Incredible isn’t it? The speed at which things can take drastic, unexpected turns. For many of us who are small business owners, the global pandemic we’ve seen unleashed over the last couple months has brought more than a nervous feeling, it has brought real, tangible threats to our incomes and our livelihood.
While this is understandably nerve-wracking, many entrepreneurs are taking time during their social distancing to focus on the aspects of their business that are often ignored or under-served during normal operations.
This is not only a great way to pass a few weeks during isolation, but it can be a positive way to reinvigorate your business during and after this global pandemic.
And while we understand that not all businesses can take advantage of every single one of these tips, we’re sure you’ll find SOMETHING you can do to turn at least a part of this very difficult situation into an advantage for your business.
Start a Blog
Whether you operate a restaurant, a plumbing business, or a graphic design firm a blog can help you accomplish two very important goals. One, it can serve to inform and add value for your customers. And two, it can increase SEO ranking for your website.
Creating high-quality content is time-consuming. It can be difficult to focus on something peripheral like a blog at times when business is humming along. This makes it a great thing to focus on during down times.
Work ahead, set yourself a goal and deadlines, and crank articles out now. By working ahead, you can gradually release blog posts throughout the year.
Examine Your Social Media Presence
Where are you at with your social media. You’ve got it right? You’re on Facebook and Twitter and Instagram, but what kind of content are you putting out?
Now is a great time to make sure you are interacting with clients and potential customers. If you’re not advertising on these platforms, you may want to think about it. And when are you going to have a better time to do your research?
Same as with starting a blog, now is a perfect time to start your ‘social media stockpile,’ and really curate your content. If you need help, Wichita Designs can help you brainstorm ideas to maximize this time and get a head start on your content
Update Your Website
This is something a lot of us don’t necessarily care for, but which is important nonetheless. A website is not a slow cooker. You can’t just set it and forget it.
It’s easier now than ever before for your customer to spot a dusty website. One lacking the quality content that will keep people engaged.
Go through your website. Make a note of places you could add information and things you might have missed. Pretend you’re the customer and poke around, try to find the things that would make YOU want to take the next steps.
Then, make those changes.
With a little time and some elbow grease, maybe you’ll come through this with an updated site that brings you more business when it all finally blows over.
Analyze This/That
Search for your business on Google. Now search for your competitors. Who shows up first? What search terms are leading YOUR customers to you, and THEIR customers to them. Now is a great time to brush on up marketing tools and analytics which will help you gain an advantage over your competition.
Often, a single spot on a Google page search can mean the difference between surviving and thriving.
Take Advantage of Digital Platforms
Now that we’re being forced from the physical world to the digital, entrepreneurs are going to have to consider how they can stay relevant in a digital space.
You business, like many businesses, might still operate out of a brick and mortar shop, but could you shift some of that online?
Amazon, the world’s biggest bookseller, doesn’t own a bookstore. Uber, the world’s biggest transportation company, doesn’t own a car. What can you offer customers that others can’t, and how can that translate to a digital platform?
The internet is flooded with platforms designed to make it easier to sell, instruct, connect, and interact. Look into them. Do your research. If you’re unsure where to start, we can help. And while this might not be a cure, it might work as a stopgap for the present and a way to set yourself up for success in an increasingly digital future.
Build Your Online Sales Funnel
A sales funnel is one of the most important concepts in online marketing. If you’re unfamiliar with the concept, simply think of a regular funnel. It’s wide at the top and narrow at the bottom, right? That’s exactly how online businesses work.
The top of the funnel is awareness, a potential customer must be aware that your company exists. The bottom of the funnel is a purchase. A potential customer becoming an actual customer. But what steps lie in between? And how can you make the top of your funnel as wide as possible?
These are questions marketers think about constantly, and questions which you may find yourself too busy to answer.
This is a great time to think about your funnel and try to answer those questions. How are potential customers becoming aware of your business, and what steps can you take to drive them downward towards a purchase?
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask For Help
You’re not in this alone. During trying times such as these, it’s in all of our interest to help each other through. If we can be of any assistance with helping your business with any of these items, don’t hesitate to contact us.
