Running a business nowadays is about more than just making a profit. It’s about making a difference.
Customers want to buy from businesses they can trust. Businesses that see past profit margins and personal success. They want to buy from businesses who care about the bigger picture.
That’s where corporate social responsibility comes in.
What is corporate social responsibility?
Examples might include investing in sustainability, donating to charity or supporting other local businesses.
Customers look for businesses who care
When people are looking for a product or service, they want to buy it from a business they can trust. Practising corporate social responsibility is a great way of showing a human side to your business. It shows your customers you don’t just care about yourselves. You’re proactive about helping the wider community.
It won’t hurt your revenue either. A lot of people will gladly pay a premium for goods, knowing that part of the profits will be channelled towards social causes near and dear to them.
It helps to build a relationship with your customers based on trust. You’ll gain customer loyalty, not to mention attract more potential customers through their recommendations.
It builds brand reputation
Practising corporate social responsibility improves your brand image, both externally and internally. Just as customers want to buy from businesses who care, employees want to work for businesses who care. Engaging with employees about how they can help make a difference can lower staff turnover and boost morale.
Building brand reputation is really important if you’re a smaller business. If you’re competing with larger businesses, practising corporate social responsibility is a great way to stand out. It’s sometimes hard to compete with large chains on price. But if your business is more socially conscious, many consumers will buy from you instead.
It actually makes a difference
It might sound obvious, but the biggest reason corporate social responsibility is because, when done well, it can make a real difference.
Even the little things can make a big difference. Investing in sustainability can make a real positive impact on the environment. Donating a small amount of profits to charity could change a life. Supporting a local business could be the difference between them growing or shutting down.
Corporate social responsibility can do wonders for your business, but the impact it has on the wider community is what it’s all about.
Corporate social responsibility at AFP
We’re not all say, no do. We’re all about giving back to the wider community as well. We’re partnered with a range of different organisations and charities across Yorkshire.
And when you invest in a plan with us, a portion of your fee goes to one of those organisations. Meaning not only do we give back as a business, but you get to be a part of it too.
Ready to work with us? Get in touch with AFP Digital today.