When it comes to running a small business, the current climate — thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic — is simply unprecedented. Depending on your location and industry, many businesses are encouraged to halt nonessential functions for the sake of social distancing and stopping the spread of the virus.
We know the toll this can take and has taken on a number of businesses. And while the climate of this situation is guaranteed to continue to change, there are a number of things you can do now to maintain your digital presence and take proactive steps in keeping business running smoothly. That’s why we’re here to share 5 ideas for maintaining the digital side of your business during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Update your Website and Banners
Make Your Website the Cornerstone of Your Digital Communications
If someone is thinking about utilizing your services or buying from your business — especially during the COVID-19 pandemic — they are extremely likely to explore your website first. On top of understanding your mission and services like usual, many people may be curious about your approach to minimizing the spread of the virus. That’s why your website should be updated to reflect your business’s approach to COVID-19. Whether you want to include a pop-up or banner to keep your audience informed, this proactive, straightforward approach will help increase transparency and inform your audience about your response to the outbreak.
Update Your Google Business Listing
Keep Your Audience and Existing Customers Updated with Ease
There are a number of things that need to be done to ensure that your customers are fully informed about your business’s actions during the COVID-19 pandemic. One of your first steps, perhaps, involves updating your Google Business Listing. As the phonebook listing of the 21st century, your GMB is the first place many people look when attempting to contact your business. On your Google Business Listing, you can adjust your hours, share whether or not you are open or closed, and create posts that inform your audience about alternative options like delivery and takeout.
Release a Statement About COVID-19
Provide Peace of Mind to Your Customers through Transparency
Many companies have already addressed their customers regarding their responses and actions regarding COVID-19. Chances are that you’ve already received a number of these statements via email. This is because it’s best to be upfront about your business’s approach to the virus, what your next steps are, and any changes you are making to react
Start by deciding on your business’s approach; are you closing for the foreseeable future, ramping-up cleanliness standards, providing an online discount code? From there, draft a statement for your customers — and, if applicable, the press — regarding your business’s stance an actions. Push this out to your email list and on social media in an effort to remain clear and communicative about your business’s response to the pandemic.
Add E-Commerce or Online Ordering to Your Website
Make it Easy for users to Continue Buying your Goods or Services.
It’s obvious that the world has been shifting into an online marketplace. However, many businesses that were not previously ready to sell products online are facing the reality that e-commerce may be the most viable option for the foreseeable future.
The Social Sharks have the capability to take any previously "brick and mortar only" stores into the ecommerce world with the ability to take orders, process payments, and have a secure checkout experience for their customers. Contact us if this is a solution your business needs!
We also have all the restaurants and food vendors covered with top of the line online ordering solutions so you can continue to offer contact-less delivery and give your customers more options to eat your delicious food! (this works wonders even when there is not a pandemic, people order online at a 85% higher rate than calling and placing orders)
Share Worthy Alternatives on Social Media
Continue to Engage Your Audience Despite Social Distance
In the case where you decide to close your business to stop the spread of COVID-19, it’s important to continue engaging your audience on social media. Here are a few great ways to continue an active social media presence even when you’re not serving customers:
The worthy alternative. Your customers may rely on you for a service or product that cannot fully be replaced while social distancing. To fill this void, consider sharing ‘worthy alternatives’ on social media. For instance, a gym may share a daily at-home workout video made by a personal trainer. A ramen restaurant may share ideas for "sprucing-up store-bought ramen packages".
Industry news. As a way to stay active on social media, feel free to share articles about your industry. This isn’t limited to your industry and the effects of COVID-19, but can be about growth or top-trends within your industry.
Advanced training. People like to feel in-the-loop with their favorite businesses. If your business is implementing advanced training programs for employees while closed or practicing social distancing, this is great to share on social media. Whether you’re having employees taking an online training about food safety or learning more about new advancements in your industry, customers will love to see that your work doesn’t stop just because your business is closed.
If any of this sounds daunting and just like something that you do not have the time to do for your business. There are always a great number of Digital Marketing Agencies in Fort Worth and Dallas, Texas that would be able to help out!
LET'S KICK THIS PANDEMIC'S A$$!!!