While the unfortunate and devastating COVID-19 pandemic is still sweeping our nation, many business owners are panicked at the thought of the unknown once business operations are allowed to resume. If this includes you—you’re not alone. Today’s we’re sharing a few tips that will help your business come out on top after the COVID-19 pandemic has passed:
Allow New Options to Become the New Normal
During these unprecedented times, businesses have adapted to a “new normal” and for many, this has meant offering additional services, such as curbside pick-up and delivery. Once you’re able to reopen, you may be considering ending these service options, but you may want to rethink this one… With some protective guidelines still in place, such as wearing cloth masks, it’s possible that some customers will continue to harbor some paranoia when it comes to venturing into public spaces. By continuing to offer curbside pick-up and/or delivery, you allow them the opportunity to patronize your business in a way that feels safe and convenient, which is beneficial for both parties.
Review Digital Assets
With nearly all foot traffic coming to a staggering halt during the COVID-19 shutdowns, many businesses have come to recognize the value of their digital presence. By investing in your digital assets now, you can ensure everything is on track for reopening and you’ll have peace of mind in the event of another crisis. Whether you’re investing a new website with more ecommerce capabilities, developing a social media strategy that can pivot when need be, or exploring other digital marketing avenues such as email marketing, pay-per-click campaigns, or other forms of paid advertising—equipping your business with effective digital solutions will help welcome old business, encourage new, and help get things back to normal post-pandemic.
Pivot Business Operations
As we’ve mentioned before, customers may still have a lingering sense of paranoia once begin reopening phases. To help mitigate this fear, it’s imperative your business pivot current business models and operations to help ensure your customers not only feel safe when visiting your business but are safe. Simple operational changes such as offering smaller group sizes for tours/activities, limiting in-store capacity, and the continuance of proper sanitization practices can all help people feel more at ease while visiting your business.
Adapting your business will also allow you to highlight products and services people will be in the market to purchase as reopening continues to expand. Whether you’re an essential service that can begin offering in-person appointments again, like a doctor’s office, or you offer something people want to feel “normal” again, such as a hair salon or flower shop, highlighting what you have to offer through marketing and advertising will help stimulate much-needed revenue.
Continue Local Support
If the COVID-19 pandemic taught us anything, it’s that buying local is more important than many realized. As businesses continue to be phased into reopening, take the opportunity to continue supporting your local community and fellow business owners. Whether you engage with a post on social media, partner together for sponsored events, or make purchases—it’s important that everyone continues to foster support for our local economies.
While the coronavirus has certainly put many small businesses through the ringer, it’s important to consider the silver lining: There is a new opportunity to grow through change when this is all over. If you’re ready to get your business back on track post-pandemic, Business House can help. Contact us today!