5 ways for small businesses to weather the storm of COVID-19
In today's current climate, we are in unchartered waters as small business owners. If our business is not deemed essential, we are forced to close. When our doors are shut we can not earn money and our expenses stay the same. What are we to do? If you haven't saved for a rainy day there are assistance programs available as well as a stimulus bill that will go into effect soon. This article is not meant to point you in the direction of financial benefits, but is focused on a few things you can do now to stay top-of-mind and prepare your business to thrive when the mandate is lifted.
Here are 5 ways for small businesses to stay top-of-mind and prepare for success when things return to normal.
1. Create an accurate & creditable resource for COVID-19 related topics.
One thing we are doing for Fanwood (the best small town in New Jersey) is creating a web page of all essential businesses that are open and serving the community. This web page will have all the businesses names, current hours of operations, click to calls, links to order online platforms, and other pertinent information. COMING SOON!
2. Plan for a change.
If your business has the ability to work remotely but it was not set up for this prior, make sure you focus on this task. Being able to adapt and shift in changing times will give you a leg up on the competition and have you better prepared for success.
Think about another potential revenue stream for your business if this was to happen again. If you are a brick and mortar retailer, it might make sense for you to create an online store, so you can now sell your goods to a larger audience.
3. Make it easy for customers to contact you.
If you are a wise business owner, then you collect customer data such as names, cell phone numbers and email addresses. Reach out to your current customers and let them know your current circumstances, hours of operation and the best way to get a hold of you.
4. Be social!
Be active on social media. In fact, increase your efforts. Please understand, your content strategy has to shift during a time like this. Do not only post about your business and what's for sale. Keep your customers informed about what is going on in the community. Share a happy and heart warming story. Give them a behind the scenes look at what is going on in your crazy house during the quarantine and let people know where they can donate goods. If you know of a local business owner who is getting hit really hard right now, share something great about their business on your page and tag them in it. We are all in this together!
5. Craft a marketing strategy.
Think about how many people are working from home right now. One of the most exciting things they are doing on a daily basis is checking the mailbox. Did my stimulus check come in yet? No!
This is a great opportunity for you to take advantage of a direct mail campaign. Provide customers with a coupon or a special promotion to drive traffic back into your business once the dust settles. If funds are tight, do a two-sided postcard with another local business owner so you can share the expense.
Devise a shopping happy hour, maybe a free glass of champaign or sparkling wine when you open the business back up. Craft at least 5 different ideas to help drive traffic back to your store and promote the hell out of them.
If you have any questions or may need some help marketing your business, please feel free to reach out to us. Hospitality Marketing is a family owned Marketing Agency in Fanwood, NJ handling all your print, digital & social media marketing needs. Contact us today!
