Start-ups Need to Reconsider these Fundamentals to Enhance their Brand Experience

It has been estimated that almost 97 per cent of start-ups will either retreat or fail to grow . Does this mean that most new business ideas are awful, or that these start-ups have missed a fundamental detail, thus resulting in their ultimate demise? Most of the time, they’ve simply missed something.

If you’re a start-up and you’re not already evaluating your brand experience as a business strategy, then it is advised that you begin taking it into serious consideration. A customer, or clients’ perception and experience with your brand can determine the long-term viability of your business.
Here are 5 fundamental details that start-ups need to reconsider when focusing on enhancing their brand experience.

1. Design
The design is an important element for start-ups because as a new and unrecognised business, you need to make a positive first impression. Design can refer to the physical and visual design of your store or the design of your approach to business. Imagine a customers’ first encounter with your business involving terrible customer service in an uncomfortable atmosphere – what are the chances of that customer returning to your store? A customer or client’s first encounter is the foundation stone of your customer relationship. Remember, you only get one chance at a first impression.

2. Consistency
This is a crucial element that needs to be met with in all aspects of your business, from customer service to retail design. You can maintain your consistency by establishing standards in all your activities. For example; in terms of your social media web presence, all accounts should have the same, if not a similar, profile picture. If you are not consistent, you are going to leave your customers and clients confused. Another thing to point out is that a focus on consistency can help a business look experienced and well established.

3. Engagement
Social media has become an extension in our lives. In 2017 , 40% of the world’s population has a social media presence. If your customer’s or clients are on social media (which is extremely likely), then you should be too. Social media engagement is important because it humanises your business and makes it seem approachable. The advantages of using social media are that it’s a free online tool to connect with your customers, increases your brand recognition, and it allows you to advertise your business on a platform that is sure to be seen by a large majority of your customers and clients.

4. Compliance
Compliance is something you should already be competent in. If you comply with relevant regulations, legislation, and standards, you will be able to avoid the consequences of noncompliance. This includes the consequence of risking your brand reputation which may result in a loss in customer loyalty, profits, and diminish the impression customers have of your business.

5. Efficiency
Being an efficient business helps it to look organised, professional and well established. Efficiency also results in win-win situations. If you can maintain your ability to keep offering your products and services without running a loss or cause inconsistencies, a customer will also get what they want. See? Win-win.

Everything you do as a business develops your brand experience and how it is recognised. Businesses, especially start-up businesses, need to ensure they don’t fail in any of these aspects. For if you’re not consistent, this will be highlighted by your customers and clients and your brand will be remembered by your inconsistencies. Start-ups need to remember to look at the bigger picture, not just the smaller details. Their plans need to encompass all fundamentals if they are to be part of the 3% of start-ups that successfully make it through to becoming known simply as companies.