What does a successful business look like? This is a question that many enterprises ask themselves on a regular basis. However, many companies forget to consider this question from a literal perspective. In the tough world of business, appearances are everything, and if your company exterior isn’t up to scratch, you’re essentially sending out a really undesirable message to your clientele.

• Maintain lawns and flowerbeds. Having some green areas outside your business premises is a great idea. Psychologically, many people instinctively trust the color green, and creating an area of natural beauty helps your clients to see your company as something more than just another faceless enterprise. However, if you do have green areas or flowerbeds, it’s vital to maintain them well. Well-kept lawns and beautiful flowers work well. An overgrown, tangled mess of weeds does not.

• Keep signage clean. If you have signage attached to your premises, you need to be aware that it’s likely to be the first thing your potential clients look at. After all, it’s designed to be attention-grabbing! A dirty (or worse, broken) sign speaks volumes about your business…and not in a good way. Make sure your sign is clean, or if it’s beyond repair, invest in a new one.

• Keep windows sparkling. Windows are one of the most common elements of the façade that businesses fail to maintain. Please keep in mind that dingy, dirty windows don’t create a good impression for your company. If you don’t relish the prospect of climbing up a ladder with a bucket and cloth, invest in the services of a professional window cleaner. They’ll use the right products and equipment to get your windows wonderfully clean.

• Keep woodwork well maintained. If you have any woodwork on your business façade, such as a gate, or door and window frames, it’s important to ensure that they’re regularly treated or painted. If neglected, the wood will start to splinter and fade, which creates an unpleasantly ‘uncared-for’ appearance.

• Remember ‘window dressing’. It’s important to keep windows clean, and it’s also important to remember what can be seen through them! Make sure that any blinds or curtains that you have are kept dust-free, and avoid cluttering your window space with unnecessary items that might detract from the professional appearance of your company.