Corona Virus continues to restrict our world as never seen before. News reports are frightening, but I can’t help but think it’s also a rare opportunity for business owners. I’m one of the lucky ones whose job is almost exclusively remote, but that isn’t the case for many of my neighbors. Unfortunately, this means losing their jobs or getting laid off. For many, this carries a large financial impact. This impact is multiplied if you are a business owner whose business has had to close.
Business owners worry about the possibility of losing their business and reports say it could take months or possibly years to recover. If that’s you, there are ways to limit the negative impact and be gaining traction quicker once the restrictions are relaxed enough for you to reopen.
Right now, you have a chance to connect with your customers/clients like never before! Being proactive is a good way to take advantage of your extra time. You need to stay in front of your customers. Sure, they may not be purchasing or using your services right now. But, keeping your business, or your brand, in their minds may be a critical factor to a faster recovery.
47% of customers say they welcome emails from their preferred businesses. Now is the time to consider emails, newsletters, or website refreshes.
Most businesses operate in transactional relationships with customers. but now you have the opportunity to engage and connect with them in a more informal, personal level. Imagine how beneficial that connection could be? Statistics say loyal customers are due to personalization, relationship-based interactions rather than transactional. So while yes, right now, you have a probable economic impact affecting your business. Once we go back to business as usual, you could see more loyalty, more referrals, more business!
Consider these suggestions:
- Emails. Establish your business or brand as alert to safety. When the restrictions lift, your customers will still be anxious. They will look for “safe” places to do business. Let them know what safety measures you’re doing now and what you will be doing going forward. This will ease their fears and establish your business as “safe.” Emails are an easy way to keep in touch with your customers.
- Update your website. Websites are powerful marketing tools, but they need refreshing to stay relevant. Now is the time to update outdated content, optimize your SEO, and UI to rate higher on Google. A simple refresh can drive more readers to your website.
- Update your Homepage with virus updates. This shows readers you are alert and practicing safety guidelines. A well-worded message on your Homepage will do the trick.
- Newsletters. An easy way to communicate and educate your customers on frequent questions. Newsletters should be entertaining, as well as informative. Now is a great time to start a company newsletter.
Consider what your messaging strategy is during this period in our history. What can you do to limit the further impact on your business and keep your brand in front of your customers?
Consultations are free. If you want to talk about it, give me a call.