We’re always told that first impressions count, but it matters even more in business today.
With so much competition out there, it’s important to make sure your business is memorable, exciting and in demand.
These days, people don’t just go to a shop or a restaurant because they need something - something needs to pull them in. The same goes for bars, hotels, and even gyms.
People want an experience and not just a transaction, so you need to give people a reason to choose your business over another.
This is where sensory design comes in. From signature scents to ambient lighting, the right atmosphere can shape how your customers perceive your brand and create a long-lasting brand relationship.
Here’s how your business can make a first impression that hits all the senses.
Bring your brand into your decor
Building a recognisable brand takes time, but it helps if it’s reflected in everything you do. Bring your brand into space through the colours you use, your signage and more.
Use businesses with distinctive interiors as your inspiration - when you step into places like Starbucks, Jo Malone or the Apple Store, you know where you are.
Your brand may not be on that scale yet, but making your decor distinctive from the start could help.
Nail your lighting, day and night
Lighting is another element that can help create the right atmosphere for your business. The right setup can make the difference between a warm, calming space and somewhere more energising and bold.
You need to decide which mood is right for your business and design a lighting scheme that’s suitable. Downlights are ideal for lighting products, displays and key areas, are fire rated and easy to install.
Adaptable lighting can help you transition from day to night, creating a different mood so that your business is appealing at all times of the day.
Find a signature scent
Scents are powerful, and having a signature fragrance for your business can help make it even more memorable.
Many businesses have their unique fragrances, including Abercrombie & Fitch, Aesop and even Subway.
It’s a small detail that can make a big impression, so consider how you can use diffusers and room sprays to help create a scent for your space that people will come to recognise.
Complete the experience with sound
Sound can also help set the mood, but it’s important to get it right.
A lively brand appealing to younger shoppers may benefit from chart favourites, while something calmer could be better used in a wellness space.
Remember to test out audio levels at different times of the day - sound may be drowned out if there’s a lot of hustle and bustle, or could be too loud in a quieter space.
When all of these elements come together, you’re not just creating an attractive space, but helping to build trust in your brand. A brand that’s consistent, welcoming and detail-oriented can help instill confidence in consumers from the outset, building a strong connection.
Designing a space that engages all the senses can help you not only create the right first impression, but also ensure people come back again and again.
