No 2nd Takes! It's All in the 1st Impression: 5 Judgements New Customers Are Making About You...

It's no secret that first impressions are significant, but how important are they, and what factors come together to form that first impression? Some combination of your storefront, your logo, your signage, your personnel, your communication, your website, and of course your product or service itself may come together to form that first impression. Here are some stats about how you are being judged, and why it matters...

1. 48% of consumers report that they are more likely to become loyal to a brand during the first purchase or experience they have with the business! That means your repeat business and organic growth (which is your cheapest and most productive way to grow) is inextricably linked to the first impression that customers have with you.
   
   
2. It only takes consumers 10 seconds to form a first impression of a brand’s logo, but it takes 5-7 impressions for consumers to recognize the logo. Therefore you must impress them and convey your message immediately to establish the foundation, but then reinforce it multiple times to establish a pattern. However they see you first (website or ad for online traffic, logo sign and building entrance for brick & mortar) should exude the qualities you want your business to be known for.
   
   
3. 33% of the top 100 brands use the color blue in their logo. The color blue is said to relate to loyalty, strength, wisdom, trust, calmness, and even one-on-one communication and personalized messaging, all of which helps customers feel more personally connected to the logo, and subsequently to your business. If your logo doesn't have blue in it, you can look for ways to creatively tie it into your messaging (like the background of the photo above), your signage (like a blue back-panel or border), wall colors, decor, website, etc.
   
   
4. Emotion is an important part of a name, slogan, advertising campaign, etc. 90% of all purchasing decisions are made subconsciously, making it vital for companies to find ways to evoke positive emotions in their signage, decor, and any communication with the buyer.
   
   
5. 91% of consumers said that they are more likely to buy from an authentic brand than from a dishonest brand. That sounds obvious, but note that it is important to understand exactly what your specific target demographic values as authenticity and honesty, because this perception changes in different industries, from one region or demographic to another, between generations, etc.
   

Use this information to be proactive with your first impressions, and take control of that first impression you are creating for your prospects, partners, employees, and customers. Make sure when they see your sign gleaming above your door, or bursting from the wall behind the shoulder of your receptionist or maître d', that they subconsciously associate your business with quality, longevity, trust, and loyalty. Do that effectively and you will be on the right track toward repeat business and organic growth.

Statistical Data Reference: https://www.crowdspring.com/blog/successful-branding-for-entrepreneurs-statistics/