This article is contributed by Jason Dirkham.
Dating is all about apps like Tinder nowadays. Millennials are swiping right on attractive prospects across the globe. And, they’re swiping left to discard those who don’t interest them forever.
You may assume that business and dating don’t have much in common. But, when you get down to it, the two aren’t all that different. Both focus on creating lasting relationships, and both rely on first impressions.
So, what does Tinder have to do with all this? We use this as an example because this highlights the extreme of initial reactions. If a user swipes left on a profile, they ensure it never shows in their feed again. In less than a second, they decide that they have no interest in ever giving that person a shot.
In business, the same split-decisions can impact your success. If customers decide to disregard your services, there’s little chance they’ll ever come back. If enough people ‘swipe left’, you could find yourself struggling. If you think this is happening, then, consider whether you’re guilty of the following.
The wrong appearance
Apps like Tinder are largely about looks. We can kid ourselves that we care more about personality, but it’s unlikely we’ll swipe right for someone we aren’t attracted to. The same very much applies in business. If your company doesn’t look the part, no one will get to see what a great personality, or product, you have. First off, then, you need to make sure your company looks the part. That means focusing on everything from your logo to your Twitter header. No matter which platform people use to find you, you need to make sure that you look good. Focus on bright colours, and graphics which are relevant to your services. Make sure, too, to spend plenty of time on your website design. In the same way that we search for love online, most of us head here when first researching a company. Getting on top of this is your best chance of ensuring they swipe right.
An off-putting bio
So, you’ve got your appearance right, and you’ve brought yourself a few seconds longer to impress. That’s good, but this isn’t a done deal yet. Even a date who looks good could land on the wrong side of our screens if their bio isn’t up to scratch. The same applies to your company, though in a slightly different way. On Tinder, lousy spelling and grammar can be a real turn off. That applies even more to the business world. Why would someone trust you with their money if you can’t proofread your ‘about me’. You’ll also find that people soon click away if they struggle to understand what you do. No one needs an essay which is hard to decipher. Instead, you want to make like those Tinder profiles and keep this concise and to the point. Use keywords, and make sure it’s clear which service you actually offer.
Dodgy contact details
If a Tinder contact lists various phone numbers and addresses, most of assume there’s something dodgy going on. It’s a sure sign they aren’t who they say they are. Of course, the same doesn’t apply in business. It’s hardly likely you’re going to try catfishing your customers. But, various contact numbers can still put people off in a moment. Far from looking fake, this seems unprofessional. It leads to confusion which, as we’ve stated, you need to avoid. Instead, keep things simple. If you’re worried about listing one home line and missing calls, turn to a company like Capital Office. They offer virtual office solutions including a reliable call answering service. With your virtual office in place, you’ll be able to list one reputable number and rest easy. There certainly won’t be any risk of customers not trusting your details. The same service could also provide you with an address which is sure to impress if that interests you.
Failure to provide a hook
Many times, Tinder profiles fail to find success because they don’t provide a hook. They give no pressing reason to pursue the person in question. Without meaning to, you could make the same mistake. A bland description with no call to action will see customers clicking away without buying. Instead, provide a hook to help your small business shine. Explain your products in such a way that your readers feel like they can’t leave your site without them. Make customers ask themselves a few pressing questions, namely; how have I survived without that product until now?
This article is contributed by Jason Dirkham
