First impressions matter; nowhere is that more true than in the business world. When clients or customers visit your office, you want to ensure they have a positive experience from the moment they walk through the door. One way to do that is to think about how you can use your office space to market your business.
According to the Small Business Administration, “Your office is your company’s public face. It makes the first impression on clients and customers. It presents your company’s image to the community. It affects employee morale and motivation. An effective office design can do all these things and more.” So if you’re looking to make a good impression, how can you customize your office space to market your business?
1. Choose the right location.
If you’re starting from scratch, one of the most important things you can do is choose a location for your office that will be convenient for your target market. For example, if you’re catering to local businesses, you’ll want to be situated in an area readily accessible by car. If you’re targeting a national or international clientele, on the other hand, you may want to be located near an airport or central transportation hub.
When marketing your business, you must consider the image you want to project. If you’re going for a more traditional, corporate look, you’ll want to choose a location like a business park or office tower. If you’re hoping to appeal to a hip, young crowd, however, you might want to consider a more urban setting.
2. Make use of branding opportunities.
Your office should be an extension of your brand identity and reflect the values important to your business. For example, if your company is environmentally friendly, you might consider using sustainable materials in your construction or decorating with plants throughout the space. If you pride yourself on being cutting-edge and innovative, on the other hand, you’ll want to make sure that your space is modern and forward-thinking.
You can also display more of your company’s personality by using your office walls as a canvas for branding. This could include hanging company values or mission statements to displaying photos or artwork related to your industry. You should prominently feature the company logo in your reception area. You can use a Boss laser cutter to create custom signage for your office space.
3. Utilize technology throughout the office.
In today’s world, technology is everywhere—and your office should be no exception. By incorporating technology into your space’s design and function, you can make things more efficient and give visitors a taste of what it’s like to work with your company. Consider using digital signage to greet visitors when they come in or installing tablets in common areas so people can easily access information about your business.
People will also appreciate being able to charge their phones or laptops while in your office, so make sure there are plenty of outlets and power strips available. And if you really want to wow potential clients, you can install a hands-free, voice-activated assistant like Amazon’s Alexa or Google Home in your reception area.
4. Keep it clean and organized
First and foremost, your office should be clean and well-maintained—nothing will turn off potential clients or customers more than a messy, cluttered space. But in addition to being clean, your office should also be organized in a way that makes sense for your business. This means considering how people will flow through the space and ensuring there’s a place for everything.
If you have a lot of paperwork, you might consider installing filing cabinets or storage shelves. If you have a lot of products or promotional materials, on the other hand, you might want to invest in some retail display cases. And if you’re expecting clients or customers to visit your office, you’ll need to create a comfortable waiting area with plenty of seating.
5. Make it comfortable
While you want your office to look good, it’s also essential to ensure it’s comfortable. After all, you’ll be spending a lot of time there, so you want it to be a place where you actually enjoy being
Think about the temperature, lighting, and noise level in your space, and make sure it’s comfortable for both you and your employees. You might also want to add personal touches, like photos or art, to make the space feel more like home.
Customizing your office space is a great place to start if you’re looking for ways to set your business apart from the competition. By following these tips, you can create a space that reflects who you are as a company and makes a positive impression on everyone who steps through the door. With a little bit of planning and creativity, you can have the perfect office space in no time.