6 Steps to Ensure A Pristine Commercial Premises

They say that first impressions matter. Well, we’d argue that the second, third, fourth, and however many impressions a potential customer or client lets you have will matter in the world of commercial competition. The truth is that for all the hard work it takes to develop a lead and convert it into a sale, customers are notoriously skittish. It doesn’t take much to convince someone not to give you money. They only have a limited supply, after all, and purchases, as well as the value they hold, really matter to people.

For example, a poor misspelling in an email could have someone questioning if you’re really the kind of professional they want to trust. Some may prefer a contractor they hire to have a custom domain name instead of just a gmail address, as that in itself could speak to professionalism. You can never account for every single preference and foible of course, so don’t even try. 

However, there are some absolutely timeless principles you can rely on. For example, if you can’t keep a pristine commercial premises, a client may feel you’re unable to handle their brief with a client-first, details-oriented approach. Let’s talk about how to nail that first impression by ensuring your building stands up to your values:

Outdoor Maintenance

The first impression a client gets, should they visit your premises in person, is the state of its exterior. That might not even be entirely your fault of course, such as if you rent serviced offices inside a wider building. But if you do have control of the driveway, parking spaces, or any green areas nearby, keeping the grounds free of litter and the landscaping looking good is a wise idea. The parking spaces should be clean and clear of any debris that might be blowing around, so it doesn’t look like a mess. You could use a good quality electric leaf blower to keep pavements and entryways clear, which makes a place look much more inviting. Equip your maintenance team so they can help you.

Of course, pulling weeds, keeping grassy verges trimmed, and even putting in place some simple flower arrangements or standing pots could be good enough. If it shows you’ve made a small effort, it shows you don’t just see your base of operations as solely for utility, but as an extension of your branding. You can also take pride in your premises through frequent:

Window Cleaning

There’s almost nothing more unsightly than terribly dusty and grimy windows, so having a cleaner come to attend to them, at least monthly, can help. Clean windows will also let natural light in, which can make the interior feel more welcoming and bright..

Now, a customer might not notice clean windows and feel joy in seeing them, but they certainly notice dirty windows and may subconsciously tie that to your brand image, which isn’t the impression you want to give off first and foremost. This maintenance investment is a simple thing, but it does matter.

Intuitive Signage & Access Points

A customer’s frustration can start before they even get through the door if they can’t figure out where to go or where to park. No doubt we’ve all felt that before. It’s even worse when confusing signage or a difficult entrance can make us feel unwelcome and annoyed. To avoid that, it’s a good idea to have clear, easy-to-read signs that guide people to your building, showing them where to park and pointing them toward the main entrance. You could make sure your signage is visible and easy to understand from a distance. If you have a big building, even colored lines or an arrow system can help them feel less lost, especially if there’s a room or two without any direction between signs.

Moreover, the entrance itself should be inviting and easy to access for everyone, including those with different physical abilities. Be sure to think about your customer’s experience from the moment they arrive to the moment they leave, because making this process smooth and logical tells your customers that their time is respected and their convenience is a priority.

Staged Security

The way security is presented can affect how a customer feels about your business, and overt, intimidating security measures could make a person feel a little bit on edge and unwelcomed. Sometimes it’s understood of course, like a sign-in system for accommodation, or if you have a security guard standing inside a jeweler’s. But if you have to welcome people in, a staged security approach should use different layers so it doesn’t feel like a fortress. 

You could have visible cameras and well-lit entryways, which makes people feel safe, but not as if they have to dance to a tune in order to look innocent. What does this have to do with a pristine environment? Because how you guide and make such security clear and obvious will often decide how capable a business premises is, especially if you deal with many clients a day.

Nightly Cleaning

A clean commercial building is a baseline expectation for most people, as a dirty office or storefront can immediately make people question the quality of your product or service. 

Cleaning the business every night with a service that attends to all areas will ensure your business is always ready for the next day, and it makes a great impression on both customers and employees. This shows that the business has a solid self-care routine and a high standard for cleanliness. Though remember that some cleaning firms won’t touch some areas, like staff kitchens or desks.

Utilities Serving

Utilities can sometimes be ignored, but they’re also a huge sign of a business’s professionalism and reliability. For example, a business that keeps a well-maintained bathroom with functioning taps and toilets, and an office with proper lighting and temperature control, or a clean elevator that smells nice despite having dozens of people use it a day, all of this matters to the people inside the building and define how your business feels to occupy.

With this advice, you’ll be certain to ensure a pristine commercial premises.