If you want your small business to grow, you need to attract new customers. And you’re more likely to attract them if you give you business that professional look. So take a look at these five tips on how to do just that.

Most people say first impressions are the most important ones. In fact, studies show that first impressions are all that matters as people won’t get over them.

If you’re a small business owner worried about how other people view your business, you might not be sure where to start.

Do you need to wear a $3,000 suit? Do you need a professional website? Do you need a website at all?

There are plenty of ways to improve your professional look, but we’re going to take a look at five important ones today.

1. Get a Professional E-Mail

That Gmail or Yahoo account just isn’t going to cut it anymore.

“BiggestPackersFanEver79@yahoo.com” probably isn’t the ideal professional-looking contact info.

You want a professional e-mail account for when people are searching for your contact info or when they need to talk to you quickly.

If you’re already familiar with a particular e-mail layout, that company may also provide a business alternative. For example, Google also provides business e-mail accounts on top of their free, everyday Gmail accounts.

Add your last name to your e-mail account, too. “Cindy.Marion@businessname.com” is more professional-looking than “Cindy@businessname.com.” It makes it appear as though you have a large staff (even if you don’t) that requires the last name in the e-mail address.

2. Get a Professional Website

Most people are probably going to find you online. Therefore, you want the website they land on to appear professional.

Invest in a good web developer for a clean and professional look.

Not only that, it’s another good opportunity for you to continue branding yourself. For example, use “we” rather than “I” in the content on your website. That will give off the impression that you are a more professional company rather than a small operation.

3. Get on Social Media

Everyone these days is on social media and so should your business.

This means: get on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc. (as long as the platform is intuitive to what your business is).

But also, blog your heart out.

Big and professional businesses are well known because their name is out there. One way you can be that too is to just spread the word. Blog as often as you can and post to social media daily.

You want the content to be relevant to your audience or customer, but make sure that you’re putting your business and your name out there constantly.

4. Get a Professional Photographer

If you have pictures on your website, social media, or anywhere else, make sure they are as professional as can be.

Stop taking your own blurry photos on your iPhone. Either learn some basics of photography and lighting yourself or hire a professional.

If you’re wondering how to look professional, a good photo of you, your staff, or your work environment is an easy step to take.

5. Complete the Branded Look

This is a little bit “bigger picture,” but have a solid and consistent brand for your small business.

This can be many things from how you dress to what your logo design looks like.

You want people to see the professional look of your business in every way that they interact with you.

For example, if you send promotional products, they should be branded right down to the packaging they’re shipped in.

Consider something as simple as a paystub maker. Your employees may be the only people seeing the paystubs but brand them with your company logo. Make them uniform and professional-looking and the appearance will only spread from there.

Growing Your Small Business With that Professional Look

Growing your small business takes a lot of effort. It can be time-consuming and draining, but if you have been wondering how to appear professional, these tips will help put you in the right direction.

Just remember that the professional look of your website, e-mail address, photos, and branding all play an important role.

If you want to keep growing your small business, check out the rest of our business blogs for more tips.