Making a good first impression is just as important in the professional world as it is in the personal world. With so many companies competing for attention, consumers have no choice but to narrow down their options based on factors that are important to them. This could mean choosing one product over another because of the packaging, logo or price. It’s these simple elements that can make or break your first impression and the sales that follow after.

Knowing that first impressions are important, here are a few ways to impress your audience and keep them connected to your brand.

Reflect on Your Brand Elements

Your brand image is comprehensive and includes your logo, colors, graphic style, typefaces and more. Consider all of these elements both online and offline and how well they represent your brand. If you don’t like something or feel that it’s no longer a positive representation of who you are, change it. Your customers should have a great experience every time they interact with your brand whether it’s at a trade show event or website visit.

Aim for Consistency

If your branding is inconsistent, it can feel misleading and cause customers not to trust you. After all, if you can’t keep your logo consistent or your color scheme fluent, how can you deliver reliable service? Consumers look for the small things, so keep your online and offline marketing materials consistent. For example, your website should not create a different experience from your print marketing materials. Every brand interaction should be woven together for a positive, seamless experience.

Choose Your Partners Wisely

As your business grows, you’ll need some help from others such as an exhibit design firm, digital marketing agency and graphic designer. Choose your partners wisely as they can make all the difference in how your brand is represented both online and offline. For example, if you’re attending a trade show event, high quality graphics will remain consistent in color, size, shape and materials. Signage that looks different can send the wrong message to your audience.

Looks matter when it comes to making a good first impression. Don’t let your customers down by giving off the wrong vibe or sending mixed messages. Be clear and direct about who you are and what you have to offer.