Some people say they don’t worry about the small details. But if you run a business, that’s the wrong approach. The small details are crucial—they’re the most visible to customers and the easiest to criticize.
If a business can’t get the small details right, how can customers trust it with bigger issues?
Small Details Noticed First
Small details are noticed by customers first. Whether it’s the spelling on your website, the design of an online form, or how promptly you return emails, attention to these details shows customers that you care about providing a good experience.
Build Brand Reputation
The small details shape the overall perception of your business. When you focus on the finer points, you reinforce the message that your business is committed to excellence. This builds trust and strengthens your brand’s reputation.
This idea applies to personal branding as well. If your professional email address is from a free service like Hotmail, Yahoo, or Gmail, it can make you seem less professional. Spelling mistakes on your LinkedIn profile undermine your credibility. The most important small detail is your profile photo. It’s the first thing people notice, and it’s judged instantly.
If you’re cropping your head from another photo to create a “business headshot,” then you’re doing it wrong. Vacation or graduation photos? Not appropriate. A selfie taken in your kitchen, in a café, or in your car, is always unprofessional. The best solution is to hire a professional photographer to produce a proper business headshot.
The second best solution is to have your existing headshot retouched. Retouching can’t turn a cellphone selfie into a professional studio portrait, but it can noticeably improve the photo.
