5 Ways to Make A Good First Impression Online

fggraphicLet’s say it’s your first date with a cute guy you met online. He shows up on time and looks really nice, perhaps a bit too nice for a date over a latte. He smiles, showing off gleaming white teeth. A shiver runs down your spine. There’s something just a little bit disingenuous about it, something creepy.

You consider making up an excuse and exiting stage left, but recall the witty banter from last night’s phone call. Maybe it will get better, you think, while crossing your fingers hopefully under the table. He seems to have a lot to offer, but then he starts talking. About himself. And more about himself as he whips out a scrapbook of pictures of HIMSELF and starts explaining how amazing he is at golfing, skiing, hunting, and how he invented this very cool type of ski equipment that you should BUY! RIGHT! NOW! You get up and RUN like heck!

Sounds crazy, right? No guy would actually do that on a first date, but many people will do this same exact thing to their online followers. They will start out with a beautiful cover image and get that description and icon just right on Facebook. Then, they work hard to get you on that first date, get you to like that page. But then the personal scrapbook, the story of ALL ABOUT ME & MY BRAND will begin. And guess what? They will run like heck.

To be honest, when it comes to your brand, you don’t get a whole date to make a good impression, you have about 3-7 seconds to make a good impression, depending on who you ask. Here are some tips to help you leverage those seconds and then create loyalty.

 1. Have A Strategy

Create the content (text, photos & graphics) for your website and social sites with a plan behind it. Know who your audience is, identify who you want to reach and then form a content management system that consistently communicates with that target audience. We suggest strategically creating social content two weeks in advance, then finding just the right photos and creating precise graphics that will best impact your audience.

 2. Dress For The Occasion

This means don’t underdress or overdress for you audience. Fit in with who they are and speak to what they love. This means carefully choosing brand colors, fonts, and knowing what graphics and/or textile patterns are trending within your industry.

How?

If you are unsure of what’s trending, just take a look at what people are wearing and the lettering on the chalkboard menu at your local coffee hangout. You are sure to spot a chevron pattern on a dress, a bag, or even a pillow this very day. And that chalk board lettering – that’s called typography and it could be the best influence on the font you choose online. Of course, if your industry is hunting, the trends will be a little different, but you get the picture.

 3. Invest In Your Relationships

Please do not ever, ever, simply talk about yourself (your brand) online. People will stop liking you. Even your very own mother will get sick of you. Instead, create relationships.

  • Respond to their comments and inquiries— they will feel validated and noticed.
  • Take a poll and ask for their truthful input and ideas.
  • Share a story highlighting an amazing customer or community member.
  • Arrange to meet local followers in person and buy them a cup of coffee.

 4. Have A Heart

Do something good and then tell your online community about it. Do something good again and this time, invite them to join you. This might involve serving dinner at The Samaritan House, creating a Dragon Boat team, or doing a Food Drive for your local food bank. People love brands with a heart. They might just support your business simply because your values line up with their own.

 5. Be Real

Do not, under any circumstance, be the guy with the creepy smile who has an ulterior motive. Especially online, people simply won’t put up with anything fake. Modern online audiences demand transparency and authenticity.

The best brands know who they are and that they have something valuable to offer. They have a heart for what they are doing and they know what they stand for. When your brand conveys confidence like that, you’ll be able to build your business at first screen glance and grow lasting customer relationships.

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