It's become apparent that the COVID-10 coronavirus pandemic is here to stay for at least a little while longer. Businesses across America are feeling the ravaging effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and small businesses are suffering the most. Many small businesses across America have, for the time being, already closed down due to lack of foot traffic, and more are likely to follow in the coming weeks and months.

 

So what are the best marketing practices that small businesses can put in place to help stop the bleeding of this ongoing and devastating COVID-19 pandemic? This blog will go over simple things that every business can do that will cost little to no money to accomplish.

 

Update Your Information Online: Social Media, Website, and Google

This pandemic is showing more so now than ever the importance and connectivity of online media. Businesses that don't use social media or have a modern website will struggle the most with keeping their information up-to-date.

 

A good practice right now is to update your business's social media pages, keeping followers updated on deals, store hours, and any other essential business announcements. During this pandemic, social media is the primary communication touchpoint between business and customer, so it is important to post regularly (at least every few days) so that customers aren't left in the dark. It is also important to reassure customers and page visitors that you are taking every measure to stop the spread of the virus (ex: regularly cleaning commonly touched surfaces).

 

Another essential is to make sure you've updated your hours on your Google My Business search listing. Next to your social media pages, Google is one of the next places that customers will check for information. You can also use Google posts to share any changes to your business's normal activities.

 

In addition to updating your social media pages frequently, and making sure your hours are correct on Google, focus on sharing any updates on your website. Though you may not need to completely change your company's information on your website, posting a banner or blog post with points related to COVID-19 is ideal.

 

Update Your Voicemail Greeting

Not everyone is going to follow your business on social media, so it is also a good practice to update your business's phone voicemail greeting to communicate new store hours or essential business announcements. This is especially important if your business relies on phone calls to schedule appointments. Make sure your greeting contains all updates for your business, as well as instructions for customers to take if they have questions.

 

Open and Honest Communication with Customers

People will go out of their way to recommend your business in the future and will remember the positive impact you made. Showing you are open and honest to customers shows them that you care about their well-being. Customers are more likely to support your business before another if they know that your business supports them, and honesty and clarity is one of the best ways to show your support. Additionally, make it clear in your message if you can provide things for the community, whether that be providing services for those in need or offering help in other ways. 

 

Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program (Additional Resource)

There is a federal loan option currently being offered through the U.S. Small Business Administration:

"The SBA will work directly with state Governors to provide targeted, low-interest loans to small businesses and non-profits that have been severely impacted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19). The SBA's Economic Injury Disaster Loan program provides small businesses with working capital loans of up to $2 million that can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing" (SBA). 

 

Click here to learn about eligibility and to apply.   

 

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For more information on how your business can grow with digital marketing, contact us for a free consultation with our team!

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