How will Covid-19 affect small business?
Because of the current pandemic, business has potentially changed forever. The way we do it, even how we consider every ‘normal’ marketing action. Laws and regulations have the potential to change so employers & employees alike are more financially fit for dire situations like this. Our habits of emergency funding may alter. Finally, and with much certainty, we can foresee online consumerism becoming even more paramount.
Here are some, albeit small, tips to keep your brand afloat now in preparation for whatever the future brings:
Website, Social Media, and Email
- If you do not already have a website or at least an “optimized” website, this is the time to check that off the list. A functional and aesthetically pleasing website is crucial towards your success as a business. Make sure you give your consumers the ability to view your website on mobile, provide online purchasing abilities, and more.
- If you do not have a social media presence, use this time to create business accounts on platforms that would be relevant for you and your audience. [Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn among others.] Do some research on all these platforms so you can get your brand in front of the right eyes whether that is existing clients, potential clients, and future employees. Social media is so important on so many levels as it connects, promotes, and builds the character of your brand.
- Email marketing/general communication through email is vital. Make sure you are communicating properly at this disruptive time in our lives, but make sure it is in moderation as you do not want to inundate your followers and want to be respectful of the time at hand.
Video Conferencing
In addition to social media platforms, make sure you understand and get acclimated with online video conferencing platforms such as Zoom, Google Hangouts, Skype, and more. The phenomenon of working from home has already been increasing across the globe over the past decade, especially here in the US. According to one study, the amount of the workforce that has begun working remotely has increased over 40% in just the past 5 years. With rapid changes and adaptations to technology, we don’t see this slowing down any time soon so it is vital for you to continue to have great communication with employees and clients.
Ways to Use Social Media
- Video will continue to be king for the foreseeable future. Make sure this is part of your branding strategy, especially now during quarantine and into the future across all channels.
- Facebook and Instagram Live – more now than ever, you need to virtually connect to your clients in real time. Think of fun contests, giveaways, trivia, Q&A’s, discuss upcoming products or services, and other ways to bring your target market together. Are you a business that is instructional in nature? If so, why not hold informative classes or teaching sessions. Are you a brewery? Hold a quick Live event on the process of brewing. Are you a graphic designer? Host a live class on the basics of Photoshop, etc.
- Instagram Stories – connect to your followers by holding video challenges or Q&A’s. Think of ways for your followers to tag you and tag your friends to create a chain of brand exposure and fun for all!
- Social Posts – Inspirational content can be more powerful than ever. Post some of your favorite quotes from people who have inspired you and just get to know your clients by asking them what inspires them each and every day. Similarly, be gracious, be sincere, show gratitude to those around you and the real people keeping us safe at this dire time such as healthcare workers and local leaders.
Plan Ahead
It appears we will be enduring this quarantine way of life for a couple months so why not plan ahead as best as possible:
- Create some sort of “save the date” event for people to look forward to in the summer or fall.
- Looking for partners? Reach out to local businesses who may be a compliment to your business where each of you can benefit from a relationship and come up with ways to build new revenue.
- If you can, donate to local charities or larger organizations.
Looking for info on things your local community/state can do to help? Check out the state website for more info on small business support programs and more.
Have any tips of your own? Let us know how COVID-19 affects your small business by emailing us here.
Stay healthy & safe,
The reCreative team[/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://vimeo.com/504872217″][/vc_column][/vc_row]