Whether you’re in the restaurant business, retail, or even entertainment, there are several key factors that separate good businesses from the best. If you want to create a 5-star business that not only keeps customers coming back, but brings new patrons in, you need to focus on investing in your business.
This isn’t all about money either, it’s about dedicating your time and being passionate about every detail of how your business is run, what you’re offering, and how you present it.
To foster the growth of your business, and ensure its longevity, you need to set your business apart. Plus, with the popularity of review sites, your business’s reputation really is everything.
Here we’ll break down the top qualities that we believe make a 5-star business. Use this guide as a starting point for taking your business to the next level.
Customer Service
First and foremost, how your customers are treated at your business should always be your top concern. Think about it, whether you are located in a competitive tourist area or small-town neighborhood, your patrons have options for where they can shop, eat, and otherwise spend their money. So, why should they choose your business?
From common courtesy to creating a memorable experience, how you and your staff make your customers feel is critical to how they view your business. But how do you create a customer service culture that goes above and beyond?
It all starts with hiring the very best. When it comes to recruiting, you don’t want to cut any corners. Take your time to find qualified candidates, conduct thorough interviews, and train new employees.
Always prioritize the company culture you want to create. Don’t shy away from some of the expenses that factor into recruiting if needed. After all, if you compare the average background check cost with how much it requires to replace a bad hire, or even worse, pay for a lawsuit, there’s no arguing that it’s worth it.
Quality Products & Services
Let’s face it, to compete in today’s space of luxury shopping and unique dining experiences, it’s all about quality over quantity. When someone decides to spend their money at your business, they want it to be worth their while. If you’re serving subpar food or jewelry that breaks after one wear, it’s a safe bet that you won’t be seeing repeat customers, which are a cornerstone of any successful business.
Taking your time to source the best materials and ingredients so that your offering is a notch above the rest can only benefit you in the long run. That being said, it’s important to consider the cost of your products and services in your pricing so that you can make a profit. But, at the end of the day, people will pay for quality they can trust.
Attention to Detail
Today, consumers have more options than ever. From where they’re going to eat dinner to what type of socks they wear, they are constantly comparing businesses to one another to make their purchasing decisions. This is why every little detail matters.
Starting with your brand, every aspect of your business needs to reinforce it. Your logo and brand colors should be present throughout your website, store front, merchandise, and everything in between.
If you own a restaurant, a place setting is no longer just what diners eat off of, it’s the frame for the photo that will be going up of their delicious meal they just had—hopefully with your business tagged for all their followers to see. How your merchandise is displayed, what type of drinkware you use, whether the floor plan is easy to navigate, if the restaurant is well-ventilated, it all matters.
Every detail of your business should work together to speak for your brand and create the image you want your customers to see. Basically, you want your business to be Instagrammable. Not sure how to do that? Consider enlisting the services of a consultant or interior designer to help you.
5-Star Businesses Create an Experience
With such an emphasis on social media and status, you need your business to be an experience worth sharing. All of the previous factors come together to create your customers’ experience. In addition to quality, service, the small details of how your business is run, you also need to pay attention to what the customer will take away from their time with you.
How will they feel shopping or dining at your business? Was it special or could they replicate their experience by visiting any competitor? Are they excited to recommend your business to others or to come back? These are all important questions to consider from their perspective to make your business truly exceptional.
Creating a 5-star business isn’t easy but if you’re dedicated, you can reap the many fruitful rewards.
