Business in this country and around the world has been disrupted at a level not seen since The Great Depression, and relief is still not yet in sight. The natural order of business probably won’t be set completely right until for some time. That being the case, all businesses are obliged in the meantime to re-invent themselves just to survive, and one of the biggest aids in such times of chaos is making greater use of digital marketing. Here’s how you can conduct business in a new way, with online marketing a centerpiece of your efforts.
Gain Competitive Advantage & Deliver Customer Value
Your first priority amid all this chaos is to keep yourself, your family and friends, and your employees safe and healthy. This means you should not drag your feet about compliance issues, but you should instead consider them in the same category as the cost of doing business. Your business will eventually recover, and in the meantime, it is essential that you do everything possible to keep your immediate circle of acquaintances healthy, so you can be prepared for what comes next.
Keep your customers informed
As the past few months have unfolded, it has called for different responses from business owners. At first, it was just necessary to take more health and safety precautions, but that soon evolved into shutting down entirely. Now, many businesses are open again, but with altered operating hours and requirements. Use your social media accounts to keep your customer base informed of what your precise circumstances are, and what you’re obliged to do by government regulations. It is more important than ever that you maintain regular contact with your clients, so they can stay informed and can react to any changed business procedures you’re obliged to implement.
Consider some business alternatives
Think about the nature of your business. How might you conduct business in other ways, so as to comply with regulations, but to still achieve some level of profitability? Is it possible to use digital marketing to drive more business to your website, or does your operation rely strictly on in-person sales at a storefront? Would it work for you to start a home delivery service, or can you provide your services digitally to clients? Keep in mind that most Americans understand the stress these times have placed on small businesses, and are more than willing to help if they can. Give them the opportunity to help you rise above the floodwaters and survive the shutdown, by thinking of new ways to engage with customers and of delivering your products or services.
Be prepared for your grand comeback
Digital marketing allows companies to connect with customers remotely, which is ideal during the chaos of the present time. Any digital marketing campaigns you develop now can be put into high gear when things get back to normal, and you can look forward to greater success at that time. Be thinking about any special promotions or product launches which you may have on the back burner, because these could be ideally offered when recovery time has come.
This might be the perfect time for you to work more closely with your digital marketing agency on some creative ideas for promotions, discounts, and incentives that you can offer to your customers. If you can be ready with some ideas that will gain greater visibility for your brand, you’ll be in a great position to make a full recovery from the chaos of the present, and perhaps to even enjoy some well-deserved business growth.