It’s scary to see how COVID-19 has disrupted the business ecosystem. Small businesses are mainly facing the brunt. They are either forced to keep their workforce from home at half the salary because a significant percentage of their clients have left them, or most prefer shutting down their operations completely. Whether you’re a retail shop that has temporarily closed your doors or an online business that’s experiencing sluggish sales you weren’t anticipating, we’re here to help you identify the best next step for your business in this vulnerable scenario. For sure this is the bad news… But… Let’s speak of the good news. In the coming months, more and more small businesses will be relying on digital marketing strategy. In many cases, it will be the deciding factor in whether they make it through the tough times ahead. Let’s look at the positive side of how to do small business marketing in the COVID-19 situation.
- While social distancing, stay connected through social media
This is a unique opportunity that comes maybe once in a lifetime. When many of them are withdrawing from marketing activities, you should try to keep your business active through Google and Facebook. Google is the place where people will find you first. We’re sure you don’t want to slip down to page 2 because no one goes there. Being on the first page of Google is where you should be. Similarly, Facebook gives you the opportunity to be seen on the users’ news feeds. The more you promote your business, your products/services, and how you can help your potential customers, the more people will love to engage with you. Think of it like this, you are creating an opportunity to connect with over 6 billion customers who are searching for solutions that maybe only you can solve.
- Be resourceful & reallocate your marketing budget
Clearly, trade shows are simply not an option for small businesses during COVID-19. So if you were planning to invest dollars into big events, then now is to time to shift that budget into digital marketing. Digital marketing is affordable and can give you results at half the price. Thinking of how this can be possible? Well, a lot of companies are reassessing their strategies by integrating Search Engine Optimization in their marketing plan. This is the perfect time to make improve the organic rankings that will help you beat the competition when the pandemic is over. This is an investment we can bet on because we know it can yield a very strong return once the business is back to normal.
- No-touch deliveries and virtual consultations are the new buzz words
Your office or clinic is no longer open? There is another way where you can reach your customers/patients.
- Service-based businesses can offer virtual consultations instead – physiotherapists, dentists, financial advisors and other types of professionals can choose this route.
- Local retailers can offer to no-touch deliver goods to customers instead of people coming into their stores. There’s no harm following what Amazon is doing.
- Massage centers and spas can promote their products online. Choosing online retail or social media to stay connected with your customers is the need of the hour.
- Restaurants can offer discounts on take-home or home deliveries. Other small businesses could also do something similar with discounted coupons or gift cards by following the customer-first approach. Strengthen your relationship with your customers now to reap the benefits after COVID-19 situation is over.
- Retaining the existing customers is the key right now
During the pandemic, it’s much easier and less costly to market to existing customers versus acquiring new customers. However, the key question here is, “What else can you do to help your existing customers?” Can you run some offers on your products or services? Can you speed up your delivery for an additional fee? Is there a policy where you can give our bulk discounts? Or maybe, you partner with another business to enhance your product or service. It all boils down to how you can keep our existing clients happy. Any value addition given above what you are offering will strengthen their trust in you. Leverage this.
We know that this is a difficult time for everyone. But we’re committed to providing you with accurate, relevant solutions that you’ll need as you navigate through the uncertainty ahead. We’re in this together, and we’re here to help.
