The world looks a lot different nowadays on every level. Except for essential businesses, remote work has become the norm, and desks and couches replace office spaces and conference rooms. Many people have lost their jobs, and businesses have had to shut their doors. Most of us are living day-by-day.
As a small business owner, perhaps you have had to close your physical location, or perhaps you are focusing on online sales or options that limit physical contact like takeout. No matter your situation, we hope that the strategies below might be of help, but we believe it is also important to emphasize that certain things need to come before business-related activities right now. No matter what, the most important thing is the mental and physical health and safety of you and your employees. We hope everyone is able to weather this storm as well as possible.
Keep up your social media presence if possible.
Social media is a great way for your customers to continue to interact with your business remotely. If you are able to, try to post once or twice a week with updates or positive messages for your customers. Reminisce on happier days, offer words of encouragement, and remind your customers of ways they can support your business during these times. This will help customers to stay connected to your business, even if you are completely closed down, and will hopefully encourage them to flock back to you once you reopen.
See what your business can offer to the community.
As a small business, you are a part of the community you reside in. Now especially is the time to be thinking about how you can give back to that community. Seek out organizations that provide support, like food banks, shelters, and first responders, and ask how you might help. Consider donating food, teaching a class virtually, or making a monetary contribution. Of course, safety is the priority, and some businesses might be unable to donate during this time. However, try to think creatively, and encourage your customers to support these efforts where they can.
Learn new skills and revamp your business.
Everyone’s activities during this time look different, and everyone’s ability to go about their day-to-day lives may look different as well. However, if you feel up to it and you find yourself with a closed business and a lot of extra time on your hands, consider using this time to bolster your business skills. The Small Business Association has many free online courses that discuss all aspects of a business and may be helpful to you. Perhaps now is the time to create new graphics or content, revamp your website, or brainstorm ideas for new products or services to offer when you can open your doors again. Planning for the future can be a way to remain hopeful and positive during these times.
Advertise (in the right way).
Most people understand the impact that this pandemic is having on small businesses, and most people want to help small businesses stay in business. However, now is a good time to think about the message you’re sending with your advertising, whether you advertise on social media, in newspapers, through online ads, or through other avenues. Don’t use your ads to play off of people’s fears or concerns just to sell your products or services, but instead, acknowledge the worries that your customers may have and provide encouragement. A lot of memorable advertisements from this time have pushed a message of hope, resiliency, and community, rather than pushing a product, which is something to keep in mind when it comes to your own advertising. There’s nothing wrong with trying to keep your business afloat, but do so in an appropriate, safe, and helpful way.
Wreath Writing & Marketing Services 