When it comes to business, first impressions matter. It only takes seven seconds for you to make a first impression on customers and clients, while as many as 5-7 impressions are needed to start building brand awareness. So, ensuring you consistently present your business in the best light possible is key to success. By making the exterior of your business as attractive as possible with the right landscaping, you can increase your chances of attracting and keeping customers.

Pay attention to your entrance

A tidy, professional, and attractive entrance is essential for business success. It is, after all, the first thing about your business your customers, clients, and employees see, so you need to ensure it makes the impact you want. Simply adding some nice potted plants and colorful flowers is the easiest way you can jazz up your entrance. Also be sure to display clear signage that shows your business name, logo, address, and business hours. A good sign will clear up any potential confusion customers may have about your business (wondering if they’re in the right place or if you’re open, for example). A fresh coat of paint on your exterior building can also do wonders; you can even paint your building in your company color or a complementary shade. Not only will a freshly-painted exterior look good, but it’ll also show customers you take pride in your business.

Opt for low-maintenance plants

The addition of trees, plants, flowers, and shrubs is essential for creating an attractive welcoming entrance. And, by choosing low-maintenance plants, you can make sure the upkeep is as affordable and hassle-free as possible. Just look at Stock and Barrel, a popular restaurant in Knoxville, Tennessee, as an example of attractive and low-maintenance landscaping. They feature a few stylish planters filled with leafy green plants outside the entrance to effortlessly add a touch of color and texture. Alternatively, the Square Room (an event room) also in Knoxville has opted for a few small raised flower beds to help make a positive impression with their customers. When it comes to choosing the right plants for your business, daylilies are known as the “perfect perennial”, which means they live for several years and flower once a year. Not only are daylilies beautiful, but they’re also easy to care for, drought-resistant, and able to survive in various planting zones.

Add decorative features

The right decorative features can take your landscaping design to the next level. For example, installing a water fountain is a simple yet effective way to attract attention to your business while enhancing the exterior ambiance. In fact, listening to the sound of running water has been proven to ease stress, lower blood pressure, and lead to feelings of peace and relaxation — which is a positive association for your customers to make with your business. The pleasant and calming sounds created by a water feature can also work to muffle any unwanted traffic or city noises. You don’t even necessarily need a lot of space for a water feature, it can be as small (or big) as you like. There’s also a wide range of choice when it comes to materials — for example, metal, stone, or ceramic — so try and choose one that matches the overall aesthetic of your building and business.

Alternatively, you may choose to add a touch of elegance and beauty to your exterior premises with a decorative sculpture. Contemporary or abstract sculptures, in particular, create an attractive contrast against informal foliage and planting. When it comes to positioning your sculpture, choose a location that shows it off in its best light without obstructing walkways.

Perform regular maintenance checks

It’s important to take a regular walk through your grounds and check your landscaping for any damage, such as, broken or loose paving, faulty lighting, sinkholes, or any other potential hazard. Get the damage repaired as soon as possible. While you’re at it, be sure to get rid of any trash or debris. And, if you have a lawn, it’s also important to check your irrigation system is in good working order. If your system becomes damaged, this can result in serious drainage problems like waterlogging and flooding. So, check your system is working properly and for any damage to pipes, sprinklers, nozzles, and valves. Similarly, regular mowing is essential to keep your lawn looking sharp and cared for. Ideally, weed and pest control, as well as any other problems, should be handled by a professional.

Landscaping plays a key role in how people perceive your business. By paying attention to your entrance, opting for low-maintenance plants, adding decorative features, and performing regular maintenance checks, you can get your business’ landscaping just right and make the best first impression possible on customers.