People like pretty things.

via Big Ideas from Dave Watson, the Award-Winning Creative Director of TAXI – Techvibes.com.

A very simple statement. Painfully obvious, even. But it’s something that aspiring small businesses, entrepreneurs, etc. should take to heart more often.

Customer experience is defined by many of things. Aesthetics is one of them. Admittedly, I’m no designer… but I know what I like, and I know there’s an emotional connection that draws us to things we find visually appealing.

Design shouldn’t be an afterthought for your business. Whether you’re building an app or opening a coffee shop, the appearance of your company — branding, fixtures, UI, stationary — will say a lot. And folks will jump to conclusions based on those first impressions.