R5 Website Management is open and functioning. We are currently checking in on existing clients to see how we can assist them in notifying their customers of their current status as well as how they can help their customers in this changing environment.
We know that the key right now is to simply stay afloat until things get somewhat back to normal. This is going to require some different thinking on the part of small business owners. Here are some ways to keep your business going during the coronavirus pandemic.
What Should We Do?
We are advising clients to stay ahead of the curve on communication at this time. With almost hourly press conferences causing situational changes daily, it’s important to keep your customers up to date. Here are some of the methods we’re suggesting.
Website Page
Your website should serve as the anchor point for getting information out to your customers. Create a page or blog post on Coronavirus Updates (much like this one) and keep it up to date as things change.
Consider creating something like youbusiness.com/coronavirus. Put a date on the page that is clearly visible. Each time you add new information, put it at the top with the current date.
Somewhere near the top, or in a sidebar, add a place for people to sign up for your newsletter for updates.
Get the Word Out
Moving forward, you will simply direct people to this page for the most current information. Post the link on all of your social media platforms, send it out on your email newsletters, and push it out via text. Whatever communication channels you’re currently using, post this link.
Google My Business
If you already have claimed your Google My Business listing, it’s important to keep it up to date. If your hours have changed, update them accordingly. If you have completely closed, mark each day of the week as closed in your Hours settings. DO NOT mark your business as permanently closed. You will want to have this listing still up and running when you re-open.
Create a post with a brief update like “R5 Website Management is still open for business! Learn more and stay current here: r5websitemanagement.com/coronavirus” and link it back to the page you created above.
Email Newsletter
If you already gather email addresses from your customers and have a newsletter service, utilize it here. You can create a separate list for updates, or incorporate your existing lists.
If you don’t already have something like this in place, it may be a good time to consider starting one. You can create a MailChimp account that is free for up to 2,000 subscribers. This is an easy way to get started.
Go Digital
Depending on your industry, you may be able to pivot your business into the digital space and offer much-needed services to your customers. Brainstorm ways that your products or services can still be sold even if you’re not face-to-face.
- Leverage delivery options
- Consider video conferencing instead of meetings
- Create training videos in place of live teaching
Get creative and think about your business in new ways.
Get Help
There are lots of businesses, like R5, that have been doing things online for years. We know the tools that exist and how to utilize them to your advantage. If you need help with any of the strategies outlined above, please contact us today and let us know what you need!