Written by Naomi Johnson.
Reopening your business after a long pandemic closure is likely an exciting time, but it’s important to think about cost-effective strategies for getting customers back in the door. Along with harnessing social media marketing, you’ll need to make some changes to your business to adhere to COVID-19 safety precautions. Use this guide to help you confidently—and successfully—reopen after a long closure. Cost-effective marketing As the world ground to a halt earlier this year when COVID-19 took hold, many of us turned to social media to stay connected. That trend has continued throughout this year, with all social channels seeing a rise in video chatting and live streaming. As a business owner, you can take advantage of the uptick in social media usage by connecting with customers regularly through your various channels. One option for connecting with customers in a meaningful way is through live streaming. Staples notes live videos have been shown to be highly effective for improving business: not only is it free and very easy for business owners to do, but it also allows for real-time communication. One great tactic that some businesses use is a live Q&A, during which your customers can ask questions about your reopening in the comments, and you can answer in real-time. Live streaming is great for small business owners because it also allows you to create a call to action in your messaging. For example, if you’re offering a sale or discount when you reopen, you can advertise it during your live stream. Along with live streaming, you should be posting regularly to your various channels. Ensure that your business hours and days are updated on your accounts, and include contact information if you haven’t already. You can post photos of changes to your business, whether it’s a new layout to accommodate social distancing in your restaurant or safety precautions you’ve installed at your check-out counter. As you develop your social media plan, don’t forget about your website: you’ll need to update your operating hours and include any relevant COVID-19 information. You can explain what you’ve done to make your business safe, and also advertise any reopening specials and discounts. Making changes to your business With COVID-19 making a comeback in many areas, it’s important to include safety precautions in your business when you reopen. If you own a retail business, you might want to mark out six-foot spaces for customers standing in line. Or, if you’re a cafe owner, spacing out your tables appropriately is a must. Some changes might require investment. For example, CBS points out that plexiglass shields are helpful for keeping your cashiers safe, but they aren’t cheap. If you’re a restaurant owner and you want to take advantage of sidewalk dining for your customers, you might need to invest in outdoor dining fixtures such as tables, chairs, heat-lamps, and umbrellas. To help cover the costs of making these changes, consider applying for loans or grants to help you. There are government options available including SBA Express Bridge Loans and the Main Street Business Lending Program, plus non-government funding options from private companies such as ZenBusiness. While it may feel urgent to reopen your business, be sure you’re taking the right precautions to keep your staff and customers safe. Connect with your customers online using website updates and social media posts, and be sure to explain what you’re doing to safely reopen. If you need assistance for opening back up or making changes to your business, consider small business loans or grants. Naomi Johnson can be reached at [email protected]. For more from Naomi see www.lifebasedbusiness.net
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