The world has undoubtedly changed from what we’ve known it to be as a result of COVID-19. As the world changes, as people change and as customs change, businesses must also make adjustments to navigate the new social norms. In the midst of the pandemic, small businesses have been significantly impacted due to decreased foot traffic in stores, job loss and unemployment and people taking precautions to quarantine, stay home and stay away from the virus. This article will give small business owners options to assist in getting through these unprecedented times.
One way small business owners can survive is to pivot the business to an online platform to satisfy people’s changing practices. If you have a restaurant, try offering online ordering, pick-up and delivery. If you have a clothing boutique with only a brick and mortar location, start a website and list your inventory or services. If you own an instructional studio (dance, martial arts, cooking) offer your customers virtual training they can access from home. The goal is to meet your customers where they are, making it more convenient for your loyal customers as well as open the door for new customers.
To increase your business’s online presence, create and update a Google Business Profile to keep customers up to date on any business related changes. Use Google Business Profile to update store hours, product availability, or menu changes. Make sure the phone number and address are also updated to aid customers in ordering by phone or picking up items. In addition to Google Business Profile, strive to make use of any social media platforms to keep customers informed of any changes in service.
Advertising is the most critical way to reach potential customers online. Use Google Ads to promote your business and reach a bigger audience than your loyal customer base. Google ads are used to put your business at the forefront of a google search, exposing users to your business before a non-advertised business.
Google ad campaigns are a great resource to help businesses reach a target audience and formulate marketing strategies. Google ad campaigns help to identify your goals and turn your goals into real ad campaigns by generating headlines and keywords that help you attract a specific audience and help customers find your businesses.
Many small business owners have opted to run business remotely to keep everyone safe while also maintaining business. Google has made it easier to work from anywhere and still get the job done. Businesses are able to meet with customers and employees via video chat, share documents, make presentations and use Google drive to upload and edit team files.
Giving your business a strong online presence by offering online services, updating your Google Business Profile, using Google ads and ad campaigns or running your business remotely can give your businesses the boost it needs to break through. Small business owners are faced with challenges all the time. Challenges are meant to help your business grow, improve and overcome. The coronavirus is a challenge none of us have experienced before, but it’s no different. Learning how to adapt to this challenge will help your business grow, improve and overcome the monster of COVID-19.
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