Many people are keen on making a living by running a business, especially in a place like NYC. With about 2.46 million business applications in 2020 according to the US Business Formation Statistics (BFS), it's clear to see just how much competition is out there. Read on to see five ways in which you can make your storefront stand out if you have one in NYC.

Focus on Signage

If you have a storefront in NYC, one thing that can make a big difference in the way people perceive your business is your signage. This is backed by the fact that 35% of people surveyed said that they would not have discovered a business if it had not been for the business' sign. Spare the money to have a professional design your signage so that it's high quality and it will have an amazing return on interest. When your sign stands out, it will help your brand stand out more, and an easily recognizable sign will mean good business for you.

Provide Comprehensive Directions

To make sure that people browsing online can find your business easily, provide comprehensive and easy-to-follow directions wherever your site appears online. Doing this will make it easy for people to physically find your business and you will record many more walk-ins than usual. This will be helpful because some people would prefer to physically walk into your store to get what they need rather than have it delivered to them, so make sure you're catering to them by providing directions that anyone can follow more easily. Don't forget to include your branding both online and on your storefront.

Keep Up With Repairs

Another helpful tip for your NYC storefront has to do with the physical state of the building you are in. Find a trustworthy contractor in real estate who will be able to provide you with the services you need to keep your store in great shape. Things like your roof, which should be inspected annually or semi-annually in normal circumstances, will need to be repaired immediately when they start to wear. The paint on your store as well as the fixtures and other aspects of real estate should be in good condition if people are to take your business seriously. When your storefront looks and feels credible, it will be easier for you to build a loyal base of returning customers.

Make Your Business Compliant

When running a business, it's important to make sure that you're operating on the right side of the law. This means seeking the necessary permits and always complying with the law in NYC. People are far more likely to want to associate with a business that does not have run-ins with the law, as they know that there's minimal chance of being harmed or taken advantage of themselves when they work with a business that follows the local rules.

Clean Up the Sidewalk

Finally, another aesthetic-based tip for your NYC storefront is cleaning up the sidewalk in front of and around your business. Since litter can build up in the city over time, you should aim to make your business appealing by cleaning up the area in front of your storefront. You can even spare a day and volunteer your time cleaning up a few blocks around your business, and you will end up making a name for yourself. Find out if your employees are up to the task. If your business is among the 98% of the 220,000 businesses located in NYC that are small as found by a survey, you will need to plan for having some of your staff outside work for this endeavor.

The five tips above will help you improve your business a lot, whether it's in the real estate industry or any other industry. They're easy enough to follow if you set your mind on it, so put your best foot forward and set your storefront up for success.