Surviving COVID-19 as a Small Business–Online!
Through the unforeseen circumstances surrounding COVID-19, social distancing measures, closures and the stages of re-opening, many businesses have had quite a difficult time adapting and staying afloat. In order to weather the storm, small business owners will need to take advantage of new opportunities and come up with creative solutions through the use of online tools and social media. Below are some tips for maintaining your small business through these uncertain times.
1. Take Your Business Online with a Good Website.
Many businesses already have an online presence, but are you really taking full advantage of all of the options available to you on the web? The first important step to selling merchandise online is having a good website. Your website serves as the base of your online operations, and many site-builders like Squarespace or Wix offer simple online shop integrations that can be set up in minutes! An alternative for your online shop can be a third party website like Shopify or Bigcartel. For merchants selling hand-made, vintage or rare items, selling on Etsy or eBay may be a good option.
2. Stock Your Online Store.
You can't expect to make sales if you don't have many items in your online catalog!
Whether you are just starting your online shop, or its time to update an existing one, a good catalog with pictures, prices, and descriptions is crucial for making sales. Moving your entire inventory online can be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be done all at once! If your physical shop is operating at reduced hours, or you are finding a lack of in-store business, why not use the downtime to update your catalog? Try dividing your products into categories, and adding one category at a time. A detailed online product inventory will go a long way to increase your sales, and once business returns to normal, your local customers will still appreciate the ability to browse your stock from home before coming in to shop!
3. Maintain a Strong Social Media Presence.
One of the most important tools available to small businesses these days is social media. During the pandemic, social media is the best way to stay on the minds of your customers. Post consistently and professionally, always making sure to provide accurate and up to date information about your store hours and any COVID-19 precautions that are in effect at your shop. Research your client base and make your posts on the days and times they are most likely to see them, and remember that customers may also reach out to you through social media, so make sure to check your accounts regularly and stay on top of responses!
4. Get Creative.
Now that your business is online, think of some creative ways to engage your customers, and make more opportunities for sales and support. Why not start a new campaign on social media where you feature a different product or brand each week? Try offering special "online only" sales to entice customers to find and use your new website. Start a contest, or promotion that will encourage followers to post photos, share or tag your shop! Or, sell digital gift cards that can be redeemed for goods or services in the future.
Though all of the uncertainty and hardship brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic can be devastating for small businesses, being open to adaptation and recovery efforts can help get you through, and even leave your business in a better position for the future. For additional COVID-19 support, info on webinars, workshops and more to build on our tips, visit the Huron County of Economic Development’s website.
