note to call them in the morning. The following day, you try to call the business, but their line is always busy. Well, no problem, right? You will simply try to call again later. But as the day goes by, your calls still go unanswered. Finally, someone picks up the phone. To your dismay, your questions are answered by a grumpy voice that treats you rudely and with contempt.
So you waited all day just to be treated like that? At this point, you would probably discard the idea of working with this business and simply find a new alternative. After all, you could probably find hundreds or even thousands of businesses that offer similar services or products. Go where you’re treated best.
Good First Impressions, Last
This is exactly how your potential customers will think if they get a bad first impression from your business. Making a good first impression isn’t complicated, but it can make a huge difference. A customer who gets a good first impression will be more likely to spend more money on your business, be more loyal, and recommend your services to more and more people.
Creating a good first impression can make it much easier for you to expand your customer base. Offering good customer service starts from the moment your staff picks up the phone, and it allows you to create a positive customer experience from the beginning. It all sounds very nice, but how do you achieve this? There are many ways in which you can improve your business’ customer service; however, answering services offer one of the simplest and most affordable solutions. These services have experienced a significant increase in popularity in recent years, and with good reason.
A virtual answering service allows you to outsource operators who are fully trained and professional, and who will be available 24/7 to answer phone calls. These operators can handle a variety of tasks, from simply answering questions, to taking care of collections and scheduling appointments. Operators work from different time zones around the world and receive extensive training before they start to work for your company.
Create Positive Reputation Over Time
Rather than having your phones answered by overworked on-site staff, each caller will be greeted by a warm, friendly, and knowledgeable voice. Inquiries and doubts will be solved promptly regardless of time and date, and your customers will be immediately satisfied. Operators can also take messages for your staff and transfer calls when needed.
Once a customer decides that they are ready to make an appointment, hire your services, or purchase your items, they will already have a good opinion of your business. The rest of their experience will be smoother thanks to that first, simple phone call. Once their transaction is finished satisfactorily, they will be much more likely to recommend you to their friends and acquaintances. Over time, this will create a positive reputation for your business. You will get new clients more easily, your existing customers will be more loyal, and your profits will start to increase soon.
