Guest Post: Meet Ashley from After Nine To Five

This month expect to say hi to some of the amazing woman over at RevolutionizeHer.
In celebration of aubreyplays one year I asked them questions about how they play. 
Miss Ashley likes to be one of a kind and asked about doing a fun post with tips on bogging and business.
I said Awesomeness. So here's Ashley:

Five Tips on Making Your Business Stand Out

Hi there! I'm Ashley from After Nine To Five. I've gone to some great lengths to set myself a part from others throughout my entire life, but especially when it comes to my business. Today I wanted to share with you some tips on making your business stand out in the crowd.

1. Customer Service

Bad customer service is a guaranteed way to send your customers searching elsewhere for the product they purchased from you. Even if it's a one-of-a-kind unique product, they'll settle for something else if it means no having to deal with poor customer service again. On top of that, they'll most likely pass the word on that they had a bad experience with your business. On the other hand, great customer service is likely to do the opposite. You'll get repeat customers and fabulous reviews. Going above and beyond for someone when something goes wrong with an order or for an item goes a long way.

2. Packaging

Whether or not the package is a gift for them or themselves, whoever is opening it wants to feel like they are opening a present. Don't just throw your product in a manilla envelope and expect them to be wowed. It just won't happen. Use a box, or a bag, or something to dress up the product a bit. It doesn't have to be super expensive or time intensive. Just show the customer you care by adding a couple of special touches to their shipment.

3. Unique Products

There is no better way to make your business stand out than by offering someone can't get in fifty other stores. You may specialize in something that's pretty common, but figure out a way to make it unique. Add something to it, combine it with something it's usually not with, change up the design, etc. The more you can differentiate your products the better.

4. Give Them A Reason to Return

Customers are hoping they have a reason to return to your business when they go in. If they get excellent service, a quality product, and feel like they're your number one focus throughout the whole process, they'll most likely be back, especially if you give them an extra reason to. Maybe it's a discount, a new product you have coming to the business, a free gift - whatever it is, it's worth it. Repeat customers are much easier to maintain than trying to constantly find new customers

5. Meet multiple needs

Can your business meet the needs of many? A business that can meet the needs of various kinds of people is crucial for success. When people can shop for multiple reasons at one store, they are much likely to make a purchase there even if it costs a bit more due to the convenience factor. You are also less likely to experience as much slow/down time when you can serve multiple needs. When one product isn't selling as well, another may be flying off the shelves.

xoxo,
ashley wagner
about.me page

“The lower you fall, the higher you'll fly.” - Chuck Palahniuk