Business - 12 Jun 2020

3 Tips for Steering Your Business through Uncertain Times

There is no doubt that 2020 has dealt businesses an unprecedented setback, one that may take years from which to fully recover. And while these are difficult times for everyone, smart businesses are finding ways to embrace change, create open lines of communications with their customers, and take advantage of unique marketing opportunities to help local communities while promoting their brand. Even in these uncertain times, there are steps you can take to best position your business for recovery – and even for growth in the year ahead.

Don’t Fight the Change

You may not have asked for it, but how you conduct your business operations this year will likely look very different than it has in the past. But rather than fight the change, embrace this new normal and find ways to help your business adapt. With restrictions easing, now is the time to show customers that your business understand their needs and is fully prepared to meet those requirements in a safe and productive manner. Follow government recommendations and look at your competition or businesses in similar industries to see how they are adapting to new regulations and distancing requirements. If you are in the position to do so, ask your customers for feedback. Great ideas can come from unlikely sources and listening to feedback from consumers is a direct way to know if your strategies are going to produce results. If you are focusing on in-store services but your clients are commenting that they prefer online or contactless shopping, make adjustments to accommodate both.

Keep Customers Informed

With so much information – and misinformation – circling, it can be difficult for customers to know exactly what is going on with businesses and services. Keeping your social media and your website up to date with the latest information is vital to driving traffic to your business. Let customers know what you are doing to keep them and employees safe, what specific procedures you have in place to ensure distancing requirements are met, and any other relevant information, including changes to accommodate contactless shopping or delivery.

Update Your Marketing Strategy

Customers’ searching, shopping, and spending habits have changed, and whether that trend continues or not, smart businesses will update their marketing strategies to reflect these changes. Online shopping and social media usage has increased significantly over the past few months, and if your current marketing strategy does not include SEO optimization and a strong social media presence, you may be missing out on a ton of current and future business prospects. Regular posting and quality content are key. Curate content that is useful, relevant, and interesting to your target audience. But driving traffic is only the beginning of the challenge. Conversion rates are down, so to help promote your business, consider social media shared photo contests and giveaways, package and service bundles, and discount vouchers for future purchases. Consumers will also remember businesses that stepped in and offered support. Consider ways that you can give back to local communities, this will not only reflect well on your brand, but will also give a little light in these difficult times.